Y"W EESE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. Receiivd. .. Accessions 2\ o. 2-^/ 7 73 Shelf No. . BIOGRAPHIA AMERICANA; OR, A HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL ACCOUNT OP THE- LIVES, ACTIONS, JLND WRITINGS, OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PERSONS IN NORTH AMERICA; FROM THE FIRST!,, SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME, " If within the memory of man, or the compass of history, any class of individuals have merited, be> yond others, the honours and rewards of their cotemporaries, the gratitude of posterity, and the admira~ tionof the world, it is those who, unmoved by difficulty, danger, and misfortune, directed the councils, and led to victory the arms of their country, in the long and sanguinary contest, which resulted ia the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES." " No study can be more useful to the ingenuous youth of the United States, than that of their own histo ry, nor any examples more interestiiig, or more safe for their contemplation, than those of the great fona=> ders of the republic." Tudor s Life of Otis. } ^Ste-nj r-m-n. X . J -T-C-TI ^ V ^ BY A GENTLEMAN OP PHILADELPHIA. PUBLISHED BY D. MALLORY, 1825. Hopkins t Morris. Printers, Southern District of Nrw-Yorlc, a : BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the second clay of July,in the iurty- ninth year of the Independence of the United States of America, B. F. French, of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, in (he words following, to wit: " Biographia Americana; or, a historic i and critical account of the lives, actions, and writings, of tbs most distinguished persons in North America; from the first settlement to the present time. " If within the memory of man, or the compass of history, any class of individuals have merited, be yond others, the honours and rewards of their cotemporaries, the gratitude of posterity, and the admira- tio of the world, it is those who, unmoved by difficulty, danger, and misfortune, directed [he councils, and led to victory the arms of their country, in the long and" sanguinary contest, which resulted in the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES." " No study can be more useful to the ingenuous youth of the United States, than that of their own histo , nor any examples more interesting, or more safe for their contemplation, than tlrjse ol the great foun ers of the republic. - Tudor^s Life ofUtis. By a gentleman ot Philadelphia." In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned;" and also to an Act, entitled " An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and ex tending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints JAMES DILL, Cleric of the Southern District of Nrx-Yor k ry de Ft ADVERTISEMENT. The design of this volume is to lav before the reader a series of lives of the most illus trious men of North America, from its first settlement to the present time embracing a long list of distinguished individuals, whose fame will go down to posterity as the noblest monument to their country s glory. This work, the most complete of its kind that has ever appeared, will be found, on ex amination, to contain what has been long con sidered a desideratum in our literature the lives of the signers of the declaration of in dependence, and the constitution of the United States. It may be added, that the materials which form this work have been drawn from the highest and best authorities: and likewise, the numerous engravings which adorn it, may be relied on as faithful and correct likenesses. CONTENTS. Page Adams, Samuel 1 Adams, John 4 Adams, John Quincy ... 6 Andros, Edmund .... 10 Arnold, Benedict .... 11 Bard, Samuel 14 Burr, Aaron 16 Bradford, William ... 17 Bradford, William ... 19 Boylston, Zabdiel ... 19 Roylston, Nicholas ... 20 Bowdoin, James .... 21 Benezet, Anthony . . . 22 Bernard, Francis .... 23 Backus, Isaac 25 Bellamy, Joseph .... 25 Belknap, Jeremy .... 26 Bartram, John 27 Bartram, William .... 28 Barlow, Joel SO Barton, Benjamin Smith 32 Brainerd, David 34 Bainbridge, William . . 36 Brown, Nicholas .... 38 Boone, Daniel ...... 39 Bartlett, Josiah 41 Brown, Charles-Brockden 43 Biddle, Nicholas .... 45 Blair, John 48 Baldwin, Abraham ... 49 Brearly, David 49 Bayard, James 50 Clay, Henry 52 Clayton, John 54 Clarke, John 55 Clap, Thomas 56 Cutler, Timothy .... 57 Page Chauncey, Charles ... 58 Clymer, George 59 Carver, John 61 Carver, Jonathan .... 63 Calvert, Leonard .... 64 Colman, Benjamin ... 66 Chauncey, Charles ... 67 Clinton, De Witt .... 69 Carroll, John 71 Clinton, George 72 Coddington, William . . 74 Golden, Cadwallader . . 75 Cooper, Samuel 77 Cotton, John 78 Gushing, Thomas .... 79 Crawford, William ... 80 Danforth, Thomas .... 83 Davenport, John .... 83 Davies, Samuel 84 Decatur, Stephen .... 86 Dickinson, John .... 90 Dickinson, Jonathan . . . 91 Dallas, Alexander James 92 Davie, William Richardson 93 Dwight, Timothy .... 96 Edwards, Jonathan ... 100 Edwards, Jonathan . . . 103 Elliot, John 103 Ellsworth, Oliver .... 106 Eaton, Theophilus . . . 108 Fulton, Robert 110 Franklin, Benjamin . . 113 Floyd, William 118 Fayette, Marquis dela . 119 Greene, Nathaniel . . . 125 Gwinnett, Button .... 132 Gates, Horatio 133 VI Page Gorham, Nathaniel . . .134 Gage, Thomas 135 Henry, Patrick 137 Hamilton, Alexander . . 143 Harvard, John 150 Hooker, Thomas .... 150 Hollis, Thomas 151 Huntington, Samuel . . 151 Hopkins, Samuel ... .153 Hall, Lyman 154 Heath, William 155 Hopkinson, Francis. . . 157 Hancock, John 158 Hutchinson, Thomas . . 161 Hey ward, Thomas . . . 162 Jefferson, Thomas . . . .164 Jackson, Andrew .... 168 Jay, John 179 King, Rufus 181 Knox, Henry 183 Kollock, Henry 185 Laurens, Henry 190 .Linn, John Blair . . . .192 Lewis, Meriwether . . . 193 Ledyard, John 194 Livingston, Robert R . .197 Livingston, William . . 198 Livingston, Philip . . . 200 Lincoln, Benjamin . . . 202 Lee, Richard Henry . . . 204 Lee, Arthur 206 Logan, James 207 Lynch, Thomas 208 Morris, Robert 211 Morgan, Daniel 214 Montgomery Richard . .216 Morton, Nathaniel . . . 216 Moultrie, William . . .217 Monroe, James 218 Murray, William Vans . 22 1 Minot, George Richards . 222 Mifflin, Thomas 223 Mayhew, Jonathan . . . 224 Morgan, John 225 Morris, Gouverneur . . . 227 Marshall, John . .22$ Page Mather, Increase 228 Mather, Cotton 230 Madison, James .... 232 Norton, John 234 Otis, James 236 Putnam, Israel 239 Parsons, Theophilus . . 240 Paine, Robert Treat . . 243 Porter, David 246 Perry, Oliver Hazard . . 248 Pike, Zebulon M. ... 250 Pinckney, Charles . . . 251 Pinckney, William . . . 253 Paine, Robert Treat . . 255 Paine, Thomas ..... 256 Penn, William -258 Preble, Edward , .... 261 Pinckney, Charles C. . - 262 Quincy, Josiah . . . 264 Rush, Benjamin . 266 Rittenhouse, David . . 269 Read, George 270 Randolph, Peyton . . 272 Rutledge, John . . 274 Rutledge, Edward . . 276 Ramsay, David ..... 277 Redman, John ...... 280 Sullivan, John ....- 282 Stockton, Richard . 283 Sherman, Roger 285 Smith, Samuel Stanhope 288 Shippen, William .... 295 Stoddard, Solomon . - - 296 Stiles, Ezra . 297 Sullivan, James ..... 298 Stark, John 300 Stewart, Charles .... 301 Schuyler, Philip ... 1 303 Trumbull, John ..... 305 Tappan, David 306 Trumbull, Jonathan . . . 307 Thornton, Matthew . . 308 Tompkins, Daniel D. 310 Whipplc. William .... 31] Willard, Samuel . . 313 Williams. Roger -314 VII Warren, Joseph . Wayne, Anthony Williamson, Hugh West, Samuel . . , Winthrop, John . Winthrop, John . Wistar, Caspar . . Wilkinson, James Page Page 316 Wythe, George 334 320 Washington, George . . 338 322 West, Benjamin 347 324 Walton, George .... 350 325 Williams, William . ." [ 351 327 Wolcott, Oliver .... . 352 331 Wilson, Alexander ... 354 333 Ward, Artemas 356 THB AMES BIOGRAPHIA AMERICANA, ADAMS, SAMUEL, a distinguished statesman and patriot, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, Sep tember 27, 1722. His ancestors were very re spectable, and among the first settlers of New-Eng land. In the years 1740 and 43, he graduated at Har vard college, and received the respective degrees of bachelor and master of arts. On the latter occasion, he proposed the following question for discussion : " Whether it be lawful to resist the supreme ma gistrate, if the commonwealth cannot be otherwise preserved." He maintained the affirmative of this proposition, and thus evinced, at this early period of his life, his attachment to the liberties of the people. Mr. Adams was known as a political writer during the administration of governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, to whom he was opposed, as he conceived the union of so much military and civil power in one man, to be dangerous. When the stamp act was the subject of conver sation, of public resentment, and succeeding tu mults, Mr. Adams was one of those important characters who appeared to oppose it every step. Nor were the taxes upon tea, oil, and colours, less odious to the Americans than the stamp act; on this occasion he boldly opposed the risrht of 1 Great Britain to tax the colonies, in a remonstrance of some length, which is the first public document we have on record denying the right of the British parliament to tax the colonies without their own consent. In consequence of the act of imposing duties in 1767, Mr. Adams suggested a non-importation agreement with the merchants, which was agreed to and signed by nearly all of them in the pro vince. At a very early period of the controversy with Great Britain, Mr. Adams suggested the impor tance of establishing committees of correspondence, and was first adopted by Massachusetts, on a mo tion of Mr. Adams, at a public town-meeting in Boston. This plan was afterwards followed by all the provinces. He was afterwards the first to suggest a congress of the colonies. After every method had been tried to induce Mr. Adams to abandon the cause of his country, he was at length proscribed, in connexion with John Hancock, by a general proclamation issued by gov ernor Gage, June 12, 1775. In 1774 he was elected a member of the gene ral congress. In 1776, on the 4th of July, he was one of those patriots, who fearlessly subscribed their " lives," their "fortunes," and their "honour," to the immortal Declaration of Independence. Our patriots, in their progress to independence, had successfully encountered many formidable ob stacles; but in the year 1777, still greater difficul ties arose, at the prospect of which some of the stoutest hearts began to falter. At this critical juncture there were but twenty-eight members who attended the congress at Philadelphia. With re ference to it Mr. Adams was said to reply, "It was the smallest, but the truest congress they ever had." In 1779, ho was appointed by the state conven- tion, one of the committee to prepare and report a form of government for Massachusetts. At the close of the war he opposed a peace with Great Britain, unless the northern states retained their full privileges in the fisheries. In 1787 he was chosen a member of the Massa chusetts convention, for the ratification of the con stitution of the United States. He made several objections to it, which were afterwards removed by its being altered to his Wishes. In 1789 he was elected lieutenant-governor of the state of Massachusetts, and continued to fill that office till 1794, when he was elected gover nor. He was annually re-elected till 1797, when his age and infirmities induced him to retire from public office. He died October 3,, 1803, aged eigh ty-one years. The leading traits in the character of Mr. Adanls were an unconquerable love of liberty, integrity, firmness, and decision. Governor Hutchinson, in an swer to the inquiry, why Mr. Adams was not taken oft* from his opposition by an office, writes to a friend in England " Such is the obstinacy and inflexible disposition of the man, that he never can be con ciliated by any office or gift whatever." To a majestic countenance and dignified manners, there was added a suavity of temper, which concili ated the affection of his acquaintance. Among his friends he was cheerful and companionable, a lover of chaste wit, and remarkably fond of anecdote. His mind was early imbued with piety, as well as cultivated by science. The independence of the United States of Ame rica is perhaps to be attributed as much to his ex ertions, as to the exertions of any one man. His writings were numerous, and much cele brated for their elegance and fervour, but they are only to be found in the perishable columns of a newspaper or pamphlet. In 1790 a few letters passed between him and Mr. John Adams, then vice-president, in winch the principles of government are discussed. This correspondence was published in 1800. ADAMS, JOHN, LL. D. second president of the United States, and a political writer of consider able reputation, was descended from one of the most respectable families who founded the colony of Massachusetts, and was born at Braintree, Octo ber 19, 1735. At an early age he was distinguished for his scholarship, and graduated at Harvard college. -He then entered on the study of the law, and in a few years rose to distinguished eminence in his profession. His first publication was " An Essay on Canon and Feudal Law," a work of considerable merit, learning, and research. He afterwards employed his pen in the cause of his country, which had no little influence in exciting the spirit of the revolu tion, and in diffusing a general acquaintance of the principles of civil liberty among his fellow citizens throughout all the colonies. Such was his high standing for stern integrity and abilities as a statesman and a lawyer, that he was unanimously chosen a member of the first con gress, which met at Philadelphia in 1774, and re- elected in the following year. In that august assembly oY sages, philosophers, and statesmen, whose deliberations will never cease to reflect their effulgence on the nations of the world, he uniformly stood in the first rank, and bore a distinguished and conspicuous part in all the discussions of that eventful period, which finally ended in a separation of the colonies from Great Britain. He was one of the first to perceive that a cordial reconciliation with Great Britain was impossible ; and was therefore one of the most conspicuous mem bers who were appointed to draft the ever memor able Declaration of Independence, which, after considerable discussion, was passed July 4, 1776, declaring these United States free, sovereign, and independent. In the next year, Mr. Adams was appointed joint commissioner with Drs. Franklin and Lee, to pro ceed to the court of Versailles, to negotiate a treaty of alliance and commerce. In 1779 he returned home, and was elected a member of the convention which met to frame a constitution for his native state. In this assem blage of talents and wisdom, his labours as a states man were pre-eminent; and the constitution in debted for many of her most excellent provisions. In 1780, he was commissioned by congress to proceed to Europe, to conciliate the favour and obtain assistance from the powers on the con tinent, in our arduous struggle for independence. By his superior address he procured from the Dutch, the necessary sums for carrying on the war, as well as concluded a treaty of commerce with the republic of the United Netherlands. He after wards went to Paris, and assisted in concluding the general peace. Mr. Adams was next appointed the first minister to the court of Great Britain. During his stay in Europe, he published his celebrated Defence of the Constitutions of the United States, in which he advocates, as the principles gf a free government, equal representation, of which number, or proper ty, or both, should be a rule ; a total separation of the executive from the legislative power, and of the judicial from both ; and a balance in the legisla ture by three independent, equal branches. " If there is one certain truth," says he, " to be collected from the history of all ages, it is this : that the people s rights and liberties, and the democratical mixture 6 in a constitution, can never be preserved without a strong executive ; or in other words, without sepa rating the executive power from the legislative." Mr. Adams, after having twice filled the office of vice-president of the United States, was, in the year 1796, called by the almost unanimous suffrage of his fellow citizens, to fill the presidential chair, which had been vacated by the resignation of Wash ington. This office he filled with his usual ability until the expiration of the term for which he was elected, when, like his great predecessor, he retired from office, after having faithfully served his country, and contributed to her happiness and prosperity, to spend the remainder of his days as a private citizen. ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY, LL. D. sixth president of the United States, was born at Braintree, Mas sachusetts, July 11, 1767. At the age of eleven years he accompanied his father to Europe, and before he had attained the age of eighteen, acquired most of her principal languages, and resided in most of her celebrated capitals. In 1785, at his own request, he was permitted by his father to return home, and finish his education in his own country. In two years afterwards, he graduated at Harvard college, and commenced the study of the law in the office of the late chief justice Parsons. In 1790, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Massachusetts, and fixed his residence in Boston. In 1791, he published a series of papers in the Boston Centinel, under the signature of Publicola, containing remarks upon the first part of Paine s Rights of Man, which excited much public notice in this country, as well as in Europe. In 1793-4, he published various political essays. which did honour to his talents, and drew upon him the notice of president Washington, who afterwards selected him for the important post of minister re sident to the Netherlands. From this period, until 1801, he was successively employed as a public minister in Holland, England, and Prussia. And during his residence in the latter country, he concluded a treaty of commerce with that power, to the entire satisfaction of our cabinet. In 1801, he returned to the United States, and the next year was elected a member of the senate of Massachusetts, and in 1803, of the senate of the United States. He passed, altogether, six years in these two bodies, engaged indefatigably and promi nently, in the important questions which occupied their attention. It was during this perplexing period of public affairs, that he nobly sacrificed the interest of party to that of his country, by which he has more firmly interwoven his name in the annals of his country. In consequence of his appointment of first Boyls- ton professor of rhetoric and oratory in the uni versity of Cambridge, he resigned his seat in the senate of the United States in the year 1808. He had no sooner completed a most brilliant course of lectures on rhetoric and oratory, in that renowned institution, when he received, unsolicited, from president Madison, the appointment of minis ter plenipotentiary to the court of Russia., In 1813, Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Bayard arrived at St. Petersburg, empowered to negotiate, jointly with Mr. Adams, a treaty of peace with Great Bri tain, under the mediation of Russia. The British government declined the mediation, but proposed a direct negotiation, which finally took place at Ghent, in 1814, with Mr. Adams as its head, on the Ameri can side. This event is too recent and important, to make it necessary to say any thing further in praise of the abilities and talents of Mr. Adams, as a diplomatic and statesman. At the termination of this successful mission, Mr. Adams repaired to London, and there concluded, jointly with Mr. Clay and Mr. Gallatin, a commercial convention. Our government having appointed him, immediately after the ratification of the peace of Ghent, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo tentiary to the British court, he remained in London in that capacity, until the summer of 1817, when he was called home by president Monroe, to fill the office of secretary of state. To give even an outline of his labours, and of the business which has been done since he has entered upon the duties of this high and responsible office, would swell this article to an immoderate size ; we shall therefore content ourselves by briefly enume rating a few leading facts only. Under his instruc tions, a commercial convention was negotiated with Great Britain in 1818. In 1819, he signed the Florida treaty with Don Luis de Onis, which gave to us not only the Flo- ridas, and an indemnity of five millions of dollars for our merchants, but the first acknowledged boun dary from the rocky mountains to the Pacific. In 1822, he signed with the ambassador of France, a convention of commerce and navigation, which was unanimously ratified by the senate. To great talent, Mr. Adams unites unceasing industry and perseverance, and an uncommon faci lity in the execution of business. He is an excel lent classical scholar, and an erudite jurist ; and speaks and writes several foreign languages. He has all the penetration and shrewdness necessary to constitute an able diplomatist, united with a capa city to perceive, and the eloquence to enforce, what ever will conduce to the welfare and interests of his country. 1PIS1HIIKM AMES, FISHER, LL. D. a distinguished states man, was born at Dcdham, Massachusetts, on the 9th April, 1758. At the age of twelve years, he entered Harvard college, and in 1774, he obtained the degree of bachelor of arts. After spending several years in revising his studies, and acquiring other solid information, he at length commenced the study of the law, in the office of William Tuder, Esq. of Boston, and was admitted to the bar in 1781. Rising into life about the period of the American revolution, he took a most lively and affectionate interest in her cause, and appeared with great re putation, as a writer of political essays, under the signatures first of Lucius Junius, and afterwards of Camillus. At the bar, young as he was, he was remarked as a pleader of uncommon eloquence, and a counsellor of judgment extraordinary for his years. In 1788, he was a member of the convention called in that state, for the purpose of ratifying the federal constitution. It was here, that for the first time, his powers of eloquence opened with a splendour that astonished, while it dazzled the assembly and the public. His celebrated speech on biennial elections, de livered on this occasion, was not only able and con clusive in argument, but was justly regarded as a finished model of parliamentary eloquence. In 1789, he was elected a representative to con gress, and for eight successive years, he was a leading member of the house of representatives. His speech on the appropriation bill for carrying into effect our treaty with Great Britain, was the most august specimen of oratory he ever exhibited, and perhaps is not exceeded by any event in the history of eloquence. In consideration of his rank as a statesman and a scholar, the college of Princeton conferred on him the honorar deree of doctor of laws. 10 On his retirement to private and professional life, ever watchful of the rights and interests of his country, he still kept up his contributions to politi cal literature as long as he was able to exercise his pen. In 1804, he was chosen president of Harvard col lege, but the infirm state of his health obliged him to decline the honour. From this period, his health gradually declined, until the morning of the 4th July, 1808, when he ended his mortal career, and was gathered to his fathers. Mr. Ames possessed a vigorous understanding, and a rich and fertile imagination. As a statesman and an orator of transcendent abilities, he was fitted for the management of the weightiest concerns ; as a patriot and legislator of tried integrity, he was the idol of his country. In conversation, he was as eloquent as in public debate. In his manners towards his friends he was easy and elegant, affable and warm, inviting confi dence, and inspiring affection ; in his intercourse with the world, polite, yet dignified, modest and well bred ; thus to the qualifications of a statesman, and the attainments of a scholar, uniting the habits and deportment of a gentleman. His works have been published in one volume, octavo. ANDROS, EDMUND, governor of New-England. Previous to this appointment in 1674, he was ap pointed governor of the province of New- York. In 1686, December 20, he arrived at Boston with a commission from King James, for the government of New-England. His administration soon proved oppressive and tyrannical exorbitant taxes were levied, the press restrained, the congregational ministers were threatened to be deprived of their 11 support for non-conformity, and marriage prohi bited, unless the parties entered into bonds with sureties, to be forfeited in case there should after wards appear to have been any lawful impediment ; besides a long list of other arbitrary proceedings, which caused the people in defence of civil and re ligious liberty, for which they sought in the wilds of America, to take up arms on the morning of the 18th April, 1689, when the governor and about fifty other obnoxious persons were seized and confined. The old magistrates were restored, and the next month the joyful news of the revolution in England reached this country, and quieted all apprehen sion of the consequences of what had been done. In February following, sir Edmund was sent to England for trial: he was there dismissed without trial. In 1692, he was appointed governor of Virginia. He died in Februarv, 1714. ARNOLD, BENEDICT, a major general of the American army, and infamous for deserting the cause of his country. At an early period he exhi bited a mind formed for bold and desperate enter prise, in 1775, on hearing of the battle at Lex ington, he repaired to head-quarters at Cambridge, where he received the appointment of colonel. In the fall of the same year, he was sent by the com- rnander-in-chief into Canada. After enduring in credible hardships for six weeks, he arrived at Point Levi, opposite to Quebec. On the 1st De cember he was joined by Montgomery. The city was immediately besieged; and on the morning of the last day of the year, an assault was made on one side of the city by Montgomery, who was kill ed ; at the same time Arnold made a desperate attack on the opposite side : he received a wound. 12 and was taken immediately to the camp : though the assault proved unsuccessful, the army did not leave Canada till the 18th June following. After this period, he exhibited great bravery in the com mand of the American ileet on lake Champlain. In August 1777, he relieved fort Schuyler, which was invested by colonel St. Leger, with an army of from 15 to 1800 men. On the 19th September, and the 7th of October, he displayed great bravery in the battles near Stillwater. After the evacua tion of Philadelphia by the British, he w r as appoint ed to the command of the American garrison at this place. On taking command, he made the house of governor Penn, the best house of the city, his head quarters. This he furnished in a very costly man ner, and lived far beyond his income. He was charged with oppression, extortion, and enormous charges upon the public in his accounts, and with applying the public money and property to his own private use. His conduct was condemned by a court martial, held in 1779, and the sentence of a reprimand, on being approved of by congress, was soon afterwards carried into effect. He continued in service till 1780, when he opened a correspond ence with Sir Henry Clinton, for betraying West- Point to the British, in which negotiation major Andre became a victim. Arnold had a narrow es cape, and got on board an English ship of war. He continued to serve the British till the end of the war, and at the peace retired to England, where he had a pension. He died in London, June 14, 1801. His character presents little to be recommended. His progress from self-indulgence to treason was easy and rapid. He was vain and luxurious, and to gratify his giddy desires, he must resort to meanness, dishonesty, and extortion. These vices brought with them disgrace, and the contempt into which he fell awakened a spirit of revenge, and left him to the unrestrained influence of his cupidity and passion. Thus from the high fame to which 13 his bravery had elevated him, he descended into infamy. Thus too he furnished new evidence of the infatuation of the human mind, in attaching such value to the reputation of a soldier, which may be obtained while the heart is unsound, and every moral sentiment is entirely depraved. 14 BARD, SAMUEL, M. D. LL. D. president of the college of physicians and surgeons, in the univer sity of New- York, was born in Philadelphia, on the 1st April, 1742. His father was Dr. John Bard, a distinguished physician of New-York, and memo rable for being the first person who performed a dissection, and taught anatomy by demonstration, on this side of the Atlantic.* At the age of 14 years he entered King s college, under the private pupil age of Dr. Cutting. While at college he gave some attention to the study of medicine, and afterwards devoted himself to the profession, under the auspices of his father. In the fall of 1760, he sailed for Eu rope, and was taken by a French privateer and car ried into Bayonne. Upon his release in the spring of 1761, he proceeded to London, and at the re commendation of Dr. Fothergill, was received into St. Thomas s hospital, as the assistant of Dr. Russel, the celebrated author of the History of Aleppo. He continued in that capacity until his departure for Edinburgh, enjoying in the mean time the instruc tions of Drs. Else, Grieve, and Akenside the poet. At the time of Dr. Bard s arrival in Edinburgh, that celebrated school was in the meridian of its glory. Dr. Robertson, the historian, was its principal ; and Rutherford, Whytt, Cullen, the Munros, the elder Gregory, and Hope, its professors. In 1765 he graduated, after having defended and published an inaugural essay, (not unworthy of his pen in the brightest period of his fame,) "de viribus opii" and left Edinburgh loaded with honour, in consequence of having obtained the prize offered by Dr. Hope, for the best herbarium of the indige- *ln 1750, Dr. John Bard dissected the bodj of Hermannus Carroll, who had been executed for murder; and injected the blood vessels for the use of his pupils. *7 r K - T r < ^ 15 nous vegetables of Scotland. In 1765, he returned to New- York, and commenced the practice of me dicine in connexion with his father. On the esta blishment of the medical school in New-York, in 1768, Dr. Bard was appointed to teach the theory and practice of physic. At the first commencement held in 1769, Dr. Bard delivered an address to the first medical graduates ; and while he discoursed upon the duties of a physician, he at the same time urged the necessity and importance of an hospital : So great was the effect produced by this discourse, that on the very day on which it was delivered, eight hundred pounds sterling was subscribed towards its erection. On the commencement of hostilities in 1776, the operations of the medical school was necessarily suspended. On the restoration of peace, after se veral abortive attempts to revive it, the trustees of Columbia college resolved to place it upon a per manent foundation, by annexing in 1792, the faculty of physic to that institution. Dr. Bard was con tinued as the professor of the theory and practice of medicine, and was afterwards appointed dean of the faculty. The New- York dispensary, and the city library, are very much indebted to his active exertions. In 1795, he took Dr. Hosack into part nership; and in 1798, retired into the country, w r here he zealously engaged in the pursuits of agri culture. In 1806, he was elected president of the agricultural society of Dutchess county. In 1811, he was elected an honorary member of the college of physicians of Philadelphia. In 1813, on the es tablishment of the college of physicians and surge ons, in the city of New- York, he was chosen its president, and retained the office until his death. In 1816, the degree of doctor of laws was con ferred on him by Princeton college. Dr. Bard closed his valuable, exemplary, and Chris tian life, on the 25th May, 1821, at the advanced age of 79. In whatever light the character of Dr. Bard may be viewed, it must elicit admiration, and ex hibit itself in the commanding attitude of a model. As a president of the college of physicians and surgeons, Dr. Bard presided over the destinies of me dical science with a dignity and impartiality, which commanded the respect of all. As a professor, Dr. Bard deservedly ranks among the first whom this country has produced. Pro foundly versed in the department, which it was his province to- teach, he communicated to his pupils the lessons of wisdom and experience, in a style of eloquence at once simple, dignified, and interesting. As an author, Dr. Bard deserves and holds no humble station. Though he did not aspire to the am bition of being distinguished as an author, yet his writings are distinguished for purity and rich clas sical taste. His work on Midwifery has already passed through six editions, and no doubt will long perpetuate the name and reputation of its author. BURR, AARON, DD. a learned divine, and pre sident of Princeton college, New-Jersey, was born in the year 1714, at Fairfield, Connecticut. He was graduated at Yale college, in 1735. In 1742 he was invited to take the pastoral charge of the presbyterian church at Newark. Here he became so eminent as an able and learned divine, and an accomplished scholar, that in 1748, he was unani mously elected President of the college, (which he was instrumental in founding,) as successor to Mr. Dickinson. The college was removed about this time from Elizabeth-Town to Newark, and in 1757 to Princeton. The flourishing state of this institution is much owing to his great and assiduous exertions. By his influence with the legislature, he got the charter enlarged in 1746. In 1748 the L7 lirst year of his presidency, the iirst class was gra duated. He presided over the college with great dignity, and possessed a happy manner in communicating his sentiments. In the pulpit he shone with supe rior lustre ; he was fluent, copious, sublime, and persuasive. He was distinguished for his public spirit ; he had a high sense of English liberty, and detested despotic power as the bane of human hap piness. He considered the heresy of Arius or So- einus as not more fatal to the purity of the gospel, than the positions of Filmer to the dignity of man and the repose of states. In 1752 he married a daughter of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, his successor in the presidency of the college, by whom he had two children, one of which was Aaron Burr, late vice-president of the United States. After a life of usefulness, devoted to his Master in heaven, he was called into the eternal world, September 24, 1757. He published a valuable treatise, entitled, the Supreme Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, besides sermons. BRADFORD, WILLIAM, second governor of Ply mouth colony, and one of the first settlers of New- England, was born in the North of England, in .1588. He left England and proceeded to Amster dam to enjoy peace of conscience. After a resi dence there of ten years, he joined the church at Leyden, under the care of Mr. Robinson, who had agreed to transport themselves to America. They reached Plymouth in 1620 ; in the following year governor Carver died, and Mr. Bradford was elect ed governor in his place. Governor Bradford was most conspicuous for wisdom, fortitude, piety, and benevolence. In those times, when their souls were tried with every difficulty, he was not cast down IB with the discouraging state of their affairs, or by the clouds which covered their future prospects. The original government of Plymouth was found ed entirely upon mutual compact, entered into by the planters before they landed, and was intended to continue no longer than till they could obtain legal authority from their sovereign. The first pa tent was obtained for the colony in the name of John Peirce ; but another patent was obtained of the council for New-England, Jan. 13, 1630, in the name of William Bradford, his heirs, associates, and assigns, which confirmed the title of the colo nists to a large tract of land, and gave them power to make all laws not repugnant to the laws of Eng land. For several of the first years after the first settlement of Plymouth, the legislative, executive, and judicial business was performed by the whole body of freemen in assembly. In 1634, the governor and assistants, the number of whom at the request of Mr. Bradford, had been increased to five in 1624, and to seven in 1633, were constituted a judicial court, and afterwards the supreme judicature. Petty offences were tried by the selectmen of each town, with liberty of ap peal to the next court of assistants. The first as sembly of representatives was held in 1639, when two deputies were sent from each town, excepting Plymouth, which sent four. In 1649, this inequality was done away. Such was the reputation of Mr. Bradford, that for thirty years the people placed him at the head of the government. He died May 9, 1657. Governor Bradford wrote a history of Plymouth- people and colony, beginning with the first forma tion of the church in 1602, and ending with 1646. It was contained in a folio volume of 270 pages. Martin s Memorial is an abridgment of it. 19 BRADFORD, WILLIAM, attorney general of the United States, was born in Philadelphia, Septem ber 14, 1755; and was graduated -at Princeton college in 1772. He commenced the study of the law under Edward Shippen, Esq. late chief justice of Pennsylvania ; and prosecuted his studies with unwearied application. In 1776 he joined the standard of his country, and fought in defence of her rights. In 1779 he recommenced the study of the law, and in September following was admit ted to the bar of the supreme court of Pennsyl vania. In 1780 he was appointed attorney general of the state. In 1784 he married the daughter of Elias Boudi- not, of New- Jersey, with* whom he lived in the ex ercise of every domestic virtue, that adorns human nature. In 1791 he was appointed by governor Mifflin, judge of the supreme court of Pennsylva nia. Here he had determined to spend a consider able part of his life ; but on the promotion of Mr. Edmund Randolph to the office of secretary of state, as successor of Mr. Jefferson, he was urged by various public considerations to accept the office of attorney general of the United States, now left vacant. He accordingly received the appointment January 28, 1794. He continued only a short time in this station, to which he was elevated by Wash ington. He died August 23, 1795. He published in 1793, an Inquiry how far the Punishment of Death is necessary in Pennsylvania; with notes and illustrations. BOYLSTOX, ZABDIEL, F. R. S. an eminent phy sician, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, 1684. In the year 1721, when the small pox was raging in Boston, at the recommendation of Dr. Cotton Mather, he was the first who introduced 20 the inoculation of the small pox into America, at the risk of his reputation and life. He visited England in 1725, and was received with the most flattering attention, and was admitted to the inti macy and friendship of some of the most distin guished characters of that nation. He was elected a member of the royal society. He had the plea sure of seeing inoculation universally practised, and of knowing that he w 7 as himself considered as one of the benefactors of mankind. He died March 1, 1766. Dr. Boylston published several communica tions in the Philosophical Transactions ; some ac count of inoculation, or transplanting the small pox, by the learned Dr. E. Timonius and J. Pylarinus ; also an historical account of the small pox inocu lation in New-England. BOYLSTON, NICHOLAS, a benefactor of Harvard college. He had been an eminent merchant, and was about to retire from business to enjoy the fruit of his industry, when he was removed from this earth, August 18, 1771. He bequeathed to Har vard college 1,500 pounds, for laying the foundation of a professorship of rhetoric and oratory. This sum was paid into the college treasury by his ex ecutors, Feburary 11, 1772. And the fund accumu lated to 23,200 dollars, before any appropriation was made. The hon. John Quincy Adams, son of president Adams, and at that time a senator of the United States, was installed the first professor, June 12, 1806, with the title of "the Boylston pro- fressor of rhetoric and oratory in Harvard college. BOWDOIN, JAMES, LL. D. a distinguished phi losopher and statesman, was born in Boston, Au gust 18, 1727. He was graduated at Harvard col lege in 1745. In 1756 he was chosen a member of the council, where his learning and eloquence soon rendered him conspicuous. He early es poused the cause of his country, and advocated her rights with great ability and patriotism. In 1770, the people of Boston elected him their re presentative. He was likewise one of the committee that drew the answer to the governor s speeches, where he asserted and endeavoured to prove, by strong arguments, the right of Great Britain to tax America. By this he had the honour of being negatived by governor Gage, in 1774, who declar ed that "he had express orders from his majesty to set aside that board, the hon. Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Dexter, and Mr. Winthrop." During this memor able year he was chosen a delegate to meet at Philadelphia, which was the first congress of the United States, but was prevented from attending his duty by his ill state of health. Mr. Hancock was afterwards chosen in his place. He was next chosen president of the council of Massachusetts ; which office he held the greater part of the time, till the adoption of the state constitution in 1780. He was president of the convention which formed it ; and some of its most important articles are the re sult of his knowledge of government. During the years of 1785 and 1786, he was elected governor of the state. At this eventful period, by his firm ness and inflexible integrity, for which he was con spicuous, he quelled the dangerous insurrection of Shays, which threatened a subversion of the con stitution. By this decisive step he rescued the government from contempt into which it was sink ing, and was the means of saving the common wealth. When the constitution was planned, and the Massachusetts convention met to consider whether it should be adopted, Mr. Bowdoin was nt the head of the Boston delegation, all of whom voted in favour of it. He made a very handsome speech upon the occasion, which may be read in the volume of their debates. From this time he changed the tumult of public scenes for domestic peace, and the satisfactions of study. Governor Bowdoin was a learned man, and a constant arid generous friend of literature. When the American Academy of Arts and Sciences was instituted, he was appointed the first president, and continued in that office till his death. He was esteemed by its members as the pride and ornament of their in stitution. To this institution he left his valuable library and one hundred pounds. His literary at tainments were not confined to his own country. He was a member of several foreign societies. He received a diploma of doctor of laws from several of the universities in Europe, and from Philadel phia, as well as his alma mater at Cambridge. To this institution he was a munificent friend. His charities were abundant. He was an exemplary Christian : for more than 30 years he was a mem ber of Brattle-street church. He died universally lamented, November 6, 1790. He published a philosophical discourse, publicly addressed to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Bos ton, November 8, 1780, when he was inducted into the office of president. This is prefixed to the first volume of the memoirs of the academy. In this work he also published several philosophi cal papers. His letters to Dr. Franklin have also been published. BENEZET, ANTHONY, a distinguished philanthro pist, was born January 31, 1713. He was bred a merchant, but being desirous of engaging in a pur suit which was not so adapted to excite a worldly 23 spirit, and which would afford him more leisure for the duties of religion, and for the exercise of that benevolent spirit, for which, during the course of a long life he was so conspicuous; he accepted, in 1742, the appointment of instructer in the Friends English school of Philadelphia, which place he con tinued to fill till about two years before his death. The last two years of his life he spent in the in struction of the blacks. In doing this he did not consult his worldly interest, but was influenced by a regard to the welfare of that miserable class of be ings, whose minds had been debased by servitude. He wished to contribute something towards render ing them fit for the enjoyment of that freedom, to which many of them had been restored. This amiable man seemed to have nothing else at heart but the good of his fellow creatures ; and the last act of his life was to take from his desk six dollars for a poor widow. Regarding all mankind as children of one com mon father, and members of one great family, he was anxious that oppression and tyranny should cease, and that men should live together in mutual kind ness and affection. His writings contributed much towards ameliora ting the condition of slaves. In 1767, he published " a caution to Great Britain and her colonies," in a short representation of the calamitous state of the enslaved negroes in the Bri tish dominions. In 1772, he published an historical account of Guinea, with an inquiry into the rise and progress of the slave trade, its nature and lamentable effects. He died May 4, 1784. BERNARD, FRANCIS, governor of Massachusetts. The commencement of his administration was fa- 24 vourable; but it soon became obnoxious. In 1764, restraints were laid upon the trade of the planta tions by certain acts of the parliament of Great Britain, which were succeeded by a direct tax upon the colonies. This and the stamp act was remon strated against by the people, as measures to which they would never submit. As soon as the acts had passed, and was known in America, a spirit of re sentment was roused which menaced every man in power, and alienated the affections of the colonists from a country, to which they had hitherto looked with reverence as the land of their fathers. The governor who had heretofore showed his disposi tion in several instances to treat the people with contempt, and to be unfriendly to the colonies, now openly avowed his sentiments, and began to put in force the enactments of parliament. He also soli cited the ministry to send troops to America, to put in force the measures of parliament. Troops ac cordingly arrived in 1768. From this time his con duct was reprobated ; and in most of the towns in the province he was published in the newspapers, and was declared an enemy and a traitor to the country. In August following, he dissolved the general assembly, finding them not subservient to his will. His administration had now become so odious, burdensome, and vexatious, that a petition to the king was forwarded, requesting his dismission. But there were little hopes, that this wish would be granted, as his administration was the subject of much praise at the court of Great Britain, and his services had now been rewarded by the title of ba ronet : however, shortly after receiving this title, he obtained permission to return to England. Accord ingly, in 1769, he sailed from Boston, and never again returned to the province. 25 BACKUS, ISAAC, a learned divine and historian, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 20, 1724; was ordained over a congregational church in Middleborough, Massachusetts, 1748; and after wards became a convert to the sentiments of the an- tepedobaptists, 1756. A baptist church was formed January 16, 1756, and he was installed its pastor June 23, of the same year, by ministers from Boston and Rehoboth : he was continued its pastor until his d^ath, in the year 1806. The town of Middleborough chose him one of their delegates in the convention, which adopted the federal constitution ; on which occasion he made a speech in its favour. The baptist church of America owe not a little of their present flourishing condition to his exertions. In 1796, he completed his church history of New- England, in three volumes, which he afterwards abridged, and brought it down to 1804. This work contains many facts, and much important informa tion. His other works consist of sermons, essays, and controversial pieces. He also wrote a history of Middleborough, which is published in a third volume of the collections of the Massachusetts His torical Societv. BELLAMY, JOSEPH, DD. a learned divine, was born at New-Cheshire, Connecticut, about the year 1719, and was graduated at Yale college in 1735. He soon after commenced the study of divinity, and became a preacher at the age of eighteen. In 1740, he was ordained pastor of a church at Beth lehem, in the town of Woodbury. About the year 1750, he published an excellent treatise, entitled, True Religion Delineated; and from this time he became very conspicuous in pre paring young men for the gospel ministry. In this 4 " 26 branch of his work he was eminently useful till the decline of life, when he relinquished it. In 1786,. he was seized with a paralytic affection, from which he never recovered. He died March 6, 1790, in the fiftieth year of his ministry, and seventy second year of his age. As a preacher, he had perhaps no superior; and in a variety of respects he shone with distinguished lustre. Extensive science, and ease of communi cating his ideas, rendered him one of the best in structed. His writings procured him the esteem of the pious and learned, at home and abroad, with many of whom he maintained an epistolary corres pondence. In his preaching, a mind rich in thought, a great command of language, and a powerful voice, rendered his extemporary discourses peculiarly ac ceptable. He was one of the ablest divines of this country. In his sentiments he accorded with presi dent Edwards, with whom he was intimately ac quainted. His writings are published in three volumes octavo, BELKNAP, JEREMY, DD. eminent as a divine and historian, was born in Boston, June 4, 1744. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1762. He early exhibited marks of genius and talents, which pre dicted his future celebrity. In 1767, he was or dained pastor of the church in Dover, New-Hamp shire, over which he presided near twenty years of his life, with the esteem and affection of his flock, and respected by the first characters of the state. In 1787, he removed to Boston, and was installed pastor of the church in Federal-street. Here he pass ed the remainder of his days, discharging the duties of his pastoral office, exploring various fields of lite rature, and giving efficient support to every useful and benevolent institution. He was one of the 27 founders of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the design of which was to collect and preserve ma nuscripts, and bring together the materials for illus trating the history of our country. He was also a member of several humane and literary societies. He ably advocated our republican forms of govern ment, and wrote much in favour of freedom and his country. As an author, no one has been more justly cele brated on this side the Atlantic. He published a history of New-Hampshire, in three volumes, writ ten in a very handsome style. The Foresters, a work which mingles wit and humour, with a repre sentation of the manners of the American people. The American Biography, in two volumes, a monu ment of his talents, industry, and knowledge. It is much to be regretted he did not live to complete this work, for which the public voice pronounced him peculiarly qualified. He also published sermons, and a number of essays upon the African trade ; civil and religious liberty ; upon the state and settlement of this country; and a discourse delivered at the re quest of the Historical Society of Massachusetts, He -died suddenly, June 20, 1798, BARTRAM, JOHN, a celebrated botanist, was born near the town of Darby, Pennsylvania, about the year 1701. This self-taught genius early discovered an ar dent desire for the acquisition of knowledge, espe cially of natural history and botany. In this latter science he made so much proficiency, that Linnseus pronounced him "the greatest natural botanist in the world." His attainments in natural history attracted the esteem of the most distinguished men in America -J8 and Europe, and be corresponded with many of them. He was the first American who conceived and carried into effect the design of a botanic garden, for the cultivation of American plants, as well as exotics. For this purpose he purchased a fine si tuation on the banks of the Schuylkill, about five miles from the city of Philadelphia, where he laid out a large garden, and filled it with a variety of the most curious and beautiful vegetables, collected in his excursions from Canada to Florida. His ardour in these pursuits was such, that at the age of seventy he made a journey into East Flo rida, to explore its natural productions. By his means the gardens of Europe were enriched with elegant flowering shrubs, with plants and trees, col lected in different parts of our country, from the shore of lake Ontario, to the source of the river St. Juan. He was elected a member of several of the most eminent societies and academies in Europe, and was at length appointed American botanist to his Britannic majesty, George III. which appointment he held till his death, which happened September 3d, 1777, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Several of Mr. Bartram s communications in zoology were published in the Philosophical Trans actions, between the years 1743 and 1749. He published observations on the inhabitants, climate, soil, &c. made in his travels from Pennsylvania to Onondago London, 1 751 : description of East Flo rida, 4to. 1774. BARTRAM, WILLIAM, F. R. S. an eminent bota nist, and son of the preceding, was born near the city of Philadelphia, April 20, 1739. From his childhood he had a taste for observing and collecting 29 plants, and when only eleven years of age, volun teered to accompany his father in one of his tours through the uninhabited parts of the southern states, in search of non-descript vegetable productions and fossils. After his return to Pennsylvania, he was sent to the college of Philadelphia, where he diligently pursued his studies until his sixteenth year, at which time he was placed with a merchant. He soon however abandoned mercantile pursuits for others more congenial to his mind. Botany and natural history were his favourite studies, and in these he soon made great proficiency, insomuch, that in a few years his fame had reached the con tinent, and spread throughout Europe. The important discoveries he made had no sooner reached England, than he was employed by Dr. Fothergill, and several other eminent naturalists, to make a tour of discovery through the Carolinas, Georgia, and the Floridas, and to communicate to them whatever was new and interesting in natural science. The result of these travels, so creditable to his eminent acquirements, he afterwards pub lished in a thick octavo volume. Mr. Bartram now retired to the enchanting spot, and took charge of the celebrated gardens com menced by his father on the Schuylkill, near Phi ladelphia. To these he devoted the whole of his attention, and year after year enriched it with va- . luable plants from both hemispheres. Here he also pursued his researches into nature, and form ed, for future celebrity, the mind of the celebrated author of the American Ornithology. In 1792, after the junction of the two rival facul ties of medicine in Philadelphia, Mr. Bartram was unanimously elected to the chair of Botany and Natural History in the university of Pennsylvania. This honour, however, he declined, and it was after wards conferred on the late eminent naturalist Dr. B. S. Barton. 30 Mr. Bartram had the honour of being a member of the American Philosophical Society of Phila delphia, as well as of most of the learned and scien tific societies of Europe. Mr. Bartram ended a life of usefulness and celebrity, and quietly sunk into the arms of death, at his favourite retreat on the banks of the Schuyl- kill, July 22, 183, at the advanced age of eighty- five years. Besides "Travels through the Carolinas, Geor gia, and the Floridas," Mr. Bartram published a " Table of American Ornithology," " Tracts and Observations on Natural History, and newly dis covered Plants." Besides numerous communications to the Ame rican Philosophical Society, which have been pub lished in their " Transactions." The manuscripts and correspondence of the fa ther and son, if published, would form a curious and interesting volume ; and we sincerely hope, for the cause of science, their labours will ere long be given to the world by some lover of science. BARLOW, JOEL, LL. D. a distinguished poet, was born at Reading, Connecticut, about the year 1755. At an early age he was placed at Dart mouth college, and after a sliort residence there, he removed to Yale college, and graduated with distinguished reputation for scholarship. On this occasion he appeared before the public, for the first time, as a poet. On leaving college, he received the appointment of a chaplaincy to the American army, and continued with it during the whole period of the revolutionary war. It was in the camp that he planned and composed the " Vision of Columbus." JOELBAKLOW ESQ f Y "K * ^* ~t *? "5"^ 1 "* ^ T ^ T/* U Is i V ,^ 11 oil* 31 In 1781, he took the degree of M. A. and pub lished the "Prospect of Peace," a poem. In 1783, on the disbandonment of the army, he commenced the study of the law, and settled in Hartford. In 1787, he published the "Vision of Columbus," and in the following year, embarked for Europe in the capacity of agent of the Scioto Land Com pany. At London he published the "Advice to the Pri vileged Orders :" and this was soon after followed by the " Conspiracy of Kings," a poem. All of these publications procured him some profit and much notoriety. Towards, the end of the year 1792, the London Constitutional Society, of which he was a member, voted an address to the French National Conven tion, and Mr. Barlow and another member, were de puted to present it. He was received in France with great respect, and they conferred on him the rights of a French citizen. During his stay in Paris, he translated "Vol- ney s Ruins." In the year 1795, he received the appointment of American consul at Algiers, with powers to ne gotiate a treaty, and to redeem all American cap tives. He hastened to Algiers, concluded a treaty, as well also with the Tripolitan powers ; sent home the American prisoners, and afterwards returned to Paris, and resigned his consulship. He then engaged in commercial pursuits, by which he acquired an independent fortune, and re turned to America in 1805. He selected Washington as his place of resi dence, and purchased a handsome seat, where he lived in an elegant and hospitable manner, associ ating on the most familiar terms with the president and other distinguished characters. His leisure hours he devoted to literature and science, and in preparing for the press the "Co- lumbiad," which he afterwards published in a magnificent style. In 1809, he received several literary honours, and among others the degree of Doctor of Laws. About this period, he began to collect historical documents for a general history of the United States, a work he had long meditated, and was admirably well qualified to execute. In the midst of these pursuits, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to France. He arrived at Paris in the summer of 1811, and applied himself with great diligence in effecting the object of his mission, but was foiled in every attempt. He was finally invited to a conference with the emperor at Wilna. He immediately set off for this place, travelling night and day. Overcome by too much exertion and fatigue, he rapidly sunk into a state of ex treme debility and torpor, and suddenly expired at Zarnawica, an obscure village in Poland, on the night of the 22d of December, 1812. Mr. Barlow w r as in private life of an amiable disposition and domestic habits. As an author, his writings will always command admiration, and rank high with the literature of this country. The "Columbiad" was the work of half of his life conceived and planned in the ardour of youth, and corrected, polished, and enlarged after his mind had been aroused and invigorated with various forms of nature, with books, and with men. BARTON, BENJAMIN SMITH, M. D. a learned phy sician, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Fe bruary 10, 1766. At a very early period of his life he was very stu dious, and devoted much of his time to the acqui- 33 sition of knowledge, particularly the branches of civil and natural history and botany. After completing his collegiate studies, he com menced the study of medicine with the late Dr. Ship- pen, and while yet a pupil, he accompanied his uncle, Mr. Rittenhouse, the celebrated astronomer, and the other commissioners, in running the boundary line of Pennsylvania. It was during this excursion that he first turned his attention to the manners, history, medicines, pathology, and other interest ing points of inquiry of the savage natives of this country. His researches on these subjects, are among the most ingenious, if not the most useful of his labours. In 1786, he embarked for England, with a view of prosecuting his medical studies at the university of Edinburgh. At Edinburgh he was elected a member of the Royal Medical Society, and for his dissertation on the Hyosciamus niger, of Linnseus, he obtained the Harveian prize. He afterwards studied at the celebrated universi ty at Gottingen, and graduated. After an absence of three years, he returned to Philadelphia, and commenced the practice of physic. In 1790, he was elected a member of the Ameri can Philosophical Society, and in 1802, he was chosen one of its vice-presidents, which office he held until the day of his death. In 1789, he was unanimously elected professor of natural history and botany, in the college of Philadelphia. In 1795, he succeeded Dr. Griffiths in the pro fessorship of materia medica, in the university of Pennsylvania. On the demise of Dr. Rush, he was elected to the chair which had been filled by him, which, together with that of natural history and botany, he held un til the day of his death. In 1815, he embarked for France, on account 34 of his health, and returned the November follow ing, but was spared only long enough to receive the visits of his friends, and suddenly expired on the morning of the 19th of December, 1815. The genius of Dr. Barton was of a high order rapid, comprehensive, and brilliant. As a professor, he was eloquent and instructive ; and as a writer, he was ingenious, rich in facts, profound in research, and always abounding in use ful information. As a physician, he discovered a mind quick in discriminating diseases, and skilful in the applica tion of appropriate remedies. His publications on the antiquities, natural his tory, and botany of this country, are numerous a.nd valuable. BRAINERD, DAVID, an eminent preacher and missionary to the Indians, was born at Haddam, Connecticut, April 20, 1718. In 1739, he was ad mitted a member of Yale college. In 1742, after having pursued the study of divinity under the care of the Rev. Mr. Mills, he was licensed to preach. In November following he was appointed by the Society at New- York for Propagating Christian Knowledge, a missionary to the Indians. On the 1st April, 1743, he arrived at Kaunamuk, an Indian village in Massachusetts, and commenc ed his labours at the age of twenty-five. After preaching to them some time, they removed to Stockbridge, under the care and instruction of the Rev. Mr. Sergeant. Mr. Brainerd then turned his attention towards the Delaware Indians. In 1744, he was ordained by a presbytery at Newark, New- Jersey. Soon after, he entered on the field of his labours near the forks of the Delaware, in Pennsyl vania. After a year of hardships and fruitless ex- 85 ertions, he then made a visit to the Indians at Cros- weeksung* near Freehold, New-Jersey. At this place he was favoured with remarkable success. In less than a year he baptized 70 persons. In the summer of 1746, he visited the Indians on the Susquehannah, and was eminently useful, convinc ing hundreds, and converting thousands by his in strumentality. On his return, he found his health so much impaired, that he was able to preach but little more. After taking a tour for his health as far as Boston, in the spring of 1747, he returned in July to Northampton, where, in the family of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, he passed the remainder of his days. He gradually declined till October 9, 1747, when, after suffering inexpressible agony, he en tered upon that rest which remaineth for the faith ful servants of God. Thus was the world deprived of a patriot, a Christian, and a saint. No human exertions could possibly exceed those of Brainerd. The afflictions he encountered, the hardships he underwent, deterred him not from the prosecution of his glorious mission. He was indeed an active la bourer in the vineyard ; he worked while it was yet day. Nor could any personal sufferings, any domestic ties, or calls of friendship, arrest his at tention from the far stronger or more worthy claims of the suffering Indians. President Edwards, whose opinion of Mr. Brainerd was founded upon an inti mate acquaintance with him, says, " that he never knew his equal, of his age and standing, for clear, accurate views of the nature and essence of true religion, and its distinctions from its various false appearances." He published " A Narrative of his Labours at Kaunamuk." " A Journal, or an Ac count of his Labours among the Indians of New- Jersey and Pennsylvania." This work is very inter esting, and displays the piety and talents of the author. President Edwards has written his life, chiefly compiled from his diary. 36 BROWN, ARTHUR, LL. D. a distinguished scho lar and eminent barrister, was born at Newport. Rhode Island. At the age of sixteen he was sent to receive his education at Trinity college, Dublin ; where he remained during his life. He was made King s professor of Greek, as well as civil law. He was always a champion of the people. Shortly after the union of Ireland with Great Britain, he was appointed prime sergeant. He died in 1805. He published a compend of civil law. Miscella neous sketches after the manner of Montaigne, in 2 vols. BAINBRIDGE, WILLIAM, a commodore in the Unit ed States navy, was born at Princeton, New-Jersey, on the 7th May, 1774. At the age of sixteen he was placed in a counting-house in New-York; but soon after he removed to Philadelphia, and entered into the merchant service. From the year 1793 to 98, he commanded merchant ships in the trade from Philadelphia to Europe. In July, 1798, he was appointed to the command of the Unites States ^ schooner Retaliation, of 14 guns, with a commis sion as lieutenant and commander in the navy. In 1799, he received a commission of master-com mandant, and sailed in the brig Norfolk, of 18 guns, on a second cruise against the French. In 1800 he received a captain s commission, and was appointed to the command of the frigate George Washington, in which he afterwards sailed for the Mediterranean. On his return, in 1801, he was transferred to the frigate Essex, and appointed to accompany the squadron which was sent against Tripoli. He returned to New- York in 1802, and the next year was appointed to the command of the Philadelphia frigate. In July following, he sailed in her for the Mediterranean, and joined the squadron under commodore Preble. In August, ho .of tine DimiltedL States captured two Tripolitan cruisers, and then pro ceeded to blockade the harbour of Tripoli. On the 31st of October, he gave chase to an armed ship, and finding he could not cut her out from the harbour, gave up the pursuit and hauled northward ; but unfortunately ran upon rocks about four miles and a half from the town. The Tripolitan gun boats immediately attacked her, and after sustain ing the enemy s fire between five and six hours, he was obliged to surrender the ship. The officers and crew were immediately put in confinement, nor were they released until the peace of the 3d of June, 1805. Captain Bainbridge reached the United States in the autumn following, and the reception which he met from his country was such as to satisfy com pletely the feelings of a meritorious but unfortunate officer. In 1806, he took command of the naval station at New-York. In 1808, -he was appointed to take command of the Portland station. In 1809, having superintended the repairing of the frigate President at Washington, he took com mand of her, and cruised on our coast till the next spring, when he obtained a furlough, and permis sion from the navy department to engage in the merchant service. ^ Having returned from his mercantile pursuits, in February, 1812, he was appointed to the command of the navy-yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts. On the declaration of war against Great Britain, he was appointed to command the frigate Constel lation; but on the arrival at Boston of captain Hull, after his victory over the British frigate Guer- riere, commodore Bainbrige was permitted to take command of the Constitution. In a few weeks he sailed on a cruise to the East-Indies. In run ning down the coast of Brazil, on the 29th Decem ber, he discovered a strange ship, and immediately made sail to meet her. On approaching her, it 38 proved to be the British frigate Java. Commodore Bainbridge immediately closed with the enemy, and in less than one hour and fifty minutes he com pelled her to surrender. The decayed state of the Constitution, and other circumstances, combining to interfere with the original plan of the cruise, he afterwards returned to the United States. The arrangement, however, of the differences of the United States with Great Britain, did not let him remain long in the inaction of peace. Having su perintended the building of the Independence, a ship of 74 guns, he had the honour of waving his flag on board the first line-of-battle ship belonging to the United States that ever floated. He was now ordered to form a junction with commodore Decatur, to cruise against the Barbary powers, who had shown a disposition to plunder our commerce. In company with his own squadron, he arrived be fore the harbour of Carthagena, where he learned that commodore Decatur had concluded a peace with the regency of Algiers. He now, according to his instructions presented himself before Tripo li, where he also had the mortification to learn that commodore Decatur had shorn him of his expected laurels, by a previous visit. He now effected a junc tion with commodore Decatur s squadron, and sail ed for the United States, and arrived at Newport, Rhode Island, on the 15th November, 1815. BROWN, NICHOLAS, a name endeared to science and literature, was an eminent merchant of Rhode Island. He died at Providence, May 29, 1 791 , in his 62nd year. The public buildings in Providence, sacred to religion and science, are monuments of his liberalitv. BOOISE, DANIEL, the first settler of the state of Kentucky, was born in Berks county, Pennsylva nia, about the year 1730. At the age of .eighteen, he left his native place, and settled in the state of North Carolina. In company with five other indi viduals, he left that province in 1769, and jour neyed as far as the Kentucky river, with a view of settling near it. He settled within 75 miles of the present town of Frankfort, where he built a stock ade fort, a precaution absolutely necessary, to de fend himself from the attack of the native Indians. This fort was afterwards called fort Boonsborough; and thus was formed the first settlement of the state of Kentucky. In the year 1775, he conducted his wife and daughters to his new establishment, and was soon after joined by other families. At first he had to contend with a savage foe, and after several bloody rencontres, in one of which he was taken prisoner ; and after enduring sufferings and hard ships, which his courage and constancy surmount ed, till he had an opportunity of making peace with his enemies. From this time until the year 1799, he spent his life in agricultural pursuits, and served occasionally his countrymen in the legisla ture of Virginia. Mr. Boone was not, however, to end his days amid the advantages of social life. After his courage and constancy, under the severest trials ; after his long and unremitting labours, in perfecting his infant settlement; after rearing and providing for a nu merous family, the prop of his old age, and the pride of his hoary years, which now entitled him to a civic crown, and to the gratitude of a gener ous people he suddenly finds that he is possessed of nothing ; that his eyes must be closed without a home, and that he must be an outcast in his gray hairs. His heart is torn, his feelings are lacerated by the chicanery of the law, which deprives him of the land of which he was the first to put a 40 spade in, his goods sold: Cut to the soul, with u wounded spirit, he still showed himself an extraor dinary and eccentric man. He left for ever the state, in which he had been the first to introduce a civilized population where he had so boldly maintained himself against external attacks, and shown himself an industrious and exemplary citi zen ; where he found no white man when he sat himself down amid the ancient woods, and left behind him half a million. He forsook it for ever; no entreaty could keep him within its bounds. Man, from whom he had deserved every thing, had persecuted and robbed him of all. He bade his friends and his family adieu for ever. He took with him his rifle and a few necessaries, and crossing the Ohio, pursued his way into the unknown and immense country of the Missouri, where the mon strous mammoth is even now supposed to be in existence. In 1800 he discovered the Boone s lick country, which now forms one of the best set tlements of that state. On the banks of the Grand Osage, in company with his son, he reared his rude log hut around which he planted a few esculent vegetables and his principal food, he obtained by hunting. An exploring traveller, sometimes crossing the way of this singular man, would find him seated at the door of his hut, with his rifle across his knees, and his faithful dog at his side ; surveying his shrivel led limbs, and lamenting that his youth and man hood were gone, but hoping his legs would serve him to the last of life, to carry him to spots fre quented by the game, that he might not starve. In his solitude he would sometimes speak of his past actions, and of his indefatigable labours, with a glow of delight on his countenance, that indicated how dear they were to his heart, and would then become at once silent and dejected. Thus he passed through life till he had reached the age of ninety, when death suddenly terminated his earthly 41 recollections of the ingratitude of his fellow crea tures, at a period when his faculties, though he had attained such an age, were not greatly im paired, September 26, 1820. Col. Boone was a man of common stature, of great enterprise, strong intellect, amiable disposi tion, and inviolable integrity. As a token of respect and regard for him, both houses of the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, upon information of his death being communicated, resolved to wear crape on the left arm, for the space of twenty days. His body was interred in the same grave with his wife, at Charettee village, county of Montgo mery, Missouri. BARTLETT, JOSIAH, M. D., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born at Amesbury, Massachusetts, in November, 1729. He received the rudiments of a classical education in his native town, and at the age of sixteen, com menced the study of physic, , under the superin tendence of Dr. Ordway. At the age of twenty-one, he commenced the practice of his profession at Kingston, New-Hamp shire. He continued to practise with great suc cess, and his integrity and decision of character soon attracted the attention and confidence of his fellow citizens. In the year 1765, Dr. Bartlett began his political career, as a representative to the legislature from the town of Kingston, and was annually elected till the revolution. Not long before this period, however, jealousies had arisen between the British ministry and the people of the colonies, which was finally the osten sible cause of the bickering between Great Britain 6 and her colonies. It was contended by parlia ment, that the expenses arising out of the prosecu tion of the French war, should be defrayed by the colonies, and that they had full power to determine the way. On the other hand, the colonies denied the right of this assumption of power, but were willing to pay a proper proportion. Dr. Bartlett, on this occasion, took the side of the people, in op position to all the arbitrary acts of parliament which afterwards followed. He was appointed a delegate to the general congress of 1774, to aid in the adoption of such measures as would secure the rights, liberties, and privileges of the colonies, and restore harmony between the two countries. The opening of the year 1775, instead of a recon ciliation, brought about those portentous events which resulted in a revolution. In the mean time he w r as a member of the committee of safety, and of the provincial convention, and was actively en gaged in matters relating to the welfare of the people. On the 23d of August, 1775, he was chosen a delegate to congress, in the place of I. Sullivan, Esq. and took his seat accordingly. On the 23d of January, 1776, he was again re-elected to con gress, and on the 12th of June was appointed one of the committee to prepare and digest the form of confederation to be entered into between the colonies. In the debates which preceded the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he firmly ad vocated its adoption ; and on the memorable 4th of July, on taking the sentiments of the house, was the first called upon : he answered in the affirma tion, and was followed in rotation by the members from the other states. He was re-elected to congress, which met at York, Penn. in 1778. In 1782, he was appointed a justice of the supe rior court, which office he held until he was made chief justice, in 1788. 43 In 1788, he was a member of the convention of New-Hampshire, which adopted the present con stitution. In 1789, he was chosen a senator to congress. In 1793, he was elected the first gover nor of the state, which office lie filled with his ac customed promptitude and fidelity, until his in firm state of health obliged him to retire wholly from public business. This eminent man and distinguished patriot, closed his earthly career on the 19th of May, 1795. Dr. Bartlett possessed a mind quick and pene trating. His memory was tenacious, and his judg ment sound and perspective. In all his dealings he was scrupulously just, and faithful in the perform ance of all of his engagements. He received an honorary degree of doctor of medicine from Dartmouth University, and was an honorary member of the Agricultural Society. .BROWN, CHARLES BROCKDEN, a distinguished writer, was born in Philadelphia, on the 17th of January, 1771. Possessing from infancy a deli cate constitution, he early acquired that love of books, which made them at once his passion and his pursuit throughout life. He received a classical education under Robert Proud, the well known author of the History of Pennsylvania. Before he had attained his sixteenth year, he had written a number of essays in prose and verse, and had sketched plans of three distinct epic poems. But his poetic fervour was damped by that universal sedative of the imagination, the study of the law, which, however, he made subservient to the ac quirement of a clear and vigorous style of express ing himself, which he had always made an object of his ambition. At the age of eighteen, he commenced the study 44 of the law, in the office of Alexander Wilcox, Esq. an eminent lawyer of Philadelphia. The practice of his profession he found so irk some that he did not attempt to follow it; though the thought of making his family uneasy by relin quishing it, rendered him for a time extremely un happy. They were, however, partial and forgiving, and their indulgence was soon rewarded by the fame which he began to acquire as an author. One of the first novels which he wrote was en titled the " Sky Walk ;" but owing to the death of the printer, it was never published. He afterwards incorporated parts of it into "Ar thur Mervyn," "Edgar Huntley," "Ormond" and " Wieland ;" of which the last three are entitled to as high a rank among the literary productions of the present age, in point of powerful description, truth of sentiment, and striking situations, as that which has been so willingly assigned in our own country to the numerous volumes which, under the name of the "Waverly Novels," have imposed a kind of obligation on the public to read them; whether they come forth in sterling worth of ori ginal genius, or the more questionable shape of old chronicles, modernised, and forgotten stories revived. To Mr. Brown the praise of full originality is amply due ; he is universally grand, yet simple ; moral and affecting. O In 1797, he gave to the world "Alcuin." In 1798, he published "Wieland." This powerful and original romance excited great attention, and brought the author into notice. In 1799, he published "Ormond, or the Secret Witness." From this time he prosecuted his la bour with success in the region of fiction, with an ardour and rapidity of execution seldom parallel ed. " Arthur Mervyn" and " Edgar Huntley" next appeared in quick succession. In 1801, Mr. Brown published his novel of 45 " Clara Howard." In October, 1803, Mr. Browft commenced a periodical publication, entitled the " Literary Magazine and American -Register." This work continued for five years, and is replete with the effusions of erudition, taste, and genius. In 1804, he published in London his last novel, "Jane Talbot." In 1806, Mr. Brown commenced a new periodi cal work, entitled the "American Register," of which he lived to see five volumes published. His health being very much impaired, he made several excursions into the Eastern states, to re store it, but alas ! a period was put to his suffer ings on the morning of the 22d of February, 1810, at the age of thirty-nine years. His life, together with his original letters and the fragments of "Carwin," "Calvert," and "Jes sica," have been published in two volumes octavo. Most of his novels have been re-published in London, and are there esteemed as productions of extraordinary genius. BIDDLE, NICHOLAS, captain in the navy of the United States, was born in the city of Philadelphia, September 10, 1750. Among the brave men who perished in the glo rious struggle for the independence of America, there are none more entitled to a place in the bio graphic annals of this country. His services, and the high expectations raised by his military genius and gallantry, have left a strong impression of his merit, and a profound regret that his early fate should have disappointed so soon the hopes of his country. Very early in life he manifested his partiality for the sea, and previous to the year 1770, had made several voyages. 46 He afterwards went to England, with an intention of entering the British navy, and did for some time act in the capacity of a midshipman; but his ardent mind, however, could not rest satisfied with his situation, and he afterwards embarked in the expedition fitted out at the request of the Royal Society, to ascertain how far navigation was prac ticable towards the north pole ; to advance the dis covery of the north-west passage into the south seas; and to make such astronomical observations as might prove serviceable to navigation. Impell ed by the same bold and enterprising spirit, young Horatio, afterwards Lord Nelson, had solicited and obtained permission to enter on board the same vessel, and both acted in the capacity of cocks wains, a station always assigned to the most active and trusty seamen. These intrepid navigators penetrated as far as the latitude of 81 39 . On his return, the commencement of the revolution gave a new turn to his pursuits, and he repaired without delay, to the standard of his country. Soon after his arrival at Philadelphia, he was appointed to the command of the Andrew Doria, a brig of fourteen guns, and sailed in the expedition under commodore Hopkins, against New-Providence. Immediately after taking this post, he was ordered to cruise off the banks of New-Foundland, and was very active in capturing the enemy s vessels. While he was thus indefatigably engaged in weak ening the enemy s power and advancing his coun try s interest, he was disinterested and generous in all that related to his private advantage. The brave and worthy opponent, whom the chance of war had thrown in his power, found in him a patron and friend, who on more than one occasion was known to restore to the vanquished the fruits of victory. In the latter end of the year 1776, he was appointed to the command of the Randolph, a fri gate of thirty-two guns. He sailed from Philadel- 47 phia in February, 1777, and soon after he captured an English ship of twenty guns, and three sail of merchantmen, and proceeded to Charleston with his prizes. He immediately refitted, and was joined by other vessels, and sailed for the West-India seas. On the night of the 7th of March, 1778, he fell in with the British ship Yarmouth, of sixty-four guns, and engaged her. Shortly after the action commenced, he received a severe wound and fell. He soon, however, ordered a chair to be brought, and being carried forward, encouraged the crew. The fire of the Randolph was constant and well directed, and appeared, while the battle lasted, to be in a continual blaze. In about twenty minutes after the action began, and while the surgeon was examin ing his wounds on the quarter deck, the Randolph blew up. The number of persons on board the Ran dolph was three hundred and fifteen, all of whom perished, except four men, who were tossed about for four days on a piece of the wreck, before they were discovered and taken up. Thus prematurely fell, at the age of twenty-sev en, as gallant an officer as any country ever boasted of. In the short career which Providence allowed to him, he displayed all those qualities which con stitute a brave commander. Consummately skill ed in his profession, no danger nor unexpected event could shake his firmness or disturb his pre sence of mind. He was a sincere Christian, and his religious impressions had a decided and power ful influence upon his conduct. His temper was uniformly cheerful, and his conversation sprightly and entertaining. 48 BLAIR, JOHN, one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in Virginia, about the year 1731. On receiving a collegiate education, he entered upon the study of the law, and in a very few years rose to the head of his profession. From eminence at the bar, his course to political distinction was rapid and successful. He was call ed by the voice of his fellow citizens to some of the highest and most important trusts, which he faithfully discharged, at a time when the state of- our country wore the most gloomy aspect, and by his exertions contributed essentially to our liberty and independence. In 1787, at which time he was judge of the court of appeals, the legislature of Virginia, rinding the judiciary system inconvenient, established circuit courts, the duties of which they directed the judges of the courts of appeals to perform. These judges, among whose names are those of Blair, Pendleton, and Wythe, remonstrated, and declared the act unconstitutional. In the same year, he took his seat in the grand convention, which met at Phi ladelphia, to revise the federal constitution, and was one of its most active members. To that in strument the names of Blair and Madison are af fixed as the deputies from Virginia. In Septem ber, 1789, when the government which he had assisted in establishing, had commenced its opera tions, he was appointed, by president Washington, an associate judge of the supreme court of the United States. He died September 12, 1800, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. Judge Blair was an amiable, accomplished, and truly virtuous man. 49 BALDWIN, ABRAHAM, one of the signers of the federal constitution, and a distinguished statesman, was graduated at Yale college in 1772, and dis tinguished for great scholarship. In 1785, he was appointed president of the uni versity of Georgia. He was a member of the grand convention, which held its session from May 25, to September 17, 1787, and framed the constitution of the United States. To that instrument he affixed his name as one of the deputies from Georgia. After the organization of government, he was elected a senator of the United States, and while in the discharge of his official duties, he died at Washington, March 2, 1807. BREARLY, DAVID, one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in New-Jersey, about the year 1763, and received the honours of Prince ton college at the age of eighteen. On leaving that celebrated seminary, he com menced the study of the law, and in a few years stood foremost at the bar of his native state. In consideration of his distinguished talents as a lawyer and statesman, he was unanimously elect ed a member of the grand convention which met at Philadelphia, in 1787, for framing the constitution of the United States, and his name is affixed to that charter of our liberties. In 1789, he was appointed by president Wash ington, chief justice of the state of New- Jersey, which office he held with distinguished honour to himself and his country until his death, which took place at his seat, near Trenton, August 23, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. m BAYARD, JAMKS A. a distinguished statesman, was born in Philadelphia, in the year 1767. Los ing his parents while yet a child, he was taken into the family of his uncle, John Bayard, under whose superintendence he was fitted for college. After passing the regular term at Princeton, he graduat ed with distinguished honour. In 1784, he entered upon the study of the law with general Read, and upon his death, he renew ed and successfully prosecuted them under the direction of Mr. Ingersoll. On his admission to the bar, he chose the state of Delaware for the pursuit of his professional labours. Not long after he arrived at the constitutional age, he was elected a representative to congress, and remained in public life from that moment, through all the vicissitudes of party triumph and defeat, until the time of his death. Though he was one of the most conspicuous supporters of the federal administration, it was his peculiar felicity to command the esteem and confidence of both of the great political parties, into which the United States since its indepen dence has been divided. Always consistent, he was never known to sacrifice or render subser vient the cause of his country to purposes of party ambition or animosity. _ In the year , he was elected by the legisla ture of Delaware a member of the senate of the United States. In this dignified and honourable station he was ever found to be the pure politician and unbending patriot. As soon as intelligence had reached Europe of the war with Great Britain, the emperor of Rus sia communicated to both governments an offer of mediation. It was accepted on the part of the United States, and commissions were issued by the President to J. A. Bayard and Albert Gallatin, to proceed immediately to St. Petersburg. They sailed from Philadelphia, May 9, 1813. After some JAM Ktt A, BAY A It 1) 51 delay, the proposal was acceded to on the part of Great Britain, and Gottenburg was selected as neutral ground. Further arrangements were after wards made to transfer the negotiations from Got tenburg to Ghent. In August, the British com missioners arrived at Ghent, and the negotiation was opened in due form. Here the character and qualities of Mr. Bayard shone with distinguished lustre and gave him a weight and influence in the proceedings which could scarcely be surpassed. A profound thinker, an ingenious reasoner, and an accomplished speaker, he seemed formed for a negotiator. The last act of his public life con firmed the expectation of his countrymen, and completed the catalogue of honourable sendees which he had long before begun. After the arrangements at Ghent were conclud ed, Mr. Bayard made a journey to Paris, where he remained until he heard of the ratification of the treaty, and his appointment as envoy to the court of St. Petersburg. This he promptly declined, stating his reasons, "that he had no wish to serve the administration, except when his services were necessary for the good of his country." Nothing could induce him to accept an appoint ment, that in the least would have a tendency to identify him with the administration party, unless it contributed essentially to his country s good. From Paris, Mr. Bayard intended to have pro ceeded to England, to co-operate in the formation of a commercial treaty, as he was included in the commission despatched for that purpose. An alarming disease, however, prevented him, which continued to prey upon him until his arrival in the United States. Here he reposed himself, only to breathe for a short time his native air in the bo som of conjugal and filial love. He died August 6, 1815. CLAY, HENRY, a distinguished statesman and orator, was born in Virginia, March 16, 1776. After completing the study of the law, under the direction of chancellor Wythe, of Richmond, Vir ginia, he settled in Kentucky, and commenced the practice of the law in Lexington, about the year 1797. In 1 798, he entered the political arena, and exerted his powerful eloquence in opposition to the alien and sedition laws; subjects of much disputation at that period. At the age of twenty-four he was elected to a seat in the legislature of Kentucky, where he re mained until the year 1806, when he was chosen to succeed governor Adair, in the seat vacated by him in the senate of the United States. During that session he made his debut in a speech in favour of erecting a bridge over the river Potomac. Mr. Clay showed, on this occa sion, the preference which he has uniformly evinc ed for broad national considerations, over those of a private or limited nature. On completing the term of general Adair in the senate, he re-entered the Kentucky legislature, and on all occasions in that body, lent his aid to encourage the people in supporting the general government in the restrictive system then intro duced, to counteract the proceedings of the belli gerent powers of Europe. He remained in the legislature till the session of 180910. When he was again elected to the senate of the United States, to complete the term of service of judge Thurston. He again distin guished himself in the speech delivered on the discussion of president Madison s occupation of that part of Louisiana, commonly called West- Florida, which lies between the Missisippi and the Perdido : showing from treaties, geographical and other authorities, that the Perdido was the eastern boundary of Louisiana. In 1811, Mr. Clay was elected a member of the house of representatives ; and on the 4th Novem ber of the same year, he was elected its speaker. In the debates which led to the declaration of war in 1812, he bore a conspicuous part. In January, 1814, he was, without any solicita tion on his part, appointed one of the commis sioners to treat for peace. He signed the treaty of Ghent, and then proceeded to London, where he assisted in concluding the convention, which has been the base of all our subsequent commer cial policy. In 1815, he was again elected a member to con gress, and was again placed in the speaker s chair. During the session of 1815, the war and peace were promptly attacked and censured by some of the members in the house of representatives. As lie had voted for the war, and signed the treaty of peace, he came fonvard as the champion, and vin dicated in a most eloquent manner the policy of both. His able and eloquent speech, made during the same session, advocating the constitutional power of the federal government, to apply its resources to a general system of roads and canals, and other improvements, is the best commentary that we have upon the constitution of the United States, in respect to such powers. He has always been the firm advocate for the encouragement of American manufactures. In the session of 1817-18, he first brought for ward his proposal for the recognition of South American independence. Although he was vio lently opposed, he nevertheless persevered with all his zeal and eloquence, until he triumphantly carried with him the vote of the house. His 54 speeches, on this important topic, are sufficient of themselves to transmit his name with honour to posterity, both for the generous sentiments and the enlightened views which they exhibit. Perhaps no period of Mr. Clay s political career has been so brilliant, as the part he acted in the last session of the sixteenth congress. It was then all his efforts were crowned with complete suc cess, in the cause of Spanish America. There also he contributed so powerfully, and so mainly, to allay the ferment which seemed to threaten a dissolution of the union, or a civil war, which had risen out of the Missouri quer ion. The language held at the time, was, "Clay has saved what Wash ington achieved." Mr. Clay possesses a mind of great intellectual superiority, which is so organized, that he over comes the difficulties of the most abstruse and complicated subjects, apparently without the toil of investigation, or the labour of profound re search. It is rich, and active, and rapid, grasping at one glance, connexions the most distant, and consequences the most remote, and breaking down the trammels of error, and the cobwebs of sophis try. The prominent traits of his mind are quick ness, penetration, and acuteness ; a fertile inven tion, discriminating judgment, and good memory. His eloquence is impetuous and vehement, with a great deal of fire and vigour of expression. His views of mankind are enlarged and liberal, and his conduct as a politician and a statesman, has been marked with the same enlarged and li beral policy. CLAYTON, JOHN, an eminent botanist and physi cian of Virginia, was born at Fulham, in Great Britain. lie came to Virginia with his father, who was an eminent lawyer, in 1705. Mr. Clayton was? a member of some of the most learned literary so cieties of Europe, and corresponded with Grono- vius, Linnaeus, and other able botanists of Europe, As a practical botanist, he was inferior to none of his time. His character stands very high as a man of in tegrity and piety. He was heard to say, whilst ex amining a flower, that he could not look into one, without seeing the display of infinite power and contrivance, and that he thought it impossible for a botanist to be an atheist. He died December 15, 1773, in the 85th year of his age. He left behind him two volumes of manuscripts for the press, and a hortus siccus of folio size. These works were accidentally burnt. He is chiefly known to the learned, especially in Europe, by his Flora Virginica, a work published by Gronovius in 1739. This work is frequently referred to by Linnaeus, and by all the succeeding botanists who have had occasion to treat of the plants of North America. CLARKE, JOHN, one of the first founders of Rhode Island, was a physician in London, before he came to this country. Soon after the first settlement of Massachusetts, he was driven from that colony with a number of others; and on the 7th day of March, 1638, they formed themselves into a body politic, and purchased Aquetneck or Rhode Island, of the Indian sachems. He was soon after employ ed as a preacher; and in 1644, he formed a church at Newport, and became its pastor. This was the 2nd baptist church formed in America. In 1651, he was sent to England with Mr. Williams, to pro mote the interests of Rhode Island, and particularly to procure a revocation of Mr. Coddington s com- mission as governor, which was annulled in Octo ber/ 1652. After the return of Mr. Williams, Mr. Clarke was left behind, and remained in England as agent for the colony, till he obtained the second charter, July 8, 1663. He returned in 1664, and continued pastor of his church till his death, April 20, 1676, aged about 56 years. His exertions to promote the civil prosperity of Rhode Island, must endear his name to those who are now enjoying the fruits of his labours. He possessed the singular honour of contribut ing much towards establishing the first government upon the earth, since the rise of antichrist, which gave equal liberty, civil and religious, to all men living under it. He published, in 1652, a narrative of New- England s persecutions. CLAP, THOMAS, president of Yale college, was born at Scituate, Massachusetts, June 26, 1703, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1722. He afterwards studied divinity, and was ordained pas tor of the church at Windham, Connecticut, 1726. In 1739, he was appointed successor to Rev. E. Williams, as president of Yale college. Mr. Clap was one of the most profound and accurate scholars, of which Connecticut can boast. As a theologian, he was well versed in ecclesiastical history and the writings of the fathers. As a preacher, he was solid, grave, and powerful. His religious senti ments accorded with the Calvinistic system. As he was exemplary for piety in life, so he was resigned and peaceful at the hour of death. He died Janua ry 7, 1767. He constructed the first orrery, or planetarium, made in America. President Clap, in 1755, published a defence of the New-England churches, against the Armenians, who were spreading their doctrines over Connecti cut. In 1766, he published a history of Yale col lege, which contains many precious documents and biographical sketches. He made large collec tions of materials for a history of Connecticut, which, together with other valuable manuscripts, were plundered in the expedition against New-Ha ven, under general Tryon. CUTLER, TIMOTHY, DD. president of Yale col lege, and minister of Christ s Church, Boston, was graduated at Harvard college, 1701. In 1709, he was ordained minister of Stratford, Connecticut. In 1719, he was appointed president of Yale, which was considered an auspicious event to the institu tion, for he was a man of profound and general learning, and particularly distinguished for his ac quaintance with oriental literature. He presided over the college with great dignity and reputation. In 1772, he conformed to the church of England, which produced a great shock to the congregational establishments of New-England. A church was built for him in Boston, of which he was rector from 1723 to 1765, the year of his death. He was a man of strong powers of mind. Dr. Stiles represents him the greatest oriental scholar, except president Chauncey and his disciple Mr. Thacher, in all New-England. His diploma of doctor in divinity was presented by Oxford university, England, 58 CHAUNCEY, CHARLES, DD. a divine eminent for learning and piety, was born in Boston, January 1, 1705, and was the great grandson of president Chauncey. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1722. In 1727, he was ordained pastor of the first church in Boston, as colleague with the Rev. Mr. Foxcroft. He soon became distinguished as a theologian, and no one, except president Edwards and the late Dr. Mayhew, has been so much known among the literati of Europe, or printed more books upon theological subjects. In 1742, he received his diploma from the uni versity of Edinburgh, the first from that seminary to an American divine. He was an honest patriot, and at the commence ment of the revolution he entered warmly into those measures which were considered as necessary to vindicate our rights, and founded in justice and dictated by wisdom. So firmly was he convinced of the justness of our cause, that he used to say, he had no doubt, if human exertions were ineffec tual, that a host of angels would be sent to assist us. His health, cheerfulness, activity, and the pow ers of his mind, continued to old age. He died February 10, 1787. He was respected for the excellence of his cha racter, being honest and sincere in his intercourse with his fellow men, kind, charitable, and pious. The publications of Dr. Chauncey are numerous. Those best known, are, 12 sermons chiefly upon justification, in opposition to the opinion of Robert Sandiman, 8vo. 1765: answer to Dr. Chandler s appeal, 1768: reply to Dr. Chandler s appeal de fended, 1770: in 1771, he published a complete view of episcopacy from the fathers ; a work which does him great honour, and which, in the opinion of many, has settled the controversy. Five ser mons on the Lord s supper, 1772: a just repre sentation of the sufferings and hardships of the 59 town of Boston, 1774 : the salvation of all men. 8vo. 1784 : the benevolence of the Deity considered, 8vo. 1785 : five dissertations on the fall and its con sequences, 8vo. 1785. CLYMER, GEORGE, one of the signers of the de claration of independence, was born in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1739. He had the mis fortune to lose his parents at an early age, but the want of parental protection was faithfully sup plied by William Coleman, Esq., under the super intendence of whom he received an excellent edu cation. . On arriving at a proper age, his mind was turned towards mercantile pursuits, and he accordingly connected himself in business with a Mr. Ritchie* Mr. Clymer s habits of study led him gradually to abandon mercantile pursuits for those of politics and agriculture, as branches which would most materially conduce to the happiness and prosperity of his country. The principles of Mr. Clymer were stern republicanism, and the period had now arriv ed when they were put to the test. He was among the first who embarked in opposition to the arbitra ry acts, and unjust pretensions of Great Britain. When conciliatory measures were found unavailing, he did not hesitate to take up arms in defence of the colonies. Mr. Clymer was chosen a member of the council of safety. On the 29th of July, 1775, he was appointed one of the first continental trea surers, which office he held until after his appoint ment to the congress of 76. In this memorable year, he put his seal to that charter of indepen dence, which has given us a rank among the na tions of the earth. In 1777, he was re-elected to congress, and continued to be an active and effi cient member of that body, until the 19th May tifl following, when the infirm state of his health oblig ed him to retire. After his recovery, he was employed by con gress in the execution of several important trusts, which he performed with great ability and address. In November, 1780, he was for the third time elected to congress; from this until the 12th No vember, 1782, he was actively engaged in the pub lic service, and promoting its welfare by every pos sible means in his power. He was one of the most able advocates for that institution, which became afterwards one of the most powerful supports of the American cause, the national bank. In November, 1782, Mr. Clymer having retired from his seat in congress, removed to Princeton, New-Jersey, for the purpose of educating his sons at Nassau-Hall. This was a happy moment in the life of Mr. Clymer, when conscious of having acted well his part, amidst the turmoils and troubles of an eight years war, he could sit down in the bosom of his family, and reflect upon the deeds which he had done, and the happiness which it had secured to his country. Nor must it be forgotten, that the services which he afterwards rendered to Pennsylvania, in alter ing her penal code of laws, evidence his wisdom and the benevolence of his mind. As soon as the old articles of confederation were found inadequate to bind the states together, a con vention was called to form a more efficient consti tution for the general government. To this illus trious assembly Mr. Clymer was called, and in which he afterwards evinced and advocated the most enlightened and liberal views. On the adop tion of the constitution, he was once more called to unite his talents with those of the assembled sages of the general legislature. Here he gave his un qualified support to all those measures, which con- 01 i ributed so largely to the honour and welfare of the nation, and conferred so much distinction upon the administration of Washington. At the expiration of the first congressional term of two years, he de clined a re-election, which closed his long, labo rious, and able legislative career. But he was not permitted to remain in the shade of private life. He was afterwards employed at the head of the excise office, and lastly in negotiating a treaty with the Creek and Cherokee Indians, in Georgia. This distinguished patriot died at Morrisville, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd January, 1813, at the advanced age of 74. Mr. Clymer possessed strong intellects from na ture, which he improved by culture and study. Retired, studious, contemplative, he was ever add ing something to his knowledge, and endeavouring to make that knowledge useful. His predominant passion was to promote every scheme for the improvement of his country, wheth er in sciences, agriculture, polite education, the useful or the fine arts. His conversation was of the most instructive kind, and manifested an extensive knowledge of books and men. He was a man of irreproachable morals, and of a pure heart. In the domestic circle, and in friendly intercourse, he appeared to peculiar ad vantage. . CARVER, JOHN, first governor of Plymouth co lony, was one of the most active, useful, and pious men of Mr. Robinson s church, while they were at Leyden, and as praiseworthy while he lived with the pilgrims, who first planted this part of North America. Carver and Cushman were appointed the agents to agree with the Virginia company in England, and make provision for their voyage. 62 They obtained a patent in 1619, and in 1620 they arrived in New-England. In November Mr. Carver was elected governor. On the 6th Decem ber governor Carver, with a few associates, went in pursuit of an eligible spot, to commence a set tlement. On the llth December, after having sur veyed the bay, they went ashore upon the main land at the place, which they afterwards called Plymouth, and the rock on which they first set their feet, is now in the public square of the town to this day, and goes by the name of the Forefa thers Rock. They immediately laid out a town and built houses. On the 31st December the pub lic services of religion were attended on the shore for the first time. On the 16th of March, 1621, they were for the first time visited by an Indian, who boldly entered the town alone, and to the astonishment of the emigrants, addressed them in these words : "Wel come, Englishmen ! Welcome, Englishmen ! his name was Samoset, and he was sagamore of Mora- tiggon, distant five days journey to the eastward. He had learned broken English of the fishermen O in his country. By him the governor was in formed, that the place where they now were, was called Patuxet, and though it was formerly popu lous, that every human being had died of the late pestilence." This account was confirmed by the extent of the deserted fields, the number of graves, and the remnants of skeletons, lying on the ground. On the 22d day of March, Massassoit, the sachem of the neighbouring Indians, appeared over against the English town, with a train of 60 men : after some hesitation, mutual distrust prevented for some time any advances upon either side. But Mr. Wins- low being sent to the Indian king with a copper chain and two knives, with a friendly message from the governor, the sachem was pleased to descend from the hill, accompanied by twenty men unarmed. Captain Standish met him at the (33 brook, at the head of six imm with muskets, and escorted him to one of the best houses, where three or four cushions were placed on a green rug, spread over the floor. The governor came in, preceded by a drum and trumpet, the sound of which greatly delighted the Indians. After mu tual salutations, the governor kissing his majes ty s hand, refreshments were ordered. A league of friendship was then agreed on, which was in violably observed for above fifty years. The next day, March 23d, Mr. Carver was elect ed governor for another year. In the beginning of April, twenty acres of land were prepared for the reception of Indian corn, and Samoset and Squanto taught the emigrants how to plant and dress t with herrings, of which immense quantities came into the brooks. Six acres were sowed with barley and peas. On the 5th April the governor came out into the field at noon, complaining of a pain in his head, and in a few days after he died. He was succeeded in the office of governor by Mr. Bradford. The broad sword of governor Carver is deposited in the cabi net of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston. CARVER, JONATHAN, an enterprising traveller, was a native of Connecticut, and born in 1732. He was intended for the profession of medicine, which he quitted for a military life, and served with reputation in the expedition against the French in Canada, till the peace of 1763. After this period, he formed the resolution of exploring the most interior parts of North America, and of penetrating as far as the Pacific ocean. He hoped also to facilitate the discovery of a north-west passage, or of a communication between Hudson s bay and the Pacific ocean. If he could effect the 64 establishment of a post on the straits of Anniaii, he supposed he should thus open a channel for conveying intelligence to China, and the English settlements in the East Indies, with greater expe dition, than by a tedious voyage by the Cape of Good Hope, or the straits of Magellan. The former of these projects he carried into execution amidst numerous difficulties, and returned to Bos ton in October, 1768; having been absent on this expedition two years and five months, and during that time had travelled near 7000 miles. In 1778, he published his travels through the interior parts of North America. He died in 1780, aged forty-eight years. CALVERT, LEONARD, the first governor of Mary land, was the brother of Cecilius Calvert, the pro prietor, and who sent him to America, as the head of the colony, in 1633. Accompanied by his bro ther George, and about 200 persons of good fami lies, they arrived at Point Comfort, in Virginia, February 24, 1634. On the 3d March they en tered the Potomac, and sailed up about twelve leagues, and took possession of an island, which he afterwards called St. Clement s. He fired here his canon, erected a cross, and took possession "in the name of the Saviour of the world, and of the king of England." Thence he went fifteen leagues higher to the Indian town of Potomac, now called New-Marlborough, where he was received in a friendly manner by the natives. Thence he sailed twelve leagues higher to the town of Pica- taway, on the Maryland side, where he found Henry Fleet, an Englishmen, who had resided among the natives several years, and was held by them in great esteem. This man was very serviceable a* an interpreter. An interview having been pro- 05 cured with the prince Werowauu, Oalvert asked him, whether he was willing that a settlement should be made in his country. He replied, "I will not bid you go, neither will I bid you stay ; but you may use your own discretion." Having convinced the natives his designs were honour able and pacific, the governor, by giving a satisfac tory consideration, entered into a contract to re side in one part of their town, until the next har- vestj when the natives should entirely quit the place. Thus on the 27th March, 1634, the governor took peaceable possession of the country of Mary land, and gave to the town the name of St. Ma ry s, and to the creek, on which it was situated, the name of St. George s. The desire of rendering justice to the natives, by giving them a reasonable compensation for their lands, is a trait in the cha racter of the first planters, which will always do honour to their memory. This province was established on the broad foun dation of security to property, and of freedom in religion. Fifty acres of land were granted in ab solute fee to every emigrant, and Christianity was established without allowing pre-eminence to tiny particular sect. This liberal policy rendered a Roman catholic colony an asylum for those, who were driven from New-England by the persecu tions which were then experienced from protes- tants. After the civil war in England, the parlia ment assumed the government of the province, and appointed a new governor. Cecilius Calvert, the proprietor, recovered his right to the province upon the restoration of king Charles II., in 1660, and within a year or two appointed his son Charles the governor. He died in 1676, covered with age and reputation, and was succeeded by his son. 66 COLMAN, BEAJAMIN, DD. a learned divine, was born in Boston, October 19, 1673. He was dis tinguished by early piety and zeal in literary pur suits, and in 1692, was graduated at Harvard col lege. In the year 1695, he went to London, where lie had many friends. He preached to great ac ceptance in that city, and became acquainted with Messrs. Bates, Calamy, Howe, and Burkett. On his return to this country, he was installed the first pastor of Brattle-street church. Here he conti nued the faithful and beloved pastor, until the sum mer of 1747, when he died, aged seventy-four years. Dr. Colman received a diploma of doctor in divi nity from the university of Glasgow, 1731. He was elected president of Harvard college, 1724. He was universally respected for his learning and talents, and was considered at the head of the clergy after the death of Dr. Cotton Mather. He had an extensive correspondence, which he made subservient to useful and benevolent purposes. Through him the Hollis family laid their founda tions for two professorships at Harvard college. His care also extended to Yale college, for which he procured many valuable books. His character was singularly excellent. There were few men more zealous and unwearied in the labours of the pastoral office. Having imbibed the true spirit of the gospel, he was catholic, moderate, benevolent, and ever anxious to promote the gospel of salvation. What president Holyoke said of him, in an oration pronounced the commencement after his death, was considered as correct sentiment, rather than panegyric. "Vita ejus utillissima in rebus chari- tatis, humanitatis, benignitatis, et benefieentise, nunquam non occupata est." His publications are numerous, principally theo logical. An account of his life and writings have been published in one volume octavo. CHAUNCEY, CHARLES, DD. president of Harvard college, and who is styled in Mather s Magnalia, Cadmus Americanus, was born in England, in 1589, and educated at the university of Cambridge. He there took the degree of B. D. Being inti mately acquainted with archbishop Usher, one of the finest scholars in Europe, he had more than common advantages to expand his mind, and make improvements in literature. He was chosen Hebrew professor at Cambridge. but afterwards to oblige the vice-chancellor, he ac cepted of the professorship of Greek. In Leigh s Critica Sacra, he is called Vir doctissimus, fyc. This uncommon scholar became a preacher, and was settled at Ware. He displeased archbishop Laud, by refusing to read the book of sports, and determined thereupon to seek the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of conscience in New-England. He accordingly came to this country, and arrived at Plymouth in the year 1638. When a stop was put to the Laudean per secution, he was invited back by his former people at Ware. At this time, however, the chair of the president was vacant at Harvard college. He was requested to accept it, and for a number of years performed the duties of that office with honour to himself, and to the reputation of that seminary of learning. "How learnedly he conveyed all the liberal arts to those that sat under his feat, how constantly he expounded the scriptures to them in the college hall, how wittily he moderated their disputations and other exercises, how fluently he expressed himself unto them, with Latin of a Terentian phrase, in all his discourses, and how carefully he inspected their manners, will never be forgotten by many of our most icorthy men, who were made such by their education under him." When he made his oration on his inauguration, he concluded it thus: "Doctiorem, certe prsesidem, et huic oneri ac stationi multis modis aptiorem, vobis 68 facile lipt invenire ; sed amantiorem, ct vestri boni studiosiorem, non invenientis." He was an indefatigable student, making it his constant practice to rise at four o clock in the morn ing; but his studies did not interrupt his inter course with heaven, for he usually devoted several hours in the course of the day to secret prayer. Immediately after he rose from bed, at eleven o clock, at four in the afternoon, and at nine, he retired from the world to commune with the Fa ther of mercies. He kept a diary, in which, under the heads of sins and mercies, he recorded his im perfections, and the blessings which were imparted to him. Yet with his zeal, attention to business, and to his private studies, with his amazing appli cation to every thing that was before him, he lived to be famous, and preached to much acceptance at an age to which few reach, and they complain " their strength is labour and sorrow." When his friends advised him to remit his public labours, he answered, " oportet imperatore mori stantem." At length, on the commencement of 1671, he address ed to his friends a farewell oration, after which he sent for his children, and blessed them. He then with Christian serenity awaited his de parture, and closed his useful life at the age of eighty-two years. President Chauncey was a distinguished scholar, being intimately acquainted with many oriental languages. He was well versed also in the sci ences, especially in theology, which was his fa vourite study. A more learned man, perhaps, was not to be found among the fathers of New-England. He published a volume of sermons on justification. 1659, 4to. . His valuable manuscripts left at his death, were afterwards destroved bv fire. 69 CLINTON, DE WITT, LL.D. a distinguished states man, was born in the year 1769, in Orange county, New-York. In 1784, he entered Columbia col lege, and at the commencement for conferring de grees, he received the honours of the university. Early in the year 1786, he. commenced the study of the law with Samuel Jones, Esq. a celebrated counsellor in New- York. He received the usual licenses or degrees, but did not immediately com mence the practice of the law. He was shortly afterwards appointed secretary to his uncle, George Clinton, then governor of the state, in whose ser vice he continued, during his administration, which ended in 1795. In 1797, he was elected a member of the assem bly for the city of New-York. During the period of his legislative career, he devoted a large portion of his time to every subject which had relation to the advancement of science; the promotion of agriculture ; manufactures, and the arts generally ; the establishment of the credit of our staple com modities in foreign markets ; the gradual abolition of slavery; the encouragement of steam boats ; and the various objects of municipal improvement. In February, 1802, he was appointed a senator of the United States, in the place of general Arm strong, who had resigned. He continued an active member of this body until October, 1803, when he retired, having been chosen mayor of the city of New- York. In 1806, he was chosen a member of the coun cil of appointment. In 1807, Mr. Clinton was succeeded as mayor by colonel Willet. In 1808, he was again elected mayor of the city. He was also this year, chosen a regent of the university. In the senate he still continued his support to . the encouragement of free schools, colleges, and manufactures. The record of the proceedings of the senate of New- York for the sessions of 1809, 10, 11, exhibit 70 proofs of his great usefulness. Under his auspices, the New- York historical society was incorporated ; the New- York academy of fine arts was incorporat ed; the orphan asylum and free school societies were fostered and encouraged ; and a fur company was established, with a view of diverting that important branch of inland trade from Canada: besides, he introduced laws to prevent kidnapping ; for the sup port of the quarantine establishment ; for the encou ragement of missionary societies ; for the improve ment of the public police ; for the prevention and punishment of crime ; for promoting medical sci ence ; and for the endowing seminaries of learning. In March, 1810, he was appointed one of the commissioners, to report on the improvement of the internal navigation of the state. As soon as the board of commissioners made their report, a law was passed, " To provide for the internal navi gation of the state." In consequence of the inter ruption occasioned by the late war, nothing, how ever, was done. In 1816, a law was passed, con stituting a board of canal commissioners, of which Mr. Clinton was appointed president. The plan was, to connect lake Erie with the tide waters of the river Hudson. In 1817, a laAV was passed, (in consequence of the favourable reports made by the board,) autho rizing the junction, by canals, of the two waters of the great western and northern lakes, with the At lantic ocean. In 1811, Mr. Clinton was again chosen mayor, which office he continued to hold until 1815. In 1811, he was also chosen lieutenant-governor of the state of New-York. In March, 1817, he was chosen governor of the state, almost without any opposition. He is at this time also closely connected with many literary, scientific, and benevolent institu tions, of several of which he has been the framer. He is president of the literary and philosophical 71 society of New- York, and of the New- York histo rical society. He has been admitted a member of the American philosophical society, and of all the principal scientific associations in this country, and of several in Europe. In 1812, he received the honorary degree of LL. D. Governor Clinton s personal appearance is dig nified and commanding, rather above the middle size, large and well proportioned, and a counte nance highly expressive. His chief* ambition has been to excel in what will benefit mankind. In private life and domestic duties, he is amiable and exemplary, exhibiting the picture of a great man, an elegant and profound scholar, and practical citi zen ; a man of letters and the world, and a charac ter of active worth to the present generation, and of solid and permanent advantage to posterity, CARROLL, JOHN, DD. first archbishop of the Roman catholic church in America, was born at Upper-Marlborough, Maryland, about the year 1735. At a very early period he gave striking presages of his future worth. After spending some time at school in his native state, he was sent to the col lege of St. Omers, in France, and graduated with distinguished reputation for scholarship. He was then transferred to the college of Liege, ordained a priest, and admitted a member of the Society of Jesus. After the dissolution of that society, he acted as the secretary of the dispersed fathers, in their remonstrances with the French court, respect ing the temporal interests of the abolished order. He afterwards acted in the capacity of preceptor and governor to the son of the late Lord Stourton, on a tour through Europe. Upon his arrival in England he resided for some 72 time in the family of Lord Arundel, and on the commencement of our struggles, he returned to America. At the request of congress, he accompanied Dr. Franklin, Charles Carroll, of Charrolton, and Sa muel Chase, on a political mission to Canada. Throughout the revolutionary war he was firmly attached to the cause of freedom, and rendered his country important services. On the establishment of our independence, he solicited the Pope to erect the United States into an episcopal see, and received the appointment of bishop. And since, at the solicitation of the Ca tholic clergy, he was raised to the dignity of arch bishop. In the exercise of his sacred functions, he dis played a spirit of conciliation, mildness, and Chris tian humility, which greatly endeared him to those under his charge. In him, religion assumed its most attractive form : dignified, yet simple ; pious, but not austere. Death to him had no terrors he peacefully re signed his breath into the hands of his Maker, De cember 23, 1815, aged eighty years. CLINTON, GEORGE, fourth vice-president of the United States, was born July 15, 1739, in the present town of New-Windsor, county of Orange, in the state of New- York. At an early age he displayed that spirit of enterprise and energy of character, which distinguished his conduct through life. During what is termed the French war, he signalized him self in several successful expeditions against the French. He afterwards entered on the study of Law, under the direction of judge Smith, the his torian of New- York. In 1764, he was admitted to the bar of the su- 73 preme court, and established himself in his native county, where he practised with great reputation and success. In conjunction with Charles De Witt, Esq. he was chosen a member of the colonial assembly, where he continued actively employed until the re volution, displaying all the resources of a power ful intellect, and the energies of undaunted pa triotism. On the 22d April, 1775, he was appointed a dele gate to the continental congress ; and in the same year he received the appointment of brigadier- general in the army of the United States. At the first election under the constitution of the state, which was adopted at New- York on the 20th April, 1777, he was chosen both governor and lieu tenant-governor; he accepted the former, in which office he was afterwards continued by six succes sive triennial elections. During the revolutionary war, his situation as chief magistrate of the state of New- York, was the most arduous, the most critical, and the most im portant of any office in the new empire, except that of the commander-in-chief. The state was harassed at all points by hostile forces, by disaffection, and by treason. It was at this eventful crisis, too, that the British commander attempted to divide the eastern from the other members of the confederacy, by a cordon of troops, and armed vessels, extending from the city of New- York along Hudson s river to the northern lakes. Governor Clinton, with a handful of men, for a long time successfully opposed the operations of the whole British army, and was finally the cause that frustrated the schemes of the British commander, which, had they succeeded, might have prostrated for a time the liberties of America* In June, 1788, governor Clinton was chosen presi dent of the convention, which met at Poughkeepsie, to deliberate on the new constitution, 10 After a retirement of five years from public life, he was induced from the critical and agitated state of the country, to step forth from the asylum of do mestic enjoyments, into the troubled theatre of politics; and there is no doubt that his influence was the principal cause of the great political revo lution which took place in 1801. At that time he was also prevailed upon to accept the appointment of governor. He held that office for three years, and was then elected vice-president of the United States. In this station he remained until his de cease, which took place on the 20th April, 1812, at the city of Washington. Governor Clinton s conduct \vas as amiable and exemplary in private, as it was dignified and useful in public life. As a public character, he will live in the veneration of posterity, and the progress of time will thicken the laurels that surround his mon ument. The characteristic virtues which distin guished his life, appeared in full splendour in the trying hour of death ; and he died as he lived, with out fear and without reproach. CODDINGTON, WILLIAM, the father of Rhode-Isl and, was a native of Lincolnshire, England. He was appointed a magistrate for Massachusetts, and came to this country in 1630, and fixed himself in Boston. On account of party politics, he removed to Rhode-Island, April 26, 1638, and was the prin cipal instrument in effecting the original settle ment of that place. His name stands first in the covenant signed by eighteen persons at Aquetneck, or Rhode-Island, March 7, 1638, forming them selves into a body politic, to be governed by the laws of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings. It was soon found necessary to have something more definite. Mr. Coddington was appointed judge, and three elders were joined with him ; these were directed by a vote of the freemen, January 2, 1639, to be governed by the general rules of the word of God, when no particular rule was known. But this plan was changed, March 12, 1640, when a governor, lieutenant-governor, and four assist ants were appointed. Mr. Coddington was chosen governor seven years successively, until the charter w^as obtained, and the island was incorporated with the Provi dence plantations. In 1647 he assisted in forming the body of laws which has been the basis of the government of Rhode-Island ever since. In 1651, he went to England, and was commissioned go vernor of Aquetneck island, separate from the rest of the colony : but as the people were jealous lest his commission should affect their laws and liber ties, he resigned it. Towards the close of life he was again chosen governor, and in 1678 he died governor of the colony, being about 78 years of age. He was prudent in his administration, and active in promoting the welfare of the common wealth. COLDEN, CADWALLADER, an eminent physician, botanist, and astronomer, was born in Scotland, February 17, 1688. Having completed his acade mical studies at the university of Edinburgh, he. applied himself to medicine and mathematics, and w r as eminently distinguished by his proficiency in both. Allured by the fame of William Penn s colo ny, he came to this country about the year 1708, and practised physic. He returned to England and formed an acquaintance with some of the most distinguished literary characters of England, with whom he afterwards corresponded, furnishing them with curious and useful intelligence respecting 76 America. From London he went to Scotland, and married a Miss Christie, with whom he returned to America in 1716. At the strong solicitations of General Hunter, in 1718, he settled in New- York, and was shortly after appointed surveyor-general, and about the same time, master in chancery. On the arrival of go vernor Burnet, he was honoured with a seat in the king s council of the province. He afterwards rose to the head of this board, and in that station suc ceeded to the administration of the government in 1760. In 1761, he was appointed lieutenant-go vernor of New-York. He held this commission the remainder of his life, and was repeatedly at the head of government, in consequence of the death or absence of several governors. His political character was rendered very con spicuous, by the firmness of his conduct during the violent commotions which preceded the late revo lution. His administration is rendered memorable, amongst other things, by several charters of incor poration for useful and benevolent purposes. The corporation for the relief of distressed seamen, that of the chamber of commerce, and one for the relief of widows and children of clergymen, will transmit his name with honour to posterity. After the return of governor Tryon, in 1775, he retired to his seat on Long-Island, where he died, Sep tember 28, 1776. Mr. Golden began early to notice the plants of America, classing and distinguishing them accord ing to the custom of botany then in use. When he became acquainted with Linnseus s system of bota ny, he applied himself with new delight to that study. His descriptions of between three and four hundred American plants, were published in the Acta Upsaliensia. Though his principal attention, after the year 1760, was directed from philosophi cal to political matters, yet he maintained with great punctuality his literary correspondence with Linnaeus, Gronovius, Collinson, Dr. Franklin, and many other of the literati of Europe. In 1747, he published in London, a history of the live nations of Indians. COOPER, SAMUEL, DD. an eminent divine, was born in Boston, March 28, 1725. He was the son of the Rev. William Cooper; and his successor at Brattle-street church. He was graduated at Har vard college, in 1743. He early exhibited genius and talents of the first order. His erudition was rather extensive than deep, but his ready mind and brilliant imagination, enabled him to shine in company. In 1746, he was ordained, and was very distin guished in the sacred office which he sustained. His sermons were evangelical and perspicuous, and unequalled in America for elegance and taste. Dr. Cooper was among the first of those patriots who took a decided part in opposition to the arbi trary exactions of Great Britain. At all times he was a leading character among the American whigs. And from the time of the stamp act to the revolutionary war, some of the best political pieces in the Boston Gazette were the effusions of his pen. Such were his abilities and firmness, that he was esteemed and consulted by some of the principal men, who were the means of effecting our revolution. He did much towards procuring foreign alliances. His letters were read with great satisfaction in the court of Versailles, while men of the most distinguished characters in Europe became his correspondents. When his country had asserted her right to independence, believing that knowledge is necessary to the support of a free government, he was anxious to render our li- berties perpetual, by promoting literary establish - ments. He was one of the foremost on laying the foundation of the American academy of arts and sciences, and was chosen its first vice-presi dent in the year 1780. For a number of years he was a fellow of Har vard college, and in 1774, was chosen its president. His diploma of Doctor in Divinity was presented by the university of Edinburgh. After a ministry of near thirty-seven years, he died December 29, 1783. In his last illness he expressed his great satisfaction in seeing his country in peace, and in the possession of freedom and independence, and his hopes, that the virtue and public spirit of his coun trymen, would prove to the world, that they were not unworthy of these inestimable blessings. COTTON, JOHN, an eminent divine, was born in Derby, England, December 4, 1585. At the age of thirteen, he was admitted a member of Trinity col lege, Cambridge, and afterwards removed to Emanuel college, where he obtained a fellowship. He soon acquired a high reputation for scholar ship, and was appointed head lecturer in the col lege. In 1612, he was appointed a minister of Boston, in Lincolnshire. Mr. Cotton, following the steps of many wor thies, left his own country, anxious to secure to himself the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of conscience, though in a wilderness. He arrived in this country in company with Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, September 4, 1633 ; and settled himself in Boston as teacher of the church, in connexion with Rev. Mr. Wilson, and acquired great celebri ty; and so extensive was his usefulness, that he has been called the patriarch of New-England. Mr. Cotton began the Sabbath on Saturday even- 79 ing. He gave religious instruction, read the scriptures, and then retired into his study. The Sabbath he spent either in his study, or in the pul pit. He was a very accomplished preacher, and sustained a high reputation for learning. He was a critic in Greek, and with Hebrew he was so well acquainted, that he could discourse in it; the La tin he wrote with great elegance. Uniting to con spicuous talents, and a profound judgment, the candour and mildness enjoined in the gospel, and the warmth of pious feeling, his instructions fell \vith the gentleness of the dew, and insinuated themselves imperceptibly into the mind. His li brary was large, and he had well studied the fathers and schoolmen, but he preferred Calvin to them all. In 1652, he was invited to England with Mi% Hooker and Mr. Davenport, to assist in the assem bly of divines at Westminster ; and was on the point of accepting, when he was seized with an inflammation of the lungs, which terminated his valuable life, December 23, 1652. Mr. Cotton s publications were numerous. The most celebrated are the works, which he publish ed in the controversy with Roger Williams ; the pouring out of the seven vials; an exposition of Ecclesiastes, 1654 ; sermons on the first epistle of John, folio ; an exposition of the Canticles, &c, CUSHING, THOMAS, LL. D. a distinguished pa triot, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, about the year 1725, and was graduated at Harvard college, in 1744. In early life he was called to respecta ble public offices. Having been chosen represen tative of Boston, in the general court, his patriot ism and talents soon procured him the appoint ment of speaker, a place, which his father, who 80 died in 1746, had occupied with great reputation. He continued to fill this station, till he was chosen one of the members of the first congress, which convened at Philadelphia, in September, 1774. In 1779, he declined a re-election to congress, and after the adoption of the state constitution, was appointed lieutenant-governor, in which office he remained until his death, which happened in February, 1788. He was from youth a professor of religion ; the motives of the gospel governed him through life ; and at the hour of his departure from the world, its sublime doctrines and its promises gave him support. He was a man of abilities; a distin guished patriot; a friend of learning; and scrupu lously devoted his time to the public good. There was a time, when he was considered in Great Britain as the leader of the whigs in this country. The reason of his being known so much in that country was, that his name was signed to all the public papers, as speaker of the house. He had, however, less political zeal than Otis, Adams, or Hancock. CRAWFORD, WILLIAM H. a distinguished states man, was born in Virginia, about the year 1770. At the age of fourteen, he emigrated with his pa rents to Georgia. For several years, Mr. Craw ford was engaged in agricultural pursuits, during which time, his towering genius made a gradual advancement to the temple of science and of knowledge, under the private tuition of Mr. Wad- dell, who now presides over the university of Georgia. On completing his academic course, Mr. Crawford took charge of the academy in Au gusta ; and employed the time not required in the seminary, in prosecuting a course of legal study. which, by the time he had arrived to the age of thirty, had fitted him for the practice of the law. Soon after his admission to the bar, he was one of the three gentlemen appointed to prepare a digest of the laws of the state, the labour of which was principally borne by him : and the work, com pleted in a masterly manner, was received and published by authority of the legislature. His pro fessional career now opened to him a wider field of emolument and reputation. The excellence of his understanding, and the superiority of his in tellect, soon brought him into public life, where he displayed to advantage, those powers with which nature had so eminently gifted him. He was now called to a seat in the legislature of his state, which he continued to fill for four successive years, with advantage to himself and his constituents. In 1807, he was elected to the senate of the United States ; and took his seat in that body, un known to every member in it, and equally new to all the executive officers, having been in no way before connected with the administration of the federal government. Pursuing an undeviating course in his politics, and attached to the democratic party ; the unbend ing integrity of his character, and his powerful ta lents, soon marked him out as one of the most po pular and prominent members of either house. He now became a common centre of attraction, and by his frankness and conciliatory manners, at tached to him friends from both parties. In the session of 1811 and 12, his zeal and ta lents in the debates of that interesting period, often brought him into conspicuous notice, and by his firm and manly conduct was considered the main stay of the administration in the senate. On the resignation of Mr. Eustis, in 1812, he was invited to take charge of that office, but de clined the honour. 11 82 In 1813, on the death of Mr. Barlow, he was ap pointed to succeed him as minister plenipotentiary to the court of France, to which he repaired with out delay. The catastrophe of the great campaign of 1813, in Europe, and the glorious termination of our war with England, superseded the investigations con templated in the mission to France, and afforded Mr. Crawford an early opportunity to return home, in compliance with his own arrangements and sti pulations at the time of his departure from Wash ington. He came home in the same vessel with his past friend, the lamented Bayard, and on his arrival took charge of the war department, to which he had been appointed in anticipation of his return. On the resignation of Mr. Dallas, he was transferred by president Madison to the treasury department, and has there continued to the pre sent time. In all these various situations, he has never fail ed to discover the same powers and energies of mind, and the same acuteness and depth of pene tration. DANFORTH, THOMAS, president of the district of Maine, was born in England in 1622. After his arrival in this country, he resided at Cambridge, and had great influence in the management of pub lic affairs, and conducted himself with great firm ness and resolution in the most difficult times. He led the opposition, and, assisted by Cooke and Goskin, he vindicated the chartered rights of his country, and would yield no privilege which the charter gave them. Hence he was obnoxious to Randolph, Andross, and to the ministry of Great Britain. For the same reason he was the idol of the populace in New-England. In 1679, the inhabitants of the district of Maine being no longer attached to Massachusetts, as a county, elected him president of the province. He died in 1699, aged seventy-seven years. DAVENPORT, JOHN, first minister of New-Haven, and one of the founders of that colony, was born in Coventry, England, 1597. He was graduated at Brazen-Nose college, Oxford, and soon after be gan to preach. Retiring to London, he became an eminent preacher among the puritans. In 1630, he united with Dr. Gouge, Dr. Libs, and others, in purchasing impropriations, and with the profits of them, to provide ministers for poor and desti tute congregations. But archbishop Laud took umbrage at it, as favouring non-conformity, and caused the company to be dissolved, and the mo ney to be confiscated to the use of his majesty. In 1673, Mr. Davenport, in order to escape the im pending storm, came to Boston, and was received 34 with great respect. In 1638, he sailed with his fol lowers for Quinnipiack, or New-Haven, to found a new colony. On the 18th April, the first Sabbath after their arrival, he preached under an oak, and was their minister for nearly thirty years after wards. In the government which was established, it was ordained, that none but members of the church should enjoy the privileges of freemen. He endeavoured to establish a civil and religi ous order, more strictly in conformity to the word of God, than he had seen exhibited in any part of the world. His intrepidity saved Whalley and Goffe, the judges of king Charles I., who fled to New-Haven in 1661, and by his preaching instigat ed the people to protect these unfortunate men from their executioners. In 1667, he succeeded the Rev. Mr. Wilson, as pastor of the first church in Boston, but his labours were of short duration, for he died of an appoplexy, March 15, 1670. He was a distinguished scholar, and a man of exem plary piety and virtue. Such was his reputation, that he was invited with Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Hook er, to take a seat among the Westminster divines, His portrait is preserved in the museum of Yale college. His publications are, "The Saint s Anchor," "A Treatise upon Civil Government," " Sermons," &c. DAVIES, SAMUEL, DD. president of Princeton col lege, in New-Jersey, was born November 3, 1724. His father was a planter, in the county of Newcas tle, on the Delaware, of great simplicity of man ners, and of great piety. He was an only son. His mother, an eminent Christian, had earnestly besought him of heaven, and believing him to be given in answer to prayer, she named him Samuel. She superintended his education till about his tenth year, when he was sent from home to a school, at which he continued till his twelfth year. Soon after this period, he experienced a change of heart, and after repeated and impartial self-ex aminations, he attained a confidence respecting his state which continued to the close of life. Having tasted the joys of religion, he became eagerly desirous of imparting to his fellow sinners the knowledge of the truth. With this object be fore him, he engaged with new ardour in literary and theological pursuits. After undergoing the necessary examinations, he passed, with distin guished approbation, and was licensed to preach the gospel. He now applied himself to unfold and enforce those precious truths, whose power he had expe rienced on his own heart. His fervent zeal and undissembled piety, his popular talents, and great eloquence, soon excited general admiration. In 1747, the presbytery of Newcastle appointed him to officiate in four meeting-houses in Hanover county, Virginia, where it pleased God to bless his labours with great success. In 1753, the synod of New-York, at the instance of the trustees of New-Jersey college, chose him to accompany the Rev. Gilbert Tenent to Great Britain, to solicit benefactions for the college. This service he cheerfully undertook, and execut ed it with singular spirit and success. The liberal benefactions which were received, placed the col lege in a respectable condition. After his return, he again faithfully preached to his flock in Hano ver, till 1759, when he was chosen president of the college, as successor of president Edwards. He hesitated at first to accept of the appointment, but being urged by repeated applications, he at length accepted it, and was inducted into the office in July, 1759. Here the vigour and versatility of his genius were strikingly displayed: scarcely had his usefulness 86 begun to be felt, when he was called to an eternal world. He died February 4th, 1761. He was succeeded in the office of president by the Rev. Dr. Finley. Mr. Davies was endowed with a vigorous un derstanding, a glowing imagination, and a reten tive memory. He was bold and enterprising, and destined to excel in whatever he undertook. In the pulpit he presented a model of the most strik ing oratory. When he spoke, he seemed to have the glories and terrors of the unseen world in his eye ; and seldom preached without making a visi ble impression upon his hearers. His sermons, which fully exhibit his sentiments, have passed through a number of editions. They abound with the beauties and elegancies of expres sion, and with the richest imagery. The best edi tion is in three volumes octavo, 1811. DECATUR, STEPHEN, commodore in the navy of the United States, was born on the 5th January, 1779, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, whither his parents had retired, whilst the British were in possession of Philadelphia. In March, 1798, he received a midshipman s warrant, and shortly after was promoted to a lieu tenancy. He then sailed with commodore Dale s squadron to the Mediterranean. On his return to the United States, he was promoted to the command of the Argus, and \vas ordered to join commodore Pre- ble s squadron, then in the Mediterranean. On his arrival there, he was transferred to the schooner Enterprise, and proceeded to Syracuse, where he learned the fate of the frigate Philadelphia. He immediately proposed to commodore Preble, to re-capture, or destroy her. The consent of the commodore having been obtained, he sailed from Syracuse in the ketch Intrepid, manned with seven ty men; accompanied by the Syren, lieutenant Stewart, who was to aid with his boats, and to re ceive the ketch, in case it should be found expe dient to use her as a fircship. On the 8th Februa ry, he arrived before Tripoli, but the Syren in con sequence of a change of wind, was thrown six miles off from the Intrepid. Notwithstanding this mis fortune, lieutenant Decatur, determined not to await a junction, lest a delay might be fatal to the enter prise, and entered the harbour of Tripoli within a half gun shot of the bashaw s castle, and of the principal batteries, beside the enemy s cruisers, who lay around the frigate such were the immi nent perils whicl) his daring courage so nobly sur mounted. About 11 o clock at night, he boarded the frigate Philadelphia, and in a few minutes gain ed entire possession. The enemy had by this time opened his batteries upon him, and a number of launches were seen rowing towards him. He then ordered the ship to be set on fire, and such was the rapidity of the flames, that it was with the ut most difficulty they preserved the ketch. At this critical moment a breeze sprung up, blowing di rectly out of the harbour, which in a few minutes carried him beyond the reach of the enemy s guns, and they made good their retreat without the loss of a single man, and with but four wounded. For this gallant and romantic achievement he was made post-captain, with the consent of the officers over whose heads he was raised. In the ensuing spring commodore Preble made an attack upon Tripoli, when one of the divisions were commanded by captain Decatur. In this ac tion, he acted with undaunted bravery. He took two of the enemy s vessels, the commander of one of which had treacherously shot his brother, and while making for the harbour, captain Decatur pur sued him and avenged the death of his brother so basely murdered; and afterwards succeeded in getting with both of his prizes to the squadron. The next day, he received the highest commen dation, in a general order, from commodore Pre- ble. Captain Decatur was now transferred to the command of the frigate Congress, and returned home in her when peace was concluded with Tri poli. When the frigate United States was put in com mission, captain Decatur took command of her, previous to which, he had the command of the southern squadron. The late war with Great Britain gave him air- other opportunity of adding to the laurels he had won. On the 25th October, 1812, in latitude 29, N. longitude 29, 30, W. he fell in with his majes ty s ship Macedonian, mounting forty-nine guns. After an action of one hour and an half, the ene my surrendered, with a loss of 36 killed, and 68 wounded while the loss of the Americans was only 4 killed, and 7 wounded. He now carried his prize into Newport, Rhode Island, from thence she afterwards proceeded to New- York, and was re fitted. In May, 1813, after an ineffectual attempt to pass the enemy, and to go to sea, commodore Decatur was obliged to make New-London harbour, where he was pursued by the enemy s blockading squa dron, and was closely invested by them. In January, 1815, commodore Decatur was ap pointed to the command of the ship President. On the 14th, he embraced the only possible oppor tunity to escape the enemy s squadron, and go to sea. On the morning of the 15th, he discovered the enemy nearly ahead, one of which, the Endy- mion frigate, as it afterwards appeared, commenced a fire on the President, which was so spiritedly returned, that in less than two hours she was so crippled, and favoured by a breeze, the President 89 with all sail set went out of the action, and had every probability of escaping, had thick weather set in, of which there was every appearance. On the contrary it continued fine, and enabled three other of the enemy s ships in less than two hours afterwards to approach within half gun shot: be ing now assailed by so superior a force, without any probability of escape, commodore Decatur be ing influenced by motives of humanity, ordered a signal of surrender to be made. He was imme diately taken possession of by the Fomone and Tenedos, each of thirty-eight guns, and Majestic razee of sixty-two guns, and carried into Bermuda. On the 22d February, he arrived at New-Lon don, Connecticut. In the summer of 1815, commodore Decatur was despatched with a squadron to the Mediterra nean, to protect the American commerce, and to reduce the regency of Algiers to a pacific disposi tion. He arrived oft" Cape de Gatt on the 17th June, where he had the good fortune to fall in with the Algerine admiral, and after an action of twen ty-five minutes captured his ship, mounting forty- nine guns. On the 19th, after a chase of three hours, he captured an Algerine brig of twenty-two guns. On the 29th June, he arrived before Al giers, and concluded a treaty of peace on advanta geous terms. After having visited the other Bar- bary ports of Tunis and Tripoli, he returned to the United States in November following. President Madison soon after appointed him a member of the board of commissioners at Washington, for the navy of the United States. It was while in the discharge of the duties of this board, that he was challenged to single combat, with pistols, by com modore James Barron, and was mortally wounded at the first fire. He expired on the night of the 22d March, 1820. Before he expired, he openly opposed the prin ciple of duelling, and threw himself upon the mercy 12 of that God whose laws he had violated. Commo dore Decatur was pleasing in his person, of an in telligent and interesting countenance. His man ners were unassuming and engaging, uniting the polish of the gentleman with the frank simplicity of a sailor. As a naval officer, he has never been surpassed. The most minute branches of naval science never escaped his attention, and the most abstruse never exceeded his comprehension. The various ma- nceuvrings of a ship or squadron, were as fami liar with him, as the evolutions of an army to the scientific military officer. Whether encountering the enemy in the humble galley, or breasting the shock of battle in the majestic ship, he bore into action, as if the genius of victory hovered over him, and gave him conquest in anticipation. When in the midst of an engagement, his own personal safety never occupied a thought. His fearless soul was engrossed with the safety of his crew and his ship, and the destruction of the enemy. But the moment the battle-fray was ended, he was chang ed into a ministering spirit of mercy. Over his slain enemy, he dropped a tear to a wounded one, he imparted consolation he mingled his sighs with the groans of the dying, and rendered every honour to the gallant dead. DICKINSON, JOHN, a distinguished political writer, and a friend to his country, was the son of Samuel Dickinson, Esq., of Delaware. In 1764, he was elected a member of the assembly of Pennsylvania; and in 1765, was returned a member to the general congress. In November, 1767, he began to pub lish his celebrated letters against the acts of the British parliament, laying duties on paper, glass, &c. They supported the liberties of his country, 91 and contributed much to the American revolution. In 1774, he was elected a member of the first congress ; and the petition to the king, which was adopted at this time, was written by him, and is considered an elegant and spirited composition. In June, 1776, he opposed openly, and upon prin ciple, the declaration of independence, when the motion was considered by congress. His argu ments were answered by John Adams, who advo cated a separation from Great-Britain. The part which Mr. Dickinson took in this debate, occasion ed his recall from congress, as his constituents did not coincide with his views. After being absent several years, and finding his constituents unaltera bly fixed in their system of independence, he fell in with it, and was as zealous in supporting it in congress about the year 1780, as any of the mem bers. In 1782, he was elected president of Penn sylvania. In 1785 he was succeeded in the office by Dr. Franklin. He afterwards removed to Dela ware, where he was appointed a member of the old congress ; and of which state he was also president. He died at Wilmington, February 15, 1808, at an advanced a^e. O He filled with ability the various high stations in which he was placed. The welfare of his country was ever dear to him, and he was ready to make any sacrifice for its promotion. He invariably ma nifested an attachment to a republican government, and supported those men and those measures, which he believed most friendly to republican principles. His political writings have been collected and published in two volumes, octavo, 1801. DICKINSON, JONATHAN, first president of New- Jersey college, was graduated at Yale college in 1706. Two years afterwards, he was settled minister of the first Presbyterian church in Elizabeth-Town? New-Jersey. Of this church he was for near forty years the joy and glory. The charter of the col lege of New-Jersey having been enlarged by go vernor Belcher, in October, 1746, Mr. Dickinson was appointed president. It however did not long enjoy his superintendence, for it pleased God to call him away from life, October 7, 1747, in the sixtieth year of his age. Mr. Dickinson was a man of learning, of distin guished talents, and celebrated as an eloquent preacher. His writings possess very considerable merit, and are numerous. DALLAS, ALEXANDER JAMES, secretary of the treasury of the United States, was born June 21, 1759, and was educated at the university of Edin burgh, Scotland. He came to this country in the year 1783, and commenced the study of the law, and two years after, was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Pennsylvania. For several years his practice not being very ex tensive, he prepared for the press the cases adjudg ed in the courts of Pennsylvania, before and since the revolution. In 1791, he w r as appointed secretary of the com monwealth of Pennsylvania, and in the same year was elected a member of the American philosophi cal society. In 1796, he published an edition of the law T s of Pennsylvania, with notes. In 1801, he was appointed by president Jeffer son, attorney of the United States for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and resigned his secreta ryship. This commission was confirmed by the senate in 1802, and he continued connected in this way with the government, until October, 1814, when 93 president Madison appointed him to the office of secretary of the treasury of the United States. In 1815, he undertook the additional and very delicate trust of secretary at war, and executed with acknowledged success, the invidious task of reducing the army of the United States. In the month of November, 1816, peace being restored, the finances arranged, the embarrassment of the circulating medium daily diminishing, and soon to disappear under the influence of the na tional bank, which it had so long been his labour to establish, he resigned his honourable trust, and resumed the practice of the law in Philadelphia. At this place he suddenly closed his career, Ja nuary 16, 1817. Mr. Dallas possessed a mind highly gifted by nature, and richly cultivated with a variety of knowledge. As an advocate, he was learned, ingenious, and excursive, and at times very eloquent. As a statesman, his talents were of the highest order ; bold, comprehensive, and profound, and ca pable of grasping whatever subject he attempted. DAVIE, WILLIAM RICHARDSON, one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born June 20, 1756. This distinguished patriot, at the commencement of the revolutionary war, was a student at Princeton college, where he finished his education, and gra duated in the ever memorable year of 76. On his return home, he went to Salisbury, North-Carolina, and commenced the study of the law. The war continuing, contrary to the expectation which ge nerally prevailed when it began, he could no longer resist his ardent wish to plant himself among the defenders of his country. Without delay he join ed the southern armv, and we find him at the bat- 94 tie of Stono, as brigade-major of cavalry, covering the retreat of Lincoln s army. At the period of Gates s defeat, his zeal and activity had advanced him to the command of a legionary corps, in whose equipment he expended the last shilling of an es tate bequeathed to him by his uncle. On the fatal 16th August, he was hastening with his corps to join the army, when he met our dispersed and flying troops. He nevertheless advanced towards the conqueror, and was essentially serviceable, not only in preventing pursuit, but in recapturing the baggage and some of our men. Convinced that the victorious enemy would seek and strike at the brigade under Sumpter, he, with laudable zeal, im mediately despatched a confidential soldier with the intelligence of Gates s defeat, and then reluc tantly retired. He had previously under the com mand of Sumpter, fought both at Hanging-Rock and Rocky-Mount. In consideration of his eminent services, the governor of North-Carolina promot ed him to the rank of brigadier-general. General Davie was not only distinguished as an intelligent, but as an intrepid soldier. His delight was to lead a charge; and possessing great bodily strength, united with uncommon activity, is said to have overcome more men in personal conflict than any individual in the service. His knowledge of the country and of its re sources, induced general Greene, on assuming the command of the southern army, to intrust him with the charge of the quarter-master general s depart ment. He afterwards employed him as a negotiator with the legislature of North-Carolina, for supplies of men, the more effectually to resist the enemy. In both these capacities he acquitted himself with consummate ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his general. At the close of the war he returned home, and resumed the practice of the law. He very soon 95 rose to great eminence ; and in a few years, became one of its principal leaders and ornaments. He was possessed of great sagacity, profound know ledge, and masculine eloquence. In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of North-Carolina, a member of the grand convention which met at Philadelphia, to frame the present constitution. He was afterwards elected a mem ber of the state convention, which met to ratify and adopt it, and was one of its ablest champions, and most ardent supporters. In 1799, he was elected governor; the duties of which station he performed with his accustomed firmness and wisdom. He was not, however, per mitted to remain long in that station. His country had higher claims on his talents and services. The venerable Mr. Adams, then president of the United States, anxions to make one more effort to put an end to the differences which subsisted be tween this country and France, associated general Davie with Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Murray, as his ambassadors to that court. These gentlemen, on their arrival in France, found the tyrannical and corrupt government of the directory, which had behaved so haughtily to general Pinckney and his colleagues, overturned by Bonaparte ; who though possessed of more power than his predecessors, was desirous to conciliate the United States. Com missioners were appointed to discuss the subjects of dispute, and their deliberations ended in a con vention, which healed the breach, and saved the United States from being dragged into the vortex of European quarrels. General Davie, who had, during his stay in France, witnessed and deplored the effects of the revolution upon that country, upon his return to the United States, endeavoured to impress upon all Americans, but chiefly upon young men of ardent minds, and promising talents, the vast importance of moderation and toleration in republican govern - 96 ments ; without which, they can scarcely hope to escape the snares of ambitious demagogues, and the ruin of violent dissentions. General Davie con templated the character of Bonaparte with great attention. He saw him often, and conversed with him freely. He considered him as a man of first rate talents as a warrior, and of great research as a statesman. But he regarded him also, as a man of unbounded ambition, restrained by no principles, human or divine. His opinion of him afterwards was verified, by his assumption of imperial and despotic power. General Davie continued to reside at his beautiful seat, on the banks of the Catawba, to which travel lers and visiters were constantly attracted by his open hospitality, his dignified manners, and ele vated character. The affability of his deportment gave easy access to all. But no person approach ed him, however distinguished by his talents or character, who did not speedily feel, that he was in the presence of a very superior man. The good he did survives him; and he has left a noble ex ample to the youth of his country, to encourage and to stimulate them in the honourable career of virtue and of exertion. DWIGHT, TIMOTHY, S. T. D. LL. D. president and professor of divinity of Yale college, was born at Northampton, in the state of Massachusetts, May 4, 1752. At a very early age, he exhibited astonishing proofs of intellect, and was admitted into the freshman class of Yale college at the age of thirteen. In 1769, he received the honours of. the college, under the most promising auspices of future use fulness and celebrity. In 1771, he was elected a tutor of Yale, and in the following year was admitted to the degree of 1 : ET. TIMOTHY 1 ) W .( (VH T, S.T.B. 97 master of arts. In 1776, he married Miss Mary Woolsey, daughter of Benjamin Woolsey, Esq. of Long Island, and in the following year gave up his place as tutor, in the college. He then accept ed the appointment of chaplain in the American army, in the division commanded by general Put nam. His continuance with the army, however, was short, in consequence of the death of his fa ther which happened in 1777. His father leaving a numerous family unprovided for, he went to re side with them, discharging at the same time every filial and fraternal duty. At this place, Northamp ton, he established an academy, which gained him great reputation. At the close of the revolutiona ry war, he was chosen to represent the town of Northampton in the state legislature : here he ac quitted himself in a manner highly honourable to himself, and so as to give the strongest impres sion of his integrity, and sacred regard to justice. About this time he had several flattering offers made him from diiferent towns in Massachusetts to settle as a clergyman, all of which he saw fit to decline. In 1783, he accepted an invitation to set tle as a clergyman in the parish of Greenfield, in the town of Fairfield, in Connecticut. Here he ably and faithfully dispensed the word of God for the space of ten years. At this place, he esta blished an academy for the reception of youth of both sexes, which soon gained a reputation, per haps, unparalleled in any similar institution in this country. It was indebted for its celebrity to no extraneous aid whatever; and rested, for support, solely on the talents and exertions of the founder. On the death of president Styles, in May, 1795, the public attention was immediately turned to wards Dr. Dwight, as his successor. He was ac cordingly elected president of Yale college, and inducted into office the September following. Very soon the college began to flourish beyond all former example, and, perhaps, its reputation was 13 98 never more extensive than at the time of his death. At the time he entered on the duties of the presi dency, the office of professor of divinity was va cant; and as several ineffectual attempts had been made to procure a proper incumbent, Dr. Dwight engaged to discharge the duties of this office like wise. A few years after, he was regularly elected to the divinity chair ; which he filled, till his death, with unparalleled reputation and success. Dr. Dwight continued to discharge the duties of his station, both as president and professor of the college, to the age of sixty-five, when after a long and painful illness, in the accents of fervent prayer, he yielded his spirit to God who gave it, on the morning of the 8th January, 1817. Dr. Dwight was distinguished for a mind formed for the highest efforts of intellectual vigour, a clear and discriminating judgment a retentive memo ry and an imagination strong and active. As a man of literature, his information was various and extensive, although, from the age of twenty-four, on account of the weakness of his eyes, almost all his reading was done by the aid of others, and almost all his writing by an amanuensis. As a preacher, he possessed very uncommon ex cellences : with a person and attitude dignified and commanding a voice deep toned and susceptible of every modulation an elocution clear, flowing, and impetuous he never failed to command the most respectful and profound attention. Dr. Dwight left prepared for the press, and which have since been stereotyped and published in this country, as well as Europe, and have al ready gone through many editions : " A complete View of Theoretical and Practical Divinity," fiv e volumes, 8vo. No other monument need be made to perpetuate his genius and talents, as this work has already established his fame. Another work of his has also been published, entitled "An His torical, Topographical, arid Statistical Account of 99 the states of New-England, and of the state of New- York;" containing much valuable information of that section of the United States, and must ever be esteemed a valuable record for posterity. Dr. Dwight published in his* lifetime two epic poems, viz. "Greenfield Hill," and the "Conquest of Ca naan," besides sermons and other minor pieces. Dr. Dwight had the honour of being a member of most of the literary and philosophical societies in this country. He was likewise honoured with the degree of doctor in divinity by the college at Princeton, and with the degree of doctor of laws by the university of Cambridge. 100 EDWARDS, JONATHAN, DD. president of Prince ton college, New-Jersey, an eminent divine and acute metaphysician, was the son of the Reverend Timothy Edwards, pastor of the church in Wind sor, Connecticut. He was born October 5, 1703, and was graduated at Yale college, in 1720. His uncommon genius discovered itself early, and while yet a boy, he read Locke on the Understanding with a keen relish : moral and theological researches afforded him the highest gratification. During two years after taking his first degree, he remained at college, preparing himself for the ministry. In 1724, he was appointed a tutor in Yale college, and continued in that office for which he was well qualified, till 1726 when he was called to preach at Northampton, Massachusetts. Here, he was or dained as colleague with his grandfather, the Rev. Mr. Stoddard, February 15, 1727. He continued in this place for more than twenty-three years, during which time the church was much enlarged. Unhappily for the church, in 1744, a difference of opinion arose upon the subject "that none but the children of communicants have a right to baptism." This subject struck at the root of some immorali ties which had crept in among the members of his church, of which it was his design to correct, and to bring them to repentance : a secret dislike, however, was excited in the minds of many, and it was soon blown into a flame. When he settled in Northampton, he was not perfectly convinced of the correctness of the principle, which was sup ported by his colleague, the Rev. Mr. Stoddard, that unconverted persons had a right in the sight of God to the sacrament of the Lord s Supper. After diligent inquiry, he was convinced that the principle was erroneous and dangerous. His in vestigations led him to believe, that the supper 101 was instituted for the true disciples of Jesus Christ ; that none but those, who were considered as such, should be permitted to partake of it. Considering it his duty to vindicate the truth, and in full view of consequences that followed, he openly avowed his sentiments, cheerfully sacrificing every worldly interest to promote the purity of the church, and the glory of the Redeemer. The dispute was so great, and the contention so warm, that he was violently driven away in disgrace from a people; who once would almost have plucked out their eyes and given them to him. They would listen to no explanation whatever. He was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, June 22, 1750. In this scene of trouble and abuse, Mr. Edwards exhibit ed the truly Christian spirit. His calmness, and meekness, and humility, and yet firmness, and re solution, were the subjects of admiration to his friends. In August, 1751, he was invited to settle in the church at Stockbridge, which he accepted. Here he continued six years, making himself useful to the people, both Indians and the English. In this retired situation he found much leisure to prose cute his theological and metaphysical studies, and to produce works which have given him a distinc tion among the greatest men of the age, and a name honoured throughout Europe. Thus was his calamitous removal from Northampton the oc casion, under the wise providence of God, of his imparting to the world the most important instruc tions, whose influence has been extending, and whose good effects may still be felt for ages. In January, 1758, he reluctantly accepted the office of president of the college at Princeton, as suc cessor of his son-in-law, the Rev. Mr. Burr. In this station, which he adorned by his reputation, and where he might have been very useful, if it had pleased heaven to have spared his life, he 102 continued but a short time. He died March 2 2, 1758, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. A short time before he died, a few friends who had collected around his bed to see him breathe his last, were lamenting the loss which the college would sustain, he said, to their astonishment, "Trust in God, and ye need not fear." After which he expired with as much composure, as if he had fallen asleep. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Davies. As a minister, a husband, a father, an author, and a scholar, he was greatly distinguished, rever ed, and beloved. His death was universally la mented. Though many differed from him in theolo gical opinions, yet all respected his piety and learning. As a preacher, he was pathetic, seri ous, and experimental. All his researches he pursued with his pen in his hand, and the number of his miscellaneous writings which he left behind him, was above four teen hundred. His Essay on the Freedom of theWill is considered as one of the greatest efforts of the human mind, and gives him a name among the greatest metaphysicians. Several professors of divinity in the Dutch universities sent him their thanks for the assistance he bad given them in their inquiry into some doctrinal points, having carried his own further than any author they had ever seen. This book is written in opposition "to Armini- an principles," and the "Pelagian heresy;" and has baffled all opposition. His " Treatise upon the Affections" is another work of great celebrity. A complete collection of his writings has been published in eight volumes octavo. EDWARDS, JONATHAN, DD. president of Union college at Schenectady, New-York, was the son of the preceding. He was born at Northampton, Mas sachusetts, June 6, 1745. He was educated at Princeton college, and graduated in 1765. After studying divinity under the care of Dr. Bellamy, he was licensed to preach by the association of minis ters in the county of Litchfield, Connecticut, Octo ber, 1766. In 1767, he was appointed tutor of Princeton college. In 1769, he was called to offici ate in the church at White-Haven, and continued there till May, 1795, when he was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council at his own request, and the request of his people. In January, 1796, he was installed pastor of the church at Colebrook, in Litch field county. In June, 1799, he was elected presi dent of Union college, in which office he died Au gust 1, 1801. Dr. Edwards was a man of uncom mon powers of mind. He has seldom been surpass ed in acuteness and penetration, and is an author of very considerable reputation. His answer to Dr. Chauncey, his dissertation on the liberty of the will, in reply to Dr. West, and his sermons on the atone ment of Christ, are considered as works of great and peculiar merit, and prove him to be a critic and a scholar. He also edited from the MSS. of his father, the history of the work of redemption, two volumes of sermons, and two volumes of observations on im portant theological subjects. ELLIOT, JOHN, commonly called the apostle to the Indians, exhibited more lively traits of an extraor dinary character than we find in most ages of the church, or in most Christian churches. He who could prefer the American wilderness to the plea sant fields of Europe, was ready to wander through this wilderness for the sake of doing ^ood. To be 104 active was the delight of his soul; and he went to the hovels which could not keep out the wind and the rain, where he laboured incessantly among the aboriginals of America, though his popular talents gave him a distinction among the first divines of Massachusetts. He was born in England in 1604. After receiving his education at the university of Cambridge, he was for some time the instructer of youth. In 1631, he arrived in this country, and in the following year was settled as a teacher of the church in Roxbury. His benevolent labours were not confined to his own people. Having imbibed the true spirit of the gospel, his heart was touched with the wretched condition of the Indians, and he became eagerly desirous of making them acquaint ed with the glad tidings of salvation. There were at the time when he began his labours near twenty tribes of Indians within the limits of the English planters. The Massachusetts language, in which he translated the bible and several practical pieces, serving the purpose of a missionary ; the first thing he did was to learn this language of the people. An old Indian, who could speak English, was taken into his family, and by conversing freely with him, he learnt to talk it, and soon was able to reduce it to some method ; and became at last so much mas ter of it, as to publish a grammar which is printed in some editions of the Indian bibles. In October, 1646, he preached his first sermon to an assembly of Indians at Nonantum, the present town of Newton. After the sermon was finished, he desired them to ask any questions which they thought proper. One immediately inquired whether Jesus Christ could understand prayers in the Indian language] Another, how all the world became full of people if they were all once drowned] A third asked, how there could be the image of God, since it was forbidden in the commandment 1 At another time when he preached to them, an old man asked with tears in his eves, whether it was not too late for 1U5 him to repent and turn unto God 1 ! A second, how it came to pass, that sea water was salt, and river water fresh; how the English came to differ so much from the Indians in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, since they all at first had but one father; and why, if the water is larger than the earth, it does not overflow the earth! It was his custom to spend weeks together to instruct them in divine things, and how they could improve their con dition upon the earth. He partook with them their hard fare, with locks wet with the dews of the night, and exposed to the attacks from the beasts of the forest ; or to their spears and arrows who were fiercer than wolves, and more terrible in their howl- ings. None of these things moved him ; like a brave soldier he fought the good fight of faith, bearing every suffering with cheerfulness, and every pain with resignation. They often threatened him when alone with them in the wilderness with evil, if he did not desist from his labours, but he was a man not to be shaken in his purpose by the fear of danger. He said to them : " I am about the work of the great God, and my God is with me ; so that I neither fear you nor all the sachems in the country ; and do you touch me if you dare." In his missionary tours he planted a number of churches, and visited all the Indians in Massachu setts and Plymouth colonies, pursuing his way as far as Cape Cod. The first Indian church formed after the manner of the congregational churches in New-England, was established at Natick in 1660. Mr. Elliot afterwards administered to them baptism and the Lord s supper. He made every exertion to Eromote the welfare of the Indian tribes ; he stimu- ited many servants of Jesus to engage in the mis sionary work, and lived to see twenty-four aborigi nal fellow-preachers of the gospel of Christ. In 1661, he published the New Testament in the Indi an language. He possessed an influence over the Indians which 14 106 no other missionary could obtain. During the war with the sachem Philip, 1675, he appears in a cha racter very interesting to the community. He was their shield. He plead their cause with great firm ness, and prevented their extermination by an infu riate multitude. After living eighty-six years in this world of trial, the spirit of this excellent divine took its flight to a better world, May 20, 1690. Few of his family were alive to lament his death ; but he was lamented by the whole family of virtue, and by all the sincere friends of religion. Though he lived many years, they were filled with usefulness; succeeding gene rations mentioned his name with profound respect; his labours were applauded in Europe and America ; and all w r ho now contemplate his active services, his benevolent zeal, his prudence, his upright con duct, his charity, are ready to declare his memory precious. Such a man will be handed down to fu ture times, an object of admiration and love, and appear conspicuous in the historic page, when distant ages celebrate the worthies of New-Eng land. Besides his translation of the Bible into the In dian tongue, he published the " Glorious Progress of the Gospel Among the Indians, &c." 1649 " The Tears of Repentance," 1653 "A Farther Account of the Gospel Among the Indians," 1659 " The Christian Commonwealth," 1660 " The Jews in America," 1660, intended to prove that the Indians were descendents of the Jews " The Harmony of the Gospels," 1678, &c. ELLSWORTH, OLIVER, chief justice of the United States, and a distinguished statesman, was born at Windsor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745, and was lor .graduated at Princeton in 1766. He soon after wards commenced the practice of the law, in which profession he attained an acknowledged eminence. In 1777, he was chosen a delegate to the conti nental congress. In 1780, he was elected a mem ber of the council of his native state, where he re mained till 1784, when he was appointed a judge of the superior court. In 1787, he was elected a member of the convention which framed the fede ral constitution. In this assembly, illustrious for talents, erudition, and patriotism, he held a dis tinguished place. His exertions essentially aided in the production of an instrument, which, under the divine blessing, has been the main pillar of American prosperity and glory. He was afterwards appointed a member of the state convention, and contributed his efforts towards procuring the rati fication of that instrument. In 1789, when the fe deral government was organized, he was chosen a member of the senate. With his accustomed dig nity he filled this elevated station till 1796, when he was nominated by president Washington, chief justice of the supreme court of the United States. This office he discharged with great reputation* In 1799, he was appointed by president Adams en voy extraordinary to France, for the purpose of ac commodating existing difficulties, and settling a treaty with that nation. In conjunction with go vernor Davie and Mr. Murray, his associates, he negotiated a treaty, which, though it did not answer the just claims and expectations of the American public, was undoubtedly the best that could be procured. In 1800, he transmitted a resignation of his office of chief justice. On his return to his native state, his fellow citizens, still desirous to enjoy his extraordinary talents, appointed him chief justice of the state. This office, however, he de clined, on account of his bad state of health. He died November 26, 1807, 108 Mr. Ellsworth was an accomplished advocate, an upright legislator, an able and impartial judge, a wise and incorruptible patriot ; who devoted eve ry faculty, every literary acquisition, and almost every hour of his life, to his country s good. In private life, he was the model of every social and personal virtue. EATON, THEOPHILUS, first governor of New-Ha ven colony. He arrived in this country in 1637, in company with Mr. Davenport, who was compell ed " to seek a refuge from the storm of these cold and rude corners of the earth." Governor Eaton was one of the most opulent men who came into this country. His company pre ferring to be a distinct colony, made a purchase of a large territory, and built a town, which is now called New-Haven. He was then elected governor, which office he held until his death, 1657, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. " It was the admiration," saith Dr. Mather, " of all spectators, to behold the discretion, the gravity, and equity, with which he managed all public af fairs. He carried in his countenance a majesty which cannot be described; and in his dispensa tions of justice, he was a mirror for the most imi- table partiality." Dr. Trumbull further observes, " there was no man, among the first planters of New-England, who had a more general acquaintance with public business, or who sustained a fairer character." He was one who signed the confederation of the United Colonies in 1643. There was none who exerted themselves more for the prosperity of New-England, or whose name appears more con- 109 spicuous on the pages of history of this period. His monument was erected at the public expense, and is now in good preservation. It has upon it the following lines : Eaton, so meek, fo fam d, so just ; The Phoenix of our world, here hides his dust This uame forget, New-England never must. 110 FULTON, ROBERT, a celebrated civil engineer, was born in the town of Little-Britain, in the county of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1765. His father died when he was only three years of age. After receiving an English education, he was placed with a jeweller in Lancaster, with the intention of acquiring the trade. This pursuit however did not prevent him from cultivating and exercising his talent for painting, which he afterwards pursued with great success. With the advice of his nu merous friends, he made a visit to London, and placed himself under the direction of Mr. West: he immediately became an inmate of that gentle man s house, and very soon, his companion and friend. The friendship thus formed, subsisted una bated until the death of Fulton. For some years after leaving the family of Mr. West, he employed himself as a painter. He did not however feel himself entirely satisfied with his progress in the art, and was, at length, wholly with drawn from its further cultivation, by his ruling taste for the mechanic arts. As early as the year 1793, he brought forward his project of propelling boats by steam, with much confidence; and in September following, he com municated his ideas on steam navigation to lord Stanhope, who acknowledged it by letter, dated October, 1794. In 1794, the British government granted him patents for a double inclined plane, to be used in transportation ; for a machine for spinning flax ; and another for making ropes, &c. &c. In the year 1796, he submitted to the British board of agriculture, a plan for the improvement of canal navigation, which was favourably received, and for which he received a patent in the year 1797. Ill He then went to France, with a view to introduce it into that country. In 1798, pursuing this interesting subject with great zeal, he published a series of letters, address ed to earl Stanhope, in which he clearly exhibits the advantages to nations arising from canals and home improvements generally, simple taxation, and free trade. On his arrival at Paris, a friendship commenced between him and Joel Barlow, which ended only with their lives. At the invitation of Barlow, Ful ton took up his residence at the hotel of the former, where he continued to remain during seven years. In this time he studied the high mathematics, phy sics, chemistry, and perspective. He also acquired the French, Italian, and German languages. Barlow, about this time, was preparing for the press his elegant edition of the Columbiad, which he afterwards dedicated in terms of glowing affec tion to Fulton. The splendid plates which adorn this work, were, executed under the superintendence of Fulton. In December, 1797, he made his first experiment on sub-marine explosion on the river Seine, in com pany with Barlow. In December, 1806, he returned to New- York, and immediately recommenced his experiments on sub marine war. He also directed his attention to steam navigation. After several successful experiments, he publish ed, in 1810, his interesting work, entitled, " Torpe do War," which contains a full account and clear explanation of his system. At the earnest solicitation of the Hon. R. R. Liv ingston, who had pointed out to him the incalcula ble advantages which would arise out of a perfect system of steam navigation, had the desired eifect of arousing the energies of his genius to a subject which he had not bestowed much attention upon -since the year 1793. 1.12 After his return to the United States in 1806, he and Mr. Livingston immediately commenced build ing a steam-boat called the " Clermont," which af terwards navigated the Hudson at the rate of five miles per hour. From this memorable era in the life of Mr. Fulton, the art of navigating by steam continued to advance towards perfection, and the last boat built under his direction was better than any that had preceded it. It is but justice to remark in this place, that the first idea which had gone abroad of joining the western lakes and the Atlantic ocean by canals, ori ginated with Mr. Fulton, and was promulgated by him in answer to a letter of the secretary of war in 1807. He afterwards, in 1808, in reply to several queries proposed to him by Mr. Gallatin, then sec retary of the treasury, with regard to public roads and canals, he goes at large into the subject, dis playing a great fund of knowledge and the most en lightened and comprehensive views. On the breaking out of the late war he again turned his attention to his favourite project of sub marine warfare, and after various successful expe riments, obtained, in 1813, a patent for a " sub-ma rine battery." It was from his sub-marine battery that he con ceived the plan of the " steam man of war." This invention was readily patronised by govern ment, and in March, 1814, a law was passed to build one; the cost estimated at $320,000. He was ap pointed the engineer, and in little more than four months from the laying of the keel, she was launch ed at New-York under the name of Fulton the first. Since her equipment she is allowed to be the most formidable engine for warfare that human ingenui ty has"ever contrived. The last work on which he was engaged was a modification of his sub-marine boat ; her model was approved, and he had received the sanction of the executive to construct one at New- York, but unfor- 113 tunately his country had to lament his death before he had completed it. He terminated his valuable life on the 24th February, 1815, a martyr to his ef forts in the cause of science. Mr. Fulton was about six feet high. His person was slender, but well proportioned and well formed. His features were strong, and of manly beauty. In all his domestic and social relations, he was zealous, kind, generous, liberal, and affectionate. He knew of no use for money, but as it was subser vient to charity, hospitality, and the sciences. At the time of his death he was a member of the prin cipal literary and scientific societies in the United States. FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN, LL. D. F. R. S. a cele brated philosopher and statesman, was born in Boston, January 17, 1706. At the age of eight years he was put to the Boston grammar school, and from the aptness which he displayed, his fa ther conceived the idea of educating him for the church, but wanting the means, he took him home at the age of ten, to assist him in his business. At the age of twelve he was put an apprentice to his elder brother J. Franklin, who then published the Boston Gazette. This paper was the second which appeared in America. It was, however, the paper called the "C our ant" afterwards emitted by his brother, which became so famous for the effusions? of his brother Benjamin. Young Franklin early evinced an uncommon taste for reading, and an attachment to books. His writings brought him into notice, and gave him encouragement to continue his literary labours. When only seventeen years of age, he left his na tive town, and came to Philadelphia, an entire stranger^ without letters, and with but a slender provision of money. He made his entrance on 15 114 Sunday morning, and sauntered through the streets in search for lodgings, his pockets stuffed with shirts and stockings, and a large roll of bread un der each arm, and eating a third. " Who would have dreamed," exclaims Brissot de Warville in his panegyric, "that this miserable wanderer would become one of the legislators of America ; the or nament of the new world; the pride of modern philosophy ; and an ambassador to one of the rich est, most powerful, and enlightened nations of the universe f His active mind and habits of industry soon procured for him employment as a composi tor in one of the two printing establishments in Philadelphia at that time. Sir William Keith, the governor, having been informed that Franklin was a young man of promising talents, invited him to his house, and treated him in the most friendly manner. He advised him to enter into business for himself, and assured him of his assistance. At his request he went to London to complete his knowledge of the business, and to purchase a set of types. On his arrival there he found himself deceived, and was left to find subsistence by his own exertions. Undismayed by misfortune and disappointment, he obtained employment as a jour neyman printer, and by living economically, he saved a greater part of his wages. After a residence of eighteen months in Lon don, he returned to Philadelphia, in October, 1726, as a clerk to Mr. Denham, a merchant. On the death of his friend in the following year, he engag ed with Mr. Keimer, as foreman in. his printing- office. It was not long before a disagreement took place with Keimer, whom he left, and entered into partnership with Mr. Meredith; but in 1729, he dissolved the connexion with him. He then pur chased of Keimer a paper, and by the assistance of friends, was enabled to conduct it in such a manner as attracted much attention. In 1730, he 115 married a Miss Read. In 1731, he carried into effect the plan of forming a library, which after wards became the foundation of that noble institu tion the present Library Company of Philadelphia. In 1732, he began to publish "Poor Richard s Al manac." Of this work he sold ten thousand annu ally. The wise sayings of Poor Richard have been repeated, and copied, and printed in many works. They have also been translated into many foreign languages. As a treatise of public and private economy it was considered one of the best extant. His paper he published nearly on the same plan, enriching it with ethical discourses, and careful ly excluding from it " all libelling and personal abuse." At the age of twenty-seven he acquired the French, Italian, and Spanish languages, so as to read them with considerable fluency. In 1736, he was appointed clerk of the general assembly of Pennsylvania, and in the following year postmaster of Philadelphia. In 1736, he put into successful operation the "American Philosophical Society," and may also be considered as the founder of the university of Pennsylvania. By his influence and zeal he pro cured a grant from the legislature for the establish ment and endowment of the Pennsylvania hospi tal. And, indeed, such were his patriotic and phi lanthropic exertions, in contributing to the orna ment and benefit of Philadelphia, that his name may be cherished as its second founder. In 1747, he was chosen a member of the assembly, and continued in this station ten years. Here he ex erted all his influence in opposing the proprietary claims. Among the writers upon politics, and the persons who have acted an important part in the revolution of their country, Dr. Franklin has been highly esteemed, and conspicuously distinguished. At this period he began his electrical experiments, which was onlv the commencement of a more bril- 116 liant and successful career. His great discovery was the identity of the electric fluid and lightning. His splendid experiments were justly admired and venerated in all parts of Europe, and in a short time they rilled the world with his fame. In 1754, he was appointed one of the commissioners, who attended the congress at Albany, to devise the best means of defending the country against the French. He drew up a plan which was afterwards adopted by congress. In 1757, he was sent to England as agent for Pennsylvania, and while there, was appointed agent of Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia. Dur ing his residence abroad, he formed connexions with persons of rank and influence. It was now he began to receive the reward of his philosophical merit. He was elected with especial honours, a member of the Royal Society, and was honoured with the degree of doctor of laws by the universi ties of St. Andrew s, Edinburgh and Oxford, and his correspondence was sought by the most emi nent philosophers of Europe. In 1762, he returned home, and received thanks for his services. In 1764, he was again sent to London as an agent for the province, to procure a change of the pro prietary government. In 1766, he was examined at the bar of the house of commons, respecting the repeal of the stamp act; his conduct on this occasion was firm and manly. During the following year he visited Hol land, Germany, and France, and became acquaint ed with most of the literary characters of Europe. In 1775, he returned to America, and the day after his arrival, he was elected a member of con gress. In this body he laboured with the utmost zeal, to bring about the ever memorable declara tion of independence, to which he afterwards af fixed his name, on the 4th July, 1776. Towards the latter end of July, he was chosen president of 117 the convention which met in Philadelphia, to form a new constitution for Pennsylvania. In October following, he was sent to France to assist in a ne gotiation in connexion with Mr. Arthur Lee, and Silas Deane. He had much influence in forming the treaty of alliance and commerce with that na tion, February 6, 1778. In conjunction with Mr. Adams, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Laurens, he signed the provisional articles of peace, November 30, 1782, and the definitive treaty, September 30, 1783. In 1785, at his request to retire, congress ap pointed Mr. Jefferson to succeed him as ambassa dor at the court of France. In the interval he ne gotiated and signed two treaties of amity and com merce, one with Sweden, and the other with Prus sia. During his residence in France, he was the idol of the literary and political circles of Paris, while his genius and talents were held in the high est estimation. On his arrival in this country, he was received with universal applause, and the citi zens, in order to express their approbation of his invaluable services abroad, immediately appointed him president of the supreme executive council. In 1787, he was a delegate to the grand conven tion, which framed the constitution of the United States. In 1788, he retired wholly from public life, in consequence of the complication of diseases which for a number of years, had laid waste his strength, and now entirely prevented him from attending to business. For the last twelve months, he was con fined almost entirely to his bed. On approaching the confines of another world, he reasoned like a philosopher, and often expressed a grateful sense of the many blessings received from the Supreme Being, who had raised him from his humble origin to such consideration among men. On the 17th April, 1790, in the eighty- fourth year of his age, he departed this life in the city of 118 Philadelphia. Almost to the last moment his men tal faculties remained unimpaired, and with a pious resignation he commended his spirit to the will of heaven. After his death the posthumous honours conferred on his memory and services, were but little short of enthusiastic. Congress ordered a general mourning for him in America for the space of one month. Obsequies were solemnized in Paris, and funeral panegyrics delivered by order of its municipality. The na tional assembly of France decreed a mourning of three days, and addressed a letter of condolence to the American congress, in which they style him the Nestor of America. His works, philosophical, political, and literary, have been published in England, France, and Ame rica. FLOYD, WILLIAM, one of the signers of the decla-. ration of independence, was born on Long-Island, New-York, December 17, 1734. He received a liberal education, and afterwards confined himself to the pursuits of agriculture. At an early period he embarked in the controversy between Great Britain and the colonies, and as it grew more animated, he became more conspicu ous as an advocate of the rights of the people. It was doubtless from these considerations that he was appointed a delegate from New-York to the congress which met at Philadelphia in 1774. In 1775, he was re-elected and took his seat in the general congress, which met in May, 1776. During this interesting and protracted session, he was actively and constantly employed on the numer ous and important committees which particularly occupied a greater part of the attention of con gress. In 1777, he was elected a senator under the new 119 constitution of this state. Of this body he was a leading and influential member. In 17789, he served as a delegate to the gene ral congress; was a member of the board of admi ralty, and of the board of treasury. He was annually re-elected to congress until 1783, when he declined a re-election. He was a member of the senate, upon the adop tion of the federal constitution : he was likewise a member of the first congress, which met at New- York, on the 4th March, 1789. At the close of this session, he now retired from public life, to the more peaceful shades of domestic retirement. Subsequently he served thrice as a presidential elector, and once as a senator. On the 1st August, 1821, he was gathered to his fathers at the advanc ed age of eighty-seven years. FAYETTE, MARQUIS DE LA, a major-general in the army of the United States. The name and character of this illustrious French nobleman, will occupy a conspicuous place in our biographic annals, and be honoured by posterity no less for his enthusiastic love of liberty, than for his heroism and military renown. In the year 1776, at the immature age of nine teen, he espoused the cause of the Americans, and nobly resolved to afford our country all possible as sistance by his personal services and influence. At this era, the affairs of America were bordering on despair, and were represented in France as so de plorable, that it might be supposed sufficient to re press the most determined zeal. Reports were pro pagated in that country, that our army, reduced to a mere rabble, was flying before an army of 30,000 regulars ; nor was this very wide from the reality. In consequence of this, our commissioners found it 120 impossible to procure a vessel to convey the Mar quis and their own despatches to congress ; they could not therefore feel justified in encouraging his bold contemplated enterprise. This embarrass ment, however, had the effect of increasing, rather than of restraining his youthful ardour and heroism. He at length imparted to the commissioners his determination to purchase and fit out a vessel to convey himself and their despatches to America. This project was deemed so extraordinary and im portant, that it did not fail to engage universal at tention. The French court had not then declared even a friendly intention towards America, but, on the contrary, was extremely cautious of giving of fence to the British government. Orders were therefore given, prohibiting the departure of this nobleman, and vessels were even despatched to the West-Indies to intercept him, in case he should take that route. The Marquis was well apprized that he exposed himself to the loss of his fortune by the laws of France ; and that, should he fall into the hands of the English, on his passage, he would be liable to a confinement of uncertain duration, and without a prospect of being exchanged. These considerations, however, did not deter him from the attempt; and bidding adieu to his amiable consort, and numerous endeared connexions, and trusting to good fortune to favour his elopement, he embarked, and in due time arrived safe in Charles ton, in the summer of 1776. He landed soon after the noble defence made by General Moultrie, at the fort on Sullivan s Island. Charmed with the gal lantry displayed by that general and his brave troops, the Marquis presented him with clothing, arms, and accoutrements, for one hundred men. He met with a cordial reception from our congress, and they im mediately accepted his proffered services. He in sisted that he would receive no compensation, and that he would commence his services as a volun teer. This noble philanthropist was received into the family of the eommander-m-chief, where a strong mutual attachment was contracted, and he has often been called the adopted son of Washington. July 31, 1777, congress resolved, that, "whereas the Marquis de la Fayette, out of his great zeal to the cause of liberty in which the United States are en gaged, has left his family and connexions, and at his own expense come over to offer his services to the United States without pension or particular al lowance, and is anxious to risk his life in our cause Resolved, that his service be accepted, and that in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and con nexions, he have the rank and commission of major- general in the army of the United States." At the battle of Brandywine, September 1777, the Mar quis exhibited full proof of his undaunted bravery and military character, and received a wound in his leg. In May 1778, with a select corps of 2,500 men, he crossed the Schuylkill and took post about twelve miles in front of our army at Valley Forge ; while at this place the enemy formed a design of surprising him, but fortunately the Marquis gained intelligence of their approach, and by a prompt de cision effected his retreat, and recrossed the river in season to defeat their design. In August 1778, the Marquis repaired to Rhode- Island to assist in the expedition under General Sullivan, in conjunction with the French fleet, and he received the particular approbation and applause of congress for his judicious and highly important services. In January, 1779, the Marquis embark ed at Boston, on a voyage to France. He returned again in May, 1780, bringing the joyful intelligence that a French fleet and army would soon arrive on our coast. Through his great zeal for the cause of the Unit ed States, he had exerted his influence with his government, no longer fearful of giving offence to the English, to afford money and troops, and other * important succours. He was soon put at the head of a select corps of light infantry for the service of the campaign. This afforded him a new opportu nity for the display of his munificence. He pre sented to every officer under his command an ele gant sword, and his soldiers were clothed in uni form principally at his expense. He infused into this corps a spirit of pride and emulation, viewing it as one formed and modelled according to his own wishes, and as deserving his highest confidence. They were the pride of his heart, and he the idol of their regard ; constantly panting for an opportu nity of accomplishing some signal achievement wor thy of his and their character. In December, 1780, he marched with 1,200 light infantry for Virginia, to counteract the devastations of Arnold and Phillips. He made a forced march of 200 miles, and prevent ed General Phillips possessing himself of Rich mond, and secured the stores of that place. At one period there was not a single pair of shoes in his whole command, and such was his zeal and gen erous spirit, and such the confidence and respect of the people, that he was enabled to borrow of the merchants of Baltimore 2,000 guineas on his own credit, with which he purchased shoes and other necessary articles for his troops. He was afterwards employed in watching the mo tions of Lord Cornwallis in Virginia, with an infe rior force ; in this arduous duty he displayed the judgement, skill, and prudence of a veteran, with the ardour of youth. Lord Cornwallis, having encamped near James town, the Marquis sent General Wayne with the Pennsylvania troops, to take their station within a small distance of the British army and watch their motions. The two advanced parties were soon en gaged, and General Wayne drove that of the enemy back to their lines, and without stopping there, at tacked the whole British army drawn up in order of battle, and charged them with bayonets. The ac- 123 tion was extremely severe for the little time it last ed, but the disproportion of numbers was so great, that the enemy was on the point of surrounding our troops, when the Marquis arrived in person just time enough to order a retreat, by which they were res cued from their hazardous situation, after suffering considerable loss. Great encomiums were passed on the Marquis, for his humanity and goodness, in visiting and ad ministering to the relief of the wounded soldiers. During the siege of lord Cornwallis, at York- town, the Marquis was among the most active and intrepid of the general officers, and he commanded a detachment of our light infantry, which success fully assaulted the British redoubt, on the right of our lines. During his military career in America, the Mar quis displayed that patriotism, integrity, humanity, and every other virtue, which characterize real greatness of soul. The most affectionate attach ment subsisted between him and the illustrious chief, under whose banners it was his delight to serve, and whose language was " This nobleman unites to all the military fire of youth, an uncom mon maturity of judgement." His very soul burned with the spirit of enterprise, and he manifested a disinterestedness and devotion in the cause of free dom, ever to be admired and applauded by a grate ful people. In December, 1784, when the Marquis was about to take his final departure from America, congress appointed a committee, consisting of one member from each state, to receive him, and in the name of congress to take leave of him, in such a manner as might strongly manifest their esteem and regard for him. The Marquis, on this occasion, made a very respectful and affectionate reply, and thus con cluded his address : " May this immense temple of freedom ever stand as a lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind ; and may these happy United States, attain that complete splendour and prosperity, which will illustrate the blessings of their govern ment, and for ages to come, rejoice the departed souls of its founders. Never can congress oblige me so much as when they put it in my power, in every pan of the world, to the latest day of my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants of the United States." In the same year, the university of Cambridge, and Princeton college, conferred on him the hono rary degree of doctor of laws. He was also elect ed a member of the American academy of arts and sciences, and of the American philosophical soci ety. At length, after a lapse of forty years, this illus trious hero has again visited our shores. His recep tion has been splendid beyond description, and lan guage fails to represent the spontaneous burst of feeling it has created. History presents no parallel. From one extremity of this great republic to the other, every pen is occupied in spreading his fame ; every tongue is pronouncing his eulogies, and the whole collected mass of citizens is endeavouring to render him that homage he so justly merits. Hail to the hero I shout millions of voices, Enjoying the freedom secured by his toil : Hail to the hero 1 a nation rejoices Tp welcome its sruest returned to its soil, GREENE, NATHANIEL, a major-general in the Ame rican army, was born at Warwick, Rhode-Island, about the year 1740. He was particularly distin guished for his attainments in mathematics and natural philosophy, and at an early period of life was called to a seat in the legislature of his native state. Being thus introduced into the councils of his country, at a time., when the rights of the sub ject, and the powers of the ruler, were beginning to be topics of liberal discussion, he did not hesitate openly to avow his sentiments, and oppose all ty rannical proceedings on the part of parliament. His character how r ever was not fully developed un til the commencement of the troubles which ter minated in our independence. It was then, his noble spirit aspired to lead in the public councils, as well as in the field. At the commencement of hostilities, he was ap pointed to the command of three regiments of mi litia, with the rank of brigadier-general, and at the head of which, he marched to Cambridge. On the arrival of the commander-in-chief, at head-quarters, he availed himself of an early oppor tunity, to express his attachment and satisfaction in his appointment. This incident was the happy prelude to a friendship between these two great and illustrious officers, which death alone had the power to dissolve. No sooner did the commander- in-chief become thoroughly acquainted with his character and merits, the ardour of his patriotism, the integrity of his heart, his profound judgment and sagacity in council, and the firmness and gal lantry of his spirit in the field, than he regularly consulted him, in different emergencies, and receiv ed his opinions with uncommon deference. And as an honourable testimonial of his estima- 126 tion and confidence of his capacity and worth, the commander-in-chief frequently expressed an anx ious wish, that in case of his death, or disability, he might be appointed his successor, in the su preme command. In August, 1776, he was promoted by congress to the rank of major-general in the regular army. In the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, as well as in that of Princeton, January 2, 1777, he bore a very distinguished part. In the battle of Germantown, on the fourth of October, he had the honour to command the left wing of the army. In 1778, he was appointed quarter-master-gene- raL which he reluctantly accepted, on condition that his rank should not be affected, and that he should retain his command in time of action. In June following, he commanded the right wing of the army in the battle of Monmouth, and for his gallantry and good conduct, received the thanks of congress. On the twenty-ninth of August, he exhibited great military skill, in drawing off the American army from Rhode-Island, after the French fleet had left the harbour. Towards the close of the year 1779, he resigned the office of quarter master-general, and was succeeded by colonel Pickering. In those scenes, through which we have traced his military career, he acted only in a subordinate capacity. We are now to behold him in the supreme command of the southern section of the United States. The theatre of war, on which he is now to exhibit himself, is in extent, commen surate with abilities of the widest compass : and the difficulties and dangers he is destined to en counter, are sufficiently formidable to test the for titude and firmness of the most unyielding spirit, and give ample employment to all the resources of talents and skill. Rarely has a leader of armies, in any country, been placed in a situation so fear- 127 fully calculated to measure the genius, and try the soul. Greatly to acquit himself under such circum stances, he must rank with the ablest captains on the brightest page of military annals. With a few rare and brilliant exceptions, the war, from its first commencement, in the south, had been in that quarter, but little else than a series of disasters to the arms of freedom. On the 3d December, 1780, he superseded general Gates, in the command of the southern army, under the most discouraging- appearances. The army, consisting mostly of militia, amounted to less than two thousand men. He found them without arms, clothing, or ammunition, and but three day s provisions. In front, was an enemy, proud in victory, and too strong to be encountered ; around, and in his rear, a country exhausted, dis pirited, and in many parts, disaffected. With such means and under such circumstances, to recover two states already conquered, and protect a third very seriously menaced, constituted a task almost hopeless. The kind of warfare that alone was suited to these purposes, was of the most perplex ing and arduous character; and to conduct it suc cessfully, called for consummate and diversified abilities. With Washington in his eye, and his own genius to devise his measures, he resolved on cautious movements, and protracted war. Having recruited the army, and organized its officers, he sent out a detachment under the brave general Morgan, who gained the important victory at the Cowpens, January 17, 1781. This battle gave a new turn to affairs in the south, and augured fa vourably of his future career. It led to one of the most arduous, ably conducted, and memorable ope rations, that occurred in the revolutionary war the retreat of Greene, and the pursuit of lord Corn- wallis, during the inclemencies of winter, from 12B the Catawba to the Dan, a distance of two hundred and thirty miles. On the part of the American commander, that retreat, with his advance, manoeuvres, and action at Guilford court-house, which soon afterwards fol lowed, may be safely pronounced, with the excep tion of the retreat of the ten thousand Greeks, a succession of as masterly movements, as are re corded in the page of military history. For any but a genius of the highest order, and a soul of the firmest texture, to have planned and achieved such a scheme of operations, under the most formidable difficulties, would have been impossible. Lord Cornwallis, although deeply chagrined at being surpassed in generalship by Greene, felicitated himself on the acquisition of another state annexed to the British empire. Uneasy and restless, in a state of quietude, while the interests of his country called for action, Greene, having received an ac cession of troops, recrossed the Dan with his army on the tenth day after his celebrated retreat, and sought the enemy at Guilford court-house. After one of the most obstinate and sanguinary engage ments that is recorded in our revolutionary annals> the Americans were obliged to retire. Not doubt ing that lord Cornwallis would follow him, he re treated slowly and in good order, and at a distance of a few miles from the scene of action, took a po sition, determined to renew the contest on the ar rival of the enemy. But his lordship Declined a pursuit, or even maintaining his ground. In a few days he com menced a retreat into Virginia, leaving behind him his wounded, to the humanity and care of the Ame rican chief. The American commander immediately pursued the enemy, who were several days in advance, on his route to Wilmington. Altering his plan, he resolved to abandon the pursuit of the British, and J29 recommence offensive operations in South Caro lina. He accordingly broke up his encampment at Ramsay s mill, and mov^d towards the south. Post after post was evacuated, or fell before him, in quick succession, until, on the eighth of Sep tember, 1781, he achieved the memorable victory at Eutaw springs, which drove the enemy from the other parts of the state, to shelter and defend them selves within the lines of Charleston. Thus in less than five months after entering South Carolina, he became master of every part of it, except the capi tal and its immediate vicinity. This train of brilliant successes, so far beyond what his force and equipment seemed to promise, procured for him, from the chevalier Luzerne, a compliment as lofty as was ever paid to the com mander of an army. " Other generals," says he, " subdue their enemy by the means with which their country or their sovereign furnishes them. But general Greene appears to subdue his enemy by his own means. He commenced his campaign without either an army, provisions, or military stores. He has asked for nothing since, and yet scarcely a post arrives from the south, that does not bring intelligence of some new advantage he has gained over the foe. He conquers by magic. History furnishes no parallel to this." Congress, in consideration of his wise, decisive, and magnanimous conduct in the battle at Eutaw springs, presented him a gold medal, emblematical of his success, and a British standard. This en gagement may be considered as closing the war in South Carolina. On the fourteenth of December, 1782, Charles ton was evacuated by the British, when Greene, at the head of his gallant and victorious troops, en tered the city amidst the acclamations of thousands. He now became the object of undivided regard. From every quarter he received congratulatory ad dresses, and was regarded as one whose wisdom 17 ISO and valour had stayed the desolating sword of war, rescued them from the sceptre of military despo tism, and given them, in prospect, a certainty of freedom, independence, and peace. In the midst of this prodigality of admiration and honour, never did man deport himself more meekly. He retired from the blaze of public dis tinction, appearing unconscious of the merit which attracted it. Peace being at length restored, and his country no longer in need of his services, he, without wait ing for the disbanding of the army, which was pro vided for by congress, withdrew from the south, and returned to the bosom of his native state. The reception which he there experienced, Avas cordial and joyous. His residence in Rhode-Island was short. But during the continuance of it, and before his arrival, the state was distracted by dissentions of the most dangerous nature. His prompt interposition to restore harmony, was, however, attended with com plete success. Having spent about two years in his native state, he returned to Georgia in October, 1785, and set tled with his family, on his estate near Savannah, which had been granted to him by the legislature of that state as a reward for his public services. Engaging, here, in agricultural pursuits, he bid fair of becoming as eminent in the practice of the peaceful virtues, as he had already shown himself in the occupations of war. But it was the will of heaven, that in this new sphere of action, his course should be limited. Walking over his grounds, on the afternoon of the 15th of June, 1786, the day being intensely hot, he was suddenly attacked with stupor and delirium, which put a period to his brilliant career on the morning of the 19th. Congress on the 12th August of the same year, voted a monument to be erected to his memory at 131 the seat of government, with the following inscrip tion: SACRED to the memory of THE HONOURABLE NATHANIEL GREENE. who departed this life, the nineteenth of June, 1786 ; Late Major General in the service of the United States, and Commander of their Army in the Southern Department. The United States, in Congress assembled, in honour of his Patriotism, valour, and ability, have erected this monument. General Greene possessed a mind of masculine strength and texture. Sound, penetrating, and ca pacious, rather than brilliant; judgment and saga city were its predominating features. In his per ceptions he was quick and clear, ready in his com binations, forcible in his reasonings, and prompt in his decisions. His acquaintance with human na ture, derived from history and an intercourse with man, was extensive and profound ; and, in his ap prehension of the tendency of principles, no man committed fewer mistakes. For the zeal and sedulity with which he pursued knowledge, at every period of life, he had no equal, among officers of rank, in the American army. His portable library consisted of Hume, Locke, Shakspear, Milton, Horace, and others of the an cient classics, which he read familiarly, and were his constant companions ; nor did he ever retire to rest without spending an hour or two in reading. On the score of morality, he was unimpeachable. Roman virtue, in the best days of the republic, was never more unsullied and inflexible than his. Of him it was as true as of the elder Pitt, that " mo dern corruption had not touched him." In conversation he was fluent and instructive, al ways lively, and sometimes playful. His favourite topics were political economy, and the principles of government. On these subjects, his views, which were always liberal, had, by reading and re flection, been rendered profound. And in all pro bability, had his life been prolonged until the organ ization of the federal government, Washington would have called him to fill a seat in his cabinet. GWINNETT, BUTTON, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in England, about the year 1732. He married in England, and in 1770, emigrated to America. In 1772, he set tled in Georgia, where he devoted his whole atten tion to agriculture. At the commencement of the revolution, he took an active part in the struggles of his adopted coun try. By his zeal and ardour, he became eminently conspicuous, and rose with rapidity to the highest dignity in the province. In February, 1776, he was appointed a delegate to the general congress which met at Philadel phia. On the 4th July, he was one of those patriots, who signed the declaration of independence. In February, 1777, he was elected one of the members of the convention, to frame a constitu tion for his state. On the death of Mr. Bullock, he was appointed to fill the presidency of the pro vincial council. Mr. Gwinnett, naturally ambitious, experienced a mortifying disappointment, in not being elected first governor under the new constitution, together with a combination of circumstances of a personal nature, finally led him to challenge general Mcln- tosh to a duel, from whom he received a wound* which proved mortal, and expired on the 27th May, 1777, in the forty-fifth year of his age. Although the political career of Mr. Gwinriett was short, and its termination afflicting, his memo ry, stamped as it is upon the charter of our inde pendence, must be coeval with the duration of the American republic. GATES, HORATIO, a major-general in the army of the United States, was born about the year 1728. In early life he entered the British army, and laid the foundation of his future military excellence. He was with Braddock, and a companion in arms with Washington, at the defeat of his army, in 1755. When peace was concluded, he purchased an estate in Virginia, where he resided until the com mencement of the American war, in 1775, when he was appointed by congress, at the recommen dation of general Washington, adjutant-general, with the rank of brigadier-general. From this period he took a very active part in most of the transactions of the war, and his abili ties and good fortune placed him in a rank infeTiol only to the cominander-in-chief, and above any other general. In July, 1775, he accompanied Washington to Cambridge, when he went to take command of the army in that place. In June, 1776, he was appointed to the com mand of the army of Canada. He was supersed ed by general Schuyler in May, 1777; but in August following, he took the place of this officer in the northern department. The success, which attend ed his arms in the capture of Burgoyne, in Octo ber, filled America with joy. This event may be 134 considered as deciding the war of the revolution, as from that period, the British cause began ra pidly to decline. Congress passed a vote of thanks, and ordered a medal of gold to be presented by the president. After general Lincoln was taken prisoner, he was appointed on the 13th of June, 1780, to the command of the southern department. On the 16th of August, he was defeated by Corn- wallis, at Camden. He was superseded on the 3d of December by general Greene, but was, in 1782, restored to his command. After the peace he retired to his farm, in Berke- ly county, Virginia, where he remained until the year 1790, when he went to reside at New- York, having first emancipated his slaves, and made such pecuniary provision for such as were not able to provide for themselves. On his arrival at New- York, the freedom of the city was presented to him. In 1800, he accepted a seat in the legislature, but he retained it no longer than he conceived his services might be useful to the cause of liberty, which he never abandoned. He died, April 10, 1806, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He was a scholar, well versed in history and the Latin classics. GORHAM, NATHANIEL, one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in Charlestown, Mas sachusetts, May 27, 1738. He received an excel lent education, and possessing uncommon talents, he always appeared to advantage in company with literary men. He settled in business at the place of his nativity, but being a constant, fearless, and independent lover of freedom, seemed to be form ed more for public life than to succeed in mercan tile pursuits. 135 He was chosen representative for Charlestowil, in 1771, and every year till the commencement of the revolutionary war. He was a very assiduous attendant on the house of representatives, and was a leader in all their debates. In 1779, he was elected a delegate of the con vention which formed the constitution of his native state. In 1784, he was chosen a member of the con gress of the United States, and soon after, elected president of that honourable body. In 1787, he was a member of the grand conven tion which formed the federal constitution. In this august body, he sustained a high reputation for his knowledge and integrity. He stood high with all parties for his wisdom and prudence, and eloquence in debate. He was on this account one of the most influen tial members of the state convention, which adopt ed it. He died, June 11, 1796. GAGE, THOMAS, the last governor of Massachu setts appointed by the king, was the brother of Lord Viscount Gage. He came to America as lieutenant-colonel of Braddock s army, and when that unfortunate general was wounded, he, with another officer, Carried him off the field. In 1760, after the conquest of Canada by his ma jesty s forces, he was appointed governor. In 1763, on the departure of general Amherst, he succeeded him as commander-in-chief of his majesty s forces in America. In 1774, he was appointed to succeed Hutchin- son in the government of Massachusetts, and to command the troops quartered in the province, to force the people into a compliance with the uncon stitutional and oppressive acts of parliament. On 136 his arrival in Boston, he immediately sent several detachments into various parts of the country to repair the fortifications, seize the powder and other military stores in Charlestown, Salem, Concord, and Lexington : at the latter place was kindled the spark, which terminated in the independence of America. In May, 1775, the provincial congress of Massa chusetts declared general Gage, to be an inveterate enemy of the country, disqualified for serving the colony as governor, and unworthy of obedience. From this time the exercise of his functions were confined to Boston. In June, 1775, he proclaimed Massachusetts to be in rebellion, and offered pardon to all the rebels, ex cepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, whom he proscribed. Under his orders Bunker-hill battle was fought, and Charlestown burnt. Having obtained leave to depart from America, he embarked for England, October following, and was succeeded in the com mand by Sir William Howe. He died in England* April 4, 1787. IrV HENRY, PATRICK, a distinguished patriot and statesman, was born at the seat of his ancestors, Hanover county, Virginia, May 29, 1736. After making some proficiency in mathematics and the languages, he was placed with a country merchant, and at the age of eighteen commenced business on his own account. His genius, however, like Shakspeare s, moulded for a nobler and more exalted sphere of action, and destined to guide the councils of a great republic, abandoned the drudgery of the counter, and at the age of four-and- twenty, commenced the study of the law. In a very short time, he was qualified, and com menced the practice of his profession. It was not, however, till the year 1763, that his genius burst her fetters and brought into action for the first time, the powers of his eloquence, for which he after wards became celebrated. In 1764, a year memorable for the origination of that great question, which led finally to the in dependence of the United States, it is asserted, on the authority of president Jefferson, that " he gave the first impulse to the ball of the revolu tion," In the following year, 1765, he introduced his celebrated resolutions against the scheme of tax ing America, which passed the house of burgesses in May following. "They formed," says Mr. Henry, "the first op position to the stamp act, and the scheme of tax ing America by the British parliament. All the colonies, either through fear, or want of opportuni ty to form an opposition, or from influence of some kind or other, had remained silent. I had been for the first time elected a burgess, a few days before, 18 138 was young, inexperienced, unacquainted with the forms of the house, and the members that compos ed it. Finding the men of weight averse to oppo sition, and the commencement of the tax at hand, and that no person was likely to step forth, I de termined to venture, and alone, unadvised, and un assisted, on a blank leaf of an old law book, wrote the within (resolutions.) Upon offering them to the house, violent debates ensued. Many threats were uttered, and much abuse cast on me, by the party for submission. After a long and warm contest, the resolutions passed by a small majority, perhaps of one or two only. The alarm spread throughout America with astonishing quickness, and the minis terial party were overwhelmed. "The great point of resistance to British taxa tion was universally established in the colonies. This brought on the war which finally separated the two countries, and gave independence to ours." From this period he became the idol of the peo ple of Virginia; nor was his name confined to his native state. His light and heat were seen and felt throughout the continent; and he was everywhere regarded as the great champion of colonial liberty. The impulse thus given by Virginia, was caught by the other colonies. His resolutions were every where adopted, with progressive variations. The spirit of resistance became bolder and bolder, until the whole continent was in a flame ; and by the first of November, when the stamp act was, according to its provisions, to have taken effect, its execution had become utterly impracti cable. The house of burgesses of Virginia, which had led the opposition to the stamp act, kept their high ground during the whole of the contest, and he continued a member of the public councils till the close of the revolution : and there could be no want of boldness in any body, of which he was a member. 139 The elements of his character were most happi ly mingled for the great struggle which was now coming on. His views were not less steady than they were bold. His vision pierced deeply into futurity : and long before a whisper of indepen dence had been heard in this land, he had looked through the whole of the approaching contest, and saw with the eye and the rapture of a prophet, his country seated aloft among the nations of the earth. In 1774, he was elected one of the deputies from Virginia to the first congress which met at the Car penters Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 4th of September following. The most eminent men of the various colonies were now, for the first time, brought together. The meeting was awfully so lemn. The object which had called them together was of incalculable magnitude. The liberties of no less than three millions of people, with all of their posterity, were staked on the wisdom and energy of their councils. No wonder, then, at the long and deep silence which is said to have fol lowed upon their organization ; at the anxiety with which the members looked around upon each other ; and the reluctance which every individual felt to open a business so fearfully momentous. In the midst of this deep and death-like silence, and just when it was beginning to become painfully embar rassing, Mr. Henry arose slowly, as if borne down by the w r eight of the subject. After a most im pressive exordium, he launched, gradually, into a recital of the colonial wrongs. Rising, as he ad vanced, with the grandeur of his subject, and glow ing at length with all the majesty and expectation of the occasion, his speech seemed more than that of mortal man. Even those who had heard him in all his glory, in the house of burgesses of Virginia, were asto nished at the manner in which his talents seemed to swell and expand themselves, to fill the vaster 140 theatre in which he was now placed. At length, he closed his eloquent harangue, and sat down amidst murmurs of astonishment and applause; and as he had been before proclaimed the greatest orator of Virginia, he Was now on every hand, ad mitted to be the first orator of America. In October, he returned home, and was elected in March, 1775, a member of the convention which assembled for a second time at Richmond, to con sult the welfare of the colony. In this body, in his usual style of eloquence, he urged the necessity of embodying, arming, and disciplining the militia, and notwithstanding his resolutions were opposed, and resisted by the influence of some of the ablest men and patriots of the convention, he urged them the more, and exclaimed, "There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable pri vileges for which we have been so long contend ing if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained we must fight ! I repeat it, sirs, we must fight ! ! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts, is all that is left us ! Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun ! the next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms ! Our brethren are already in the field ! why stand we here idle ! What is it that gentlemen wish I What would they have I Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery I Forbid it, Almigh ty God ! I know not what course others may take ; but as for me," cried he, with both arms extended aloft, his brows knit, every feature marked with the resolute purpose of his soul, and his voice swelled to its boldest note of exclamation " give me liberty, or give me death !" 141 He took his seat. No murmur of applause wag heard. The effect was too deep. After the trance of a moment, several members started from their seats. The cry, "to arms," seemed to quiver on every lip, and gleam from every eye ! They be came impatient of speech their souls were on fire for action. The resolutions were adopted. The storm of the revolution now began to thicken. The cloud of war had actually burst on the New- England states. The colonial governors concert ed measures to disarm the people, and to deprive them of gun-powder. An attempt was accordingly made to seize at the same moment the powder and arms in the several provincial magazines. Gover nor Gage first set the example, and was followed by similar attempts in other colonies to the north. In turn, governor Dunmore followed, and remov ed the powder from the magazine at Williamsburg. This act excited universal indignation. In the mean time Mr. Henry assembled the independent com panies of Hanover and King William counties, and marched at their head towards Williamsburg, with the avowed design of obtaining payment for the powder, or of compelling its restitution. The ob ject he effected. Thus the same man, whose ge nius had, in the year 1765, given the first political impulse to the revolution, had now the additional honour of heading the first military movement in Virginia, in support of the same cause. The gover nor immediately fortified his palace, and issued a proclamation, charging those who had procured payment for the powder, with rebellious practices. This only occasioned a number of county meet ings, which applauded the conduct of Mr. Henry, and expressed a determination to protect him. In August, 1775, when a new choice of deputies to congress was made, he was not re-elected, for his services were now demanded more exclusively in his own state. After the departure of Lord Dunmore, he was chosen the first governor in U2 June, 1776, and held this office several succeeding years, bending all his exertions to promote the freedom and independence of his country. In 1787, he was appointed one of the deputies to meet the grand convention to be held at Philadel phia, for the purpose of revising the federal con stitution ; the same cause, however, which had con strained his retirement from the executive chair, disabled him now from obeying the calls of his country. Of the convention, however, which was to decide the fate of this instrument in Virginia, he was cho sen a member. The convention met in Richmond, on the 2nd June, 1788, and exhibited such an array of varie gated talents, as had never before been collected to one focus in that state. In this highly respectable body, he, day after day, exerted the powers of his masterly eloquence to prevent its adoption. Though experience has proven, that he was erroneous in his judgment on this occasion, it is nevertheless due to him to state, that he contributed several valuable amendments to the Magna Charta of our representative govern ment and national glory. He continued the practice of the law until the year 1794, when he bade a final adieu to his pro fession, and retired to the bosom of his family. He retired loaded with honours, public and pro fessional ; and carried with him the admiration, the gratitude, the confidence, and the love of his coun try. No man had ever passed through so long a life of public service, with a reputation more perfectly unspotted. In 1796, he was again called to the gubernato rial chair, but this office he almost immediately re signed. In the year 1797, his health began to decline, and continued to sink gradually to the moment of his death. In 1799, he was appointed by president Adams envoy to France. This honour he declined, on account of his advanced age and increasing debili ty. He lived but a short time after this testimony of respect, in which his talents and patriotism were held, for he died at Red-hill, Charlotte county, June 6, 1799. Thus lived, and thus died, the celebrated Patrick Henry of Virginia; a man who justly deserves to be ranked among the highest ornaments, and noblest benefactors of his country. Had his lot been cast in the republics of Greece or Rome, his name would have been enrolled by some immortal pen among the expellers of tyrants and the champions of liber ty: the proudest monuments of national gratitude would have risen to his honour, and handed down his memory to future generations. HAMILTON, ALEXANDER, a distinguished states man, and first secretary of the treasury of the Unit ed States, was born at St. Croix in the year 1757. At the age of sixteen he accompanied his mother to New-York, and entered a student of Columbia col lege, in which he continued about three years. It was here his intellect first gave presages of his fu ture eminence. The contest with Great-Britain having grown serious and alarming, it called forth the ablest writers of the day on both sides of the question. At the age of only seventeen he became an advocate of the colonies, young as he was; yet such were the wisdom and compass of his views, and the manly vigour and maturity of his style, that his productions were attributed to the pen of Mr. Jay, who was then in the meridian of his illustrious life. On the breaking out of the revolution, he 144 could no longer repose in college shades while his country was in danger ; he accordingly, when in his nineteenth year, entered the American army with, the rank of captain of artillery, and in that capacity distinguished himself on several occasions. It was not long before his higher qualities attract ed the notice of Washington, who, in 1777, selected him as an aid with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. From this period till 1781, Washington and Hamil ton were inseparable companions both in the cabi net and the field. Never was an aid more perfectly the friend and confidant of his commander, nor a general more ably subserved by an aid. They shar ed together the dangers and hardships of that try ing period, with a firmness and fortitude that were never surpassed, and by their bravery and united wisdom, were instrumental beyond all others in con ducting the arms of their country to victory and glo ry. Hamilton served as first aid to Washington in the battle of Brandywine, Germantown, and Mon- mouth. At the siege of Yorktown, he led at his own request the American detachment that carried by assault one of the enemy s outworks, on which occa sion his valour was daring and chivalrous. Soon after the capture of Cornwallis he sheathed his sword, and having a family depending for its sub sistence on his personal exertions, at the age of twenty-five, applied himself to the study of the law. In 1782, he was elected a member of congress from the state of New-York, and was distinguished as a leader in all the most important measures of the session. He was several times chairman of those commit tees to which was confided the high and difficult trust of reporting on such subjects as were deemed most vitally interesting to the nation. The reports prepared on these occasions are remarkable for that eloquence, energy, and luminous wisdom. KXOUAVED BY LKSKf, 145 which characterize so strongly all the subsequent productions of his pen. Having ably acquitted himself of his duty to his country, he again resumed the practice of the law, in which profession he soon rose to distinction. In the year 1784, he published in favour of the loyalists two celebrated pamphlets under the sig nature of Phocion which must always be regard ed as master pieces of analysis and profound in vestigation. In 1787, he was a member of the general con vention which met at Philadelphia, whose delibe rations resulted in the federal constitution. The conjuncture was awfully portentous, and threatening. The issue of the late war, in its rela tion to the permanent welfare of the country, had become problematical: and the only alternatives presented were the institution of a more steady and vigorous form of government, or a speedy dis solution of the confederation of the states. Over either event, serious evils were thought to impend. The responsibilities imposed on the convention were weighty and solemn. Colonel Hamilton, whose spirit delighted in difficulties, now took a prompt and splendid lead in all such measures as policy appeared to direct. His pen as well as his tongue became an organ of wisdom, and an instru ment of eloquence, which excited the admiration and applause of his cotemporaries, and will transmit liis fame with unfading lustre to the latest poste rity. After the publication of the constitution, he, con jointly with Mr. Madison and Mr. Jay, commenced the Federalist, a work which is justly ranked with the foremost productions in political literature. Besides being the most enlightened, profound, and practicable disquisition on the principles of a fe deral representative government that has ever ap peared, it is a luminous and elegant commentary on the republican establishments of our own coun- 19 146 try. It was published in the years 1787 and 178B, in a series of essays, addressed to the citizens of New-York, and had a powerful influence both in that and other states, in procuring the adoption of the federal constitution. The style is as perspicu ous, eloquent, and forcible, as the matter is perti nent, and the arguments convincing and have all the richness, elegance, and ease of the Spectator. He wrote the whole of the work, except Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5, which are from the pen of Mr. Jay; Nos. 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, and 37, to 58, inclusive, and 62, 63, and 64, from that of Mr. Madison. He was a member of the state convention of New-York, which met in 1788, to deliberate on the adoption of the federal constitution. For a time the issue of it was doubtful. It was then the triumph of his talents and patriotism showed most conspi cuous, and by the force of his eloquence as well as his pen, in the papers signed Publius, he contribut ed much to its adoption. On the organization of the federal government, in the summer of 1788, Washington placed him at the head of the treasury. Here he had to contend with almost insurmountable difficulties. But the mind of Hamilton was not formed to be intimidat ed or vanquished. Jt rose in greatness in propor tion to the difficulties it had to encounter. He proved himself capable not only of arranging, com bining, and maturing, but of creating the means necessary for the attainment of the weightiest pur pose. He perceived, as by intuition, the true cha racter and resources of the country, and devised with equal facility the best plan of converting them into a basis of national revenue. From the most humble and depressed condition, he raised public credit to an elevation altogether unprecedented in the history of the country, and acquired for him self, both at home and abroad, the reputation of the greatest financier of the age. 147 His official reports to congress, besides ranking high as literary productions, are among the most able and instructive papers on political economy that have ever appeared. Those of his reports which are most highly esteemed are, two on the subject of a provision for the support of public credit, on the establishment of a national bank, and one on the subject of manufactures; all of which have been acknowledged to be chef d ceuvres in political literature, and justly entitle him to the title of the founder of public credit in the United States. It is said, such was the confidence of Washington in his wisdom and judgment, patriot ism and integrity, that he rarely ventured on any* high executive act without his concurrence. In the year 1793, an attempt was made by the minister of France to involve the United States as a party in the war between that republic and Great- Britain. Washington immediately declared the course of policy which he intended to pursue, by issuing his proclamation of neutrality. Mr. Hamil ton was known to have advised the measure : he af terwards published in defence of it the essays of Pacificus, which were highly influential in recon ciling it to public approbation. In these essays, though some of them may in point of style and elegance be inferior to those of the Federalist, yet they exhibit all that perspicuity of arrange ment, and strength of argument, for which all his writings are distinguished. Finding his salary insufficient for the support of a large family, in 1795 he resigned the office of secretary of the treasury, and returned once more to private life. Yet there was one public measure which he felt himself bound to vindicate, because it had been entered into in part from his own advice. This was the treaty of amity and commerce negotiated with Great-Britain, through the ministry of Mr. Jay. In a series of papers written with his usual ability. 148 under the signature of Camillus, he entered into an elaborate and successful defence of it. As the sun in his ascent, dissipates the mists and ob scurities of the morning, such was the action of these luminous essays on the doubts of the com munity. Error and prejudice were scattered by their radiance, and brightness and truth became every where their attendants. The treaty was rati fied and carried into effect; with what advantages to the country, the long career of prosperity which succeeded, can best testify. In consequence of the injuries and demands, and the haughty and menacing aspects of the republic of France towards this country, in the year 1798 ; to direct and confirm the people in the course they should pursue, he published with conclusive effect, under the signature of Titus Manlius, a series of essays denominated "The Stand." President Adams immediately adopted defensive measures, and called upon Washington to accept the command of the army, which he accepted only on condition that colonel Hamilton should be made second in command. This arrangement was ac cordingly made. Such was the high eulogium conferred upon his talents by the father of his country. On the death of Washington, in 1799, he suc ceeded, of course, to the command in chief of the armies of America. The most material differences having been peace ably adjusted between the two countries, he re turned again to the profession of the law, and never more appeared in any official capacity. In the mean time, his fame as an advocate and a counsellor continued to brighten ; the last exertion of his genius and talents, being still considered by those who heard him the greatest and the best. In this flourishing state of his fortune and re- nown, his country and his family was about to sus tain an irreparable loss. Some personal misim- 149 demanding had taken place between him and colonel Burr, the latter requiring his acknowledg ment or denial of certain expressions derogatory to his honour which he had used ; this was deem ed inadmissible by the former, and the conse quence was, colonel Burr sent him a challenge to fight a duel. On the morning of the llth July, 1804, the parties met at Hoboken, on the New- Jer sey shore, the very spot where, a short time before gen eral Hamilton s eldest son, (in obedience to the same principle of honour, and in the violation of the laws of God and man !) had fallen in a duel. On the first fire, Hamilton received the ball of his antagonist, and immediately fell. He was carried to the city of New-York, and expired the follow ing day at two o clock, P. M. in the forty-seventh year of his age. Before his death, he expressed in strong terms, his abhorrence of the practice of duelling, and with sincere horror, repented of hav ing engaged in it. He professed his belief in the Christian religion, and received at the hands of bi shop Moore the sacrament of the Lord s supper. Throughout the United States his premature fall excited emotions of sorrow that were inferior only to those that had resulted from the death of Wash ington. In his person he was small, and short in stature. In his dress he was plain, in his disposition social, in his manners easy and affable, in his affections warm, in his friendship steady, in his feelings ar dent, and in his general deportment a well-bred gentleman. His powers of mind were of the first order. His eloquence was altogether peculiar and unique. It consisted in the most rich and splendid elocution, united to the closest logical reasoning every thing he uttered, having been digested and assimilated, partook of the diamond qualities of his mind. 150 HARVARD, JOHN, the founder of Harvard college, Massachusetts. On his demise, in 1638, by his will he left a legacy of eight hundred pounds to the school at Cambridge, to which the general court gave four hundred pounds more, besides smaller sums from several other benefactors. The next year the general court constituted it a college. But because the memorable John Har vard led the way, by a generosity exceeding most of them, his name was justly eternized, says the author of the Magnalia, by its having the name of Harvard College imposed upon it. HOOKER, THOMAS, the renowned pastor of the church in Hartford, Connecticut, was born in the year 1586. In 1633, he was ordained the first pas tor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, from whence, in 1636, he removed with a hundred others, to a fer tile spot on the banks of the Connecticut river, which they afterwards called Hartford. Here he was the chief instrument of beginning another colony. He often visited Boston ; and whenever he preached, his great fame drew crowd ed assemblies. This great man died July 7, 1647. Dr. Mather calls him the Luther of the American church. Mr. Cotton said, that he did " Agmen ducere et dominari in concionibus, gratia spiritus sancti et virtute pleriis ;" and that he was " ver solertis et acerrimi judicii." A very full memoir of Mr. Hook er has been written by the grandson of Mr. Cot ton, who calls him the light of the western church. Many volumes of Mr. Hooker s sermons were printed : most of them are now out of print. His most famous work is the survey of Church Disci pline, which was published in England in 1648, under the inspection of the famous Dr. Thomas 151 Goodwin, who says, " as touching this treatise, and the worthy author of it, to preface any thing by commendation of either, were to lay paint upon burnished marble, or add light unto the sun." HOLLIS, THOMAS, the founder of two professor ships in Cambridge university, Massachusetts, died in February,! 731, at the advanced age of seventy- two years. In 1727, the net produce of his dona tions, exclusive of gifts non vendible, amounted to fourteen thousand and nine hundred pounds, the interest of which he directed to be appropriated to the support of the professorships of divinity and mathematics : likewise to the treasurer of the col lege, and to ten poor students in divinity. His nephew, Thomas Hollis, who died in 1774, had a most ardent attachment to liberty, and en deavoured to promote it by the publication and dis tribution of books, which vindicates the rights of man. His benefactions to the library of Harvard college amounted to fourteen hundred pounds ster ling. HUNTINGTON, SAMUEL, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in Wind- ham, Connecticut, July 3, 1732. Having received an excellent English education, by his own inde fatigable exertions he acquired a knowledge of the languages. At the age of twenty-two years, he commenced the study of the law, and having at tained a competent knowledge of the general prin ciples ^ of law, he commenced his professional ca reer in his native town. In the year 1760, he removed to Norwich? where 152 he soon attracted notice, and entered on u success ful and extensive practice. In 1764, Mr. Huntington commenced his politi cal career, and was elected to the general assem bly. Being decided in his opposition to the claims and oppressions of the British parliament, and ac tive in his exertions in favour of the colonies, the general assembly of Connecticut, properly appre ciating his talents and patriotism, elected him a delegate to the general congress of 1776. He took his seat in that venerable assembly, and in the subsequent month of July, affixed his signa ture to an instrument which has excited the admira tion of all contemporary nations, and will continue to be cherished and maintained, so long as free principles and free institutions are permitted to exist. He zealously and unremittingly performed the duties of the office of delegate to congress, dur ing the years 1776, 77, 78, 79, and 80, when he re turned to Connecticut, and resumed his seat on the bench, and in the council. In 1779, he was elect ed, in the place of Mr. Jay, who was appointed a minister to Spain, president to congress; and in 1780, was re-elected to the same honourable office, which he continued to fill with dignity, until his health was so much impaired, by his close applica tion to business, that he was obliged to resign it, which he did in July, 1781, and a few days after received the thanks of congress for his able ser vices. Having partially recovered, Mr. Huntington re sumed his judicial functions in the superior court of his state. Mr. Huntington accepted of a re-elec tion to congress in 1783, and after serving for a short time, he finally retired from the great council of the nation, of which he had so long been a con spicuous and influential member. In 1786, he succeeded Mr. Griswold, as governor of the state, and continued to be annually re-elect ed until his death. 153 This excellent man, and undeviating patriot, died in Norwich, on the 5th January, 1796. Governor Huntington was a man of profound thought and penetration, of great prudence and practical wisdom, of patient investigation, and sin gular perseverance, and of distinguished modera tion and equanimity. His deportment in domestic life was excellent ; his temper serene ; and his disposition benevolent. He was of a cheerful and social disposition; of great simplicity and plainness of manners ; and as a professor of Christianity, he was and devout. HOPKINS, SAMUEL, DD. an whom the Christians, called Hopkinsians, derive their name, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, September 17, 1721. At the age of sixteen, he entered Yale college, and was graduated in Sep tember, 1741. In December following, he went to Northamp ton, Massachusetts, to pursue the study of divinity with the Rev. Jonathan Edwards. After he was licensed to preach in May, 1742, he still continued at Northampton, engaged in his theological studies, and preaching occasionally in the neighbouring towns. In December, 1743, he was ordained pas tor of the church at Great Harrington, at which place he preached for more than twenty-five years. He was afterwards invited to Newport, Rhode- Island, by the people of the first congregational church, and was ordained their minister in 1770, over which he presided until the day of his death, December 20 ? 1803, in the eighty-third year of his age. Dr. Hopkins was a man of great abilities in his profession, a profound metaphysician, eminent as a 20 154 writer of polemic divinity, but more eminent as the head of a denomination of Christian profes sors, which have greatly increased in New-Eng land. He published several valuable works, among which his " System of Doctrines," contained in di vine revelation, explained and defended, to which is added a Treatise on the Millennium, 2 volumes, 8vo. ranks highest, and on which his reputation principally rests. HALL, LYMAN, one of the signers of the declara tion of independence, was born in Connecticut about the year 1731, where he received a classical education, and commenced the study of medicine. In 1752, he married and removed to South Caro lina. During the same year he again changed his residence, arid established himself at Sunbury, Georgia, where he commenced the practice of physic. On the commencement of .^hostilities with Great Britain, he engaged warmly in the cause of his country, and in consideration of his eminent ser vices, he was elected a delegate to the general congress of 1775. r On the 20th May, 1776, Mr. Hall, on his arrival to congress, presented new credentials from the convention of Georgia, confirming the re-election of Messrs. Houston, Bullock, and himself, and the addition of George Walton and Button Gwinnett to the delegation. The appointment of Mr. Bul lock to the presidency of the provincial council prevented him from proceeding to congress. Mr. Houston was directed, by a resolution of that body, to return to Georgia on public business in June, 1776; henee only three members from that state 155 were present at the signing of the declaration of independence. Mr. Hall was re-elected to congress a third time ; and in 1780, he made his final appearance as a na tional legislator. In 1783, he was elected gover nor of the state. He afterwards retired from pub lic life, and died about the sixtieth year of his age. Although Mr. Hall does not appear to have act ed a very conspicuous part in the proceedings of congress, yet he possessed strong powers of mind, and was peculiarly fitted to flourish in the perplex ing and perilous scenes of the revolution. HEATH, WILLIAM, a major-general in the Ameri can army, during the revolutionary war, was born at Roxbury, Massachusetts, about the year 1737. At an early period of the contest of the colonies with Great-Britain, he was an active officer of the militia, and in consideration of his zeal and pa triotism in the cause of liberty, he was appointed by the provincial congress, in 1775, a brigadier- general. In August, 1776, he was by congress promoted to the rank of major-general in the continental army. From 1777, to 1778, he was the commanding of ficer of the eastern department, and on him was devolved the arduous and responsible duty of keep ing in charge the officers and troops captured at Saratoga. In all his proceedings with these turbu lent captives, he supported the authority of con gress, and the honour and dignity of his office. In the most interesting and critical circumstances in which a general could possibly be placed, he uni formly exhibited a prudence, animation, decision, and firmness, which have done him honour, and fully justified the confidence reposed in him. In 156 consideration of his faithful performance of this trust, he was appointed by congress in 1779, a commissioner of the board of war. In 1780, he was directed by general Washing ton to repair to Rhode-Island, to make arrange ments for the reception of the French fleet and army. In May, 1781, he was directed by the command- er-in-chief to repair to the New-England states, to represent to their respective executives the dis tressing condition of our army, and to solicit a speedy supply of provisions and clothing, in which he was successful. As senior major-general, he was more than once commander of the right wing of our army, and during the absence of the commander-in-chief, at the siege of Yorktown, he was entrusted with the command of the main army posted at the high lands, and vicinity. On hostilities having ceased between the two armies, general Washington, in 1784, addressed a letter to general Heath, express ing his thanks for his meritorious services, and his real affection and esteem. Immediately after the close of the war, general Heath was called again into public service in civil life, and continued to hold a seat in the legislature of Massachusetts till 1793, when he was appointed by governor Hancock, judge of probate for the county of Norfolk. He was also a member of the state convention which ratified the federal consti tution. In 1806, he was elected lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts, but declined accepting the honour. He was more than once an elector of president and vice-president of the United States. He died at Roxbury, Massachusetts, January 24, 1814, aged seventy-seven years. 157 HOPKINSON, FRANCIS, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in Philadel phia, about the year 1737. On receiving the honours of the college of Phi ladelphia, he commenced the study of the law, and in a few years rose to distinguished eminence in his profession. With talents, ample, quick, and versatile, he cul tivated not only the lighter accomplishments, but was skilled in many of the practical and useful sciences. Soon after he had completed his course of pro fessional studies, he was called into active life ; and in the year 1761, officiated as secretary in a solemn conference held with the Indians by order of the government of Pennsylvania. In 1765, he visited England ; but as soon as the clouds began to gather round our political horizon, and the unjustifiable oppressions of the British go vernment became more daring and decided, glow ing with love of country, and feeling in unison with his fellow citizens a becoming indignation at the rapid encroachments of an usurped power, he im mediately embarked for America, and on his ar rival, he employed his pen in support of his op pressed country. In 1776, he was elected a delegate to congress from the state of New-Jersey, and participated largely in the proceedings of that enlightened as sembly, and afterwards affixed his name to the ever memorable declaration of independence. He was afterwards appointed judge of the admiralty for the state of Pennsylvania. This office he held un til 1790, when he received the appointment of judge of the district court. In each of these judi cial offices he conducted himself with integrity and ability. He was an active and useful member of the great parties which, at different times, divided his native state. He was a whig, a republican, and a fcde- 158 ) and he lived to see the principles and wishes of each of those parties finally and universally suc cessful. Although his labours had been rewarded with many plentiful harvests of well earned fame, yet his death to his country and his friends was premature. He died suddenly on the morning of the 9th of May, 1791. In person, Mr. Hopkinson was a little below the common size. His features were small, but ex tremely animated. His speech was quick, and all his motion seemed to partake of the unceasing ac tivity and versatility of the powers of his mind. As a writer, for humour and satire, he was not excelled by Lucian, Swift, or Rabelais. Among the various causes which contributed to the esta blishment of the independence and federal govern ment of the United States, not a little may be ascribed to the irresistible influence of his satire, which he poured forth from time to time upon the enemies of those great political events. His occasional writings have been collected and published in three volumes octavo. HANCOCK, JOHN, president of congress, and a dis tinguished patriot, was born near Quincy, Massa chusetts, about the year 1737. After receiving the honours of Cambridge university, he entered as a clerk in the counting-house of his uncle, and was regarded by his friends as an amiable young man ; but he discovered no prominent traits of character which could lead his acquaintance to prognosticate the conspicuous figure he was afterwards to make in society. At the death of his uncle, he inherited his im mense estate, and soon after commenced his pub lic career. He was first chosen selectman of the town of Boston, and in the year 1766, he was elect- ed with Otis, Gushing, and Samuel Adams, a mem ber of the general assembly of the province. On taking his seat, he was flattered by marks of confidence and distinction : he was generally chosen on committees, and was chairman upon some occa sions when the deliberations involved the highest interests of the community. As soon as the controversy with Great-Britain grew warm, and all hopes of accommodation had vanished, he entered into the non-importation agreement, and all other acts which were expedi ent to keep inviolate the liberties of the people. In consideration of his zeal and attachment to the rights of his country, he was called to preside over the provincial assembly, and was afterwards elected a member of the general congress which met at Philadelphia in May, 1775; and before the close of the session, he was elected president of that august body, in the place of Peyton Randolph, who was under the necessity of returning home. In this office, as the head of the illustrious con gress, of 1776, he signed the declaration of inde pendence. In consequence of the ill state of his health, he took his leave of congress in October, 1777, and received their thanks for his unremitted attention and steady impartiality in discharging the duties of his office. Henry Laurens was his successor. On the adoption of the present constitution of Massachusetts, he was chosen the first governor in October, 1780. He was annually continued in that office until the year 1785, when he resigned; and after an intermission of two years, during which he had been succeeded by Mr. Bowdoin, was re-elect ed, and remained in the chair until the conclusion of his life. In 1787, he was chosen president of the state convention, which met to ratify and adopt the fe deral constitution. His influence and agency in promoting its adoption may be mentioned with the 160 objects which most recommend him to esteem amongst his cotemporaries, and which entitle him to the regard of posterity. The latter years of his administration were very popular, on account of the public tranquillity. The federal government became the source of so much prosperity, that the people were easy and happy. He died suddenly on the 8th October, 1793, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. Mr. Hancock was above the middle size, of ex cellent proportion of limbs, and of extreme benig nity of countenance. He was easy in his address, polished in manners, affable and liberal; and as president of congress, he exhibited a dignity, im partiality, quickness of conception, and constant attention to business, which secured him respect. Of his talents it is a sufficient evidence, that, in the various stations to which his fortune had elevated him in the republic, he acquitted himself with an honourable distinction and capacity. His commu nications to the general assembly, and his corre spondence as president of congress, are titles of no ordinary commendation. As an orator, he spoke with ease and propriety on every subject. Being considered as a repub lican in principles, and a firm supporter of the cause of freedom, whenever he consented to be a candidate for governor, he was chosen to that of fice by an immense majority. In private life he was charitable and generous indeed, there are few lives, either ancient or modern, that afford, of dis interested generosity, more frequent and illustrious examples. Charity was the common business of his life. From his private benevolence, a thou sand families received their daily bread ; and there is perhaps no individual mentioned in history, who has expended a more ample fortune in promoting the liberties of his country. He was also a gene rous benefactor of Harvard college. 161 HUTCHINSON, THOMAS, governor of Massachu setts, was a native of Boston, and was descended from one of the most ancient and honourable fa milies in New-England. At the age of twelve, he was admitted into Har vard college ; and took the honours of that insti tution in 1727. He turned his attention to mer cantile pursuits, and in a few years afterwards he rose to the highest offices of his state. He was now stimulated to acquire a knowledge of the common law of England, and to bend his mind to the study of history and political institutions. Mr. Hutchinson s popularity soon rose very high, and he was regarded as the friend of liberty. In 1761, he succeeded Mr. Sewall as chief jus tice, and was lieutenant-governor from 1758 to 1770. From this time he began to grow unpopular by promoting the writs of assistance, which Mr. Otis opposed with such force of argument ; and by ad vocating the prerogatives of the crown, rather than the rights of the people. He was also suspected of having forwarded the stamp act, and of advising by letters which he sent to England, " to abridge the colonial privileges." After the arrival of the stamps, in 1765, a mob assaulted his house, pulled down his office, and forced him to flee for safety. When Bernard returned to England, at the close of the year 1769, Mr. Hutchinson was appointed governor. From this time he became completely subservient to the views of the British ministry. He advocated, and strenuously asserted, the right of parliament to tax America. He was the means of bringing the regular troops to Boston to over awe the people, and to enforce the tyrannical laws of parliament ; and he was inflexible in his deter mination to retain them, notwithstanding every ar gument which was used for their removal. 21 162 He became at last so very obnoxious to the pro vince, that he was superseded by general Gage, in 1774. He embarked for England, where he was called upon to give an account of his administra tion, or to describe the state of the colonies; which he did in such a manner, as met the views and de signs of the British cabinet, who made a report highly in his favour, and was acquitted. But he soon experienced the neglect of those, to the promotion of whose plans he had sacrificed his reputation for integrity, and to whom he had been ready to yield the rights of his country. Becoming an object of disgust with all parties, he lived many months in a state of chagrin and des pondency, and died at Brampton, in June, 1780. His works are a history of Massachusetts, in two volumes ; and a collection of original papers rela tive to the history of the colony of Massachusetts bay, in one volume octavo.. The style is bad, but they are much esteemed as a valuable collection of facts. HEYWARD, THOMAS, one of the signers of the de claration of independence, was born in South Ca rolina, in the year 1746. His father, who was a wealthy planter, gave him a classical education. He then commenced the study of the law with Mr. Parsons, a celebrated lawyer in that day. After the usual term of study, he was sent to Eng land, as was the usual custom, to complete his le gal education. After completing his studies in the Middle Temple, Mr. Heyward spent several years in travel, on the continent of Europe. On his return home, in 1773, he soon became a favourite with the people. He was elected a member of the assembly, and shortly afterwards, a member of the council of safety, an office be- 163 stowed only on the fearless and prudent. His fidelity and patriotism in these trusts recommend ed him to higher honours, and in 1775, he was elected to congress, to fill the vacancy occasioned by John Rutledge, Esq. He arrived in Philadelphia in time to attend upon the discussion of the declaration of indepen dence; and found himself in that assembly of sages, whose sagacity and intrepidity had remind ed a Chatham of the fathers of ancient Rome. His first duty, that he was called upon to dis charge, was to unite in signing that memorable in strument. In 1778, he was elected a judge of the criminal and civil courts of his state. Mr. Heyward, on the invasion of the southern states, bore arms in the defence of his country, and distinguished himself by his bravery and in trepidity. At the surrender of Charleston, he commanded a battalion of troops, and was parti cularly obnoxious, together with other fearless pa triots, to the British. Among other prisoners, he was sent to St. Augustine. On the cessation of hostilities, he was released, and returned to Phila delphia. Upon his return to Carolina, he resumed the labours of the bench, and continued to act as judge until 1798. In 1790, he was appointed a member of the con vention for forming a state constitution. On see ing the states happily united under the federal con stitution, he withdrew himself in 1791 from public labours and cares, to the retirement of private life. He died at his country seat in March, 1809. In his public duties, he was honest, firm, and intelligent. He conscientiously and fearlessly em barked in the revolution, and devoted with Ro man virtue, his life, estate, and reputation, in the cause of American liberty and independence. 164 JEFFERSON, THOMAS, JLL. D. third president of the United States, was born in Chesterfield county, Virginia, April 2, 1743. He re reived the honours of the college of Wil liam and Mary at an early age, and was distinguish ed for great scholarship, lie then commenced the study of the law with the late George Wythe, chan cellor of Virginia, and in a few years made great proficiency, and was admitted to practice, His uncommon qualifications soon brought him into notice, and before he had reached his twenty-fifth year, he was a conspicuous member of the Virginia legislature, and had subsequently a large share in all those determined, measures of that body, with regard to Great Britain, which finally led to the call of a general congress. In 1775, when the propositions of lord North were laid before the assembly by the governor for their consideration, he was unanimously appointed to answer them. His reply on this occasion was not only eloquent, but exhibits a mind of liberal and enlarged views. A few days after, he was elected a delegate to the general congress, which had con vened at Philadelphia. In this enlightened assem bly, he had scarcely appeared before he became conspicuous among those the most distinguished by their abilities and patriotism. And while he pursued a bold and undeviating course towards the great object of independence, was enabled by his example, as w r ell as by his arguments, to encourage and confirm others. The declaration of independence is justly attri buted to his pen, the merits of which it is unne cessary to canvass : not only America, but all Eu rope, too, has long since decided on its claims to excellence. The onlv nlteration* the original 105 draft of this celebrated production received in the committee, were from Dr. Franklin and John Adams, each of whom suggested a single verbal variation. From the commencement of the year 1777, to the middle of 1779, he was engaged with Pendleton and Wythe, in making a general revisal of the laws of Virginia ; in which he bore a considerable share, and to whom Virginia is indebted for the most im portant and beneficial changes in her code. The laws, forbidding the future importation of slaves ; converting estates tail into fee simple ; an nulling the rights of primogeniture ; establishing schools for general education; sanctioning the right of expatriation ; confirming the rights of free dom of religious opinions ; and for proportioning crimes and punishments. In 1779, he succeeded Patrick Henry as gover nor of Virginia, and was re-appointed in the follow ing year. During the tumult and confusion of the year 1781, he composed his celebrated work, " Notes on Virginia. It was written in reply to the que ries proposed to him by Monsieur de Marbois, at the suggestion of the French court. About the close of the year 1782, he was appoint^ ed minister plenipotentiary, to join those in Europe, who were to determine on the conditions of a treaty of peace, which it was expected would soon be en tered into. But before he embarked, intelligence was received! that preliminaries of peace between the United States and Great Britain had been sign ed : accordingly, congress dispensed with his leav ing America. In the summer of 1782, he was in congress, at the time the Virginia convention were establishing their form of government. He had been for some time engaged on this subject, and had prepared a constitution for the state, formed on the purest principles of republicanism, and which was proba- 166 bly the first draft of a fundamental constitution made by any man in America. This he transmitted to the convention, but it did not reach them until the day when the one that had been prepared by the house was to have received its final vote. It was therefore set aside, adopting only the preamble. On the establishment of peace, and the consequent opening of a general commer cial intercourse, plenipotentiary commissions for the concluding treaties of commerce, were given to Thomas Jefferson, Dr. Franklin, and John Adams, addressed to the several powers of Europe, and he sailed from the United States in July, 1784. A commercial treaty with Prussia, was the only re sult of these general commissions, immediately after the signing of which, Dr. Franklin returned to America, and Mr. Jefferson was appointed his successor as minister to France. During his residence in France, he, at the re quest of his native state, presented to the city of Paris, the bust of the gallant Marquis de La Fayette. The leisure, as minister, which was imposed on him, by the increasing distraction of the coun try, allowed him the opportunity of cultivating his acquaintance with the fine arts, and of enjoying the society and conversation of men celebrated in litera ture and science. In October, 1789, he obtained leave to return home, and arrived at Norfolk in the following No vember. On his way to his seat at Monticello, he was met by an express from president Washington, bringing him a commission as secretary of state. This he accepted, and in the April following, pro ceeded to New-York, then the seat of government, and entered upon the duties of his office, in which he continued until the first of January, 1794, when he resigned the situation, and retired to private life. The arduous and important duties of his sta tion, are universally acknowledged to have been Lo 7 discharged in a manner to reflect the highest credit on himself and country. The neutrality of the United States was maintained at a most trying period, with inflexible impartiality towards the bel ligerent powers of France and England : and his deportment towards Hammond and Genet, the ministers resident of two great rival powers, fur nishes the clearest evidence of his consummate ability as a statesman. A few other of his acts while secretary, ought, perhaps, to be noticed, as they are calculated to show, in various lights, the wonderful extent of his capacity. Among these might be particularized, his reports on the privileges and restrictions of commerce, and on the whale and cod fish eries ; with his plan for reducing the currency, weights, and measures of the United States, to an uniform standard. It has been observed, that these papers evince not only the feelings of a patriot, and the judgment of an accomplished statesman, but display, at the same time, uncommon talents and knowledge as a mathematician and natural philoso pher, the deepest research as an historian, and even an enlarged acquaintance with the business and concerns of a merchant. In 1797, he was elected vice-president, and in 1801, president of the United States of America. For eight years, he filled this exalted station with great ability and wisdom, and at the expiration of which, he withdrew for the remainder of his days, from the political theatre. The admiration, the gratitude, and the regrets of the nation followed him. Among the most noted acts of his administration, was the purchase of the extensive country of Lou isiana; and no one displays in a truer light the character of his mind, replete with philanthropy and the love of science, than his almost immediate directions for the exploration of that vast region. Since the year 1776, he has been the president 168 of the American philosophical society, and is a member of many of the "most learned societies in Europe and America. Until lately, he possessed the most extensive, rare, and valuable collection of books, in almost every language, and on nearly all subjects ; but on the destruction of the national library at Washing ton, by the British, in 1814, he at once proposed, for a moderate price, to transfer the greater por tion of his books to the United States, and they accordingly became the property of the nation. He now resides at his elegant retreat at Monticello, happy in the consciousness of a well spent life, and at the age of eighty-two years, retaining his mental faculties and bodily energies in a remarka ble degree. In person, he is tall and of slender make; his eyes are light, and full of intelligence ; his com plexion fair, and his hair inclining to red. In con versation, he is free and communicative. All to pics that fall under discussion, are treated by him, with equal unreservedness. He seems, indeed, to have no thought or opinion to conceal, and his stores of knowledge are unlocked and laid open with the same freedom in which nature unfolds her bounties. They lie before you, and you have only to select and enjoy. In manner, he is frequently pointed, and sometimes energetic, but always mild, and occasionally pleasant and facetious. The scientific and literary, throughout the Uni on, have always looked upon him as their adviser and patron ; and have, indeed, seldom failed to gain considerable advantage by their applications. JACKSON, ANDREW, a major-general in the army of the United States, was born near Camden, South-Carolina, March 15, 1767. He was sent to a 109 flourishing academy at the Waxaw settlement, where he remained, occupied with the dead lan guages, until the revolutionary war brought the ene my into his neighbourhood, whose approach left no alternative but the choice of the British or Ameri can banners. The intrepid and ardent boy, encou raged by his patriotic mother, hastened, at the age of fourteen, in company with one of his brothers, and joined the American standard, and shared the glory of the well-fought action at Stono. Not long af ter, the Americans engaged the British army, and were routed, and our hero was taken among the prisoners. At the close of the war, he returned to his classical studies, and at the age of eighteen he repaired to Salisbury, North Carolina, to a law yer s office, in which he prepared himself for the bar. In the winter of 1786, he obtained a license to practise, from thence he removed to Nashville, Tennessee, and there fixed his residence. Suc cess attended his industry and talents, and ere long, he was appointed attorney-general for the district. ** In 1796, he was elected a member of the con-\ vention, to frame a constitution for the state. In this body he acquired additional distinction, which placed him in the same year in congress, in the house of representatives, and the following year in the senate of the United States. He acted invariably with the republican party, and was esteemed for the soundness of his understand ing and the moderation of his demeanour. While a senator, he was chosen by the field offi cers of the Tennesse militia, without consultation with him, major-general of their division, and so remained until 1814, when he took the same rank in the service of the United States. In 1799, on his resignation as a senator, he was appointed one of the judges of the supreme court of Tennessee. He accepted this appointment with I* **f no reluctance, and withdrew from the bench soon after, with the determination to spend the rest of his life in tranquillity and seclusion, on a beautiful farm belonging to him, on the Cumberland river, about ten miles from Nashville. His quiet felicity, however, was soon broken up, by the occurrence of the war with Great Britain. It roused his martial spirit, and drew around his standard 2500 men, which he tendered without delay to his government. In November, he de scended the Missisippi, for the defence of the lower country, which was then thought to be in danger. As soon as tranquillity was restored, he returned to Nashville, and communicated to govern ment the Fesult of his expedition. In 1813, on the news arriving of the massacre at Fort Mimms, by a party of the British and a strong body of the Creek Indians, under the celebrated Tecumseh, the legislature called into service 3500 of the militia, to march into the heart of the Creek nation, and revenge the massacre. General Jackson, although at that time labour ing under severe indisposition, reached the en campment on the 7th October, 1813, and took command of the expedition. The first battle which he fought in person on this occasion, was at the fort of Talladega, a fort of the friendly Cherokee Indians, which had for some days been besieged by near 2000 Creeks. In this affair, he routed the Indians, with a loss of only fifteen killed and eighty wounded ; while that of the Indians was upwards of six hundred. The want of provisions obliged him to march back to fort Strother. On their ar rival there, no stores were found by the famished troops, owing to the delinquency of the contractors. The sufferings of the army by this time had be come incredible ; the militia resolved to a man to abandon the service. On the morning when they intended to carry their intention into effect, gene ral Jackson drew up the volunteer companies in 171 front of them, and gave his mandate not to advance. The firmness displayed on this occasion was so striking, that the militia returned to their quarters, and were the next day, in their turn, employed to put in check a part of the volunteer corps who had mutinied. General Jackson was obliged, how ever, to withdraw the troops from fort Strother, towards fort Deposite, upon the condition that if they met supplies, which were expected, they would return and prosecute the campaign. They had not proceeded more than ten miles, before they met 150 beeves ; but their faces being once turned homeward, they resisted his order to march back to the encampment. The scene which ensued is characteristic of his firmness and decision. A whole brigade had put itself in the attitude for moving off forcibly : Jackson, though disabled in his left arm, seizing a musket, and resting it with his right hand on the neck of his horse, he threw himself in front of the column, and threatened to shoot the first man who should attempt to advance. Major Reid and general Coffee placed themselves by his side. For several minutes the column pre served a menacing attitude, yet hesitated to pro ceed : at length it quietly turned round, and agreed to submit. This was a critical period : but for the daring intrepidity of Jackson, the campaign would have been broken up, and the object of their expe dition. A third considerable mutiny, which happened not long after, was suppressed by personal efforts of the same kind. Once more, in the middle of January, 1814, he was on his march, bending his course to a part of the Tallapoosa river, near the mouth of a creek, called Emuckfaw. On the 21st, at night, he dis covered he was in the neighbourhood of the ene my. At the dawn of the next morning, he was fiercely attacked by them. The whole of the day was spent in severe fighting, when the enemy drew off for the night. The next clay, the enemy return ed to the conflict with renewed ardour, and was* finally routed. The loss of the enemy was im mense. General Jackson then. moved forward, and en camped within three miles of fort Strother. Hav ing accomplished the several objects of this perilous expedition, in February he discharged the volun teers and his artillery company, receiving in their stead fresh militia, drafted for the occasion. On the 16th March, he altered his plan, and determin ed to penetrate further into the enemy s country: he accordingly set out from fort Strother, and came up with the enemy at the village of Tohopeka, where the enemy had taken much pains to secure themselves by a fortification. On the 27th, gene ral Jackson attacked the enemy, and for a time the contest was obstinate and bloody. At length the Americans proved victorious, after one of the most bloody battles which we have recorded on the an nals of Indian warfare. The loss of the enemy was upwards of seven hundred killed, besides se veral hundred prisoners, women and children, who were treated with tenderness and humanity. Hav ing thus struck a decisive blow, the hostile tribes sued for peace, which was granted to them, on cer tain conditions: those who rejected them sought refuge along the coast, and in Pensacola. All resistance being at an end, general Jackson issued orders for the troops to be marched home and discharged. The complete and final discomfiture of so for midable a foe as this confederacy of the Creek tribes, drew the attention of the general govern ment to the Tennessee commander, and in consi deration of his services, he was promoted as a bri gadier and brevet major-general in the regular ar my, May, 1814. General Jackson, with colonel Hawkins, by order of government, was deputed to negotiate with the vanquished Indians, for the purpose chiefly of restricting their limits, so as to cut off their communication with the British and Spanish agents. They reached their place of des tination on the 10th July, and by the 10th August, completely effected the object of their mission. During this transaction, his mind was struck with the importance of depriving the fugitive and refrac tory Indians of the aid and incitement which were administered to them in East Florida. For this purpose, he urged to the president the propriety of the measure, having already, from information which he had received, anticipated the attack on New-Orleans. He accordingly, of his own accord, addressed the governor of Pensacola, and summon ed him to deliver up the chiefs of the hostile In dians, who were harboured in their fortress. The governor peremptorily refused. General Jackson again addressed his government on the necessity of planting the American eagle on the Spanish walls. He addressed the governors of Tennessee, Louisiana, and Missisippi, to be vigilant and en ergetic, " for dark and heavy clouds hovered over the seventh military district." He sent his adju tant-general, colonel Butler^ to Tennessee to raise volunteers, and himself repaired to Mobile, to put- that region in a plan of defence. This position had until this time been wholly neglected. Gene ral Jackson, at once perceiving its great importance, lost no time in strengthening it. About a fortnight after his arrival, a squadron of British ships made an attack upon fort Boroyer, 18 miles below the head of Mobile bay, but was repulsed by the loss of one of their best ships and 230 men killed and wounded. General Jackson became more and more persuaded, that unless Pensacola should be reduced, it would be in vain to think of defending his district. He accordingly took up the line of march with the American army, and reached Pen sacola on the 6th of November. He found on his arrival, the forts garrisoned by the British and 174 Spaniards, and prepared for resistance. He forth with required a surrender of the several forts to be garrisoned and held by the United States, until Spain should furnish a force sufficient to protect the neutrality from the British. The governor peremptorily refused to accede to these terms. General Jackson immediately pushed forward to the attack, and after some carnage, he forced the governor and his advisers to a submission. Two days after entering the town, general Jack son abandoned it, and returned to fort Montgome ry, being satisfied with having driven away the Bri tish, forced the hostile Creeks to fly to the forests, and produced a salutary impression on the minds of the Spaniards. He now proceeded to New-Orleans, where he apprehended the most danger, and on the first December established his head-quarters in that place. Here he sounded the alarm of the approaching danger to his fellow citizens; roused the legisla ture to lend him their aid, and to prepare with all expedition for the coming foe. Too soon, alas! was this foresight realized, to the consternation of the slumbering citizens. On the 14th the British attacked the American flotilla on lake Borgne, and captured it, but not without a severe contest, and heavy loss of men. On the 16th, he reviewed the militia, and ha rangued them with usual eloquence. Resistance on the lakes being at an end, the enemy had nothing to do but to advance. On the 22nd, the British were accidentally dis covered advancing from the swamp and woods, about seven miles below the town ; when general Jackson, immediately on hearing of their approach, resolved to meet them. On the night of the 23d, about dusk, the Americans commenced the attack; the battle, complicated and fierce, continued for some time, until both parties were thrown into con- 175 fusion, owing to the darkness of the night; the ene my withdrew from the field of battle about a mile. This action for boldness of conception, and by the wisdom of the policy and the importance of the result, does infinite credit to the American hero. As the enemy continued to receive hourly rein forcements, which now amounted to upwards of 6000 men, general Jackson drew off his troops, and resolved to act defensively until he should be reinforced. He placed his men behind an en trenchment, with a determination to resist to the last extremity. On the 28th, the British force, being further increased, and led on by their chief, lieutenant-general Sir Edward Packenham, at tempted to storm the American works, but were gallantly repulsed. Skirmishes were kept up between the two ar mies, until the memorable eighth of January, when the enemy moved to the charge so unexpectedly, and with so much celerity, that the American sol diers at the out-posts had scarcely time to fly in. The whole plain was one continued glare of light ning from the shower of rockets, bombs, and balls, poured in from the enemy. Two British divisions, headed by Sir Edward Packenham in person, in the mean time pressed forward. When they had arrived within a short distance of the entrench ments, the Americans discharged a volley of death into their ranks, and arrested their progress. Sir Edward fell, generals Gibbs and Keene were wounded, and were carried off from the field, which by this time was strewed with the dead and dying. The British columns, often broken and driven back, were repeatedly formed, and urged forward anew. Convinced at last that nothing could be accomplished, they abandoned the contest, and a general and disorderly retreat ensued. The num ber of British engaged amounted to 14,000 ; their loss on this day amounted to nearly 3000, while that of the Americans was but thirteen killed! On 176 tiie 18th they took their final leave, and embarked in their shipping for the West-Indies. Thus end ed the mighty invasion, in twenty-six days after they exultingly placed their standard on the banks of the Missisippi. Thus triumphed general Jack son, by a wonderful combination of boldness and prudence ; energy and adroitness ; desperate for titude, and anxious patriotism. On his return to the city of New-Orleans, he was hailed as her Deliverer! The most solemn and lively demonstrations of public respect and grati tude succeeded each other daily, until the period of his departure for Nashville; nor was the sensa tion throughout the Union less enthusiastic. Soon after the annunciation of the peace, concluded at Ghent, he retired to his farm, once more to enjoy its rural pleasures. In January, 1818, general Jackson was again called into active service to chastise a portion of the Seminole Indians, who instigated by British adventurers, had already appeared on our frontiers, and had committed the most unheard of massacres. In this critical state of affairs, with that zeal and promptness which have ever marked his career, after having first collected a body of Tennessee volunteers, repaired to the post assigned, and as sumed the command. He immediately crossed the Spanish line, penetrated into the Seminole towns, and reduced them to ashes. He then pursued his march to St. Marks, and found a large body of In dians and negroes collected. After ascertaining that they had been supplied with arms by the ene my, and that the Spanish store-houses were appro priated to their use, to store plundered goods from the Americans, general Jackson made no hesi tation, after hearing a long list of other grievances, to demand a surrender of the post. A hesitation was made ; when general Jackson, convinced of the necessity of rapid movements, took it by force. m~ 177 marched his forces to Suwany, seized upon stores of the enemy, and burnt their villages. Having thus far effected his objects, general Jack son considered the war at an end. St. Marks be ing garrisoned by an American force ; the Indian towns destroyed; the two Indian chiefs, and the two foreign instigators, Arbuthriot and Armbrister, having been taken and executed, he ordered the troops to be discharged. General Jackson returned to Nashville in June, 1818, to the beloved retirement of his farm. New acknowledgments, and new marks of admiration were bestowed upon him in every part of the Union. On the meeting of congress, general Jackson re paired to Washington, to explain the transactions of this last expedition, in person, and to defend himself from the imputation of an intention to vio late the laws of his country, or the obligations of humanity. This he did in the most able manner. Whoever studies his ample and argumentative des patches, and the speeches delivered in his behalf, must be convinced that he did neither ; and that in making an example of the two instigators and con federates of the Indians, and seizing upon for tresses, which were only used for hostile purposes, he avenged and served the cause of humanity, and the highest national interests. From Washington, he came to Philadelphia, and proceeded to New- York. Wherever he appeared, he received the smiles and unceasing plaudits of a grateful people. At New- York, on the 19th February, he received the freedom of the city in a gold box ; and there as well as in Baltimore, the municipal councils obtained his portrait, to be placed in their halls. After the cession of the Floridas, the president appointed him first as a commissioner for receiv ing the provinces, and then to assume the govern ment of them. On the 1st Julv, 1821, he issued at Pensacola, his proclamation announcing the possession of the territory, and the authority of the United States. He also at once adopted rigorous measures for the introduction of a regular and efficacious adminis tration of affairs. The injury which his health had suffered from the personal hardships, inevitable in his campaigns, forbade him to protract his residence in Florida. Accordingly on the 7th October, 1821, he delegat ed his powers to two gentlemen, the secretaries of his government, and set out on his return to Nash ville. In this year, the corporation of New-Orleans voted $50,000 for erecting a marble statue appro priate to his military services. On the 4th July, 1822, the governor of Tennes see, by order of the legislature, presented him with a sword, as a testimonial of the "[high respect" en tertained by the state for his public services. On the 20th August, the general assembly of Tennessee recommended him to the Union for the office of president of the United States. In the autumn of 1823, he was elected to the senate of the United States, in which body he has taken his seat. Before his election to the senate, he w r as ap pointed by the president with the concurrence of the senate, minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, but he declined the honour. In person, general Jackson is tall, and remark ably erect and thin. His features are large; his eyes dark blue, with a keen and strong glance ; his complexion is that of a war-worn-soldier. His demeanour is gentle and easy ; affable and ac cessible to all; of great mildness and kindness of disposition. JAY, JOHN, LL. I), chief justice oftheUnited Staler, and a distinguished statesman, was born in the city of New-York, December 1, 1745. At the age of fourteen, he entered . After taking his bachelor s degree, he studied law, and in a few years rose to distinguished eminence in his pro fession. ^ The commencement of our struggles with Great Britain found him at an age, and with feelings and talents, to render him an ardent and able supporter of his country s rights, and a fit and worthy succes sor to his father, whose age and infirmities forbade him to take that part in the events of the time to which he was prompted by inclination. He there fore commenced his political career at a point which was justly considered the honourable goal of many an older patriot s ambition. In 1774, he was elected by the citizens of New- York, a delegate to the first general congress which met at Philadelphia; that congress, of which to have been member, is a sufficient title to the grati tude of Americans. In 1776, he was elected president of that august and enlightened body. In 1777, he was a member of the convention of the state of New-York, which met to deliberate and frame a new constitution ; and drew the first draft of that instrument. In 1778, he was appointed chief justice of that state. In the following year, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court of Spain, and sailed for Cadiz in the beginning of December. The object of this mission was to obtain from Spain an acknowledgment of our independence, to form a treaty of alliance, and to procure pecu niary aid : but on the two first points he failed. Early in the summer of 1782, he was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate a peace with England, and was authorized to continue the nego tiation with Spain. 180 In September, 1783, he signed a definitive treaty of peace with the former, and soon after resigned his commission, and returned home. On his arrival in the United States, he was placed at the head of the department for foreign affairs, in which office he continued till the adoption of the federal constitution, when he was appointed chief justice of the United States. In 1794, he was appointed envoy extraordinary to Great Britain, and signed the treaty which has since borne his name. In 1795, he was elected governor of the state of New-York, and in 1801, declined a re-election, and withdrew altogether from public life. In person, Mr. Jay is tall and of slender make ; with a countenance indicative of the highest de gree of intelligence. To his pen, while in con gress, was America indebted for some of those masterly addresses which reflect such high honour upon the government; to his firmness and pene tration, were in no considerable degree to be ascribed those intricate negotiations which were conducted, towards the close of the war, both at Madrid and Paris. With a mind improved by extensive reading and great knowledge of public affairs ; unyielding firm ness and inflexible integrity; his character, perhaps, approaches nearer than any other of modern times* to the Aristides of Plutarch. 1 8 KING, RUFUS, a distinguished statesman, and one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in the year 1755, in the town of Scarborough, dis trict of Maine. In the year 1773, he was admitted a student of Harvard college, and graduated in 1777. In this seminary he acquired great reputation for his clas sical attainments, and more especially for his ex traordinary powers of oratory. From Cambridge he went to Newburyport, and entered as a student of law in the office of the late chief justice Par sons, with whom he completed his studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1780. In 1783, he was elected a member to the state legislature of Massachusetts. In the years 1784, 5, and 6, he was a member of the old congress, and on several occasions, he delivered some of the most masterly speeches ever heard. In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of Massachusetts a delegate to the general conven tion, held at Philadelphia, and bore a large share in the discussion and formation of our present sys tem of government. He attended during the whole session of the convention, and was one of the com mittee appointed by that body to prepare and re port the final draft of the constitution of the United States. He was afterwards a conspicuous and lead ing member of the Massachusetts convention, which met to ratify and adopt it. In the year 1786, he married Miss Alsop, of the city of New- York, to which place he removed in 1788. In the summer of 1789, he and general Schuyler were elected the first senators from the state of im New-York, under the constitution of the United States. In 1794, soon after the promulgation of the Bri tish treaty, a series of papers was published in its defence, under the signature of Carnillus. The ten first numbers were written by general Hamil ton, and the remainder by Mr. King. In these masterly papers there is discovered a depth of research, and an acquaintance with the various treaties and laws of different nations, on the sub jects of navigation, trade, and maritime law, which render them of inestimable value. In the spring of 1796, he was appointed by pre sident Washington, minister plenipotentiary to the court of Great-Britain. After an absence of seven years he resigned his mission, and returned home in 1803. During his residence abroad, few foreign ers lived on more intimate terms with the public men of the day, as well those in administration as the opposition. He frequented the society of literary men, and has since maintained a corre spondence with some of the most distinguished civilians of the old world. In 1813, he was again chosen by the legislature of New-York, a senator of the United States. In person, Mr. King is above the middle size, and somewhat athletic. His countenance is man ly, and bespeaks intelligence of the first order. His conversation and writings are remarkable for conciseness, force, and simplicity. As a statesman he is intimately conversant with the laws and constitution of his country, and fami liarly acquainted with its various interests, foreign and domestic ; as a civilian, well read in the laws of nations ; as an erudite classical scholar, both in ancient and modern literature, and as an elegant writer, and a consummate orator, he may be said to rank with the first of his cotemporaries. KNOX, HENRY, LL. D. a major-general in the army of the United States, was born at Boston, July 25, 1750. Among those of our country, who most zealously engaged in the cause of liberty, few sustained a rank more deservedly conspicuous, than general Knox. He was one of those heroes, of whom it may be truly said, that he lived for his country. The ardour of his youth, and the vigour of his manhood, were devoted to acquiring its liber ty and establishing its prosperity. At the age of eighteen, he was selected by the young men of Boston to the command of an inde pendent company : in this station, he exhibited those talents, which afterwards shone with lustre, in the most brilliant campaigns of an eight years war. In the early stages of British hostility, though not in commission, he was not an inactive specta tor. At the battle of Bunker-hill he acted as a volunteer in reconnoitring the movements of the enemy. Scarcely had we begun to feel the aggressions of the British arms, before it was perceived that we were destitute of artillery ; and no resource pre sented itself, but the desperate expedient of pro curing it from the Canadian frontier. At this cri sis he generously offered his services to the com- mander-in-chief, to supply the army with ordnance from Canada, notwithstanding the obstacles and perils of the undertaking. Accordingly, in the winter of 1775, he commenced his operations, and in a few weeks, he had surmounted every difficulty and danger, and returned laden with ordnance and stores. In consequence of this important service, he was appointed to the command of the artillery of which he had thus laid the foundation, in which command he continued with increasing reputation through the revolutionary war. 184 In the battles of Trenton and Princeton he glo riously signalized himself by his bravery and va lour. In the bloody fields of Gerrnantown and Mon- mouth, he was no less distinguished for the dis charge of the arduous duties of his command. In the front of the battle he was seen animating his soldiers, and pointing the thunder of their cannon. His skill and bravery were so conspicuous on the latter occasion, that he received the particular ap probation of the commander-in-chief. In every field of battle, where Washington fought, Knox was by his side. Honourable to himself as had been the career of his revolutionary services, new laurels were reserved for him at the siege of Yorktown. To the successful result of this me morable siege, no officer contributed more essen tially than the commander of the artillery. His animated exertions, his military skill, his cool and determined bravery in this triumphant struggle, re ceived the unanimous approbation of congress, and he was immediately created major-general, with the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, and of the whole army. Having contributed so essential ly to the successful termination of the war, he was next selected as one of the commissioners to ad just the terms of peace. He was deputed to receive the surrender of the city of New-York, and soon after appointed to the command of West Point. It was here that he was employed in the delicate and arduous duty of disbanding the army, and in ducing a soldiery, disposed to turbulence by their privations and sufferings, to retire to domestic life, and resume the peaceful character of citizens. The great objects of the war being accomplish ed, and peace restored to our country, general Knox was, early under the confederation, appointed se cretary of war by congress, in which office he was confirmed by president Washington, after the esta blishment of the federal government. 185 Having filled this office for eleven years, he ob tained the reluctant consent of president Washing ton to retire. Retired from the theatre of active life, he still felt a deep interest in the prosperity of his country. He was called repeatedly to take a share in the government of the state, to which he had removed, and in the discharge of whose several duties, he exhibited great wisdom and experience as a legis lator. In the full vigour of health, he suddenly died at Montpelier, his seat in Thoinaston, Maine, on the 25th October, 1806. The great qualities of general Knox were not merely those of the hero and the statesman ; with these were combined those of the elegant scholar, and the accomplished gentleman. There have been those as brave and as learned, but rarely a union of such valour, with so much urbanity; a mind so great, yet so free from ostentation. In his private virtues, he was no less the orna ment of every circle in which he moved, as the ami able and enlightened companion, the generous friend, the man of feeling and benevolence. In consideration of his literary attainments, the presi dent and trustees of Dartmouth college conferred on him the degree of doctor of laws. KOLLOCK, HENRY, DD. an eminent divine, was born at New-Providence, New-Jersey, December 14, 1778. The years of his infancy and childhood were distinguished by intimations of a superior mind ; by a natural curiosity and thirst for know ledge, which his friends hailed as the presages of his future eminence. So completely was his mind absorbed by the pursuit of knowledge, so close and unwearied was his application to books, that at a 24 186 very early period, he impaired his health, and en dangered his life. After going through the usual course of study at the grammar school, he entered Princeton college at the age of thirteen, and pursued his collegiate studies with uncommon ardour ; and before he had attained his sixteenth year, received the degree of bachelor of arts. About this period he became the subject of di vine grace, and was admitted a member of the pres- byterian church in Elizabeth-Town, to which place his parents had removed. Soon after, being strong ly impressed that God had designed him for the Christian ministry, he commenced the study of di vinity, and became a candidate for the gospel minis try in the year 1797. He was elected a tutor of Princeton college. In this situation he prosecuted his theological studies under president Smith with unremitting ardour. Here too he extended his acquaintance with the great writers of antiquity ; the poets, the orators, and the historians of Greece and Rome ; and read with avidity and attention the British classics, for which, from a child he had a peculiar relish. By being familiar with these excellent models of writ ing, he acquired that ease and elegance of style, and that correctness and delicacy of taste, which are perceptible in all his productions. He also made himself master of the French language. But while he was thus enriching his mind with useful knowledge, he was not neglectful of per sonal piety. In 1800, he was licensed to preach by the pres bytery of New- York, and soon after appeared in public, and preached with great acceptation. In a few months he gained the highest reputation as a pulpit orator. His extraordinary powers, as a preacher, soon attracted the attention of important churches ; and many who were destitute of a pas- Jor desired to enjoy his valuable ministry. 187 Before the close of the year 1800, lie was instal led pastor of the church at Elizabeth-Town. While pastor of this church, his labours were eminently blessed. In the pulpit and in his closet, in his pas toral visits, and in the association s for prayer, he seemed to lose sight of every consideration but the glory of God, and the spiritual benefit of his people. In December, 1803, he received the appointment of professor of divinity in the college of New-Jer sey, to which place he afterwards removed, and also undertook the pastoral charge of the church at Princeton. As a professor of theology he was highly esteem ed, and extensively useful. In 1806, he received the degree of doctor of di vinity, from Harvard university, and a few months afterwards the same honour from Union college. His character as a theologian and a man of science, was now very conspicuous and extensively known. In the summer of the same year he accepted of the call from the independent presbyterian congre gation of Savannah, and shortly after removed with his family to that place. Here, while he indefati- gably and successfully laboured for the promotion of religion, he did much for the advancement of literature and science. To him Savannah is in debted for her valuable and extensive library. He every where inspired a taste for reading; and in proportion as religion flourished, science was ad vanced, and literature cultivated. In 1810, he was invited to accept the presidency of the university of Georgia, which had become vacant by the resignation of Dr. Meigs, but this call he declined. In the year 1817, he made a voyage to Europe, chiefly for the purposing of restoring his health, as well as to collect materials for a life of Calvin, which he had commenced many years before. He visited the chief cities of England, Scotland, Ire- 188 land, and France ; and was received with that at tention and respect which are due to a man of sci ence, and a distinguished minister of Christ. After an absence of eight months, he returned to the United States, with his health much invigorat ed but it is to be regretted he failed in procuring the materials which he needed to complete the life of Calvin. It therefore remains in an unfinish ed state, and unfit for publication. This is a cir cumstance much to be regretted, as it deprives the public of a work which would have done honour to our country. He had bestowed much pains upon it, and if it had been published according to the author s plan, it would have been decidedly supe rior to any of his works. During the summer and autumn of 1819, Savan nah was visited with unusual sickness and mortali ty. In proportion to the extent of the disease, and the number of deaths, were the severity and con stancy of Dr. Kollock s labours. Such were his unremitted duties, during this calamitous period, that he gradually relapsed into that state of organic debility, from which he had been restored by his voyage to Europe, and without a struggle closed his useful and valuable life, December 29, 1819, aged forty-one years. As a preacher, few in our country ever excelled him. Possessing all the requisites to form a pul pit orator, he carried the art of preaching to the highest perfection, and displayed all the character istics of genuine eloquence. Deeply impressed with a sense of the important truths which he de livered, he added to fervent piety the most brilliant and inventive imagination, the most correct and de licate taste, the clearest conception, and the most solid judgment. As a scholar, he was highly distinguished. From his youth he had always been a labourious student, and through life his thirst for knowledge continued and increased. He was well acquainted with the 1.89 Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and German lan guages. In the latter he particularly took delight in perusing works of taste, criticism, and theology. His works are published in four volumes octavo. 190 LAURENS, HENRY, president of congress, and a distinguished patriot, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1724. The superintendence of his education was first given to Mr. Howe, and afterwards to Mr. Corbett ; but of the nature of his studies, or the extent of his acquirements, we are not told. He was regularly bred to mercantile pursuits, and was remarkable through life for his peculiar observance of business. In whatever he was engaged, he was distinguished for his extra ordinary punctuality. He rose early, and devoting the morning to the counting-house, he not unfre- quently finished his concerns before others had left their beds. Industrious almost to an extreme him self, he demanded a corresponding attention and labour on the part of those in his employ. In the year 1771, on the death of his amiable wife, he relinquished business, and visited Europe, principally for the purpose of superintending the education of his sons. He took an early part in opposing the arbitrary claims of Great Britain, and was one of the thirty- nine native Americans, who endeavoured by their petition to prevent the British parliament from passing the Boston port bill. Every exertion on the part of the colonies prov ing fruitless, he hastened home, with a determina tion to take part with his countrymen against Great Britain. The circumstance of his leaving England at this important crisis, expressly to defend the cause of independence, served to confirm in the highest degree that unbounded confidence in his fidelity and patriotism, for which his friends, through the whole course of his career, had such an ample cause to entertain. 191 On his arrival in this country, no attentions were withheld which it was possible to bestow. When the provincial congress of Carolina met in June, 1775, he was appointed its president, in which capacity, he drew up a form of association, to be signed by all the friends of liberty, which in dicated a most determined spirit. On the establishment of a regular constitution in South Carolina, in 1776, he was elected a mem ber of congress. On the resignation of president Hancock, he was appointed the president of that august body. In 1780, he was appointed a minister plenipoten tiary to Holland to solicit a loan, and to negotiate a treaty. On his passage to that country, he was captured by a British vessel, and sent to England. He was there imprisoned in the tower of London, on the 6th October, as a state prisoner, upon a charge of high treason. He was confined more than a year, and treated with great severity ; being denied for the most part all intercourse with his friends, and forbidden the use of pen and ink. Towards the close of the year 1781, his suffer ings, which had by that time become well known, excited the utmost sympathy for himself, but kin dled the warmest indignation against the authors of his cruel confinement. Every exertion to draw concessions from this inflexible patriot having prov ed more than useless, the ministry resolved upon his releasement. As soon as his discharge was known, he received from congress a commission, appointing him one of their ministers for negotiat ing a peace with Great-Britain. In conjunction with Dr. Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams, he signed the preliminaries of peace on the 30th November, 1782, and a short time after he returned to South Carolina. Although he could have commanded any office in the gift of his state, he declined every honour which was urged upon him by his countrymen, preferring to spend the re- maiiider of his days in rural retirement and domes tic enjoyment. He expired on the 8th December, 1792. He di rected his son to burn his body on the third day, as the sole condition of inheriting an estate of 60,000 sterling. LINN, JOHN BLAIR, DD. a poet, and an eminent divine, was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, March 14, 1777. He early evinced a strong at tachment to books. At the age of thirteen he entered Columbia college, and graduated at the age of eighteen. During the four years which he passed at college, the fine writers of the age, particularly the poets, became his darling study. On leaving college, he commenced the study of the law under the direction of general Alexander Hamilton, but he did not apply himself with much assiduity to his new pursuit. The splendid visions of Shakspeare and Tasso were more attractive. He regarded the legal sci ence every day with new indifference, and at the close of the first year relinquished the profession altogether. After much deliberation, he determin ed to devote his future life to the service of the church. He now retired to Schenectady, and put himself under the care of Dr. Rorneyn, a professor of theo logy. In the year 1798, he was licensed to preach by the classis of Albany. Amidst some exuberances of style and sentiment, the excellence of his per formances excited lively expectations of his future distinction. In the year 1799, he accepted a call from the first Presbyterian church at Philadelphia, and was or dained as colleague with the Rev. John Ewinir. ^ 193 His health, which had always been delicate, from this period began to decline ; and his death, not a little accelerated by excessive application to study, and the duties of his office, happened on the 30th August, 1804. As a preacher, few persons ever attained so great a popularity as he acquired before his twen ty-third year. As a poet, he possesses consider able merit. He published in 1801, "The Powers of Genius." In 1802, "A Controversy with Dr. Priestley," Mis cellanies in prose and verse," and "Valerian." LEWIS, MERIWETHER, governor of Louisiana, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, August 18, 1774, and from infancy was always distinguished for boldness and enterprise. At the age of twenty-three he received the ap pointment of captain in the regular army, and in the year 1792, he was selected by president Jeffer son, in conjunction with Mr. Michaux, to explore the country of the Missouri ; unfortunately, how ever, the expedition was abandoned by the recall of Mr. Michaux. In 1803, congress, at the recommendation of president Jefferson, voted a sum of money for ex ploring the Missouri to its source, to cross the high lands, and follow the best water communication which offered itself from thence to the Pacific ocean. Captain Lewis, who was at this time intimately known to president Jefferson, for courage and per severance in whatever he undertook, for an honest, liberal, and sound understanding, and an intimate knowledge of the Indian character, their customs, and principles, and for a fidelity to truth so scru pulous, that whatever he should report would be as 25 194 certain as if seen by himself, lie did not hesitate to confide the enterprise to him as one every way qualified to conduct it. At his request, he was accompanied by captain Clark, in case of accident to himself, that he might direct the further prose cution of the enterprise. A draught of instructions having been prepared, he left the city of Washington, July 5, 1803, and proceeded on the expedition, and did not return to Washington before the 3rd of February, 1807. Congress, in consideration of his services, granted to him and his followers a donation of a large tract of land. He was, soon after, appointed governor of Loui siana. He died September 20, 1809. An account of his expedition has been publish ed in two volumes octavo. LED YARD, JOHN, an enterprising traveller, was born at Groton, Connecticut, about the year 1750. At the age of eighteen he commenced the study of divinity at Dartmouth College, New-Hampshire. During his residence at this institution, he had an opportunity of learning the character and manners of the Indians, which was of no little advantage to him in the future periods of his life. In the year 1771, he went to New- York and embarked for Lon don. When captain Cook sailed on his third voyage of discovery, Ledyard, who felt an irresista- ble desire to explore those regions of the globe W hich were yet undiscovered or imperfectly known, accepted the humble station of corporal of marines, rather than forego an opportunity so inviting to his inquisitive and adventurous spirit. He was a favourite of the illustrious navigator, and was one of the witnesses of his tragical end in 1778. In 1781, he returned to his native place, after an 195 absence often years. In 1782, he again embarked at New-York for England. He now resolved to traverse the continent of America, from the north west coast, which Cook had partly explored, to the eastern coast, with which he was already perfectly familiar. He accordingly crossed the British Channel to Ostend, witli only ten guineas in his purse ; determined to travel over land to Kamschat- ka, whence the passage is short to the western coast of America. When he came to the gulf of Bothnia, he attempted to cross the ice, that he might reach Kamschatka by the shortest way; but finding that the water was not frozen in the middle, he returned to Stockholm. He then travelled northward into the arctic circle, and passing round the head of the gulf, descended on its eastern side to St. Petersburg. There his extraordinary ap pearance attracted general notice. Without stock ings or shoes, and too poor to provide himself with either, he was invited to dine with the Portuguese ambassador, who supplied him with twenty guineas, on the credit of Sir Joseph Banks. Through his interest, he also obtained permission to accompany a detachment of stores to Yakutz, in Siberia. From Yakutz, he proceeded to Ochotsk, on the Kamschatkan sea. But as the navigation was com pletely obstructed by the ice, he returned to Ya kutz. Here he was seized as a prisoner, and con veyed through the north of Tartary to the frontiers of the Polish dominions, where he was released on condition of returning to England. Poor, for lorn, and friendless, and exhausted by fatigue, dis ease, and misery, he proceeded to Koningsburg, where the interest of Sir Joseph Banks enabled him to procure the sum of five guineas, by means of which he arrived in England. He immediately waited on Sir Joseph Banks, who recommended him to an adventure as perilous as that from which he had just returned. Ledyarcl engaged with enthusiasm in die enter prise, and received from Sir Joseph a letter of in troduction to one of the members of the associa tion, which had been formed for promoting the discovery of the interior parts of Africa, which were then little known. The description which that gentleman has given of his first interview, strongly marks the character of this hardy traveller. " Be fore I had learned," says he, "from the note the name and business of my visiter, I was struck with the manliness of his person, the breadth of his chest, the openness of his countenance, and the in quietude of his eye. I spread the map of Africa before him, and tracing a line from Cairo to Se- naar, and from thence westward in the latitude and supposed direction of the Niger, I told him that was the route by which I was anxious that Africa might, if possible, be explored. He said lie should think himself singularly fortunate to be intrusted with the adventure. I asked him when he would set out ! To-morrow morning, was his answer." From such zeal, decision, and intrepidity, the so ciety naturally formed the most sanguine expecta tions. He sailed from London, June 30, 1788. He passed through Paris and Marseilles to Alex andria. He there assumed the dress of an Egyptian tra veller, and proceeded to Cairo, which he reached on the 19th August. Here, after repeated delays and disappointments in the departure of the cara van which he was to have accompanied, he was obstinately attacked by a fever, which baffled the skill of the most approved physicians of Cairo, and terminated his earthly existence, January 17, 1789. Besides his communications to the African asso ciation, he published an account of Cook s voyage in 1781. A number of his manuscripts remain in the hands of his brother, of the city of New-York. 197 LIVINGSTON, ROBERT R. one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in the city of New- York, on the 2nd September, 1747. At the age of eighteen he graduated in the col lege of New-York, and soon after commenced the study of the law, with the late William Smith, Esq. On completing his legal education, he was called to fill the office of recordership of that city. It was at this period, the great question of the rights of the colonies agitated the community, and he was called upon to assert their rights, and expose their wrongs, on the floor of the general congress. To occupy a seat in this august assembly, and to be associated with Washington, Franklin, Jeffer son, Henry, and others, is the highest, as it certain ly is, the purest eulogium that can be pronounced upon his virtues and talents. How he passed this trial, will be best gathered from the archives of congress, which associate him with Lee and Pendleton, in framing the ad dress to the inhabitants of Great Britain; with Jef ferson, Franklin, and John Adams, in preparing the declaration of independence ; and with Samuel Adams, Dickinson, and M Kean, in digesting and presenting a form of national government, subse quently adopted, under the name of articles of con federation and perpetual union. From 1781 to 1783, he filled the responsible office of foreign affairs, when he retired. On his resignation, he received the thanks of congress, for the zeal and fidelity with which he had discharged this important trust. Nor was he, exclusively, employed in national concerns. He devoted that part of his time which was not employed in the councils of his nation, to the concerns of his state, in framing a new con stitution. Under this new constitution he was appointed chancellor of the state, which he filled with distin guished abilities till the year 1 801 . 198 In 1801, he was appointed by president Jeffer son, minister plenipotentiary to France. He ac cordingly arrived at Paris in the autumn, and im mediately urged the purport of his mission. In the year 1804, having effected the object of his mission, viz. the purchase of the territory of Louisiana, and the liquidation of the debts due on the part of France to the citizens of the United States, he obtained leave to return home, of which he received notice on the arrival of general Arm strong, his successor. Previous to his leaving Eu rope, he made a tour through Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, and returned to his seat on the Hud son, in June, 1805. With this mission terminated the political life of Mr. Livingston, but not that of his public useful ness. In matters of taste, in the progress of the useful arts, in the improvement of the country by canals, roads, planting, building, and agriculture, his mind was constantly and vigorously employed ; and to his suggestions or example much of the present honourable impulse in these branches may be justly ascribed. And lastly, the perfection of the steam-boat navigation in this country. In the vigour of health, and the plentitude of usefulness, this distinguished patriot and statesman was sud denly called to pay the debt of nature on the 15th February, 1813, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. LIVINGSTON, WILLIAM, One of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in New-York, about the year 1723, and was graduated at Yale college in 1741. He afterwards pursued the study of the law. Possessing a strong and comprehensive mind, a brilliant imagination, and a retentive memory, and improving with unwearied diligence the lite- 199 rary advantages which he enjoyed, he soon rose to eminence in his profession. He early embraced the cause of civil and religious liberty. When Great Britain advanced her arbitrary claims, he employed his pen in opposing them, and in vin dicating the rights of his countrymen. After sus taining some important offices in New-York, he removed to New-Jersey, and as a representative of this state was one of the principal members of the first congress in 1774. In 1776, on the formation of the new constitu tion of the state, he was elected the first governor; and such was his integrity and republican virtue, that he was annually re-elected until his death. During our struggles for liberty, he bent his exer tions to support the independence of his country. By the keenness and severity of his political writ ings he exasperated the British, who distinguished him as an object of their peculiar hatred. His pen had no inconsiderable influence in exciting that indignation and zeal, which rendered the mi litia of New-Jersey so remarkable for the alacrity with which on any alarm they arrayed themselves against the common enemy. In 1787, he was appointed a delegate to the grand convention, which formed the constitution of the United States. After having sustained the of fice of governor for fourteen years, with great ho nour to himself, and usefulness to the state, he died at his seat near Elizabeth-Town, July 25, 1790. Governor Livingston was remarkably plain and simpte in his dress and manners. He was con vivial, easy, mild, witty, and fond of anecdote. Fixed and unshaken in Christian principles, his life presented an example of incorruptible integrity, strict honour, and warm benevolence. His writings evince a vigorous mind and a re fined taste. Intimately acquainted with ancient and modern literature, lie acquired an elegance of style, which placed him among the first oi modern writers. He published a poem, called Philosophical Soli tude; an Eulogium on President Burr, 1758; Mis cellaneous pieces in prose and verse ; a Review of the Military Operations in North America, from 1753 to 1756. LIVINGSTON, PHILIP, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was a member of the family, which has long been distinguished in the state of New-York, and was born at Albany, Janua ry 15, 1716. He was graduated at Yale college in 1737. With the superior advantages of an excellent education, he embarked in mercantile pursuits, and was soon engaged in extensive operations; and his inflexible integrity, and enlarged and comprehen sive views, laid the foundation and erected the structure of extraordinary prosperity. His first appearance in public life was in Sep tember, 1754, when he was elected an alderman of the city of New-York. From this period he con tinued to fill various and important trusts under the colonial government, till he took a decided and energetic stand against the usurpations of Great Britain. Mr. Livingston was chosen a member of the first congress which met at Philadelphia on the 5th September, 1774. In this assembly he took a dis tinguished part, and was appointed on the commit tee to prepare an address to the people of Great Britain. He was re-elected a delegate in 1775, with full power to concert with the other delegates from the other colonies, upon such measures as should be 2UJ judged most effectual for the preservation and re- establishment of American rights and privileges. On the 4th July, 1776, he affixed his signature to the declaration of independence. On the 15th July, 1776, he was chosen by con gress a member of the board of treasury, and on the 29th April following, a member of the marine committee ; two important trusts, in which the safety and well-being of America were essentially involved. On the 13th May, 1777, the state convention re- elected him to congress, and at the same time thanked him and his colleagues for their long and faithful services rendered to the colony and state of New- York. Mr. Livingston s attendance in congress did not, however, preclude his employment at home in affairs of importance. - He served in every capa city in which he could be useful in the councils of his state. He assisted in framing a constitution for the state, and on its adoption was chosen a senator under it. In October, 1777, he was re-elected to congress under the new constitution, and took his seat in congress in May, 1778, one of the most critical and gloomy periods of the revolution ; and incessantly devoted his whole faculties to the salvation of his country. He expired at York, Pennsylvania, on the 12th June, 1778. A short time previous to his demise, he sold a portion of his property to sustain the public cre dit; and though he sensibly felt the approach of death, owing to the nature of his complaint, he did not hesitate to relinquish the endearments of a be loved family, and devote the last remnant of his illustrious life to the service of his country, then enveloped in the thickest gloom. LINCOLN, BENJAMIN, a major-general in the Ame rican army, was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, January 23d, 1733. Having at an early period espoused the cause of his country as a firm and determined whig, he was elected a member of the provincial congress, and one of the secretaries of that body, and also a mem ber of the committee of correspondence. In 1776, he was appointed by the council of Mas sachusetts a brigadier, and soon after a major- general of the militia. In October, he marched with a body of militia and joined the main army at New-York. In Feb ruary, 1777, congress appointed him a major- general in the regular service. In July, 1777, general Washington selected him to join the northern army under the command of general Gates, to oppose the advance of general Burgoyne. During the sanguinary conflict on the 7th of Oc tober, he received a wound, which badly fractured his leg, and was obliged to be taken off the field. He was not enabled to join the army, until the fol lowing August, when he was joyfully received by general Washington, who well knew how to ap preciate his merit. It was from a developement of his estimable character as a man, and his talent as a military commander, that he was designated by congress for the arduous duties of the chief com mand in the southern department, under innumera ble embarrassments. On his arrival at Charleston, December, 1778, he found that he had to form an army, to provide supplies, and to arrange the various departments, that he might be able to cope with an enemy con sisting of experienced officers and veteran troops. On the 19th of June, 1779, he attacked the ene my, who were strongly posted at Stone Ferry, and after a hard fought action, he was obliged to re tire. The next event of importance which occurred, was the bold assault on Savannah, in conjunction with count D Estaing, and which proved unsuccess ful. He then repaired to Charleston, and endea voured to put that city in a posture of defence. In March, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton appeared be fore that place, with a force not short of 9000 men. They commenced a heavy cannonade, and con tinued to besiege it, until the 12th May, when he was compelled to surrender. Notwithstanding for tune frowned on him, in most of his bold and daring enterprises, he still retained his popularity, and the confidence of the army, and was considered as a most zealous patriot, and the bravest of soldiers. " Great praise is due to general Lincoln," says Dr. Ramsay, "for his judicious and spirited con duct in baffling for three months, the greatly supe rior force of Sir Henry Clinton and admiral Ar- buthnot. Though Charleston and the southern army were lost, yet by their long protracted de fence, the British plans were hot only retarded but deranged, and North Carolina was saved for the remainder of the year 1780." In the campaign of 1781, General Lincoln com manded a division under General Washington, and at the siege of Yorktown he had his full share of the honour of that brilliant and auspicious event. The articles of capitulation stipulated for the same honour in favour of the surrendering army, as had been granted to the garrison of Charleston. He was appointed to conduct them to the field where their arms were deposited, and received the cus tomary submission. In October, 1781, he was chosen by congress secretary at war, retaining his rank in the army. In this office he continued till October, 1783, when he resigned, and received a vote of thanks from congress, for his fidelity and diligence in discharg ing the important trust. He now retired to his farm. In 1786-7, he was appointed to the command of the troops, which suppressed the insurrection under Shays and Day. In May, 1787, he was elected lieutenant-gover nor of the state of Massachusetts. He was a mem ber of the convention for ratifying the federal con stitution, and in the summer of 1789, he received from president Washington, the appointment of collector of the port of Boston. This office he sustained till being admonished by the increasing infirmities of his age, he requested permission to resign, about two years before his death. He clos ed his honourable and useful life, on the 9th of May, 1810. General Lincoln received from the university of Cambridge, the honorary degree of master of arts. He was one of the first members of the American academy of arts and sciences, and a member of the Massachusetts historical society. He was also president of the society of Cincinnati, from its first organization to the day of his decease. LEE, RICHARD HENRY, president of congress, was a native of Virginia, and from his earliest youth devoted his talents to the service of his country. His public life was distinguished by some remark able circumstances. He had the honour of origi nating the first resistance to British oppression in the time of the stamp act in 1765. He proposed in the Virginia house of burgesses, in 1773, the formation of a committee of correspondence, whose object was to disseminate information, and to kindle the flame of liberty throughout the continent. He was a conspicuous member of the first congress, and throughout the contest with Great Britain no mem ber of that enlightened and patriotic body acted with more patriotism and zeal. In 1784, he was chosen president of congress, and continued a member of that body till 1787, when the constitution of the United States was .submitted to the consideration of the people, he contended for the necessity of amendment, pre vious to its adoption. After the government was organized, he and Mr. Grayson were chosen the first senators from Vir ginia, in 1789. This station he held until his re signation, in 1792, when John Taylor was appoint ed in his place. He died at Chantilly, in Westmoreland county, Virginia, June 22, 1794, in the sixty- third year of his age. He supported through life the character of a philosopher, a patriot, and a sage ; and died as he had lived, a blessing to his country. The following character of Mr. Lee is from the classic pen of William Wirt, Esq. "Mr. Lee," says he, "had studied the classics in the true spirit of criticism. His taste had that de licate touch which seized with intuitive certainty every beauty of an author, and his genius that na tive affinity which combined them without an effort. Into every walk of literature and science, he had carried this mind of exquisite selection, and brought it back to the business of life, crowned with every light of learning, and decked with every wreath that all the muses and all the graces could entwine. Nor did those light decorations consti tute the whole value of its freight. He possessed a rich store of historical and political knowledge, with an activity of observation, and a certainty of judgment, that turned that knowledge to the very best account. He was not a lawyer by profession ; but he understood thoroughly the constitution both of the mother country and of her colonies ; and the elements also of the civil and municipal law. Thus while his eloquence was free from those stiff and technical restraints, which the habits of forensic . speaking are so apt to generate, he had all the legal learning which is necessary to a statesman. He reasoned well, and declaimed freely and splen didly. Such was his promptitude, that he requir ed no preparation for debate. He was ready for any subject as soon as it was announced; and his speech was so copious, so rich, so mellifluous, set off with such cadence of voice, and such captivat ing grace of action, that, while you listened to him, you desired to hear nothing superior, and indeed thought him perfect." LEE, ARTHUR, M. D. a distinguished statesman? was a native of Virginia, and the brother of Richard Henry Lee. He received his education at the uni versity of Edinburgh, where he also pursued for some time the study of medicine. On his return to this country, he practised physic four or five years in Williamsburgh. He then went to Lon don and commenced the study of the law in the temple. During his residence in England, he kept his eye upon the measures of government, and ren dered the most important services to his country by sending to America the earliest intelligence of the plans of the ministry. When the instructions to governor Bernard were sent over, he at the same time communicated information to the town of Boston respecting the nature of them. He re turned, it is believed, before 1769, for in that year he published the Monitor s letters in vindication of the colonial rights. In 1775, he was sent to London as the agent of Virginia, and in the same year presented the se cond petition of congress to the king. All his exertions were now directed to the welfare of his country. When Mr. Jefferson declined the ap pointment of a minister to France, he was appointed 207 in his place, and joined his colleagues, Dr. Frank lin and Mr. Deane, at Paris, in December, 1776. He assisted in negotiating the treaty with France. On Dr. Franklin being appointed sole minister to France, Dr. Lee returned home, and was after wards appointed one of the commissioners for holding a treaty with the Indians of the Six Na tions. He accordingly went to fort Schuyler and executed this trust in a manner which did him much honour. After a short illness, he died at Urbanna, in Mid dlesex county, Virginia, December 14, 1792. He was a man of uniform patriotism, of a sound understanding, of great probity, of plain manners, and strong passions. During his residence in Eng land, he was indefatigable in his exertions to pro mote the interests of his country. To the abilities of a statesman he united the acquisitions of a scholar. He was a member of the philosophical society. LOGAN, JAMES, an eminent scholar, was born in Scotland, about the year 1674. He was one of the people called quakers, and accompanied William Penn in his last voyage to Pennsylvania. For many years of his life he was employed in public busi ness, and rose to the offices of chief justice and governor of the province : but he felt always an ardour of study, and by husbanding his leisure hours, found time to write several treatises in La tin, of which one on the generation of plants, was translated into English by Dr. Fothergill. When advanced in years, he withdrew from the tumult of public business to the solitude of his country seat, near Germantown, where he corresponded with the most distinguished literary characters of Europe. 1208 He also published a version of "Cicero de Se- nectute," which was published with notes by Dr. Franklin. He died in 1751, at the age of seventy-seven, leaving his library, which he had been fifty years in collecting, to the city of Philadelphia. It con sisted of above one hundred volumes of authors in folio, all in Greek, with mostly their versions: all the Roman classics without exception : all the Greek mathematicians, viz. Archimedes, Euclid, Ptolemy, both his Geography and Almagest, with Theon s Commentary, besides many of the most valuable Latin authors, and a great number of mo dern mathematicians, with all the three editions of Newton, Dr. Wallis, Halley, &c. This valuable collection of books, usually called the " Loganian Library," is now deposited in a large room built for the purpose adjoining the city library. The two libraries in connexion contain near thirty thou sand volumes, the largest collection of books^in the United States. LYNCH, THOMAS, jun. one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in South Carolina, August 5, 1749. His father, who was one of the wealthiest men of that state, superintended the instructions of his SQh, and in his thirteenth year sent him to England to complete his education. On his arrival in that country, he was placed at Eton school, preparatory to his admission as gentleman commoner at the university of Cambridge. At this institution he afterwards took his degrees. In 1772, after an absence of eight or nine years, Mr. Lynch returned to his native state under the most promising auspices. Few men had ever returned to America more accomplished in the most valuable sense of the term. With ample stores of knowledge, won from the solid parts of human learning, embellished by the graces of polite literature, possessing easy and insinuating manners, combined with a powerful and fascinating elocution, he was enabled at once to impress that community, in which he was des tined to spend his short life, with a decided con viction of his great fitness for public confidence and distinction. Shortly after his arrival, Mr. Lynch made his debut as a public speaker, at one of the town-meet ings at Charleston, for the purpose of taking into consideration some of the accumulated injuries in flicted on us by the mother country. In 1775, Mr. Lynch was elected to represent his state in congress, in the place of his father, who was obliged to resign on account of his extreme ill health. On his arrival at Philadelphia, he took his seat in the congress of 1776, an assembly the most au gust that the world has ever witnessed. Here he succeeded in fixing a just impression of his exalt ed character, superior intellect, and persuasive eloquence. He had not been, however, long in congress before his health began to decline with the most alarming rapidity. He was, however, enabled to give his full sanction to those measures which were tending, with irresistible efficacy, to the declaration of independence. One of the last acts of his political life was to affix his signature to this important manifesto. During the early part of the services of Mr. Lynch in congress, his father remained in Philadelphia. He had experienced a temporary alleviation from his bodily sufferings ; and his physicians advised him to travel. He lived only to reach Annapolis, where he expired in the arms of his son, in the autumn of 1776. 27 210 The afflicted surviver, after this distressing event, at the request of his physician, prepared to take a voyage to the south of France. He accordingly in the year 1779, sailed in a ship commanded by cap tain Morgan, accompanied by his amiable lady, whose conjugal devotion increased with the declin ing health of her husband. In this voyage, they unfortunately terminated their mortal career. The circumstances of their fate are veiled in impenetrable obscurity. But it is supposed that the ship foundered at sea. Such, it is most probable, was the fate of this dis tinguished patriot. And although he sleepeth on the " ocean s wave," his name is destined to be as permanent as are the foundations of her wide do main. 211 MORRIS, ROBERT, one of the signers of the de claration of independence, and an eminent finan cier, was born January 20, 1734. At the age of fifteen he lost his father. Soon after his death, he was taken into the counting- house of Charles Willing, Esq. of Philadelphia, where he served a regular apprenticeship. In a year or two after the expiration of his indentures, he entered into partnership with Mr. Thomas Wil ling. This connexion continued for the long period of thirty-nine years ; and previously to the com mencement of the American war, it was at the summit of commercial distinction. Few men in the American colonies were more alive to the gradual encroachment of the British government upon the liberties of the people, and none more ready to remonstrate against them. His signature on the part of his mercantile house to the non-importation agreement, evinced the con sistency of his principles and conduct, and at the same time was expressive of his willingness to pre fer a sacrifice of private interest to the continuance of an intercourse which would add to the revenue of the government that oppressed them. In consideration of his general intelligence, his high standing in society, and his patriotic exer tions, he was appointed by the legislature of Penn- sylyania a member of the second congress, which met at Philadelphia in 1775. A few weeks after he had taken his seat, he was added to the secret committee, and was employed in financial arrangements of the greatest impor tance to the operations of the army and navy. He frequently obtained pecuniary and other sup plies on his own account, which were most press- ingly required, when at the time it would have been impossible to have procured them on the ac count of government. It was by his timely compliance on one of these occasions, which enabled general Washington to gain the important victory at Trenton. Many other similar instances occurred of this patriotic inter position of his own responsibility for supplies and money, which could not otherwise have been ob tained. On the 4th of July, 1776, he signed the ever memorable declaration of independence, that for ever separated us from England, and thus pledged himself to join heart and hand with the destinies of his country, while some of his colleagues, who possessed less firmness, drew back, and retired from the contest. He was thrice successively elected to congress, in 1776, 77, and 78, and was one of its most use ful and indefatigable members. The free and public expression of his senti ments upon all occasions, and the confident tone of ultimate success which he supported, served to rouse the de spending, to fix the wavering, and con firm the brave. To trace him through all the acts of his poli tical and financial administration, would be to make a history of the last two years of the revo lutionary war. When the exhausted credit of the government threatened the most alarming conse quences ; when the soldiers were utterly destitute of the necessary supplies of food and clothing when the military chest had been drained of its last dollar, and even the intrepid confidence of Washington was shaken; upon his own credit, and from his own private resources, did he fur nish those pecuniary means, but for which the phy sical energies of the country, exerted to their ut most, would have been scarcely competent to se cure that prompt and glorious issue which ensued. In the year 1781, he was appointed by congress superintendent of finance," an office for the first time established. One of the first acts of his financial govern ment was the proposition to congress, of his plan for the establishment of the bank of North Ame rica, which was chartered forthwith, and opened on the 7th January, 1782. On his retirement from office, it was affirmed, by two of the Massachusetts delegates, that "it cost congress at the rate of eighteen millions per annum, hard dollars, to carry on the war, till he was chosen financier, and then it cost them but about five millions!" No man ever had more numerous concerns com- mitted to his charge, and few to greater amount ; and never did any one more faithfully discharge the various complicated trusts with greater des patch, economy, or credit, than the subject of this sketch. By letter to the commissioners of the treasury board, he resigned his office of superintendent of finance, September 30, 1784. The next public service rendered by Mr. Mor ris to his country, was as a member of the conven tion that formed the federal constitution in the year 1787. He also represented Philadelphia in the first congress, that sat at New-York after the ratifi cation of the federal compact by the number of states required thereby, to establish it as the grand basis of the law of the land. At length, worn down by public labour, and private misfortunes, he rapidly approached the mansion appointed for all living ; the lamp of life glimmered in its socket ; and that great and good man sunk into the tomb, on the 8th May, 1806, in the seventy-third year of his age. The memory of a man of such distinguished uti lity cannot be lost; and while the recollection of his multiplied services are deeply engraven on the 214 tablet of our hearts, let us hope that the day is not distant, when some public monument, recording the most momentous occurrences of his life, and characteristic of national feeling and gratitude, may mark the spot where rest the remains of Ro bert Morris. MORGAN, DANIEL, a brigadier-general in the army of the United States, was born in the state of New- Jersey, and from thence removed to Virginia, in the year 1755. At the commencement of the revolutionary war, he was appointed captain of a rifle corps, at the head of which he marched immediately to the American head-quarters at Cambridge, near Bos ton. By order of the commander-in-chief, he soon afterwards joined in the expedition against Que bec, and was made prisoner in the attempt on that fortress, where Arnold wag wounded and Montgo mery fell. During the assault, his daring valour and persevering gallantry, attracted the notice and the admiration of the enemy. The assailing co lumn to which he belonged, was led by Arnold. When that officer was wounded, and carried from the ground, he threw himself into the lead; and rushing forward, passed the first and second bar riers. For a moment victory appeared certain. But the fall of Montgomery, closing the prospect, the assailants were repulsed, and the enterprise abandoned. He was taken prisoner, and during his confine ment was treated with great kindness. On being exchanged, he immediately rejoined the American army; and received, by the recommendation of general Washington, the command of a regiment. 215 He was afterwards detached by the command er- in-chief to the assistance of general Gates, and assisted in the capture of general Burgoyne and his army. On this occasion his services were beyond all praise, and contributed much to the glory of the achievement. After the capture of Burgoyne, he rejoined the main army, and was always employed by the com- mander-in-chief in the most hazardous enterprises. In 1780, he received the appointment of briga dier-general, and was ordered to join the southern army. Here he added fresh laurels to his fame by the victory he obtained over the British army at the battle of the Cowpens. This masterly achieve ment now ranked him among the most illustrious defenders of his country. In commemoration of the importance of this victory, congress ordered a golden medal to be presented to him. He re mained with the army till the close of the war, per forming the most important services for his coun try. He was afterwards elected a member to con gress, the duties of which station he filled with great dignity. He died at his seat, near Winches ter, Virginia, in the year 1797. General Morgan, was in his manners plain and decorous, neither insinuating nor repulsive. His mind was discriminating and solid, but not com prehensive and combining. His conversation was grave, sententious, and considerate. He reflected deeply, spoke little, and executed with keen perse verance whatever he undertook. He was indulgent in his military command, pre ferring always the affections of his troops to that dread and awe, which surround the rigid disci plinarian. MONTGOMERY, RICHARD, a major-general in the American army, was born about the year 1737. He possessed an excellent genius which was matured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he success fully fought her battles with Wolfe at Quebec, in 1759, and on the very spot where he was doomed to fall when fighting against her, under the ban ners of freedom. When our struggles with Great Britain commenced, he ardently espoused the cause of liberty, and was appointed by congress to the command of the continental forces in the northern department. In the fall of 1775, he marched into Canada, took forts Chamblee and St. John s, and on the 12th November he took Montreal. In December, he joined Arnold before Quebec, and on the 31st, made a general assault on the city. He bravely advanced at the head of his troops, but was killed at the onset. This event, no doubt, saved the city, and was the ultimate cause of preventing the whole province of Canada from falling into the hands of the Americans. He was a man of great military talents, whose measures were taken with judgment, and executed with vigour. By the direction of congress, a monument of white marble, of the most beautiful simplicity, with emblematical devices, was executed by Mr. Cas- siers, at Paris, and is erected to his memory in front of St. Paul s church, New-York. MORTON, NATHANIEL, the historian of Plymouth colony, was one of the first planters of New-Ply mouth. As a writer of the original events of the plantations, he is known to all who turn their at tention to the affairs of New-England. No book has oftener been quoted than " Morton s Memorial. 5 In this book are precious documents for the use of future historians, who recur to early times. It was printed in 1669, and has since gone through man} 7 editions. In 1680, he wrote a brief ecclesiastical history of the church at Plymouth. MOULTRIE, WILLIAM, governor of South Caro lina, and a major-general in the American war, was devoted to the service of his country from an early period of his life. He was among the foremost at the commence ment of the late revolution to assert the liberties of his country, and braved every danger to redress her wrongs. His manly firmness, intrepid zeal, arid cheerful exposure of every thing which he pos sessed, added weight to his counsels, and induced others to join him. In 1776, for his brave defence of Sullivan s Island, he received the unanimous thanks of congress. In 1779, he gained a victory over the British in the battle near Beaufort. In 1780, he was second in command in Charles ton during the siege of that place. He was repeatedly chosen governor of that state, till the infirmities of age induced him to withdraw to the peaceful retreat of domestic life. He died at Charleston, September 27, 1805, in the seventy- sixth year of his age. He published memoirs of the American revolu tion, so far as it related to North and South Caro lina, and Georgia, two volumes, octavo, 1802. MONROE, JAMES, LL. D. fifth president of the United States, was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, May 15, 1759, and graduated at the col lege of William and Mary, the alma mater of many of our most distinguished statesmen, 1776. He immediately joined the standard of his country, and bravely fought in the actions of Haerlem Heights, White Plains, and Trenton. In this last affair he was dangerously wounded, and for his in trepid conduct was rewarded by promotion. In the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, he acted as aid-de- camp to lord Stirling, and was engaged in the bat tles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. In these battles his conduct was marked by the distinguished approbation of the commander-in- chief. In 1780, after the capture of Charleston, he vi sited the southern army, then under the command of Baron de Kalb, at the request of governor Jef ferson, in the character of a military commissioner. In the latter part of this year, he commenced the study of law, in the office of governor Jeffer son. In 1782, he commenced his legislative career as a member of the assembly of Virginia, and shortly after was called to a seat in the executive council. In 1783, he was elected a member of the con gress of the United States, and continued to fill that station with great ability for three years. In 1787, he was a member of the grand conven tion which met to frame a constitution for the United States, and although the youngest member of that august body, the course that he pursued acquired for him a fame as lasting as the constitu tion itself. He was a member of the Virginia convention, which was amongst the first to adopt it. Soon after the adoption of the federal constitu tion, he was elected a member of the senate of the United States, and bore a conspicuous part in the establishment of the judiciary and financial sys tem, and aided essentially in organizing the de partment of state, the treasury, the army, and the navy. In 1794, he was appointed by president Wash ington, minister plenipotentiary to the court of France. Here, the unadorned majesty of his cha racter shone with a lustre, which, while it conci liated the ardent leaders of the French revolu tionists, maintained, unimpaired, the exalted admi nistration of Washington. On his return home, he was elected, in 1799, governor of Virginia. At the expiration of the con stitutional term, he declined a re-election, and re ceived a unanimous vote of thanks for the faith ful, dignified, and impartial manner in which he had discharged the duties of chief magistrate. In 1802, he was appointed by president Jeffer son, in conjunction with Mr. Livingston, then resi dent minister in France, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to that country ; and he was empowered to act, in concert with Mr. C. Pinckney, in the same character in Spain. In this embassy he exhibited profound talents as a diplo matist, and assisted in the purchase of the territory of Louisiana. He next repaired to London, in the summer of 1803, to succeed Mr. King, who had requested per mission to return home. In 1806, Mr. Pinckney, a distinguished advocate of the Maryland bar, was associated with Mr. Mon roe, under a special mission, to negotiate with lords Holland and Auckland for Great Britain. By these commissioners a treaty was formed ; but its provisions were so exceptionable in the view of president Jefferson, that he took upon himself to return it. Several attempts were made by our com missioners to bring matters to a more acceptable result, but without success. The affair of the Chesapeake produced a rupture between the two governments, and Mr. Monroe returned home, In 1810, he was again called to the gubernatorial chair of his native state, and while in the exercise of this office, in the following year, he was appoint ed by president Madison secretary of state. In this station the scholar, the patriot, and the states man shone conspicuously. No British subtilty could enthrall no vapid promises allure no me nacing tone could deter the secretary. The firm lan guage of remonstrance gave place to the sonorous notes of war. Hostilities commenced against Great Britain, and he was called upon to discharge also the duties of secretary at war. Thus, upon one day he had to act a significant part in the cabinet upon another, to give an official direction to the thunders of Plattsburgh, the Canadian peninsula, and New-Orleans. In 1817, he succeeded Mr. Madison in the presi dential chair; and during a happy administration of eight years, which has passed away in a period of profound peace, a public debt of sixty millions has been discharged; the internal taxes have been repealed; relief has been granted to the aged and indigent among the surviving warriors of the revo lution ; the Floridas have been acquired; and our boundary has been extended to the Pacific ocean ; the independence of the states of South America has been recognised ; the African traffic in slaves has been suppressed; the interior regions of the United States have been explored; provision has been made for cultivating the mind of the Abori- . gines and turning their attention to the cultivation of the soil ; and in preparing by scientific researches and surveys, for the further application of our na tional resources to the internal improvement of our country. MURRAY, WILLIAM VANS, a distinguished states man, was born in Maryland, in the year 1761. Having received an education preparatory to the practice of the law, immediately after the peace of 1783, he went to London and resided three years as a student in the temple. On his return to his native country, he commenced the practice of the law; but the voice of his country soon called him to her councils. From 1791 to 1797, he was a member of the house of representatives of the United States. This station he filled with distinguished honour. His eloquence in debate placed him in the same rank with Madison, Ames, and Dexter. President Washington, in consideration of his dis tinguished talents as a statesman, appointed him minister plenipotentiary to the Batavian republic. He arrived at the Hague at a very critical period of affairs; for the misunderstanding between the United States and France was approaching to a rupture, and the influence of the latter over the Ba tavian councils were uncontrolled. But by a judi cious mixture of firmness, of address, and of con ciliation, he succeeded in preserving uninterrupted harmony between the American and Batavian na tions; and the first advances towards the restora tion of the harmony between this country and France, were made between Mr. Murray and Mr. Pichon, then charge des affairs at the Hague. These led to certain propositions for a renewal of direct negotiation, which he transmitted to his government. Such was the confidence of president Adams in Mr. Murray, that he immediately nominated him as sole envoy extraordinary to the French republic to prosecute the negotiation. The treaty was sign ed at Paris, September 30, 1800, and has contri buted in a great degree to the present- prosperity of America. 222 In 1801, he returned to the United States, and retired to his seat at Cambridge, Maryland. He died December 11, 1803. In private life he was remarkably pleasing in his manners. With a mind of incessant activity, he united the fancy of a poet. His facility in writing was proportioned to the vivacity of his mind. His letters, by their elegance, their simplicity, their poignant wit, and unbounded variety of style, will long establish his claim as a man of genius and of literature. MINOT, GEORGE RICHARDS, a historian of Massa chusetts, was born in Boston, December 28, 1758. He entered Harvard college in 1774, and was there distinguished for decorum of behaviour, a most amiable disposition, and close attention to his stu dies, and excelled particularly in history and the belles lettres. He was graduated in 1778. Hav ing pursued the study of the law under the care of the honourable William Tudor, he began its prac tice with a high reputation and with fixed princi ples and habits. In 1781, he was appointed clerk of the house of representatives of Massachusetts. While in this office, the duties of which he discharged with fide lity and impartiality, the causes which produced the insurrection were operating, and he had an opportunity of being well acquainted with all that occurred. These troubles of our country he re viewed in an historical narrative of the rebellion, which gave him high reputation as an author. He afterwards wrote a history of Massachusetts bay, in continuation of Hutchinson, and is a model of his torical eloquence. Of the convention of Massachusetts which con sidered the, constitution of the United States, he was chosen secretary. In 1792, he was appointed judge of probate for the county of Suffolk, and se veral years afterwards judge of the municipal court in Boston. He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts historical society. He was also a fellow of the American academy of arts and sciences. He died January 2, 1802. MIFFLIN, THOMAS, one of the signers of the fede ral constitution, and major-general in the army of die United States, was born about the year 1744. His education was intrusted to the care of the Rev. Dr. Smith, provost of the university of Pennsyl vania, with whom he was connected in habits of cordial intimacy and friendship for more than forty years. At an early period of our struggles he zeal ously espoused the cause of his country, and ably advocated the liberties of the people against the usurpations of tyranny. In 1774, he was elected a member of the first congress. In 1775, on the organization of the continental army, he was appointed quarter-master-general. In 1787, he was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of the United States, and his name is affixed to that instrument. In 1788, he succeeded Dr. Franklin as president of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, in which station he continued till 1790. In Sep tember, a constitution of this state was formed by a convention, in which he presided, and was cho sen the first governor. . In 1794, he contributed not a little by his elo quence and activity to restore order and peace among the insurrectionists of Pennsylvania, 224 He was succeeded in the office of governor by Mr. M Kean at the close of the year 1799, and died at Lancaster January 20, 1800, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. He was an active and zealous patriot, who had devoted much of his life in the service of his country. MAYHEW, JONATHAN, DD. a learned divine, was born at Martha s Vineyard, October 8, 1720. He was educated at Harvard college, and received the honours of that seminary in 1744. While he was a youth he exhibited marks of an original genius, and such strength of mind as was very uncom mon. After being occupied for some time in the study of theology, he was ordained the minister of the West church in Boston, June 17, 1747. He soon exhibited a liberality of sentiment and boldness of spirit which excited great surprise. He spoke with great sensibility against every priestly usurpation over the consciences of men, and with peculiar earnestness in favour of truth and religion. He was an unshaken friend of civil and religious liberty, and the spirit which breathed in his writings, transfused itself into the minds of many of his fellow citizens, and had no little in fluence in producing those great events, which took place after his death. He was the associate of Otis and other patriots in resisting the arbitrary claims of Great Britain. He was a whig of the first magnitude. In his sermon on the repeal of the stamp act, 1766, he remarks. u Having been initiated in the doctrines of civil liberty as they were taught by such men as Plato, Demosthenes, Cicero, and other renowned persons, among the ancients: and such as Sidney and Milton, Locke, and Hoadiey, among the mo derns. I liked them ; they seemed rational "And having learned from the holy scriptures that wise, brave, and virtuous men were always friends to liberty; that God gave the Israelites a king in his anger, because they had not sense and virtue enough to like a free commonwealth ; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty:" this made me conclude, "that freedom was a great blessing." He believed it to be his duty to promote the hap piness of his brethren in every possible way, and he therefore took a deep interest in political con cerns. He died suddenly, July 8, 1766. No American author ever obtained higher reputation. He would have done honour to any country by his character, or by his writings. He possessed superior powers of mind. In clas sical learning he held an eminent rank. His writ ings evince a mind capable of making the nicest moral distinctions, and of grasping the most ab struse metaphysical truths. Among the corre spondents which his literary character or his at tachment to liberty gained him abroad, were Lard- ner, Benson, Keppis,* Blackburne, and Hollis. His writings are numerous and valuable. MORGAN, JOHN, M. D. F. R. S. a learned physi cian, was born in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1735. In 1757, he was admitted to the first literary ho nours in the college of Philadelphia, and commenc ed soon after the study of physic under the care of Dr. John Redman, late president of the college of physicians. 29 With a view of prosecuting his studies in medi cine, he repaired to Europe, and after attending the lectures of the celebrated William Hunter, he spent two years at Edinburgh, where he received the instructions of Munroe, Cullen, Hope, Ruther ford, and Whytt. He then published an elaborate thesis upon pus, and was admitted to the degree of doctor of medicine. From Edinburgh he went to Paris, and passed a winter in attendance upon the anatomical lectures of Mr. Sue. He also visited Holland and Italy, and in both of these countries he was fondly received by the first medical and literary characters. He had the honour of a long conference with the celebrated Morgagni at Padua, and with Voltaire at Geneva. On his return to England he was selected a fellow of the royal society of London. He was also elect ed a member of the college of physicians of Lon don and Edinburgh. During his absence he con certed with Dr. Shipperi the plan of a medical school in Philadelphia, and on his arrival in 1765, was immediately elected professor of the theory and practice of medicine in the college of that city. In 1769, he saw the fruits of his labours, for in that year five young gentlemen received the first honours in medicine that were conferred in Ame rica. He was active in establishing the American phi losophical society in 1769. In 1775, he was appointed by congress director- general and physician-in-chief to the general hos pitals of the American army. He died October 15, 1789, in the fifty-fourth year, of his age. He published " Tentamen Medicum de puris Confectioned 1763. MORRIS, GOUVERNEUK, one of the signers of the federal constitution,, was born in New-York, about the year 1751. At the age of twenty-four he commenced his po litical career as a member of the provincial con gress of his native state. He rendered himself conspicuous by taking the lead in all measures con ducive to the welfare of his country. In 1778, he was elected a member of the general congress, and soon after taking his seat in that en lightened assembly, he was appointed one of the committee to report on the treaty which had been negotiated with France. And while a member of that body, the public journals amply bear testimo ny of the consideration in which his patriotism and talents were held. After the close of the war he removed to Phila delphia, where he was again called to act in the councils of the nation. In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of Pennsylvania a member of the grand convention which met at Philadelphia to frame the constitu tion of the United States. In 1792, he was appointed by president Wash ington minister plenipotentiary to the court of France. On his return home, he was elected a member of the senate of the United States. In this body he took a distinguished part in the ever memor able debate on the repeal of the judiciary law, to which he was opposed. He died at his seat near New-York, after a short illness, October 10, 1816. There are few men to whom we are so much in debted for our independence. His labours were faithful, enlightened, and unwearied. MARSHALL, JOHN, LL. D. chief justice of the United States, was born in Virginia, about the year 1756. Soon after leaving college he joined the American army, and assisted in repelling the ene my under lord Dunmore from the shores of Virgi nia. He afterwards joined the main army under general Washington, and fought his country s bat tles till the capture of Cornwallis, when he com menced the study of the law, and in a short time rose to distinguished eminence in his profession. In 1788, he was appointed a delegate of the con vention which met at Richmond to revise and adopt the federal constitution. In this enlightened and patriotic body he stood pre-eminent, and bore a conspicuous part in the discussions which preced ed its adoption. In 1797, he was appointed by president Adams envoy to France. In this capacity, he exhibited profound talents as a diplomatist and his nego tiations with that court are an honour to his ta lents and to his country. On his return home he was appointed secretary of state, and in the following year he was appoint ed by president Jefferson chief justice of the United States. Since his appointment to this high trust, he has published the life of general Washington, written in a style remarkable for its clearness, simplicity, and strength. He has also published a history of the colonies, one volume octavo, 1824. MATHER, INCREASE, DD. president of Harvard college, was born at Dorchester, Massachusetts, June 21, 1639. He was graduated at the college, of which he afterwards became president, in 1656. After a period of four years, which he passed in .</;.,.,/ Pfoxi 229 travelling in England and Ireland, he returned to America. Having previously commenced the study of divinity, on his return, he was invited to preach at North church, in Boston, and was ordained pastor of that church in 1664. In 1683, when king Charles II. expressed his wish that the charter of Massachusetts might be resigned into his hands, Dr. Mather zealously op posed a compliance with his majesty s pleasure, and used all his influence to persuade the people not to surrender their charter, and published his reasons. In 1688, he sailed for England as agent of the province, to procure a redress of grievances. After several years of important services, he return ed with a new charter, May 14, 1692. During the witchcraft delusion, he opposed the violent mea sures which were adopted. He wrote a book to prove that the devil might appear in the shape of an innocent man, by means of which a number of persons, convicted of witch craft, escaped the execution of the sentence. Af ter the death of Mr. Oakes, in 1681, the care of Harvard college devolved upon him, and over which he presided until September 6, 1701, when he re signed in consequence of ah act of the general court, requiring the president to reside at Cam bridge. He was unwilling to leave his church, though his son, Dr. Cotton Mather, had been set tled as his colleague for several years. He was called the father of the New-England clergy, and his name and character were held in high veneration, not only by those who knew him, but by succeeding generations. After a long life of benevolent exertion, he died in Boston, August 23, 1723, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was a man of great learning, and of exten sive influence. Sixteen hours every day were com monly spent in his study. Soon after his return from England, he procured an act, authorizing the 230 .college to create bachelors and doctors of theolo gy ; which power was riot given by its former char ter. As a president, he was careful not only to give the students direction in their literary pursuits, but also impart to them with the affection of a pa rent, the importance of renouncing sin, and em bracing the gospel of Christ. Such was his bene volence, that he devoted a tenth part of all his in come to charitable purposes. His theological and philosophical publications amount to the number of eighty-five. Among which are the following : " History of the War with the Indians," 1676 ; " Cometographia, or a Dis course concerning Comets," 1683 ; " The Doctrine of Divine Providence," 1684 ; " De Successu Evan- gelii upud Indos," 1688 ; " On the future Conversion of the Jews, confuting Dr. Lightfoot and Mr. Bax ter," 1709; "Diatribe de Signo Filii Hominis, et de secundo Messise adventu;" and " Elijah s Man tle," 1722. MATHER, COTTON, DD. F. R. S. an eminent divine and philosopher, was born in Boston, February 12, 1663. He was distinguished for early piety, and at the age of fourteen, he strictly kept days of se cret fasting and prayer. At the age of fifteen he graduated at Harvard college, having made uncom mon proficiency in his studies. At this early pe riod of his life he drew up systems of the sciences, and wrote remarks upon the books which he read, and thus matured his understanding. At the age of seventeen he approached the Lord s table, with affectionate reliance upon Jesus Christ for salva tion. Having been occupied for some time in the study of theology, he was ordained minister of the North church in Boston, as colleague with his fa ther, Dr. Increase Mather, Mav 13; 1684. Here lie passed his days, unwearied and unceasing in his exertions to promote the glory of his Maker, and the highest welfare of his brethren. He died in the assurance of Christian faith, February 13, 1728, aged 65 years. Dr. Mather was a man of unequalled industry, of vast learning, of unfeigned piety, and of most dis interested and expansive benevolence. He was also distinguished for his credulity and his pedan try. No person in America had so large a library, or had read so many books, or retained so much of what he read. So precious did he consider time, that to prevent visits of unnecessary length, he wrote over his study-door in capital letters, " be short." His social talents and his various know ledge, rendered his conversation interesting and instructive. Every morning he usually read a chapter of the Old Testament in Hebrew, and another in French, and a chapter of the New Tes tament in Greek. Besides the French, he under stood also the Spanish and Iroquois, and in these languages he published treatises. He was a most voluminous writer ; his works amount to three hundred and eighty-two. As he published his works of piety, he put them into the hands of persons to whom he thought they would be useful ; and he received the benedictions of ma ny dying believers, who spoke of his labours as the means of their salvation. Among the works best known, are his " Magna- lia Christi Americana," two volumes octavo, new edition. " Essays to do Good." Dr. Franklin as cribed all his usefulness in the world to his reading this book in early life. It has been reprinted in England and America a number of times. "Chris tian Philosopher," 1721 ; " Life of Increase Ma ther ;" " Ratio discipline Fratrum," Nov. An- glorum ;" " Biblia Americana." This learned work, which it was once proposed to publish in three folio 232 volumes, is now in the library of the Massachusetts historical society. His literary distinctions were chiefly from abroad. The university of Glasgow presented him with a diploma of doctor in divinity ; and his name is on the list of the fellows of the royal society in London. MADISON, JAMES, fourth president of the United States, was born in Orange county, Virginia, March 5, 1750. At the age of sixteen, he entered Prince ton college, and received the honours of that semi nary in the year 1769. On his return to Virginia, he immediately commenced the study of the law, in the office of the late chancellor Wythe. Pre vious to the year 1775, he discharged the duties of several important offices with superior talents and fidelity, and in the autumn of that year, was elected a member of the legislature of Virginia. Although very young, his profound views of the interests of his country were far in advance of his years, and not behind the older members of that enlightened body. He was soon after elected a member, and took his seat in the old congress, where he shone conspicuous for the boldness of his views, and the force and vigour of his eloquence. After the peace of 1783, the United States were left without any efficient government, and connected only by the articles of confederation. Each state was an in dependent sovereignty, and pursued its own sepa rate plans of policy. The necessity of an efficient government was apparent, and it was therefore deemed necessary by the friends of freedom to frame a new constitution. To carry this into ef fect, delegates were appointed from the several states to meet at Philadelphia, in the year 1787. Of this ever memorable convention Mr. Madison 233 was a member, and assisted in framing that charter of our liberties the boast of political science and to which he afterwards affixed his name, as one of the deputies from Virginia. Immediately on his return home, he was elected a delegate to the Virginia convention, which met at Richmond in the year following, to decide on the fate of that instrument. This convention was composed of some of the ablest men that Virginia has ever produced, for genius, talents, and eloquence. In this enlightened body, the new constitution had its friends and its enemies. Among the former, none were more con spicuous, and none more ably contributed to its adoption than Mr. Madison. Soon after the pub lication of the constitution, he, conjointly with general Hamilton and Mr. Jay, commenced the publication of the Federalist, in the cit^jrf-^ew York, which had a powerful influjgftetrin procuring the adoption of that instrument in that and other states. Of this celebrated work, he wrote Nos. 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 37 to 58, inclusive, 62, 63, and 64. His style is chaste, his logic concise, cogent, and impressive. He afterwards represented his state in congress, until the year 1800, when he retired from public life. In 1801, he was called by president Jefferson to the office of secretary of state ; and in the year 1809, he succeeded his predecessor in the presi dential chair. Of the ability and wisdom of his administration, for two successive terms, ages will testify ; and its glorious events will form a distinguished epoch in the historical annals of our country. His life has been no less distinguished for su periority of intellect, and an undeviating zeal in- promoting the true interest of his country, than for an integrity which has never been shaken, and a benignity which has never failed to shed its cheer ing rays in every circle in which he moves. 30 234 NORTON, JOHN, a celebrated di vine, f[was3 born in England, May 6th, 1606, and wasjeducated at the university of Cambridge. His talents and learning would have insured to him preferments in his own country, but he preferred coming to New-England, where he accordingly arrived in the year 1635. On his arrival at Plymouth, he was invited to take charge of the church in that town, and pass ed the winter in preaching to that people. Early in 1636 ? he removed to Boston,~where he was highly respected for his accomplishments ; and before the close of the year accepted an invitation to settle at Ipswich, where he continued till the YteStfe - f the Rev. Mr. Cotton. While he was minister of Ipswich he wrote a number of books, which procured him "3r high- reputation He also assisted in forming the Cambridge platform, which was adopted in 1648. After the death of Mr. Cot ton, at the close of 1652, the church in Boston ap plied to him to become their minister. He ac cordingly preached in that town till the year 1655, when he returned to Ipswich. After the restora tion of Charles II. it was thought necessary to ad dress him ; accordingly, Mr. Norton and Mr. Brad- street were appointed the agents of Massachusetts for that purpose. It was a most delicate and difficult business to transact. It required so much art and dissimulation, that a minister of the gospel ought not to have been concerned in it. Cromwell was the friend of New-England. Our clergy had justified every circumstance of the usurpation, and publicly announced the piety, as well as the justice of the court, which had brought their monarch to the scaffold. Men who had frown gray in practising political devices, would ave been puzzled to make an address to his son 235 and successor, and conceal their own hypocrisy. The conduct of our agents, the unkind treatment they received from those in whom they trusted, es pecially the resentment of the fierce republican spirit of this new world, which may be compared to Hercules in his cradle, have been related in the histories of Massachusetts. They all agree that Mr. Norton s death was the consequence. He died suddenly, April 5, 1663, aged fifty-seven years. Mr. Norton was distinguished as a writer as much as he excelled in preaching. In controversy he was very acute, for his powerful talents had been cultivated by an excellent education, and he was familiar with the subtleties of the schoolmen. In his religious sentiments, he accorded with the first fathers of New-England. In 1645, he drew up, at the request of the ministers of New-England, an answer to a number of questions, relating to church government, which were sent over by W, Apollonius, under the direction of the divines of Zealand. This was the first Latin book ever print ed in this country. It was written in pure, elegant Latin, and published 1648, one volume octavo. He published also, " The meritorious Price of Man s Redemption;" the "Orthodox Evangelist;" the " Life of Mr. Cotton :" which was reprinted in England. 236 OTIS, JAMES, a distinguished patriot and states man, was born at West Barnstable, Massachusetts, on the 5th day of February, 1725. He entered Harvard college in June, 1739, and graduated in 1743. In three years after, he took the degree of A. M. Previous to his entering on the study of the law, he spent about eighteen months, in fur nishing his mind with various kinds of knowledge, and cultivating a classical taste. The learning he acquired in this preparatory study, was afterwards of the greatest use to him. He inculcated on his pupils as a maxim, "that a lawyer ought never to be without a volume of natural or public law, or moral philosophy, on his table, or in his pocket." In 1745, he began the study of the law, in the office of Mr. Gridley, at that time the most emi nent lawyer in the province. On completing his studies under him, he commenced the practice of the law at Plymouth. After two years residence at Plymouth, which were occupied more in study than in practice, he removed to Boston, and very soon rose to the first rank in his profession. In 1761, he distinguished himself by pleading against the " writs of assistance;" and afterwards by openly opposing and denying the right of the British parliament to tax the colonies. In the following year he was chosen a member of the legislature of Massachusetts, in which body the powers of his eloquence, the keenness of his wit, the force of his arguments, and the forces of his intellect, gave him a most commanding influ ence. He was now viewed as the leading charac ter among the whigs ; his opposition to Bernard and Hutchinson combined with his zeal for his country s cause, gave ardour to his spirits, a glov to his imagination, and energy to his expressions. When the arbitrary claims of Great Britain were advanced, he zealously engaged in defence of the colonies, and was the first champion of American freedom, who had the courage to affix his name to a production, that stood forth against the preten sions of Great Britain. He was a member of the congress which was held at New- York in 1765. In this year, he published in London a pamphlet, entitled "Rights of the Colonies vindicated." For the boldness of his opinions advanced in this pamphlet, he was threatened with an arrest. Ne vertheless, he continued to defend the rights of his fellow citizens. In 1767, he resigned the office of judge advocate, and renounced all employment under an adminis tration, which had encroached upon the liberties of his country. He was one of those master spirits who began and conducted an opposition, which at first was only designed to counteract and defeat an arbitra ry administration; but which ended in a revolu tion, emancipated a continent, and established by the example of its effects, a lasting influence on all the governments of the civilized world. The public career of Mr. Otis may be said to have ended in 1769 ; as the wounds which he re ceived shortly after in an affray, incapacitated him for business. During the remaining years of his life, he was sometimes in a frenzied state ; at others, exhibited rather the eccentricities of a humourist than absolute derangement. He lived to see, but not to enjoy, the independence of America; an event towards which his efforts had greatly contributed. At length, on the 23rd May, 1783, as he was leaning on his cane at the door of Mr. Osgood s house, at Andover, he was struck by lightning ; his soul was instantly liberated from its shattered tenement, and sent into eternity. Presi dent Adams very justly remarks, in a letter to one of his friends, on hearing of his death, "That he left a character that will never die, while the memo ry of the American revolution remains ; whose foun dation he laid with an energy, and with those mas terly abilities, which no man possessed." He was highly distinguished by genius, eloquence, and learning, and no American, perhaps, had possessed more extensive information. Besides his legal and political knowledge, he was a complete master of classical literature. As a patriot, he resisted all allurements that might weaken the cause of that country, to which he devoted his life, and for which he sacrificed it. To aid the cultivation of classical learning, he published in 1760, a treatise, entitled "The Rudi ments of Latin Prosody, with a Dissertation on Letters, and the Power of Harmony in Poetic and Prosaic Composition." PUTNAM, ISRAEL, a major-general in the Ameri can army, was born at Salem, Massachusetts, on the 7th day of January, 1718. He was indebted to nature, more than education, for a vigorous con stitution, for mental endowments, and for that un daunted courage and active enterprise which were his prominent characteristics. Much confidence was reposed in his military prowess and judgment; and he was remarkable for a faithful perseverance in all the duties of his station, and for the most un- deviating principles of honour, humanity, and be nevolence. In the year 1739, he removed to Pomfret, in Connecticut, where he applied himself to the art of agriculture. Not long after his removal to that place, as a bold display of character in early life, we have it recorded, that he attacked a wolf in her den, and slew her. During the French war, he was appointed to command a company of the first troops, which were raised in- Connecticut, in 1755, and was distin guished for his active services as a partizan officer. In the year 1760, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and served under general Amherst in the conquest of Canada. In 1775, as he was ploughing in the field, he re ceived intelligence of the battle at Lexington. He immediately left his plough, and without changing his clothes, repaired to Cambridge, riding in a sin gle day 100 miles. On receiving the appointment of a major-gene ral, he returned to Connecticut, levied a body of troops, and returned to the army. At the battle of Bunker s Hill, he exhibited his usual bravery and intrepidity. 240 When the army was organized by general Wash ington at Cambridge, he was appointed to com mand the reserve. In August, 1776, he was sta tioned at Brooklyn, on Long-Island, and after the defeat of our army at Flatbush on the 27th, he as sisted in the arduous and complicated difficulties of that masterly retreat. In the retreat of our army through New-Jersey, he was always near always the friend, the supporter, and confidant of his beloved chief; and the moment after reaching the western bank of the Delaware with the rear of the army, he was ordered to Philadelphia to fortify and defend that city. After the loss of fort Montgomery, in 1777, at the request of general Washington to point out a spot to built another fort, he decided in favour of, and proposed West Point. The campaign of 1779, which was principally spent in strengthening the works at this place, finished the military career of this veteran and patriot. A paralytic affection impaired the activity of his body, and he passed the remainder of his days in retirement, till the 19th May, 1790, when his ho nourable and useful life was brought to a close. PARSONS, THEOPHILUS, an eminent statesman and lawyer, was born at Byfield, Massachusetts, February 24, 1750. At the age of fifteen he enter ed Harvard college, and was ranked among the first of his class ; and at the time when he graduated, was considered to be the first in talents and know ledge, of all who had graduated for many years. On leaving college he commenced the study of the law at Portland, with the late judge Bradbury. After having been admitted to practice in the courts of his native state, he soon became conspi cuous as a lawyer of profound talents. In 1777, he opened an office in Portland, and in the following year was elected one of the committee to draft a constitution for his native state. This production contains all the principles in corporated in the best constitutions of government to be found in our united republic. After the close of the revolutionary struggle, the congress of the confederate states dragged on a feeble existence ; not wanting in dignity and ta lents, but without powers suited to the great con cern. The immediate pressure was gone which had given authority to their laws, if they deserved that name. The states were jealous, and reluc tantly yielded to their control, even on those sub jects which could not be managed by them indivi dually. It was at this crisis of affairs that a gene ral convention was called, which formed a consti tution, and submitted it to the several states for their adoption. The convention of Massachusetts met according ly at Boston, in 1789. Among the host of distin guished statesmen sent to this convention was judge Parsons. This was a most critical period of our affairs, and the question was considered as affecting the vital interests of the nation. The eyes of the world were on the republic. The lovers of aris tocracy and monarchy were hoping, and no doubt were fully persuaded, that the people had not suf ficient discretion or virtue to preserve the rights they had won, and that all would be lost in faction and disorder. Parsons came to this body with so lemn apprehensions of failure, but with a fixed resolution to spare nothing to obtain the adoption of the constitution. He brought the whole stores of his learning, and all the mighty powers of his muid, to act upon this enlightened assembly ; and yet, notwithstanding the great exertions and the 31 powerful eloquence of the friends of the consti tution, only a small majority decided that impor tant transaction. In the year 1800, he removed to Boston. Here he found more men of congenial minds, and suffi cient business of magnitude and profit, and it be came unnecessary for him to leave the town to at tend the courts at a distance. In 1806, chief justice Dana, oppressed by the in firmities of age, resigned his office, to which Par sons succeeded. In this appointment the public expectations were fully realized, for he was the pride arid boast of every enlightened, unprejudic ed man in the commonwealth, until his death, which happened October 6, 1813. This event was felt as a general calamity. The bar throughout New-England deplored the loss of this great master in the profession; and the learned bench of judges mourned the extinguishment of the brightest luminary in the temple of justice. In the science of law he was deeply versed. He had read with attention, and retained with accuracy, all the legal learning to be found in English and French authors ; and he had gone further, and caught the manners of his own country, and blended them with the common law authorities. He knew more of what might be denominated New-England law, than any other man. He was esteemed as one of the profoundest mathemati cians of his age. He was always fond of classical studies, and had a most extensive acquaintance with literature in general. He was a master of the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French languages, and was well grounded in the nature and princi ples of general grammar. He was a powerful and argumentative speaker. To learning deep and extensive, he added a quick ness of comprehension that penetrated every thing stt a glance. 24;; He was a statesman of bold and extensive views., careful in fixing principles, but when they were established, fearless of their consequences. PAINE, ROBERT TREAT, LL. D. a distinguished patriot, and one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in Boston, Massachu setts, 1731. At the age of fourteen, he entered Harvard col lege, and received the honours of that seminary in the year 1749. In the following year, he visited Europe, and on his return home, he joined the provincial troops in the capacity of a chaplain. It was about this time that he engaged in the study of the law, in the office of the late chief jus tice Pratt, and in a few years was admitted to practice. He established himself in Boston, where he re mained a short time, and then removed to Taun- ton, where he continued for many years. At an early period of the contest with Great Britain, he took an active part in the measures which were adopted by the leading whigs of the day, in oppo sition to the measures of taxation imposed by the British parliament on the colonies. In 1773, when the conduct of the British admin istration had so alarmed the patriots of America, that the colonies were corresponding with one an other to withstand the tyrannical acts which still threatened them ; a similar intercourse was esta blished between the citizens of the capital and the other towns in Massachusetts. On this occasion, the town of Taunton chose a large committee, of which Mr. Paine was chairman. Resolu tions were passed by this committee, the original draft of which has been found in the hand-writing 244 of Mr. Paine, not inferior in firmness and patriotism to those previously passed in Boston. This year he was chosen a representative to the general assembly of the province, for the town of Taunton. At this time, none but firm and active friends of liberty were delegated by the people. Those only who possessed talent and principle, were selected to maintain the ancient rights of the colonies, and to consult for the general welfare. He was appointed on several committees during this year ; and was one of the members chosen to conduct the impeachment against chief justice Oliver. In May, 1774, he was again chosen a member of the assembly. At this critical period, the arri val of general Gage to succeed governor Hutchin- son, excited considerable fears among the people, as they believed the crisis was. approaching, when the acts of parliament were to be carried into ef fect, if opposed, at the point of the bayonet. Nor were their fears groundless : a committee was therefore chosen to consider the safety of the colony, of which Mr. Paine was one. By recommendation of this committee, a very important measure was adopted ; which was, that a continental congress should be holden, to be composed of delegates from all the colonies, to consult for the general welfare, and for the main tenance of the rights and liberties of America. Governor Gage having received some intimations of their proceedings, ordered the assembly to be dissolved : for some hours, however, they refused admittance to the governor s messenger. In the mean time, five delegates were appointed, (one of which was Mr. Paine,) to meet those who should be appointed by the other colonies, in a general congress at Philadelphia in September following. The delegates from Massachusetts, it may be proper here to remark, were the first chosen on the continent. 245 A similar measure had been adopted in 1765, by recommendation of the assembly of Massachusetts. And in 1768, the united efforts of all the colonies had been proposed by a circular address from this province, requesting them to state their grievances, as the general assembly here had done, and " to harmonize with them in all probable and proper measures to obtain redress." The patriots of that day did not contemplate so much on a separation from Great Britain, as to keep inviolate their liberties by taking a firm and decided stand against the encroachments of parlia ment. It was under these impressions, that the first continental congress met at Philadelphia, in 1774. In May, 1775, the continental congress met again at Philadelphia, and Mr. Paine was one of the five delegates chosen to attend from Massachusetts. In the course of this year, when it was found that the administration did not change its mea sures, and the British army increased, the most in telligent and resolute of the members declared the propriety of becoming a separate and independent nation. In December, 1775, he was again chosen a dele gate to congress. In June, 1776, he, with Mr. Rut- ledge and Mr. Jefferson, was desired to report rules for the conduct of congress in debate. On the 4th July, when the solemn declaration of the independence of the American colonies was made and published to the world, he was present and affixed his name to that instrument. The reputation of Mr. Paine for zeal in the cause of liberty, and for talents and activity suited to the great concerns of the country, was now as high as that of any man in the state. He acted from prin ciple, and was fully persuaded of the justice of the cause in which his country had engaged. He was intelligent, and unwearied in his efforts to be useful ; and when difficulties increased, he was the more resolute and active. He was again elected to congress for the years 1777 and 1778. And for a part of thin period, also filled HOMO of the highest offices in the government of Massachusetts, In 1779, he was chosen a member of th< ^onven- tion, arid was appointed one of the commit u r which prepared and reported the constitution for his native state, and which was afterwards adopted by the people in 1780. On the organization of the government he was appointed attorney-general of the corn rri on wealth, and continued in that office until 1790, when he ac cepted a seat on the bench of the supreme judicial court. He held this office until the year 1804, when he resigned. In the same year, he was chosen a counsellor of the commonwealth. He died May 11, 1814, at the advanced age of eighty- four. Judge Paine was a decided friend to the consti tution of the United States, which he supported by his writings and conversations. He retained his mental faculties in great vigour until his death. His memory was remarkably lively and powerful, and he was prone to indulge in repartee and wit. He was a patron of learning, and held a high rank among the literary men of our country. He re ceived the honorary degree of doctor of laws from the university of Cambridge. PORTER, DAVID, commodore in the navy of the United Htates, was born at Boston, on the 1st Fe bruary, 1780. At the age of nineteen he obtained a midship man s warrant, arid afterwards went on board the frigate Constellation; and was in the action with the French frigate FInsurgente. For his brave conduct in thin action, he received the commission 247 of a lieutenant, lie afterwards manifested great hkiii and valour, in capturing a number of French privateers in the Went Indian seas. He next accompanied the first squadron to the Mediterranean. While on that station his skill arid intrepidity on all occasions were conspicuous, arid called forth the applause of his commander. In Hepteniber, IW)3, he joined the frigate Phila delphia, and .shortly after her running foul of a lock, .she was surrendered to a superior force, and was carried a prisoner, with the officers and crew of the ship, to the city of Tripoli. After the esta blishment of peace with this regency, he returned to Syracuse, and was appointed to the command of the brig Enterprise. After a lapse of five years, he returned to the United Btates, arid was appointed to command the flotilla on the New-Orleans station. In 1812. after the declaration of war against Great Britain, he was appointed to the command of the frigate Essex. lie sailed from New-York on the 3rd July, arid in a few days afterwards cap tured his majesty s sloop of war, Alert, after an action of a few minutes, arid carried her into port. On the 27th October, he sailed for the coast of Brazil ; after capturing several valuable prizes, he pursued his way to the southern Pacific. On his arrival in this ocean, he destroyed a large amount of British commerce, arid augmented his force to several ships, among which was the Essex Junior, the command of which he gave to lieutenant Downs, The British despatched armed ships in every direction to capture him. Commodore Porter hav ing learned their intention-*, he determined to close his expedition to this sea, with something more brilliant than the capture of merchantmen arid whalers. He accordingly proceeded to the island of Nooahevah. one of the Washington groupe, to make repairs* 248 On the 19tli of November, 1813, he took formal possession of this island in behalf of the United States of America, by the name of Madison s Island. It is situate between the latitude of 9 and 10 S. and in longitude 140 W. from Greenwich, and is large, fertile, and populous. Having refitted, he sailed from this place on the 12th December for the coast of Chili. In February, 1814, he reached Valparaiso. On the 28th March, he was attacked by commodore Hillyar s squadron, in violation of every principle of honour, and re gardless of the rights of nations, within pistol shot of a neutral shore. After a hard fought action of three hours, during which time from the crippled state of the Essex at the commencement of the ac tion, only six guns could be used, commodore Por ter surrendered to a superiority of more than dou ble his force. Commodore Porter in his official letter to the secretary of the navy, says, "To pos sess the Essex, it has cost the British government near six millions of dollars, and yet, Sir, her cap ture, although dishonourable, was owing entirely to accident." On commodore Porter s return to the United States, he was received with that eclat to which the brilliancy of his actions entitled him. He af terwards assisted at the defence of Baltimore ; and on the return of peace, congress having establish ed a navy board, to assist the operations of the navy department, he was appointed one of the three commissioners to whom its directions was con fided. He has since been appointed to the command of the American fleet on the West India station. PERRY, OLIVER HAZARD, the "Hero of Lake Erie," was born at Newport* Rhode-Island, in 249 August, 1785. At the age of fourteen lie entered the navy of the United States, and shortly after he accompanied the squadron to the Mediterranean, in which he served during the Tripoline war. At the commencement of the late war with Great Britain, he was appointed to the command of the flotilla of gun-boats, stationed in the harbour of New- York, with the rank of master-commandant. In 1813, he was appointed to the command of the squadron on lake Erie. As soon as he had equipped and manned his vessels, he set sail from the port of Erie in pursuit of the British fleet, on the 8th of August. Nothing of moment, however, happened until the 10th September, when he dis covered the enemy at sunrise, and immediately made for them. The action commenced about ten o clock, and lasted for three hours, when the whole British squadron struck their colours. Never was a victory more decisive and complete. The cap tured squadron had more guns and more men. The enemy s loss in killed and wounded amounted to 160, the Americans 123. Soon after the victory on lake Erie, the thanks of congress were voted to the commodore, his officers, seamen, and marines; and medals were presented to him and his officers. In 1815, commodore Perry was appointed to the command of the Java frigate, and sailed with com modore Decatur s squadron to the Mediterranean, and participated in the negotiation of an honour able peace with the Algerines. In June, 1819, commodore Perry sailed from the Chesapeake bay in the United States ship John Adams, for the West Indies and a cruise, with seal ed orders. In September, 1820, the melancholy intelligence of his death reached the United States, on which occasion the secretary of the navy ordered the usual tribute of respect to be paid to the memory of this illustrious officer. He died at Port Spain, on the 23d August, 1820. 32 PIKE, ZEBULON MONTGOMERY, a brigadier -general in the army of the United States, was born at Lam- berton, New-Jersey, on the 5th of January, 1779. By his own perseverance and application, he be came skilled in the mathematical and astronomical sciences, and a proficient in the Latin, French, and Spanish languages. In 1805, a new career of honourable destination was opened to his active and aspiring mind. The government of the United States having purchased Louisiana, determined upon ascertain ing its geographical boundary; its soil and natural productions ; the course of its rivers and their fit ness for the purpose of navigation, and other uses of civilized life ; and also to gain particular infor mation of the numbers, character, and power of the tribes of Indians who inhabited this territory. With these views, president Jefferson appointed captains Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown sources of the Missouri, and captain -Pike that of the Missisippi. In August following, general Pike embarked at St. Louis on this interesting and perilous expedi tion, and did not return to the seat of government until August, 1807. Before tw,o months had expired, captain Pike was selected for a second perilous journey of hard ship and adventure. The principal purpose of this expedition was like that of the former, to explore the interior of Louisiana, especially the tributary streams of the Missisippi, Arkansaw, and Red River, and thus to acquire such geographical information, as might enable government to enter into definitive arrangements for a boundary line between our new ly acquired territory and North Mexico. Upon his return from this last expedition, he received the thanks of the government. He was shortly afterwards appointed major, and in 1810. a colonel of infantry. 251 During the interval of his military duties, he published a narrative of his two expeditions, ac companied by several valuable original maps and charts. In 1813, he was appointed a brigadier-general, and was selected to command the American forces in an expedition against York, the capital of Upper Canada. On the 27th April he arrived before York at the head of his troops, and attacked the enemy s works in person. The fire of the enemy was soon silenced, and at the moment that a flag of surrender was expected, a terrible explosion took place from the British magazine, which had previously been prepared for this purpose. An immense quantity of large stones were thrown in every direction, one of which struck the general, the wound from which proved mortal after linger ing a few hours. In the mean while, the British standard was brought to him, which he made a sign to have placed under his head, and then ex pired without a groan ! PINCKNEY, CHARLES, one of the signers of the federal constitution, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1758. Unaided by a college education, he became by the assistance of private instructers a proficient in the languages of Greece, Rome, arid France, in all acquirements essential to public utility, and ne cessary to form a great statesman. Ardent and impassioned in the pursuit of litera ture and distinction, he did not long remain un known. At the commencement of the revolution, he took a share in the struggle for independence, and was one of those patriots who underwent seven years calamity to restore liberty and inde pendence to his country. At the age of twenty-seven, he was elected a member of the state legislature, which place he held until the year 1787, when he was unanimous ly elected by that body one of the delegates to the federal convention, which met at Philadelphia to frame the present constitution. Though youngest in this august body, yet he has ever been ranked among the most conspicuous in eloquence and efficiency. He advocated an ener getic general government. Of the various propo sitions which he originated, there is one which, though not a part of the constitution, yet the peo ple appear to have adopted in practice. This was, that the president s tenure should be seven years, and afterwards ineligible. By custom he is con tinued for eight years, but his popularity, which will always in some degree influence his indepen dence, is exposed in four years. His distinguished services were remunerated with the applause of his constituents, and as an evidence of their high opinion, he was advanced to the chief magistracy of his native state, soon after he had been auxiliary in procuring the adop tion of the new constitution by the state conven tion. In the year 1798, he was elected a member of the senate of the United States. He was afterwards appointed ambassador to the court of Spain, where, besides fulfilling his official duties, he collected a fund of information on the manners, laws, and cus toms of the old world. Upon his return from Eu rope, his native state elected him for the fourth time, governor. The eloquence of Mr. Pinckney was luminous, fervid, and without acrimony ; his enunciation was full, ardent, and impressive. Gifted with unusual colloquial powers, urbane in manners, with a temper of great amenity, he always 253 added to the enjoyments of social intercourse. Though visited with his portion of mortal frailty, yet he was a kind master, an indulgent parent, and a devoted patriot. Adversity presented him a chalice often over flowing, yet he abandoned neither hope nor his equanimity, and after a life of utility and vicissi tude, calmly sunk into that sleep where ambition cannot excite, nor the pains of misfortune again invade. He died October 29, 1824, at the advanced age of sixty-six years. PINCKNEY, WILLIAM, an eminent lawyer and statesman, was born at Annapolis, in the state of Maryland, March 17, 1765. At an early age, he exhibited proofs of extraor dinary talents, which were afterwards improved by a classical education. He particularly excelled in a profound knowledge of the classical writers of antiquity. Under the patronage of the late judge Chase, he commenced the study of the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1786, where, at his first appearance, he gave those promises of ability and greatness, which he subsequently fulfilled. In 1789, he was elected a member of the Mary land legislature, and in 1792, was called to a seat in the executive council. In 1796, soon after the ratification of the British treaty, he was appointed by president Washington a commissioner in accordance with the provision of the treaty, to reside in London. In 1804, he returned home. During his stay in London, he pursued his professional studies with increased ardour, and was a close attendant of the English courts of law. 254 In 1806, he was appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, in conjunction with Mr. Monroe, to the court of Great Britain. The treaty which was procured did not answer, how ever, the expectations of president Jeiferson, and he returned it on his own responsibility, without consulting the senate. After vainly endeavouring for three years to ne gotiate a more favourable treaty with that power, he returned to the United States, and in 1812, was appointed attorney-general of the United States. In this capacity he shone with conspicuous lus tre. Ever prepared, and never off his guard, he en countered his subject with a mind rich in all the gifts of nature, and fraught with all the resources of art and study. He entered the list with his an tagonist armed like the ancient cavalier, cap a pe. In cases which embraced all the complications and intricacies of law, where reason seems to be lost in the ocean of technical perplexity; and darkness and obscurity assume the dignified character of science, he displayed an extent of research, a range of investigation, a lucidness of reasoning, and a fervour and brilliancy of thought, that excited won der and elicited admiration. On the driest, most abstract, and uninteresting questions of law, when no mind could anticipate such an occurrence, he would blaze forth in all the enchanting exuberance of a chastened, but rich and vivid imagination. In the higher grades of eloquence, where the passions and feelings of our nature are roused to nature or lulled to tranquillity, he was still the great magician whose power was resistless, and whose touch was fascination. His eloquence was sublime, majestic, and overwhelming. His order was lucid, his reasoning logical, his diction select, magnificent, and appropriate, and his style was flowing, oratorical, and beautiful. The most laboured and finished composition rould not be better than that which he seemed to utter spontaneously, and without effort. His satire was keen, but delicate ; arid his wit scintillating and brilliant. He possessed the most extensive and varied information, and was never at a loss to ornament and illustrate whatever subject he touch ed. He was ever the same ; he used no common place artifice to excite a momentary thrill of admi ration. He was not obliged to patch up and em bellish a few ordinary thoughts, or set off a few meagre and uninteresting facts. His resources were unlimited as those of nature, and fresh powers and new beauties were exhibited whenever he em ployed his eloquence. A singular copiousness and felicity of thought and expression, united to a mag nificence of amplification, and a purity and chastity of ornament, gave to his eloquence a sort of en chantment which it is difficult to describe. In 1816, he was appointed minister to the courts of Naples and Russia. On his return home he was elected a member of the senate of the United States. In February, 1822, while engaged in an impor tant cause, in the supreme court of the United States at Washington, from too great exertions, he was seized with a fit of illness which in two days put a period to his life aged fifty-seven years. PAINE, ROBERT TREAT, a distinguished poet, was born at Taunton, Massachusetts, December 9, 1773. After receiving the honours of the univer sity of Cambridge, he entered the counting-house of Mr. James Tisdale, and after a year or two re linquished it for the muses. He now bent his whole attention to literature until the year 1799, when, at the solicitation of his friends, he commenced the study of the law, in the office of the late chief justice Parsons. 356 In 1802, he was admitted to the bar, and for several years received as much business as he t3ould well attend to, and was fast rising to emi nence in his profession, when unfortunately he be came negligent, and was forsaken by his patrons. He now resorted to publishing, but after con tending with the storm of adversity for several years without realizing the golden harvest which his fine genius had arrayed before him, he gra dually sunk under disappointment and disease, and expired without a groan, November 12, 1811. As an author, he will always rank high among the poets of this country. His genius was certainly of an high order, and his poetry is marked for brilliant imagery and ori ginality. His poetry has been published in one large vo lume octavo. PAINE, THOMAS, a poetical and infidel writer of great notoriety, was born in England about the year 1737. He was by profession a staymaker. About the year 1774, he came to this country, and was employed as editor of the Philadelphia Maga zine. In the next year, at the suggestion of Dr. Rush, he wrote his celebrated pamphlet, entitled "Com mon Sense," for which he received 500 from the legislature of Pennsylvania; and soon after this was honoured with a degree of M. A. from the uni versity of Pennsylvania, and was chosen a member of the American Philosophical Society. He was afterwards appointed a clerk in the office of the secretary for foreign affairs, but was shortly after dismissed for a scandalous breach of trust. In 1780, the assembly of Pennsylvania chose him as clerk, 257 in 1782, he printed at Philadelphia a letter to the Abbe Raynal, in which he undertakes to clear up the mistakes in Raynal s account of the American revolution. In 1785, as a compensation for his revolutionary writings, congress granted him three thousand dol lars, and New-York gave him an estate of three hundred acres of land. In 1787, he visited England, and before the end of that year published a pamphlet, entitled "Pros pects on the Rubicon." In 1789, he visited France, and on his return to England in 1790, wrote the first part of his " Rights of Man," and in 1792, the second part. In the fol lowing year he again returned to France, and was chosen a member of the French convention. As soon as Robespierre had gained the ascendency, he sent Paine and the enthusiast Cloots to prison at the Luxembourg, and narrowly escaped being guil lotined. It was during his imprisonment of eleven months that he composed his blasphemous pamphlet called the "Age of Reason," the first part, of which was published at London in 1794, and the second part the year following. This work has been ably re futed by a Watson, a Scott, a Wakefield, and others, and the ignorance of Paine completely ex posed. His subsequent publications were " The Decline and Fall of the English System of Finance ;" a most impudent letter to general Washington, whom he had the ingratitude to revile as an apostate and an impostor; "Agraritin Justice opposed to Agrarian Law, and to Agrarian Monopoly ;" " Letter to Lord Erskine on the Prosecution of J. Williams, for pub lishing the Age of Reason." He continued in France till 1802, where he de based himself by debauchery and drunkenness, and was so filthy in his person as to be avoided by all men of decenc. In October, of the same year, he arrived in Balti more, and brought with him a woman whom he had seduced from her husband, with her two sons ; and whom he treated with the utmost meanness and tyranny. It may suffice that he appeared for many months before his death to be sunk to the lowest state of brutality. The following is an account of the closing scene of his life as related by his medical attendant, Dr. Manley. "During the latter part of his life, says this physician, " though his conversation was equi vocal, his conduct was singular. He would not be left alone night or day. He not only required to have some person with him, but he must see that lie or she was there, and would not allow his cur tain to be closed at any time ; and if, as it would sometimes happen, he was left alone, he would scream and halloo, until some person came to him. There was something also, very remarkable in his conduct during the two weeks preceding his death, particularly when we reflect, that he was the author of the "Age of Reason." He would call out during his paroxysms of distress, without intermission, "O Lord help me, God help me, Jesus Christ help me, O Lord help me," &c. He died at New-York, on the morning of the Oth of June, 1809, in the seventy-third year of his age. PENN, WILLIAM, founder of Pennsylvania, was born in London, October 14, 1644, and in the fif teenth year of his age entered as a gentleman commoner at Christ church, Oxford. His genius was bright and his imagination lively. Being im pressed with the preaching of an itinerant quaker, he, with a number of other students, withdrew from the established worship and held meetings by them- 259 selves. This conduct, which soon became known, gave offence to the heads of the college, who, in consequence of it, fined all of them for non-con formity. This happened in the year 1660, and was afterwards expelled from college; when he return ed home. Soon after, he took up his residence in France, and renewed his studies under the instruction of the learned Moses Amyrault. He afterwards re turned to England, and at the suggestion of his father, commenced the study of the law at Lin coln s inn. In 1666, he was sent to Ireland, to manage the estate of his father, where he attended the preach ing of Thomas Loe, a famous quaker-preacher, and shortly after embraced their doctrines. This turn of his mind greatly displeased his fa ther, and he was dismissed his house. He then became an itinerant preacher and gained many proselytes. In the same year also, 1666, he com menced his career as an author. Though some times imprisoned, he was persevering, and sucli was his integrity and patience, that his father be came reconciled to him. In 1670, he was apprehended for preaching, and was confined in Newgate, and afterwards in the tower. While a prisoner he could not, consistent ly with his notions of duty, remain idle. To do good by preaching, while immured there, was im possible; he therefore applied himself to writing. His first effort ended in the production of " No Cross, no Crown," which was afterwards followed by other works. After he was released from prison, he crossed over into Holland, and travelled through Germany, preaching and publishing his doctrines with great success. About this time his father died, and he returned to England and inherited a large patrimony. He, however, continued to preach and to write as before and in conjunction with Barclay and Keith, formed the fraternity into order. In 1680, he petitioned Charles II. for letters pa tent for a certain tract of land in America, in lieu of the debt due by the government to his father, and which he was induced to do, from a desire to spread the principles and doctrines of the quakers; and to raise a virtuous empire in the new land, which should diffuse its example far and wide to the remotest ages. In the following year his wish was gratified ; he obtained a grant of the tract so licited, under the name of Pennsylvania which the king gave in honour of his father. He soon after drew up a frame of government, carefully preserving therein the rights of con science. In the latter part of the same year he despatched three vessels with passengers and commissioners, and addressed by them an admirable and interest ing letter to the Indians, explanatory of his inten tions and views in settling among them. In 1682, he arrived at Newcastle, convened an assembly of the quakers, and afterwards visited New-York and Maryland. From those places he returned, and made his great treaty with the Indians ; went to Pennsbury, fixed on a site for his new city, and called it Phi ladelphia. In 1683, he proceeded in the organization of the settlement. The assembly met juries were ap pointed the erection of Philadelphia was com menced and prosecuted with great vigour, and he made a journey of discovery into the interior of Pennsylvania, and sent to the free society of tra ders the natural history of that settlement. In 1684, he returned to England, and by his ex ertions was instrumental in setting at liberty up wards of thirteen hundred quakers, who were con fined in prison. On the death of Charles II. he became a favourite of James II. ; and prevailed upon him to pardon and release the celebrated Locke from prison. While he remained in England, he continued to preach and to write, and was a number of times ill treated and cast into prison. At length, after a lapse of fifteen years, the American Lycurgus re visited his province. He retired to Pennsbury; proposed and carried various resolutions in favour of the Indians and negroes ; travelled in the ministry through the pro vince, and in the Jerseys and Maryland; made some alterations in the government ; signed the new char ter ; and constituted and incorporated Philadelphia a city. He afterwards returned to England, and died in that country July 30, 1718, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. Mr. Penn was a man of great abilities, of quick thought and ready utterance, of mildness of disposition and extensive charity. His labours were exerted for the good of mankind ; and with the strictest consistency of moral conduct and religious opinion, he endured persecution and ma lice with resignation, and guided by the approba tion of a pure conscience, he showed himself in defatigable in fulfilling of what he considered as the law of God, and the clear demonstration of the truth of the gospel. Distinguished alike as a politician, a theologian, a legislator, a philanthropist, and a Christian, his name to the latest generations will ever be asso ciated with liberty, truth, and vital Christianity. His select works have been published in five vo lumes octavo. PREBLE, EDWARD, commodore in the navy of the United States, was born in Portland, Maine, Au gust 15, 1761. 262 Prom early childhood he discovered a strong disposition for hazards and adventures, and a firm, resolute, and persevering temper. At the age of eighteen he entered as a midship man in the navy of his country, and distinguished himself in several engagements with the enemy. Previous to the peace of 1783, he was promoted to a lieutenancy, and was very active in protecting our coasting trade, and taking a number of Eng lish privateers. At the commencement of the rupture with France, in 1798, he was promoted to the com mand of the frigate Essex, and in the year 1803, was appointed commodore of the squadron which was sent against Tripoli. In this affair he dis played consummate bravery. In consideration of his valuable services, congress voted him the thanks of the nation, and an emblematical medal, which were presented by the president with emphatic declarations of esteem and admiration. He died August 25, 1807, in the forty-sixth year of his age, PINCKNEY, CHARLES C. one of the signers of the federal constitution, and a distinguished patriot, was born in South Carolina, in the year 1740. At an early period of the contest with Great Britain, he was a zealous advocate and lover of liberty, and distinguished himself by his courage and intrepidi ty in repelling an attack made by the British fleet on fort Sullivan. For his brave conduct in this affair, he received the appointment of aid-de-camp, and was received into the family of general Washington. In this capacity, he served his country in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and so successfully won the confidence of the commander-in-chief, as 2G3 to be honoured by him, afterwards, both in the field and in the diplomatic corps, with most distinguish ed and important appointments. On the approach of general Clinton to Charleston, he was despatch ed to the south to take command of fort Moultrie, which he defended with his usual skill and bravery. On the reduction of Charleston by the British, he was detained a prisoner till the conclusion of the war, and had no further opportunity afforded him of serving his country. In 1787, he was elected a member of that en lightened assembly which framed the constitution of the United States, and to which he affixed his name. He was afterwards elected a member of the state convention : by the force of his reasoning, and clear demonstration of its excellences, contri buted amply to its adoption, by a considerable ma jority. In 1794, he was appointed by president Wash ington envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo tentiary to the French republic, to settle the exist ing differences between the two countries. It was on this occasion he indignantly refused the pro posed terms of the French directory, demanding tribute as the price of peace, and secured to him self the universal applause of his country. When these events were communicated to go vernment, they excited the keenest and most ex tensive indignation. The ardour of 76 was re vived. "Millions for defence, but not a cent for tribute," was daily resounded from Maine to Geor gia. QUINCY, JOSIAH, an eminent statesman and pa triot, was born in Boston, June 8, 1743. At the age of sixteen, he entered Harvard college, where he was distinguished for the vivacity of his genius, and his application to study. In 1763, he received the honours of that univer sity. He afterwards became an eminent counsel- . lor at law in Boston. At the bar he discovered much legal informa tion. He was energetic and fluent, and seldom failed of impressing his sentiments upon the jury in the most pointed and perspicuous manner. His political character, however, gave him the greatest claim to public favour. As a friend to liberty, the people regarded him with admiration bordering on enthusiasm. He had a tongue to speak, and a pen to write, which have not been exceeded in this country. He opposed with firmness and zeal the arbi trary proceedings and claims of the British parlia ment. His publication, in 1774, entitled " Thoughts on the Boston Port Bill," &c. was a seasonable work, fraught with much information; and written with great energy. It was the means of stimulat ing the body of the people to manly and decent exertions in defence of their natural and constitu tional rights. The health of Mr. Quincy had been some time declining. Amidst his vigorous exertions for the public good, he thought too little of himself. In 1774, he sailed for England at the request of several of his fellow patriots to promote the in terests of America. He set sail on his return in the following year, but he died on board the ves sel on the very day of its arrival at Cape Ann, April 24, 1775. He fell a victim to his zeal for his country s good. 266 RUSH, BENJAMIN, M. D. a celebrated Physician, and one of the signers of the declaration of inde pendence, was born near Philadelphia, on the 24th December, 1745. At the age of fourteen he enter ed Princeton college, and was graduated in 1760. Shortly after, he commenced the study of physic, under Dr. John Redman, an eminent practitioner in Philadelphia. Having acquired such elementary knowledge in medicine as the resources of his native country at that time afforded, for the completion of his educa tion, he repaired, in the year 1766, to the school of Edinburgh, then in the zenith of its utility and renown. After an assiduous attendance on the lectures and hospitals of that place, he, in the year 1768, obtained the degree of doctor of medicine. Having spent the succeeding winter in an atten dance on the hospitals, and other sources of medi cal instruction in London, and made a visit to Paris the following summer, to derive information from the schools of that metropolis, he returned to Phila delphia in the course of the autumn of 1769. He now commenced the practice of physic with the brightest prospect of success, and in a very Tew years ranked with the ablest of the physicians of Phila delphia. As a practitioner, his highest excellence lay in his knowledge and treatment of fever. It was in his combats with that form of disease that he manifested, at once, the strength of a giant and the skill of an adept. For many years, pulmonary consumption and the diseases of the mind consti tuted especially the objects of his attention. As a teacher, his qualifications were pre-eminently great. Ardently attached to his profession, ample in his resources-,, eloquent and animated in his delivery, and unusually perspicuous in las .style and arrange ment, his mode of communicating knowledge was pleasing arid impressive. By enlightened foreigners, as well as by those of his own countrymen, who had visited the medi cal schools of Europe, he was acknowledged to be one of the most popular lecturers of the age. In short, he was to the medical school of Phila delphia, what Boerhaave was to the school of Ley- den, and Cullen to that of Edinburgh. Various are the academical honours conferred on him in the course of his lifetime by the univer sity of Pennsylvania. In 1769, he was chosen pro fessor of chymistry. In 1789, professor of the theory and practice of medicine. In 1791, profes sor of the institutes of medicine and of clinical practice : and on the resignation of Dr. Kuhn, he was promoted to the chair of the practice of physic. As a man of business, he moved in a sphere that was extensive and important. He took a zealous and active part in the revolu tionary conflict which severed the British empire, and gave existence, as a nation, to the United States. Both his tongue and his pen were effectively employed in the sacred cause, and he was closely associated with many of the most distinguished American patriots of the time. In July, 1776, he became a member of the celebrated congress of that year, and, pursuant to a rule of that house, subscribed his name to the declaration of indepen dence, which had been previously ratified on the fourth day of the same month. In 1777, he was appointed physician-general of the United States. In 1788, he was elected a mem ber of the convention of the state of Pennsylvania^ for the adoption of the federal constitution. Besides these delegated arid official trusts, he took, as a member of the community, a very promi nent concern in nil the leading national transactions that occurred from the commencement of the revo lutionary war till the organization of our present form of government. Cotemporary with the ter mination of this latter event was the termination of his political life. The only appointment he ever held under the federal government, as an acknow ledgment of all that he had contributed towards its establishment, was that of cashier of the mint of the United States. He was president of the Philadelphia medical society; vice-president of the American philoso phical society, and a member of many other learn ed and benevolent institutions both in America and Europe. In the midst of his honours and usefulness, ad vanced in years, but in the meridian of his fame, he died, after a short illness, on the 19th April, 1813. From one extreme of the United States to the other, the event was deplored. Even Europe shed a tear of sensibility on his ashes, and the voice of eulogy was raised to his memory. For the man of genius and learning, science and active phi lanthropy, becomes deservedly the favourite of the civilized world. His person was above the middle size, and his figure slender, but well proportioned. His fore head was prominent, his nose aquiline, his eyes blue, and highly animated. His look was fixed, and his whole demeanour thoughtful and grave. He was temperate in his diet, neat in his dress, and sociable in his habits. In colloquial powers he had few equals. His conversation was an attic repast. Considered in relation to the entire compass of his character ; as a practitioner, a teacher, a philo sopher, and a writer, Dr. Rush must be acknow ledged to have been the most distinguished physi cian that America has produced. His professional works are comprised in five vo lumes octavo. 269 RITTENHOUSE, DAVID, LL. D. F. R. S. a distin guished philosopher and astronomer, was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1732. During his residence with his father in the coun try, he made himself master of Newton s Prin- cipia. It was here likewise he became acquainted with the science of fluxions, of which sublime in vention he believed himself for a while the first author ; nor did he know for some years afterwards, that a contest had been carried on between New ton and Leibnitz, for the honour of that great dis covery. Thus at the age of twenty-three, without literary friends and without advantages, he became the rival of the two greatest mathematicians of Europe. In this retired situation, he also planned and ex ecuted an orrery, by which he represented the re volutions of the heavenly bodies more completely than ever before had been done. This master piece of mechanism was purchased by the college of New-Jersey. A second was made by him, after the same model, for the use of the university of Pennsylvania, where it has commanded for many years the admiration of the ingenious and the learned. In 1770, he removed to Philadelphia. His first communication to the philosophical society of Phi ladelphia, of which he was a member, was a calcu lation of the transit of Venus, June 3, 1769. This phenomenon had never been seen but twice before by any inhabitant of our earth, and would never be seen again by any person then living. On the 9th of November following, he observed the transit of Mercury. An account of these observa tions was published in the transactions of the so ciety. In 1784, he assisted in determining the western limits of Pennsylvania, and the northern line of the same state in 1786. 270 In 1787, he assisted in fixing the boundary line between Massachusetts and New- York. In 1791, he was chosen president of the philoso phical society, as successor to Dr. Franklin, and was annually re-elected till his death. Soon after he accepted the chair he made to the society a do nation of three hundred pounds. From 1777 to 1789, he held the office of trea surer of Pennsylvania. In 1792, he accepted the office of director of the mint of the United States, but his ill state of health induced him to resign it in 1795. He died June 26, 1796, in the full belief of the Christian religion, and in the anticipation of clearer discoveries of the perfections of God in the eternal world. He was a man of extensive knowledge, and was intimately acquainted with the French, German, and Dutch languages. His mind was the repository of all ages and countries. The first four volumes of the transactions of the American Philosophical Society contain all of his mathematical and astronomical papers which have been published. READ, GEORGE, one of the signers of the decla ration of independence, was born in Cecil county, Maryland, in the year 1734. His father soon after removed to Newcastle county, Delaware, where he settled. He received his education under the care of the Rev. Dr. Allison, and at the age of seven teen, commenced the study of the law in the city of Philadelphia. In the year 1753, he was admitted to the bar. In 1754, he settled in Newcastle, Delaware, and commenced the practice of the law. In 1763, he succeeded John Ross as attorney- general of the state. He held this office till he was elected to congress in 1775, when he resign ed it. In 1765, he was elected a member of the assem bly of Delaware, which station he continued to oc cupy for twelve years in succession. In the mean time, however, he strenuously sup ported every measure, and was very conspicuous, by his personal exertions, in resisting every en croachment of British tyranny. In 1774, he was elected by the general assembly of Delaware, together with Caesar Rodney and Thomas M Kean, Esqrs. to represent the state in the first congress, which met at Philadelphia. From this period he continued to represent the state of Delaware in congress during the whole of the revolutionary war. On the 4th of July, 1776, he signed the declara tion of independence. In September, 1776, he was elected president of the convention, which formed the first constitution of Delaware. In 1782, he was appointed one of the judges of the court of appeals, in admiralty cases, for the state of Delaware. In 1787, he was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of the United States. Mr. Read continued in the senate of the United States till September, 1793, when he was appoint ed chief justice of the supreme court of the state of Delaware. He performed the duties of this of fice with great ability and integrity, till the autumn of 1798, when his long life of public usefulness was terminated by a short and sudden illness. In his person he was above the middle size, erect, and dignified in his demeanour* RANDOLPH, PEYTON, first president of congress, was born at the seat of his ancestors, Virginia, about the year 1723. After receiving the honours of the college of William and Mary, he was sent to England, and there completed his legal education. On his return to Virginia, he entered, at once, into practice in the general court, and in a few years rose to eminence in his profession. His country soon appreciated his eminent talents, and when not more than twenty-five years of age, he was appointed king s attorney-general for the colony. He was in the same year, elected a mem ber of the Virginia legislature, and shortly after, was placed at th e head of the committee to revise the laws of the colony. In 1764, when the resolution of the English house of commons, declaring their intention of imposing stamp duties upon the colonies, was received in America, he was a member of the house of bur gesses, and on this occasion gave new proofs of his talents and patriotism. Virginia, who as early as 1651, had, with arms in her hands, stipulated with the parliament of Great Britain for the exclusive right of laying her own taxes, was now among the first to resist this new and alarming attempt at encroachment upon the liberties of the people. The house of burgesses immediately determin ed to send an address against it to the king, and he was appointed to draw it up; and is a paper written in a plain, but vigorous and manly style. In 1766, he was appointed speaker of the house of burgesses. He now retired altogether from the bar, in order to devote himself solely to his duties as a legislator. Previous to the year 1770, the English govern ment had repealed all the duties which they had so recently laid, except that on the single article of tea. The Virginia legislature again displayed their firmness, by an explicit declaration, that they would iiot import goods from the mother country, this duty should also be repealed. On the death of lord Botetourt, 1772, the king appointed lord Dunmore to succeed him as govern or. In May following, news reached Williams- burg, that parliament had passed an act to shut up the port of Boston. The house of burgesses, then in session, remonstrated at this tyrannical proceed ing, and resolved that the first of June, the day on which the act was to go into operation, should be set apart as a day of fasting arid prayer. But in the midst of these proceedings, the assembly was abruptly dissolved by order of the new governor. The members, however, met soon after, as private citizens, and appointed Mr. Randolph chairman. They drew up an address to their fellow citizens, declaring the late attack on the rights of the sister colony, menaced ruin to the rights of all. A com mittee of correspondence was appointed, of which he was one, to communicate with the other colo nies, on the expediency of calling a general con gress of delegates, to deliberate on the united in terests of America, from time to time, as occasion might require. Agreeably to this arrangement, the first general congress met in Philadelphia, September 4, 1774, and on the following day, he was called by the united voice of its members, to preside over their deliberations. In 1775, he was again chosen its president. In a few days, however, after the meeting of congress, he was called to Virginia, to resume his situation as speaker of the house of burgesses, which had been called by the governor to consider the conci liatory proposition of lord North. In a few weeks after, he returned to congress and again took his seat, and was one of its most active members. He was not destined, however, to witness the independence of the country he had loved and served so faithfull. 2/4 He died at Philadelphia of an apoplectic stroke October 22, 1775, in the fifty-second year of his age. As a politician, he was firm in his principles and steady in his opposition to foreign usurpation. He presided with uncommon dignity ; and al though not eloquent, yet when he spoke his matter was so substantial, that no man commanded more attention. This, joined with the universal know ledge of his worth, gave him a weight in the as sembly of Virginia, which few ever attained. RUTLEDGE, JOHN, one of the signers of the federal constitution, took an early and distinguished part in support of the liberties of his country at the commencement of the American revolution. He was a member of the first congress which met at Philadelphia in 1 774. His extraordinary powers, ex tensive knowledge, and irresistible eloquence, can be estimated by the high encomium bestowed on him by the celebrated Patrick Henry, of Virginia, who declared that in the first congress, when there was as brilliant a display of talent as was ever ex hibited in a collected body of legislators, " that he shone with superior lustre. Being asked on his return to his native state, "what had been done by the representatives of the nation what kind of men composed that illustrious body, and particu larly whom he thought the greatest man?" he re plied, "if you speak of eloquence, John JKutledge, of South Carolina, is the greatest orator; but if you speak of information and sound judgment, colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on the floor". Of his decision of character there can exist no doubt. It was strongly exemplified at the very com mencement of the revolutionary contest. When the vote to appoint deputies to a continental con gress was carried in the assembly of South Caro lina, propositions were immediately introduced, for instructing the delegates to what point it was ad missible for them to pledge the concurrence of the province to such measures as might be proposed for general adoption. John Rutledge, with great ability contended, that unless unshackled by restraint, and allowed to act at discretion, that their power to do good would be inadequate to the energies which the crisis de manded ; and being asked, " what ought we to do then with these men should they make a bad use of the power delegated to them]" he replied, "hang them." When the temporary constitution of South Caro lina was established in March, 1776, he was ap pointed its president, and cornmander-in-chief of the colony. He continued in this station till the adoption of the new constitution in March, 1778, to which he refused to give his assent. He was opposed to it, because it annihilated the council, reducing the legislative authority from three to two branches, and was too democratic in its features. In 1779, however, he was chosen governor, with the authority, in conjunction with the council, to do whatever the public safety required. He soon after took the field at the head of the militia. His zeal and activity never knew abatement. His decision in refusing to sanction the abandonment of the fort on Sullivan s Island, on the approach of the fleet of Sir Peter Parker, must for ever redound to his honour, as the resistance of the intrepid garrison completely changed the plans of the enemy, and they precipitately withdrew to New- York. But to his guidance of the helm of government, during the most calamitous scenes of the war with in the state, is in a great degree to be attributed the successes ultimately obtained over a powerful and triumphant enemy. He at a very early period, perceived the superior ability of general Greene to direct every military operation, and with indefati gable industry, seconded his views with all the in fluences of the civil authority. So mild and con ciliating were all his actions, that obedience went hand in hand with command; and the ardour of zeal seemed rather to solicit service than seek the means of avoiding it. This eminent patriot and able statesman died January 23, 1800. RUTLEDGE, EDWARD, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, in the month of November, 1749. He received a classical educa tion, and at an early period commenced the study of the law with his elder brother. In 1769, he was sent to England to complete his legal education, and was entered as a student at the Temple. In 1773, he returned home, and commenced the practice of law in his native state. He rose rapid ly to professional eminence; and as an exalted proof of the general esteem in which he was held, he was elected a delegate to congress, which met at Philadelphia in 1774. On his return home, he received the thanks of the provincial congress, and was again appointed a member of the next con gress. Owing to the secrecy which was observed by this august body, it is impossible to say what part he acted, but it is well known that he was an active and efficient member. In the congress of 1776, he took an active part in the discussions which preceded the declaration of independence. He is said to have proposed some alterations to the original report of this cele- DAVID RAMSAY MD. brated declaration, to which he afterwards affixed his name. He was again appointed to congress in 1779, but sickness prevented his attending. At the close of the war he returned to the prac tice of his profession, as well as devoted a greater part of seventeen years in the service of his coun try, arid in the state legislature. In 1798, he retired from the profession of the law, and was elected governor of the state ; but he lived to complete only half the term for which he had been appointed. He bore his last illness with great fortitude, and expired January 3, 1800. Mr. Rutledge possessed eminent virtues both as a public and private character. His manners were the most affable, his temper amiable, and his dis position benevolent. His person was above the middle size ; his com plexion was florid and fair, and with an unusual animation of countenance. As an orator he was not so impetuous and com manding as his brother John Rutledge, but pos sessed more of the Ciceronian style. There was a suavity in his manner, and conciliating attraction in his arguments, that had frequently the effect of subduing the prejudices of the unfriendly, and which never failed to increase the ardour and in flexibility of steady friends. The eloquence of John Rutledge was as a rapid torrent ; that of Edward as a gentle and smoothly gliding stream; the first hurried you forward to the point it aimed at, with powerful impetuosity ; the last conducted to it, with fascinations that made every progressive step ap pear enchanting. RAMSAY, DAVID, a celebrated historian, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1749. 278 He was from infancy remarkable for his attach ment to books, and for the rapid progress he made in acquiring classical literature. At the age of thirteen he entered Princeton, and at sixteen, received the honours of that celebrated seminary. He afterwards applied himself to the study of physic, and in the year 1773, took the degree of doctor of medicine. He then removed to Charles ton, South Carolina, and rose to distinguished emi nence in his profession. During our revolutionary struggle he was a de cided and active friend of his country, and was one of the earliest and most zealous advocates of Ame rican independence. In every period of the war he wrote and spoke boldly and constantly; and by his personal exertions in the legislature, and in the field, was very serviceable to the cause of Ameri can liberty. In 1782, he was elected a member of the general congress. In this body he was always conspicuous, and particularly exerted himself in procuring relief for the southern states, at that time overrun by the enemy. In 1785, he was elected president of that august body, and continued for a whole year to discharge with much ability, industry, and impartiality, the important duties of that station. He is, however, best known as an historian, for which he was well qualified by profound learning and great research. In 1785, he published a history of the revolution in South Carolina, in two volumes octavo. In the latter part of this year, he was again elected a member of congress, and finding himself associated with many of the most distinguished heroes and statesmen of the revolution, and having free access to all the records and documents that could throw light on the late war ; he began to col lect materials for a general history of the rovo- 279 lution. He also conferred with Washington, Frank lin, and others, and gained from them much valu able information. Thus possessing greater advan tages and facilities for procuring materials than any other individual of the United States, and be ing an eye-witness of many of its events, and a conspicuous actor in its busy scenes, he complet ed and published in the year 1790, a history of the revolution, in two volumes octavo, which was received with universal approbation. In 1801, he gave to the world the life of Wash ington, which is considered as fine a piece of bio graphy as can be found in any language. In 1808, he published the history of South Caro lina, in two volumes octavo. He afterwards completed a history of the United States to the year 1808, and had not death put a termination to his labours, it was his intention to have brought it down to the end of the late war. This work has since been brought down to the treaty of Ghent by the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith, late president of Princeton college, and published. During his leisure hours for the last forty years of his life, he was employed in preparing for the press a series of historical volumes, which, since his death, have been published in nine volumes octavo, entitled, " Universal History American ised." He died by the hand of an assassin, May 8, 1812. As an historian, he is every where to be found the impartial and faithful recorder the best evi dence of which is, the high reputation which his histories sustain throughout this great republic. Nor is his fame as an historian confined tp Ame rica. It has found its way to Europe, where he is honoured and respected as the Tacitus of Ame rica. His style, free from obscurity or laboured orna ment, is distinguished for being chaste and classi cal, and admirably adapted for history. As a, husband, father, and Christian, lie was alike exemplary; his habits were those of the strictest temperance. He usually slept four hours, rose before the light, and meditated with a book in his hand, until he could see to read. He was parsimonious of his time to the highest degree. He, however, never read by the light of a candle ; with the first shades of the evening, he laid aside his book and his pen surrounded by his family and friends, gave loose to those paternal and social feelings which ever dwell in the bosom of a good man. REDMAN, JOHN, M. D. first president of the col lege of physicians of Philadelphia, was bom in that city, February 27, 1722. After finishing his edu cation, he commenced the study of medicine. He afterwards proceeded to Europe and attended the school at Edinburgh. From thence he went to Paris, where he attended the lectures of that cele brated school, and at length graduated at Leyden. in July, 1748. He then returned to London, and after passing- some time at Gray s hospital, he returned to Ame rica, and settled in his native city, where he soon gained great and deserved celebrity. In the evening of his life he withdrew from the labours of his profession; but it was only to en gage in business of another kind. In 1784, he was elected an elder of the second Presbyterian church, and the benevolent duties of this office employed him and gave him delight. He died of an apoplexy, March 19, 1808, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. As a physician his principles were derived from the writings of Boerhaave, but his practice was formed by the rules of Sydenham. He considered 281 a greater force of medicine necessary to cure mo dern American, than modern British diseases, and hence he was a decided friend to depletion in all the virulent diseases of our country. He bled free ly in the yellow fever of 1762, and threw the whole weight of his venerable name into the scale of the same remedy in the year 1793. In the diseases of old age he considered small and frequent bleedings as the first of remedies. He entertained a high opinion of mercury, in all chronic diseases. He introduced the use of tur- bith mineral, as an emetic, in the gangrenous sore throat of 1764. Towards the close of his life he read the latter medical writers, and embraced with avidity some of the modern opinions and modes of practice. As a Christian, he was eminent. SULLIVAN, JOHN, LL. D. a major-general in the American army, and president of New-Hampshire, is entitled to honourable distinction among the general officers of the American republic. Before the revolution he had attained to emi nence in the profession of the law in New-Hamp shire. But indulging a laudable ambition for mi litary glory, he relinquished the fairest prospects of fortune and fame, and on the commencement of hostilities, appeared among the most ardent patriots and intrepid warriors. He was a member of the first congress, in 1774; but preferring a mi litary commission, he was in 1775 appointed by congress a brigadier-general ; and in the following year a major-general. He superseded Arnold in the command of the army in Canada, June 4, 1776, but was soon driven out of that province. In August following, he took command of a di vision of the army in the battle on Long-Island, and with lord Stirling was captured by the British. In September he was exchanged ; and was ap pointed to the command of the right division of the troops, in the famous battle at Trenton, and acquit ted himself most honourably on that ever memor able day. In the battles at Brandywine and Germantown. in the autumn of 1777, he commanded a division, in which he displayed his skill and bravery. In August, 1778, he was the sole commander of the expedition, which laid siege to Newport, then in the hands of the British ; but being abandoned by the French fleet under D Estaing, who sailed to Boston, he was obliged, with great mortification to himself, to raise the siege. He effected his retreat with so much skill, that it greatly increased his military reputation as a skilful commander. In the summer of 1779, he commanded an expe dition against the Six Nations of Indians, in New- York. In the short space of five weeks, during this hazardous expedition, he encountered the most complicated obstacles ; explored an extensive tract of country; and completely dispersed his savage foes. At the close of this campaign, in consequence of impaired health, he resigned his commission in the army ; and received a vote of thanks from con gress. After his resignation, he resumed his professional pursuits at the bar, and was much distinguished as a statesman, politician, and patriot. He received from Cambridge university, the honorary degree of master of arts, and from the university of Dart mouth, the honorary degree of doctor of laws. In the years 1786-7, and 9, he was president of New-Hampshire. In which station by his vigor ous exertions he quelled the spirit of insurrection, which exhibited itself at the time of the troubles in Massachusetts. In October, 1789, he was appointed district judge, in which office he continued till his death, which happened January 23, 1795 ? aged fifty- four years. STOCKTON, RICHARD, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born near Prince ton, New-Jersey, on the 1st October, 1730. He received the rudiments of classical science from the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, at West Nottingham ; from thence, he was sent to the college of New- Jersey, where he graduated in 1748. Soon after he graduated, he applied himself to the study of the law, under the direction of the honourable David 284 In 1754, he was admitted to the bar, and in 1758, to the grade of counsellor. In 1763, he received the degree of sergeant-at- law ; and was at that time unrivalled at the bar. In 1766, he visited England, Scotland, and Ireland, and was received with flattering attention by the most eminent men of the kingdom. On his return home he was, in 1774, appointed one of the judges of the supreme court. On the 21st June, 1776, the public confidence reposed in his patriotism, firm ness, and abilities, by the provincial congress of New-Jersey, was manifested by electing him a member of the general congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. On taking his seat in this august assembly, he took an active part in the debates, particularly those which preceded the adoption and signing of the declaration of independence. During the summer and autumn of 1776, he de voted the whole of his time to the pressing exigen cies of his country. In September, he was deputed by congress one of the committee to inspect the northern army, and to report on its state, and on any further regula- lations which they might think necessary for its better government and supply. This service hav ing been discharged, he again resumed his seat in congress. On the 30th November following, he was, to gether with his friend and compatriot, John Coven- hoven, Esq. at whose house he resided, unfortu nately captured by a party of refugee royalists, and after having suffered in the most cruel manner, was thrown into the common prison in New-York, and treated with unusual severity. Congress, im mediately on learning his capture and imprison ment, interposed and procured his release. His constitution, however, was so materially impaired by his sufferings, that he was never again able, ex cept by counsel and advice, to render any impor* tant services to his country. 285 He died on the 28th February, 1781, at his resi dence, near Princeton, in the fifty-first year of his age. In his private life he was easy and graceful -, in his manners, and in his conversation affable and entertaining. As a man of letters, he possessed a superior genius, highly cultivated by a long and as siduous application. His researches into the prin ciples of morals and religion were deep and accu rate, and his knowledge of the laws of his country extensive and profound. In the councils of his country he was wise and firm, but always prudent and moderate. To his superior powers of mind and professional learning ; he united a flowing and persuasive elo quence, and he was a Christian, who was an ho nour to the church. SHERMAN, ROGER, a distinguished patriot, and one of the signers of the declaration of indepen dence, was born at Newton, Massachusetts, on the 19th April, 1721. He received no other than a country school education, and his future attain ments in general science were owing solely to his indefatigable exertions in the pursuit of it. In 1743, he removed to New-Milford, in Litch- field county, Connecticut. He there commenced business as a country merchant, in conjunction with his elder brother, which he continued till after his admission to the bar in 1754. At the age of thirty-three, he was elected a mem ber of the legislature of Connecticut, and from this period we may date the commencement of his pub lic career. In 1759, he was appointed judge of the court of common pleas for the county. In 1761, he removed from New-Milford, and set tled ip New-Haven, and frequently represented this town in the legislature. In 1765, he was appointed one of the judges of the court of common pleas, and was for many years the treasurer of the college in New-Haven. He received at that time also the honorary degree of master of arts. On passing of the stamp act in 1765, Mr. Sher man, who had not, heretofore, been a silent spectator of the arbitrary measures of Great Britain, now zealously opposed these exactions, and co-operated with his fellow members in the general opposition to parliamentary supremacy. He was one of the few, who, from the commence ment of hostilities, foresaw the necessity of our en tire union and complete independence, and urged with energy the boldest and most decisive mea sures. The revolutionary war was a contest of principles. When the period arrived at which it was neces sary either tamely to submit to the domination of the parliament, surrender our property to its dis posal, and sink to the degradation of a people con quered and enslaved, or boldly assert our rights and defend our liberties by the sword, he did not hesitate in choosing the alternative. He was ac cordingly nominated as one of the committee to attend the general congress of the colonies at Phi ladelphia. He was present at the opening of the first congress in 1774, and it is worthy of record, that he continued a member of congress until his death in 1793. In this assemblage of eminent characters, there was no one whose judgment was more respected, or whose opinions were more in fluential. The boldness of his counsels, the decisive weight of his character, the steadiness of his principles, the inflexibility of his patriotism, his venerable ap pearance, and his republican manners, presented 287 to the imagination the idea of a Roman senator, in the early and most exemplary days of the com monwealth. In the business of committees, he was certainly one of the most serviceable and indefatigable members of that body. Hence in this department he was always called upon to officiate. In May, 1775, he again took his seat in congress. During this session, the duties of congress were extremely arduous; and we cannot revert, without deep emotions of gratitude and admiration, to the dignity and deliberative firmness of the assembled sages, who in that day of peril stood firm and fear less in defence of their liberties, and boldly breast ed a shock which might have appalled the most re solute and daring. The matters which required their guidance and consideration ; the dangerous measures which it was necessary to adopt; and the difficulties to be diverted and surmounted, were numerous and embarrassing. During the session of 1776, he was appointed a member of the principal committees for the safety and well-being of the colonies. On the llth June, 1776, the high confidence placed in the abilities of Mr. Sherman, was again amply portrayed by his appointment, in conjunc tion with that brilliant constellation of talents and patriotism, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and Liv ingston, to prepare the declaration of indepen dence, to which he afterwards affixed his name. He was also successively a member of the board of war, of the marine committee, and of the board of treasury. In 1783, Mr. Sherman and the honourable Ri chard Law were appointed to review the statutes of Connecticut. In 1787, he was appointed, in conjunction with Messrs. Ellsworth and Johnson, a delegate to the general convention to form the federal constitution of the United States, 288 The inefticacy of the old confederation for the preservation of public peace, became palpable soon after the close of the war. The powers vested in the several states were too great to afford any pros pect of permanent union, and it was only by the formation of the supreme head, to direct the clash ing measures, guard the opposing interests, and coerce the ill-advised and dangerous views of the several subordinate governments, that the indepen dence and tranquillity which had succeeded one of the noblest efforts recorded in the political his tory of the world, could be preserved. He contributed with his usual ability and perse verance, to reconcile the conflicting interests and opinions of the delegates, and perfect that towering monument of political wisdom, which is without a rival in the history of nations. After the ratification and adoption of the federal constitution, he was elected a representative of the state in congress. Previous, however, to his tak ing the oath required by the constitution, he resign ed the office of judge of the superior court, which he had held with unblemished reputation for twen ty-three years. At the expiration of two years, he was elected to the senate, and took an active part in the proceed ings of that body. He continued to fill this ele vated station, and scrupulously devoted his time and his talents in the service of his country, till the 23rd July, 1793, when this great and good man was gathered to his fathers, after a long life of virtue and usefulness. SMITH, SAMUEL STANHOPE, DD. LL. D. presi dent of Princeton college, was born at Pequea, in the township of Salisbury, Lancaster, Pennsylva nia, on the 16th day of March, 1750. At the age of sixteen he entered Princeton col lege, and in the year 1769, took his first degree. He returned to his father s family, and applied him self to extending his acquaintance with science and literature, by the perusal of the best writers with which the library of the family supplied him. In cultivating the more elegant fields of the belles lettres, he seemed, however, to have taken the greatest pleasure, and to this species of exer tion his intellectual powers appear to have been best adapted by nature. During his continuance at Princeton as a stu dent, his talents and assiduity did not pass unno ticed by that able divine and nice observer of men and things, Dr. Witherspoon ; and, accordingly, a vacancy occurring in the offices of the college, he received from him a pressing invitation to return to the institution, to take under his charge the clas sical studies of the college, while he should assist also in cultivating among the students a taste for the belles lettres. In this station he spent the two next years of his life, performing, with acknowledged ability, the duties of his office in the institution, and at the same time prosecuting his theological studies, as he had now determined, as well from the dictates of his understanding as the impulse of his feelings, to devote himself to the church. As soon as he had finished the usual course of reading prescribed to students of divinity, he left Princeton, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery of New-Castle, in Pennsylvania. Soon after he voluntarily offered to officiate as a missionary, and commenced his labours in the western counties of Virginia. Having a mind already imbued with elegant lite rature, and a taste improved by familiarity with the finest models of writing in the Latin, Greek, Eng lish, and French languages, and withal a genius that kindled into enthusiasm at the success of those 290 celebrated preachers, whose praises and whose tri umphs of eloquence he had seen recorded in eccle siastical history ; and above all, a heart deeply touched and interested with the great truths which it was his province to proclaim ; the doctrines of the gospel were presented to his hearers in a more attractive form than they had ever before been able to conceive. In him they found solid sense and deep learning, recommending by their embellish ments the simple and sublime truths of religion, and the influence of the whole augmented by all the graces of style, composition, and delivery. His labours were consequently attended with the happiest effects. So strong at length, did the pub- lie sentiment in his favour become, that some gen tlemen of wealth and influence resolved upon erect ing a college, of which it was contemplated that he should become the president. No sooner was the plan projected, and the subscription list filled up, than they erected the buildings of the institu tion, which is now called Hamden Sydney col lege. Having now completed his missionary tour, he returned to Princeton, and married the daughter of its venerable president. Soon after this event he returned to Virginia, to take upon him the two fold charge of principal of the seminary and pastor of the church. In both of these capacities he ac quitted himself with the greatest talents and ad dress. His reputation both as a pious and learned divine, and an eloquent and successful preacher, every day increased; and the attachment of his flock, and the students of the college to his person, was sincere and unabated during the whole time of his residence among them. In the year 1779, through the solicitation of Dr. Witherspoon, he accepted the appointment of pro fessor of moral philosophy in Princeton college; leaving his brother, the Rev. John Smith, in whom he reposed entire confidence, to take charge of the infant college reared under his care in Virginia. He then repaired to the seat of his future useful ness and celebrity, and commenced his labours, first in superintending the fitting up the college which had been destroyed by the British army, (who had occupied it as a barrack during their passing and repassing through the state of New- Jersey,) and afterwards in discharging the duties of his office. The great interests of the American nation which were at this time pending, requiring the collective wisdom of her citizens to be brought into action for her welfare, Dr. Witherspoon, whose integrity, capacity, and attachment to the cause of patriotism had been sufficiently evinced during the war, was chosen by the state of New-Jersey to re present her in congress. For several years he continued to perform his duty in congress, while he still held the presidency of the college, and during the time of his absence from that institution, the whole weight of his cares now necessarily devolved upon Mr. Smith. Nothing, however, could over come his firmness and perseverance. He had from the commencement been the chief instrument in reviving the institution, and he was resolved to per sist through all difficulties and discouragements to the accomplishment of his object. The superiority of his talents and the high re spect which the students could not fail to enter tain for him, enabled him to fill the two-fold office of president and professor. At the close of the revolution, at the request of the board of trustees, Dr. Witherspoon visited England, to collect funds in aid of the college. Soon after his return that venerable man was af flicted with total blindness, and many infirmities which almost deprived him of power to attend to his duties, so that finally the whole weight and responsibility of the president s office devolved upon him, Like all men of real talent, his powers only became more conspicuous, as they were called into more vigorous exertion. The trustees of the college becoming every day more sensible of his capacity and distinguished usefulness, added to his titles and dignities in the institution, besides the one of professor of moral philosophy, those of pro fessor of theology and vice-president of the col lege. In 1785, he was elected an honorary member of the American Philosophical Society in Philadel phia; and was the same year appointed by that learned body to deliver their anniversary address. On this occasion it was, that he chose for his sub ject to explain the causes of the variety in the figure and complexion of the human species, and establish the identity of the race. This masterly treatise was published in the transactions of the society, and obtained for its author deserved repu tation as a philosopher both in his own and foreign countries. In the year following the publication of this work he received the degree of doctor in divinity from Yale college ; and some years after the degree of doctor of laws from Cambridge university. In the year 1786, he was appointed one of the committee, who were directed to draw up a system of government for the Presbyterian church in Ame rica. In pursuance of this appointment was pre pared and digested that judicious and excellent form of presbyterial government by general assem blies, synods, and presbytery, which prevails at this time. In 1794, Dr. Witherspoon finished his earthly course, and in the following spring, Dr. Smith was appointed his successor, and entered upon the dig nity of that office, the duties of which he had long before fulfilled. His talents, like all those which are genuine, shone more brightly in proportion to the elevation to which he was raised. The dignity of manners, mingled with a respectful attention to their feelings, which, on all occasions, he discover ed in his deportment towards those students who devoted themselves to their duty, and were obe dient to the laws; the clearness, comprehension, and force of style which he displayed as an in- structer to his class ; the manly and impressive elo quence which he exhibited on all occasions when he appeared in the pulpit, rendered him the pride and ornament of the institution. About this time he published one volume of sermons, which was well received both in his own and foreign coun tries. In the year 1812, his infirmities had so rapidly increased, he found himself unable to attend to his duties in college, and at the next commencement resigned his presidency. From this period, al though only in his sixty-second year, the paralytic strokes with which he had been visited, had so far weakened his constitution, as to render him utter ly incapable of his ordinary exertions of body or mind. Even in this enfeebled state, however, his natural ardour and activity in the prosecution of learning still continued. He now spent a portion of his time in correcting his works, and preparing for the press, that system of moral philosophy, which for more than twenty years he had delivered to the classes, and which is now ranked among the best works extant. In the spring of 1819, his strength visibly failed. The prospect of a speedy dissolution he now sur veyed as inevitable ; and with a mind conscious of the most unsullied purity and uprightness of in tention, he seemed to await, in unruffled tranquil lity, the summons of his heavenly Father, that should transport him to a better world. He ap peared in the language of the poet : To walk thoughtful on the silent, solemn shore, Of that vast ocean he must sail so soon. On the 21st August, 1819, without a struggle, and conversing with his family to the last, and exhibiting entire composure and resignation, did this eminent man leave his transitory abode on earth, for one eternal in the heavens. Dr. Smith as a philosopher, has high claims and does honour to his country. His work on moral philosophy is among the first and best productions of its kind in the possession of the literary world, and is liable to fewer objections than any other. The work, however, upon which, if he had written no other, he might found a high and well merited reputation as a philosopher, is that upon the variety of figure and complexion in the human species, which is among the first and best of his produc tions. It is indisputably a master-piece of philo sophical writing, and such as would have done ho nour to any man that ever lived. His object in this treatise is to show that all that great variety exhibited among our race in their stature, com plexion, and figure, may be explained from the united action of climate, the state of society, and manner of living. As a writer, he is entitled to a very distinguished rank. He had a mind which was capable of comprehending the abstruse and penetrating into the profound, but which following its natural impulses, chose rather to devote himself to the acquisition of what is elegant and agreeable in science and literature. He was versed in the Latin, Greek, French, and Hebrew languages ; and his style of writing is remarkably perspicuous, full, flowing, polished, and elegant. In all his works we discover great justness and profoundness of observation, extensive acquaint ance with science and literature, together with a liberal and philosophical cast of thinking. His principles of natural and revealed religion, ser mons, and his lectures upon the evidences of Christianity, are works which comprise within a small compass, a great variety of theological learn ing and useful and interesting disquisition, ex pressed in a language at once neat and elegant. while his doctrines are recommended by profound reflections and happy illustrations. As a pulpit orator he would have done honour to any age or nation. There was a dignity, and even majesty, in his person and appearance in the pulpit, as well as in his conceptions and style of speaking, which excited involuntary respect, and commanded the most unremitted attention. Adorned by his genius, the pulpit was converted into a fountain at once of light to illuminate the understanding of his hearers, and of heat, to warm and fructify their hearts. His voice was clear, full, and harmonious, and when he was more than usually excited by passion, every feature spoke, and that fine expressive eye which nature had given him, became lighted up with a fire which penetrated every heart. SHIPPEN, WILLIAM, M. D. F. R. S. a learned physician and anatomist, was born in the city of Philadelphia, about the year 1736. Soon after re ceiving the honours of Princeton college, he com menced the study of medicine, and at the age of twenty-one, he embarked for Europe, and prose cuted his studies with the celebrated John Hunter. He afterwards went to Edinburgh, where he pub lished his thesis, De placenta^ cum utero nexu, and was admitted to the degree of doctor of medi cine. He then visited France, and returned home in 1762, and commenced the practice of midwifery, and teaching of anatomy by dissection. On the establishment of the medical school in Philadelphia, he was unanimously called, to fill the professorship of anatomy and surgery in that insti tution. About this period, he was very active in forming the American Philosophical Society, and during the 296 revolutionary war he took charge of all the journals and original papers. In 1776, he was appointed director-general of the medical department of the American army. In 1781, he resigned this office to resume his former pursuits. In the year 1798, he was bereaved of an only son, which so afflicted him for several years, that he seldom attended to his duties ; and the only studies which he afterwards pursued were of a religious nature. In the year 1805, his spirits appeared again to revive, and in the winter of 1807, he delivered the introductory lecture, though very infirm, and dur ing the same course, he also lectured on midwifery. He afterwards removed to Germantown. He died July 11, 1808. STODDARD, SOLOMON, pastor of the church of Northampton, Massachusetts, has always been con sidered as one of the greatest divines of New-Eng land. He was born in Boston, in 1643; and was graduated at Harvard college in 1662. He was afterwards appointed a fellow. His health having been impaired by a close application to his stu dies, he went to Barbadoes, as chaplain to governor Serle, and preached with great acceptance to the dissenters on that island near two years. After his return, being ordained September 11, 1672, as successor to Mr. Mather, at Northampton, he con tinued in that place till his death, February 11, 1729, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His col league, the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, survived him. Mr. Stoddard was a learned man, well versed in religious controversies, and himself an acute dis putant. As a preacher, his discourses were plain> mental, searching, and argumentative. He was strictly Calvinistical in his opinions upon doctrinal points, but more liberal than other divines of this country upon points of church discipline and government. His works are numerous, .and many of them have passed through several editions. His work, entitled "The Safety of appearing at the Judgment in the Righteousness of Christ," was re-published at Edinburgh, 8vo. 1792, with a recommendatory preface by Dr. Erskine. STILES, EZRA, DD. president of Yale college, was born December 15, 1727. He entered Yale college in 1742, and was distinguished among the students for his bright genius, his intellectual ac complishments, his moral virtues, and the suavity of his manners. In 1746, he graduated, and was esteemed one of the greatest scholars it had ever produced. He first commenced his course of life with the study and practice of the law : he afterwards thought it his duty to preach the gospel ; and settled at New port, as pastor of the second congregational church, where he continued from 1755, to the year 1776. In 1778, he was chosen president of Yale col lege, and continued in this station till his death, May 12, 1795, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. Dr. Stiles was one of the most learned men of whom this country can boast. He had a thorough knowledge of the Hebrew, Greek, French, Latin, Samaritan, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, and had made some considerable progress in the Coptic and Persic languages. 38 298 Next to sacred literature, mathematical and as tronomical science were his favourite studies. He had read the works of divines in various languages, and was thoroughly acquainted with the fathers of the Christian church. He also possessed an inti mate acquaintance with the rabbinical writings. As a preacher, he was most impressive and elo quent, and spoke with energy and zeal. His early discourses were philosophical and moral ; but he gradually became a serious and powerful preacher of the momentous truths of the gospel. Dr. Stiles had every literary honour which his country could bestow upon him ; was a member of many learned societies abroad, and was the inti mate friend and correspondent of the first charac ters in Europe and America. His publications are not numerous. They are known in the learned world, and consist of philoso phical essays, historical narratives, sermons, and theological tracts. He left an unfinished ecclesias tical history of New-England, and more than forty volumes in manuscripts. An account of his life and writings have been published by the Rev. Dr. Holmes. SULLIVAN, JAMES, a distinguished civilian, was born at Berwick, Maine, April 22, 1744. He was carefully educated by his father, and at a seasonable age he commenced the study of the law. In the study and practice of the law at that period, there were difficulties which must have se verely tried the fortitude of a beginner. The ele ments were in no fairer shape than Woods Insti tutes, and Coke s Commentary on Littleton. The wheat was hid in the chaff. There were then no reports and no books of forms, such as we now have; yet so rapid was his rise, that before the 299 revolution, he was rankod with the most eminent of his profession. He was a member of the provincial congress, and while he belonged to that body in 1775, was sent on a difficult mission to Ticonderoga, for which he received a vote of thanks. In 1776, he was appointed a judge of the supe rior court, with John Adams, William Gushing, and others. He afterwards assisted as a member of the convention, to form the state constitution, and continued a judge of the supreme judicial court un til February, 1782, when he resigned and returned to the practice of the law. In 1783, he represent ed Massachusetts in congress ; and in the ensuing year acted as one of the commissioners in the set tlement of the controversy then existing between the states of Massachusetts and New-York, con cerning their respective claims to the Western lands. He was repeatedly chosen to represent the town of Boston in the legislature; in 1787, was a mem ber of the executive council ; the same year was made judge of probate for the county of Suffolk, and in 1790, attorney-general. In 1796, he was appointed by president Wash ington, a commissioner under the fifth article of the British treaty, for settling the boundaries between the United States and the British provinces. In June^ 1807, he was called to the chief magis tracy of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and while in the discharge of the duties of that high station, he was called to pay the debt of nature October 17, 1808. In his person he was commanding, and of very dignified manners. His features were remarkably fine, and the expression intelligent and placid. As a civilian, he sustained the first rank. He was as well versed in special pleading and all the forms of practice, as in the science of the law. The great traits of his mind were force, comprehensive- 300 ness, and ardour. Nothing of consequence in any cause escaped the fullness and intensity of his thoughts. His arguments were clear, close, and strong, not calculated so much for parade as to secure conviction. In his administration he was wise, upright, and impartial. Political and profes sional pursuits did not wholly engross his care. Letters and science received his aid and encourage ment. He was one of the first members of the American academy of arts and sciences; one of the founders, and many years president of the Mas sachusetts historical society. As a writer, he published the History of Land Titles in Massachusetts; the History of the Dis trict of Maine ; a Treatise on the Constitutional Li berty of the Press ; History of the Penobscot In dians, &c. Every one of his works glows with the fervour of true patriotism and benevolence, and in point of style are neat and finished performances, STARK, JOHN, a brigadier-general in the Ameri can arrny during the revolutionary war, was born at Londonderry, New-Hampshire, on the 17th Au gust, 1728. When at the age of twenty-one years, he was, while on a hunting excursion, surprised and cap tured by the Indians, and remained four months a prisoner in their hands. He was captain of a com pany of rangers in the provincial service during the French war of 1755, and was with lord Howe when he was killed in storming the French lines at Ti- conderoga, in July, 1758. At the close of that war, he retired with the reputation of a brave and vigi lant officer. When the report of Lexington battle reached*him, he was engaged at work in his saw mill. Fired with indignation and a martial spirit, he immediately seized his musket, and with a band of STEWART ^<^* 301 heroes proceeded to Cambridge, and the morning 1 after his arrival, he received a colonel s commis sion. On the memorable 17th June, 1775, at Breed s Hill, colonel Stark, at the head of his division, poured on the enemy that deadly fire, which com pelled the British columns twice to retreat. Dur ing the whole of this dreadful conflict, colonel Stark evinced that consummate bravery and intre pid zeal, which entitle his name to honour and per petual remembrance in the pages of our history. We next find him at Trenton, in December, 1776, where he shared largely in the honours of that ever memorable battle. But colonel Stark reached the climax of his fame, when in the darkest and most desponding periods of the revolution he achieved a glorious victory over the enemy at Bennington, of twice the force under his command. In this victory he took upwards of seven hundred pri soners, besides four brass field-pieces. Congress, on the 4th October, 1777, in consideration of his important services, promoted him to the rank of brigadier -general in the army of the United States. General Stark volunteered his services, under ge neral Gates at Saratoga, and assisted in the coun cil which stipulated the surrender of general Bur- goyne ; nor did he relinquish his valuable services till he could greet his native country as an inde pendent empire. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, and died May 8, 1822. STEWART, CHARLES, commodore in the navy of the United States, was born in Philadelphia, July 22, 1778. Shortly after receiving a good education he en tered the merchant service, and in a few years 302 afterwards, was promoted to the command of a ship. At the commencement of the rupture with France in 1798, he received the appointment of a lieute nancy in the navy of the United States, and enter ed the service on board of the frigate United States. In 1800, he was appointed to the command of the Experiment of twelve guns, and was ordered to cruise in the West India seas. While on that station, he engaged and captured the Deux Amies of twelve guns, the Diana of eigh teen guns, the Louisa of eight guns, besides mer chantmen, and rescued American property to a large amount. On peace being restored, he was transferred to the Constellation frigate, and sailed with captain Murray to the Mediterranean. On his return home, he was appointed to the command of the brig Siren, and sailed again to the Mediterranean, and participated in the splendid victories over the Tri- politans. In 1806, he was promoted to the rank of cap tain. During the late war with Great Britain, he was appointed to the command of the frigate Constitu tion, and in December, 1813, proceeded to sea from Boston harbour, although blockaded at that time by seven ships of the line. During this cruise he captured the schooner Picton of sixteen guns, and a letter of marque ship under her convoy, be sides several merchantmen. He sailed again in April, 1814, and captured the British brig Lord Nelson. After cruising for some time off Cape Finisterre, and the Madeiras, he at last fell in with and engaged two of his majesty s ships, and in less than forty minutes, both struck. They proved to be the Cyane of thirty-four guns, and the Levant of thirty-eight guns. He then pro ceeded home with his prizes, and on arriving at .303 Boston, he was informed of the restoration of peace between the two countries. He was afterwards appointed a member of the navy board, and lately to the command of the Franklin 74. SCHUYLER, PHILIP, a major-general in the revo lutionary war, received this appointment from con gress, June 19, 1775. He was directed to proceed immediately from New-York to Ticonderoga, to se cure the lakes, and to make preparations for enter ing Canada. Being taken sick in September, the command devolved upon Montgomery. On his re covery he devoted himself zealously to the manage ment of the affairs in the northern department. The superintendence of the Indian concerns claim ed much of his attention. On the approach of Burgoyne, in 1777, he made every exertion to obstruct his progress; but the evacuation of Ticonderoga, by St. Clair, occasion ing unreasonable jealousies in regard to Schuyler in New-England, he was superseded by Gates in August, and congress directed an inquiry to be made into his conduct. It was a matter of extreme chagrin to him to be recalled at the moment when he was about to take ground and face the enemy. He afterwards, though not in the regular service, rendered important services to his country in the military transactions of New- York. He was a member of the old congress, and when the present government of the United States commenced its operations in 1789, he was appointed with Rufus King a senator from his native state. In 1797, he was again appointed a senator in the place of Aaron Burr. He died at Albany, Novem ber 18, 1804, in the seventy-third year of his age. 304 Distinguished by strength of intellect arid upright intentions, he was wise in the contrivance, and en terprising and persevering in the execution of plans of public utility. In private life he was dignified, but courteous, a pleasing and instructive compa nion, affectionate in his domestic relations, and just in all his dealings. TRUMBULL, JOHN, LL. D. a distinguished poet, was born at Watertown, Connecticut, April 24, 1750. At the age of thirteen, he entered Yale col lege, and graduated in 1767. Being now master of his own time, he devoted himself chiefly to po lite literature ; reading all the Greek and Latin classics, especially the poets and orators. At this period he commenced an acquaintance with Bar low, Dwight, and Humphreys, an intimacy which terminated only in death. In 1769, they began the publication of a series of essays in the manner of the Spectator, in the Gazette, printed at Boston, and afterwards in the newspapers printed at New-Haven. In 1772, he published the first part of a poem, which he entitled, the Progress of Dullness, de signed to expose the absurd methods of education, which then prevailed : he added a second and third part in the course of the next year. In 1773, he went to Boston and commenced the study of the law in the office of John Adams, Esq. since president of the United States. The contest between Great Britain and the colonies approach ed rapidly towards a crisis. With all the ardour in favour of liberty which characterizes a youth ful politician, he entered the arena with the leaders of the revolution, and occasionally contributed po litical essays to the public gazettes. The year 1775 was a period of terror and dis may. The war had commenced by the battle at Lexington. Unconditional submission, or a total rejection of the authority of the crown, presented the only alternative. Every exertion was therefore made by the friends of American liberty, to inspire confidence in our cause, to crush the efforts of the 39 306 tory party, and to prepare the public mind for the declaration of independence. With these views at the solicitation of some of his friends in con gress, he wrote the first part of the poem of McFin- gal, which was immediately published at Philadel phia, where congress was then assembled. It was not, however, until the close of the year 1782, that he found time to complete this poem, and to publish it entire as it now appears. After the adoption of the federal constitution, Mr. Trumbull was first called forth to act in a pub- lie capacity. From that period he continued to be employed in public life, till the year 1801, when he was appointed judge of the superior court of Con necticut. In 1808, he received from the legislature the ad ditional appointment of a judge of the supreme court of errors. His poetical works have been published in two volumes octavo, 1820. TAPPAN, DAVID, DD. professor of divinity in Cambridge university, was born at Manchester, Massachusetts, April 21, 1752. In the year 1771, he received the honours of the university. After pursuing the study of divinity for three years, he commenced preaching, and was ordained minister of the third church in Newbury, in April, 1774. In tliia place he continued about eighteen years. In June, 1702, he was elected professor of divinity in Cambridge university. When he was introduc ed into this office, the students of the university were uncommonly dissolute. For some time they had received no regular instruction in theology, and the tide of opinion began to run in the channel of infidelity. But the lectures of Dr. Tappan, which combined entertainment with information ; Which were profound and yet prophetic ; elegant in style and conclusive in argument, and which came warm from a pious heart, soon checked the pro gress of profanity, and put open irreligion to shame. After a short sickness, he died August 27, 1803, and was succeeded in the professorship bv the Rev. Dr. Ware. Dr. Tappan possessed much activity and vigour of mind, fertility of invention, and force of imagi nation. His readiness of conception and com mand of language enabled him both in speaking and writing to express what he thought and felt with propriety, perspicuity, and force. Since his death two volumes have been publish ed from his manuscripts, the one of sermons, and the other entitled Lectures on Jewish Antiquities, 8vo, 1807. TRUMBULL, JONATHAN, a distinguished patriot and governor of Connecticut, was born at Leba non in 1710, and was graduated at Harvard col lege in 1727. He early discovered fine talents, and for some time studied divinity. He after wards turned his attention to jurisprudence, and soon became an eminent civilian. He was chosen governor in 1769, and was annually elected till 1783, when he resigned, having been occupied for fifty years, without interruption, in public employ ments, and having rendered during eight years war the most important services to his country. No man ever loved his country more. He showed himself the honest and unshaken patriot, the wise and able magistrate. Having seen the termination of the contest in the establishment of the indepen dence of America, he withdrew from public la bours, that he might devote himself to the concerns 308 of religion, and to a better preparation for his fu ture existence. He died August 17, 1785, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. General Washington, in a letter of condolence on his death, to one of his sons, wrote thus: "Un der this loss, however, great as your pangs may have been at the first shock, you have every thing to console you. A long and well-spent life in the service of his country placed governor Trumbull among the first of patriots ; in the social duties he yielded to none; and his lamp from the common course of nature being nearly extinguished, worn down with age and cares, but retaining his mental faculties in perfection, are blessings which attend rarely his advanced life All these combining, have secured to his memory universal respect here, and no doubt, increasing happiness hereafter." Governor Trumbull made a great collection of historical papers, manuscripts, <fcc. which have been presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society. THORNTON, MATTHEW, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in Ireland,, about the year 1714. Two or three years subsequent to his birth, his father emigrated to this country with his family, and settled in the district of Maine. In a few years he removed to Massachusetts, where he con ferred the benefits of an academical education upon his son, whom he designed for one of the learned professions. He accordingly commenced and pro secuted his medical studies at Leicester, Massa chusetts, and after the usual preparatory course, embarked in the practice of medicine in London derry, New-Hampshire. Here he soon acquired considerable reputation as a physician and sur~ J09 geon, and in a few years became comparatively wealthy. He had the honour to fill several important of fices previous to the year 1776, in which year he was appointed a delegate to represent the state of New-Hampshire in congress. During this ever memorable year, he affixed his name to the decla ration of independence. In 1779, Dr. Thornton removed to Exeter, where he purchased a fine farm, and made it afterwards his permanent residence. In this delightful retreat, being far advanced in life, he relinquished in a great measure the prac tice of medicine. He however interested himself in the municipal affairs of the town, and was for several years chosen one of the selectmen. On the great question which was decided in fa vour of our national independence, he was inva riably steadfast, and at all times evinced his readi ness to support with his property and life, the de claration to which he had publicly subscribed. His political character may be best estimated by the fact, that he enjoyed the confidence, and was the unshaken disciple of Washington. He died in Newburyport, Massachusetts, while on a visit to his daughters, June 24, 1803, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. Doctor Thornton was a man of large stature, exceeding six feet in height; his complexion was dark, and his eye black and penetrating. His countenance was invincibly grave, like that of Cas- sius, who read much, and never smiled. In his deportment, he was dignified and commanding, without austerity or hauteur. The grave of this eminent man is covered by a white marble slab, upon which are inscribed his name and age, with the brief but noble epitaph : "AN HONEST MAN," TOMPKINS, DANIEL D. fifth vice-president of the United States, was born at Scarsdale, New-York, June 21, 1774. He entered Columbia college in 1792, and in three years afterwards graduated with distinguish ed reputation for scholarship. On leaving college, he immediately commenced the study of the law, and was admitted to practice in the supreme court in the year 1797. His commanding talents and stern integrity soon made him a favourite with the people, from whom he has since received the highest political honours. In 1802, he was elected a member of the state legislature, and in the following year appointed judge of the superior court of New-York. He continued to discharge the duties of chief justice until the spring of 1807, when he was elect ed governor of the state. From this period until the close of the late war, he was active in her councils, and rendered the most important services to his country. In 1817, he was elevated, in consideration of his distinguished talents and important services, to the exalted station of vice-president of the United States. WHIFFLE, WILLIAM, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born at Kittery, in the district of Maine, in the year 1730. He re ceived an education suited only to a seafaring life, in which he embarked at an early age. In the year 1759, he abandoned the sea and commenced business in connexion with his brother in the town of Portsmouth, New-Hampshire. At an early period of the contest he took a de cided part in favour of the colonies, in their op position to the claims of Great Britain ; and his townsmen placing the highest confidence in his patriotism and integrity, frequently elected him to offices which required great firmness and modera tion. When the disputes between the two countries were approaching to a crisis, he was in the year 1775, chosen one of the provincial committee of safety for the town of Portsmouth. In 1776, he was chosen a delegate to the general congress, which met at Philadelphia, and accord ingly took his seat in that august body on the 29th February. He continued to be re-elected to that distinguished situation in the years 1777, 1778, and 1779, and applied himself with great diligence and ability to the discharge of its duties, when the mi litary services which he rendered during that pe riod, permitted him to be an acting member of the New-Hampshire delegation. In the middle of September, 1779, he finally re tired from congress, after having attended, without the least intermission, at his post of duty, from the 5th of the preceding month of November. The memorable day which gave birth to the de claration of independence, afforded in the case of Mr. Whipple, a striking example of the uncertain ty of human affairs, and the triumphs of persever ance. The cabin boy, who, thirty years before, had looked forward to the command of a vessel as the consummation of all his hopes and wishes, now stood amidst the congress of 1776, and looked around upon a conclave of patriots, such as the world had never witnessed. He, whose ambition once centred in inscribing his name as commander upon a crew-list, now affixed his signature to a do cument, which has embalmed it for posterity. In the year 1777, Mr. Whipple was called upon to act in untried scenes, and exchange his political for a military character. On the invasion of gene ral Burgoyne, Mr. Whipple and John Stark, were appointed brigadier-generals, with orders to em body the militia, and to stop the progress of the enemy. The latter, with the second brigade, pro ceeded to Bennington, (where the enemy had a large body of troops under the command of lieu tenant-colonel Baum,) attacked their works and put them to flight. Soon after this victory, general Whipple marched with the first brigade to join the standard of general Gates. In the desperate bat tles of Stillwater and of Saratoga, the troops of general Whipple gained a large share of honour due to the American army. The consequence of these engagements was the surrender of general Burgoyne. In 1780, immediately after his retirement from congress, he was elected a member of the state le gislature, to which office he was repeatedly chosen, and continued to enjoy the confidence and appro bation of his fellow citizens. In 1782, he was appointed a judge of the supe rior court, which office he held until his death, which happened November 28, 1785, in the fifty- fifth year of his age. General Whipple was possessed of a strong mind, and quick discernment. He was easy in his manners, courteous in his deportment, correct in his habits, and constant in his friendships. He enjoyed through life a great share of the public confidence ; and although his early education was limited, his natural good sense, and accurate observations, enabled him to discharge the duties of the several offices with which he was intrust ed, with credit to himself and benefit to the pub lic. Few men rose more rapidly and worthily in the scale of society, or bore their new honours with more modesty and propriety. Such was William Whipple, whose name, united with the great charter of our freedom, will perish only with the records of the republic. WILLARD, SAMUEL, vice-president of Harvard college, was one of the most celebrated divines of New-England. He was graduated at Harvard col lege in 1659. He was ordained a minister at Gro- ton, but afterwards was settled as colleague with Mr. Thacher, the first minister of the old South Church in Boston, April 10, 1678. After the re signation of president Mather, he as vice-president took the superintendence of Harvard college, and presided over that institution till his death, Sep tember 12, 1707, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Willard possessed very superior powers of mind. His imagination was rich though not luxu riant ; his perception was rapid and correct ; and in argument he was profound and clear. His learn ing also was very considerable. In controversy he was a champion, defending the cause of truth with courage, and with enlightened and affectionate zeal. No divine, except Dr. Cotton Mather, in this country, prepared more works for the press : and 40 they were all calculated to do honour to the author, and edify pious people. - Mr. Willard s largest work, and the first folio volume, on divinity, printed in this country, was published in 1726, entitled, A Body of Divinity, in two hundred and fifty expository Lectures on the Assembly s shorter Catechism. It is considered as a work of great merit. WILLIAMS, ROGER, the father of Providence Plan tation, was born in Wales, in 1599, and was edu cated at the university of Oxford. After having been for some time a minister in the church of England, his non-conformity induced him to seek religious liberty in America. He arrived at Bos ton, February 5, 1631. In April, he was chosen an assistant to Mr. Skelton in the ministry at Sa lem, and after his death was the sole minister of the church. In 1635, in consequence of his peculiar senti ments and puritanic zeal, the sentence of banish ment was passed upon him. He went to Seek- honck, now called Rehoboth. He afterwards fix ed upon Mooshausick, which he named Provi dence, in acknowledgment of God s goodness to him. He purchased the land of the Indians, and while he enjoyed liberty of conscience himself, he granted it to others. Having embraced the senti ments of the baptists, he was baptized in March, 1639, by one of his brethren ; and he then baptized ten others. As the founder of one of the provinces, and a writer in favour of civil and religious freedom, he was more bold, just, and liberal, than any other who appeared in that generation. Many would smile at seeing the name of Roger Williams enrolled with the legislators of ancient times, or with the statesmen of modern Europe, or with such a man as Penn, whose steps were more majestic upon the theatre of the great world; but this man was equal to conducting the affairs of this mfant colony as well as if a complete system of legislation was formed ; and, as a mediator be tween the aboriginies and the colonists, if he were the instrument of preserving the peace, of teaching the Indians some of the arts of life, and of illumi nating the minds of the heathen with the light of Christianity, he is certainly worthy of more credit, than some mighty hunters of the earth, or those sages whose maxims have made men fierce and revengeful, and caused human blood to flow in streams. He died in April, 1683, at the age of eighty-four years. His memory is deserving of lasting honour for the correctness of his opinions respecting liberty of conscience, and for the generous toleration which he established. So superior was he to the meanness of revenge, and such was his magnani mity, that he exerted all his influence with the In dians in favour of Massachusetts, and ever evinced the greatest friendship for the colony from which he had been driven. His talents were of a superior order. In the re ligious doctrines, which he embraced, he seems to have been remarkably consistent. The scriptures he read in the originals. He published a key to the language of the Indians of New-England, octavo, 1643; Truth and Peace, 1644. In this book are disclosed sentiments which have been admired in the writings of JMilton and Furneaux. His ideas of toleration he carried further than Mr. Locke, but not beyond the generality of dissenters in Eng land. 316 WARREN, JOSEPH, a major-general in the Ame rican army, and a distinguished patriot, was born at Roxbury, Massachusetts, in the year 1741. At the age of fifteen he entered Harvard college, and received the honours of that seminary in 1759, and 1762. On leaving college he directed his atten tion to the study of medicine, and in a few years became one of the most eminent physicians in Boston. But he lived at a period, when greater objects claimed his attention, than those which re lated particularly to his profession. The calls of a distracted country were paramount to every con sideration of his own interests ; and he entered the vortex of politics, never to return to the peaceful course of professional labour. The change in public opinion had been gradual ly preparing the minds of most men for a revolu tion. This was not openly avowed; amelioration of treatment for the present, and assurances of kindness in future, were all that the colonies asked from Great Britain ; but these they did not receive. The mother country mistook the spirit of her children, and used threats when kindness would have been the best policy. When Britain declared her right to direct, govern, and tax us in any form, and at all times, the colonies reasoned, remonstrat ed, and entreated for a while; and when these means did not answer, they defied and resisted. The political writers of the province had been ac tive and busy, but they were generally screened by fictitious names, or sent their productions anony mously into the world ; but the time had arrived when speakers of nerve and boldness were wanted to raise their voices against oppression in every shape. Warren possessed first-rate qualities for an orator, and had early declared in the strongest terms his political sentiments, which were some what in advance of public opinion ; for he held as tyranny all taxation, which could be imposed by the British parliament upon the colonies. His first object was to enlighten the people ; and then he felt sure of engaging their feelings in the general cause. He knew when once they began, it would be impossible to tread back indepen dence only would satisfy the country. He embraced every opportunity to assert and defend the most bold and undisguised principles of liberty, and defying in their very teeth the agents of the crown. Twice he was elected to deliver the oration on the 5th of March, in commemoration of the massa cre; and his orations are among the most distin guished productions by that splendid list of speak ers who addressed their fellow citizens on this sub ject, so interesting to them all. These occasions gave the orators a fine field for remark, and a fair opportunity for effect. The great orators of anti quity in their speeches attempted only to rouse the people to retain what they possessed. Invective, entreaty, and pride had their effect in assisting these mighty masters to influence the people. They were ashamed to lose what their fathers left them, won by their blood, and so long preserved by their wisdom, their virtues, and their courage. Our statesmen had a harder task to perform, for they were compelled to call on the people to gain what they had never enjoyed an independent rank and standing among the nations of the world. From the year 1768, he was a principal member of a secret meeting or caucus in Boston, which had great influence on the concerns of the country. With all his boldness, and decision, and zeal, he was circumspect and wise. His next oration was delivered March 6, 1775. It was at his own solicitation that he was appointed to this duty a second time. This fact is illustra tive of his character, and worthy of remembrance. Some of the British officers of the army then in Boston had publicly declared that it should be at the price of the life of any man to speak of the 318 event of March 5, 1770, on that anniversary. War den s soul took fire at such a threat, so openly made, and he wished for the hour of braving it. The day came, and the weather was remarkably fine. The old south meeting-house was crowded at an early hour. The British officers occupied the isles, the flight of steps to the pulpit, and several of them were in it. The orator, with the assistance of his friends, made his entrance at the pulpit window by a ladder. The officers seeing his coolness and intrepidity, made way for him to advance and address the audience. An awful still ness preceded his exordium. Each man felt the palpitations of his own heart, and saw the pale but determined face of his neighbour. The speaker began his oration in a firm tone of voice, and pro ceeded with great energy and pathos. The scene was sublime ; a patriot in whom the flush of youth, and the grace and dignity of man hood were combined, stood armed in the sanctuary of God, to animate and encourage the sons of liber ty, and to hurl defiance at their oppressors. Such another hour has seldom happened in the history of man, and is not surpassed in the records of nations. The thunders of Demosthenes rolled at a dis tance from Phillip and his host and Tully poured the fiercest torrent of his invective when Catiline was at a distance, and his dagger no longer to be feared; but Warren s speech was made to proud oppressors resting on their arms, whose errand it was to overawe, and whose business it was to fight. If the deed of Brutus deserved to be commemo rated by history, poetry, painting, and sculpture should not this instance of patriotism and bravery be held in everlasting remembrance 1 If he " That struck the foremost man of all this world, was hailed as the first of freemen, what honours are not due to him, who undismayed bearded the British lion, to show the world what his country men dared to do in the cause of liberty! If the statue of Brutus was placed among those of the gods, who were the preservers of Roman freedom, should not that of Warren fill a lofty niche in the temple reared to perpetuate the remembrance of our birth as a nation I It was he, who on the evening before the battle of Lexington obtained information of the intended expedition against Concord, and at 10 o clock at night despatched an express to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who were at Lexington, to warn them of their danger. On the next day he hastened to the field of action, in the full ardour of his soul, and shared the dan gers of the day. The people were delighted with his bravery, and already considered him as a leader, whose gallantry they were to admire, and in whose talents they were to confide. On the 14th June, 1775, the provincial congress of Massachusetts, appointed him a major-general of their forces. He was at this time president of the provincial congress, having been elected the preceding year a member from the town of Bos ton. In this body he discovered his extraordinary powers of mind, and his peculiar fitness for respon sible offices at such a juncture. On the 18th, when the intrenchments were made at Bunker s Hill, he, to encourage the men within the lines, went down from Cambridge, and acted as a volunteer. Just as the retreat commenced, a ball struck him on the head, and he died in the trenches, aged thirty-five years. He was the first victim of rank that fell in the struggle of Great Britain. In the requiem over those who have fallen in the cause of their country, which * Time with his own eternal lips shall sing," the praises of Warren shall be distinctly heard. His mind was vigorous, his disposition humane, and his manners affable and engaging. In his integrity and patriotism entire confidence was placed. To the most undaunted bravery he added the virtues of domestic life, the eloquence of an accomplished orator, and the wisdom of an able statesman. WAYNE, ANTHONY, a mfcjor-general in the army of the United States, was born in Chester county. Pennsylvania, in 1745. In 1773, he was appointed a representative to the general assembly, where in conjunction, with John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Charles Thomp son, and other gentlemen, he took an active part in opposition to the claims of Great Britain, and was of material service in preparing the way for the firm and decisive part which Pennsylvania took in the general contest. In 1775, he quitted the councils of his country for the field. He entered the army as a colonel, and at the close of the year accompanied general Thompson to Canada. When this officer was de feated in his enterprise in June, 1776, and was taken prisoner, colonel Wayne, although wounded, dis played great gallantry and intrepidity in bringing off the scattered bodies of troops. In the same year he served at Ticonderoga un der general Gates, by whom he was esteemed both for his courage and military talents, and for his knowledge as an engineer. At the close of this campaign he was made a brigadier-general. In the following campaigns he greatly distinguished himself at the battles of Brandy wine, Germantown, and Monmouth. For his most daring and success ful assault upon Stony Point, in July, 1779, con gress presented to him a gold medal emblematic of the action. In 1781, he was ordered to march with the Pennsylvania line from the northward, and form a junction with La Fayette in Virginia. On the 6th of July, after receiving information, that the main body of the enemy under Lord Corn- wallis had crossed James river, he pressed forward at the head of eight hundred men to attack the rear guard. But to his utter astonishment, when he reached the place, he found the whole British army drawn up to receive him. At this moment he conceived of but one way to escape. He rush ed towards the enemy till he came within twenty- five yards, when he commenced a gallant attack, which he supported for a few minutes, and then retreated with the utmost expedition. The Bri tish general was confounded by this movement, and apprehensive of an ambuscade from La Fayette, would not allow of a pursuit. After the capture of Lord Cornwallis, he was sent to conduct the war in Georgia, where, with equal success, he vanquished the savage foe. As a reward for his services, the legislature of Georgia presented him with a valuable farm. In 1787, he was a member of the Pennsylvania convention, which ratified the constitution of the United States. In 1792, he succeeded general St. Clair in the command of the army on the western frontier. In a general engagement with the Indians, he gained a complete victory; and afterwards desolated their country. On the 3d of August, 1795, he concluded a treaty with the hostile Indians northwest of the Ohio. Having now shielded his country from the murderous tomahawk of the Indian savages, and established her boundaries ; after a life of glory and renown, he expired in a hut at Presque Isle, December 15, 1796, aged fifty-one years, and was buried on the shore of lake Erie. II WILLIAMSON, HUGH, M. D. LL. D. one of the signers of the Federal constitution, was born in West Nottingham, Pennsylvania, on the 5th De cember, 1735. At the age of sixteen, he entered the first class in the college of Philadelphia, and at the first commencement held in that college, he re ceived the degree of bachelor of arts. He after wards commenced the study of divinity with Dr. Samuel Finley, and prosecuted it with such success, that in 1759, he was licensed to preach. In 1760, he received the degree of master of arts ; and was soon after appointed professor of mathe matics in that institution. In 1764, he resigned his professorship and left his native country for Europe, to prosecute his me dical studies at the university of Edinburgh. After enjoying the medical lectures of that in stitution for several years, he went to London, where he remained twelve months diligently pursu ing his studies. From London he crossed over to Holland, and completed his medical education at Utrecht. After his return to this country, he com menced the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, with great success. In 1769, in conjunction with several of the Ame rican astronomers, he was employed in making ob servations on the transit of Venus, which happen ed in that year ; and which were afterwards refer red to with peculiar notice and approbation by the astronomers of Europe. In 1770, he published " Observations upon the change of the climate of the United States." In consideration of these valuable papers, he was elected honorary member of the Holland society of sciences ; of the society of arts and sciences of Utrecht ; and as a further reward of his literary la bours, the degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon him by the university of Leyden. In 1773, he was appointed, in conjunction with Dr. John Ewing, to make a tour through England. Scotland, and Ireland, to solicit benefactions lor the college at Newark. During his stay in London, he procured the ce lebrated letters of Hutchinson and Oliver, in which they had secretly laboured to paint, in the most odious colours, the character of the people of Mas sachusetts. He lost no time in delivering them into the hands of Dr. Franklin, who afterwards transmitted them to his constituents in Boston. " The indignation and animosity, which were ex cited on their perusal, roused the people to a great er opposition to the measures of Great Britain." He then passed into Holland, where he heard the news of the declaration of independence. As soon as he could arrange his affairs, he sailed for America, and arrived at Philadelphia in March, 1779. Shortly after he settled in North-Carolina, and commenced the practice of physic at Edenton, and afterwards removed to Newbern. In 1780, he was appointed a surgeon in the army. In 1782, he took his seat as a representative in the house of commons of North Carolina; from thence he was sent to the general congress. In 1786, he was appointed a member to revise and amend the constitution of the United States. In 1787, he was appointed a delegate from North Carolina, in the general convention at Philadelphia, who formed and signed the federal constitution of the United States. While in congress, he enjoyed a large share of influence, and was appreciated for the purity of his intentions, and his inflexible devotedness to the in terests of his country. In 1811, he published " Observations on the cli mate in the different parts of America, compared with the climate in corresponding parts of the other Continent." 1324 In 181^, he published the ei History of North Ca rolina," 2 vols. octavo. His other writings are numerous and detached, and are to be found in almost all of the literary and scientific journals of our country. In 1814, he took an active part in the formation ef the " literary and philosophical society of New- York." His intellectual faculties remained to the last period of his life unbroken, and in their full vi gour. He died on the <22d May, 1819, in the 85th year of his age. WEST, SAMUEL, DD. an eminent divine, meta physical, theological, and controversial writer, was born at Yarmouth, Massachusetts, March 4, 1730. He was graduated at Harvard college in the year 1754, having gained a rank among the most distin guished of his class. About the year 1764, he was ordained at New Bedford. His mind was very capacious and strong, his read ing extensive ; his company was also solicited by men of literary taste from all parts of the common wealth. He was peculiarly fond of associating with those who maintained the cause of rational religion, and Christian liberty. In polities, he was a zealous whig. He wrote many forcible pieces in the newspapers, which rous ed the spirit of the timid, and animated the cou rageous. He deciphered the letters of Doctor Church, which exposed to the enemy the particular state of the American army. When the conven tion met at Cambridge and Boston, to form a con stitution for the state, he was a leader in several of the debates ; and during the whole session was a very important and influential member. He also a member of the Massachusetts convention, which adopted the constitution of the United States. He preached the Dudleian lecture upon the validity of presbyterian ordination, 1782. The university of Cambridge presented him with a diploma of doctor in divinity, 1793. He was one of the original members of the Ame rican academy of arts and sciences, arid an hono rary member of the philosophical society in Phila delphia. He died at Tiverton, Rhode Island, September 24, 1807, aged seventy-seven years. He was a great biblical critic ; and it has been well observed, that with the same advantages, he " had fallen little short of Buxtorf, Mede, Poole, and Kennicott." Besides other publications, he published "Essays on liberty and necessity." To these Dr. Edwards replied in a volume very ably written. WINTHROP, JOHN, LL.D.F. R. S. a distinguished philosopher and astronomer, was graduated at Har vard college, in 1732. In 1738 he succeeded Mr. Greenwood, as Hollis professor of mathematics and nautical philosophy, and was more eminent for his scholarship than any other man in New-England. In mathematical science he was considered as the first, during the 40 years he continued the profes sor at Cambridge university. In the year 1740, he made observations upon the transit of Mercury, which were printed in the transactions of the royal society. In the year 1761, he sailed to St. Johns, in New foundland, (as it was the most western part of the earth,) to observe the transit of Venus over the sun s disk? as it was an object with the literati, to have observations made in that place. The 6th of June was a fine day for observing the transit of the planet, and he gained high reputation when these observations were published. In 1769, he had another opportunity of observing the transit of Venus at Cambridge. As it was the last oppor tunity that generation could be favoured with, he was desirous to arrest the attention of the people. He read two lectures upon the subject in the col lege chapel, which he afterwards published, with this motto upon the title page : " Agite mortales ! et oculos in spectaculum vertite, quod hucusce spectaverunt perpaucissimi ; Spectaturi iterum sunt nulli." He received literary honours from other coun tries beside his own. The Royal Society of Lon don elected him a member ; and the university of Edinburgh gave him a diploma of LL. D. In 1767, he wrote Cogitata de cometis, which he dedicated to the Royal Society. This was re printed in London the next year. The active ser vices of Dr. Winthrop were not confined to his duties of professorship at Cambridge. He was a brilliant star in our political hemisphere. The family oftheWinthrops had always been distinguish ed for their love of freedom and the charter rights of the colonies. When Great Britain made en croachment upon these, by oppressive acts of par liament, after the peace of Paris in 1763, he step ped forth among those who boldly opposed the measures of the crown. After having been a pro fessor for more than forty years, he died at Cam bridge, May 3, 1779, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Dr. Winthrop was an excellent classical scholar, and also a biblical critic. The learned Dr. Chauncey always spake of him as one of the greatest theologians he ever met with. In the variety and extent of his knowledge he has seldom been equalled. He was critically acquainted with several of the modern languages of Europe. He had deeply studied the policies of different ages ; he had read the principal fathers ; and he was thoroughly acquainted with the controversy be tween Christians and deists. His firm faith in the Christian religion was founded upon an accurate examination of the evidences of its truths, and the virtues of his life added a lustre to his intellectual powers and scientific attainments. WINTHROP, JOHN, first governor of Massachu setts, was born at Groton, in Suffolk, England, June 12, 1587, and was bred to the law. He em barked for America in the forty-third year of his age, as the leader of those persons who settled the colony of Massachusetts, and with a commission as governor. He arrived at Salem June 12, 1630. He afterwards went to Shawmut, or Boston. In the three following years he was re-chosen gover nor, for which office he was eminently qualified. His time, his exertions, his interest, were all devot ed to the infant plantation. In 1637, he was again re-elected governor, which office he held until his death, March 26, 1649. Governor Winthrop was a most faithful and up right magistrate and exemplary Christian. In the course of his life he repeatedly experienced the versatility of the public opinion ; but when he was left out of office, he possessed perfect calmness of mind, and still exerted himself to serve his coun try. In severe trials, his magnanimity, wisdom, and patience, were conspicuous. He left a journal of events from the settlement of the colony to his death, which was of great ser vice to Hubbard, Mather, and Prince. It was published in 1790, in one volume 8vo. 828 WITHERSPOON, JoHN,DD. LL. D. one of the sign ers of the declaration of independence, and presi dent of Princeton college, was born in Yester, near Edinburgh, Scotland, February 5, 1722, and was lineally descended from John Knox. At the age of fourteen, he entered the university of Edinburgh, where he continued attending the different profes sors with a great degree of celebrity, in all the branches of learning, until the age of twenty-one, when he was licensed to preach the gospel. When a student at the Divinity Hall, his character stood remarkably high for his taste in sacred criticism, and for a precision in thinking, rarely attained at so early a period. He was soon ordained at Beith, in the west of Scotland. Thence, after a few years, he was translated to Paisley. Here he lived in high reputation and great usefulness, until he was called to the presidency of Princeton college. He arrived with his family at Princeton, New-Jersey, August, 1768, and took the charge of that seminary, over which had presided a Dickinson, Burr, Ed wards, Davies, and Finley, men distinguished for genius, learning, and piety. His name brought a freat accession of students to the college, and by is exertions its funds were much augmented. Dr. Witherspoon continued directing the institution of which he was president, with increasing success, till the commencement of the American revolution ; which event suspended his functions, and dispers ed the college. As he became an American on his landing in this country, the citizens of New- Jersey, who knew his distinguished abilities, ap pointed him a member of the convention which formed the constitution of that state. Here he shone with his usual lustre ; eminent as a profound civilian, as he had before been known to be a philosopher and divine. From the revolutionary committees and conventions of the state, he was sent early in 1776 a representative to the of the United States. He was seven years a member of that illustrious body, which, in the face of immeniorable difficul ties and dangers secured to their fellow citizens liberty and independence. Dr.Witherspoon was always firm amidst the most gloomy and formidable aspects of public affairs, and always discovered the greatest presence of mind in the most embarrassing situations. It is impossible here to enter into all his political ideas. It is but justice, however, to observe, that on al most all subjects on which he differed from the majority of his brethren in congress, his principles have been justified by the result. It is sufficient to select only a few examples, He constantly opposed the expensive mode of supplying the army by commission, which he after wards prevailed upon to have done by contract. He opposed, at every emission, after the first or second, that paper-currency which gave such a wound to public credit, and which would have defeated the revolution, if any thing could ; and even hazarded his popularity for a time, by the strenuousness of his opposition. In the informa tion of the general confederation, he complained of the jealousy and ambition of the individual states, which were not willing to intrust the ge neral government with adequate powers for the common interest. He then pronounced inefficacy upon it : but he complained and remonstrated in vain. Overruled, however, at that time, in these and other objects of importance, he had the satis faction of living to see America revert, in almost every instance, to his original ideas ; ideas founded on a sound and penetrating judgment, and matur ed by deep reflection, and an extensive observa tion of men and things. He affixed his name tQ that immortal instrument, the declaration of inde pendence. But while he was thus engaged in serving his country as a civilian, he did not lay aside his 42 character as a minister. He gladly embraced every opportunity of preaching ; for his character as a minister of the gospel he ever considered as his highest honour. As soon as the state of the coun try would permit, the college was re-established, and its instruction was recommenced under the immediate care of the vice-president, the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith. After the termination of the struggle for American liberty, Dr. Witherspoon was induced from his attachment to the college to cross the ocean, that he might promote its benefit. Though his success was not so great as could be wished, his enterprise and zeal were not the less deserving of commendation. After his return, he entered into that retirement which was dear to him, and his attention was principally confined to the duties of his office as president, and as a minister of the gospel. For more than two years before his death he was afflicted with the loss of sight, which he bore with exemplary patience and cheerfulness. At length he sunk under the pressure of his in firmities, and died November 15, 1794, in the se venty-third year of his age. He was succeeded by that celebrated philosopher and divine, the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith. As president of the college, Dr. Witherspoon rendered literary inquiries more liberal, extensive, and profound, and was the means of producing an important revolution in the system of education. He extended the study of mathematical science, and it is believed he was the first man who taught in America the substance of those doctrines of the philosophy of the mind, which Dr. Reid afterwards developed with so much success. As a preacher, his character stood remarkably high. In this de partment, he was in many respects one of the best models on which a young pulpit orator could form himself. An admirable textuary ; a profound theo logian ; an universal scholar; he was deeply versed in human nature : he was perspicuous, simple, a grave, dignified, and solemn speaker, and irresist ible in his manners ; and he brought all the advan tages derived from these sources, to the illustra tion and enforcement of divine truth. As a writer he holds a high rank. His know ledge of every subject he handles is extensive and accurate, his thoughts weighty and condensed, his style simple, and his method very lucid. He ex hibits great acquaintance with the world, and with the human heart. His works are various, for he wrote on political, moral, literary? and religious subjects. They were published in 1802, in four volumes 8vo. WISTAR, CASPAR, M. D. a learned physician and celebrated anatomist, was born in Philadelphia, September 13, 1761. On receiving a classical education, he applied himself to the study of medicine under Dr. John Redman, president of the college of physicians, with whom he remained three years. In the mean time he attended the lectures of Drs. Shippen, Morgan, Kuhn, and Rush. Instead of entering immediately into the prac tice of medicine, he left America in the year 1783, to avail himself of the advantages to be found in the schools of London and Edinburgh, at that time the first in the world. Having remained a year in England, he repaired to Edinburgh, where he passed his time in attend ing lectures and cultivating the friendship of dis tinguished persons. In 1785, he made a journey on foot through parts of the highlands of Scotland, and visited Glasgow, Inverary, and Inverness. He particular ly enjoyed the esteem and friendship of the great 3m Cullen. For two successive years he was elected one of the presidents of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh. He was also elected president of the society for the investigation of natural history. These honours, conferred by a great, a learned, and proud nation, on a youth, whose country had but just risen into existence, are the surest testi mony of uncommon merit. In June, 1786, he graduated at Edinburgh, and published on this occasion his thesis " de animo demisso : dedicated to Drs. Franklin and Cullen. Toward the end of the year 1786, he took leave of Edinburgh, on his return to America. His fame flew before him to his native city, where he arrived in January 1787, after an absence of more than three years. With talents matured, his mind enriched with the fruits of study and experience, he now engaged in the practice of medicine with every advantage. Being eminent, both in medicine and surgery, his practice soon became very extensive. In the same year he was elected a member of the college of physicians, and of the American Phi losophical Society. In 1789, he was appointed professor of chymis- try, and in 1792 adjunct-professor of anatomy and surgery with the late Dr. Shippen, one of the fa thers of the medical school of Philadelphia. On the death of Dr. Shippen, in 1808, he was elected as sole professor in the anatomical chair. It was here that the scene of his greatest excel lence was exhibited. In many departments of science, he was conspicuous, but here pre-eminent. In his language he was fluent, and in the com munications of his ideas he had a facility never at tained but by great masters. He was the first who observed and described the posterior portion of the ethmoid bone in its most perfect state, viz. with the triangular bones attached to it. Q O tl 000 In 1815, he was elected an honorary member of the literary and philosophical society of New-York, and the same honour was conferred on him by other literary institutions. In the same year, on the resignation of Mr. Jefferson, he was uriani mously elected president of the American Philo sophical Society. He died January 22, 1818. His understanding was rather strong than bril liant. Truth was its object. His mind was pa tient of labour, curious in research, clear, although not rapid in perception, and sure in judgment. His information was remarkably accurate, and possess ed a memory extremely tenacious. As an anatomist he was not equalled in the United States, nor excelled in any country. As an author, he published a " System of Ana tomy," two volumes 8vo. 1814: besides anonymous essays, and others which had his signature, are printed in the transactions of the college of phy sicians, and in the transactions of the American Philosophical Society. WILKINSON, JAMES, a major-general in the army of the United States, was born in Calvert county, Maryland, about the year 1757. He was educated under the care of a private tu tor, a graduate of the university of Glasgow, and at the age of seventeen commenced the study of me dicine. At the commencement of the revolutionary war, his military spirit burst its fetters. Anxious to be numbered with the defenders of his country, and repel foreign invasion, he repaired to head-quarters at Cambridge, and on his arrival received from the commander-in-chief, a captain s commission. In 1777, he was appointed a major, and shortly afterwards participated in the victory and capture of Burgoyne and his army. In the battles of Tren ton, Princeton, and Brandywine, for his gallantry and good conduct he was promoted by congress to the rank of brigadier-general. President Washington afterwards appointed him to the command of the posts on the Missisippi. During the late war with Great Britain, after taking possession of the country west of the Per- dido, and capturing the post at Mobile, he was transferred to the command of the northern army, with the rank of major-general. After several un successful attempts to take possession of Canada, he was obliged to retire from actual service on ac count of the pressing infirmities of age. He has published, "Memoirs of his own times," in three volumes 8vo. WYTHE, GEORGE, chancellor of Virginia, and one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in the year 1726, in the county of Eliza beth City, Virginia. His mother, a woman of great acquirements, superintended his education, and taught him the Latin and Greek languages. To grammar, rhetoric, and logic, he added by his own exertions, at an early age, an extensive acquaint ance with civil law; a profound knowledge of mathematics, as well of natural and moral philoso phy. Of these various attainments, so honourable to his industry and genius, much of the merit, no doubt very justly, is ascribed to the affectionate and tender zeal of his mother. Of this excellent parent, he was bereaved during his minority. And in a short time after, he lost his amiable father. Being thus in the possession of money, like many unthinking youths, he commenced a career of dis sipation and intemperance, and did not disengage himself from it before he had reached the age of thirty. He then bitterly lamented the loss of those , nine years of his life, and of the learning wKcl during that period, he might have acquired. But never did any man more effectually redeem his time. From the moment, when he resolved on reformation, he devoted himself most intensely to his studies. He commenced the study of the law in the office of the late John Lewis, Esq. and at an early period was licensed to practise in the courts of Virginia. He took his station at the bar of the old general court, with many other great men whose merit has been the boast of Virginia. For a short time he con tinued their equal ; but by reason of his extensive learning, correctness of elocution, and his logical style of argument, he quickly arrived at the head of the bar. When the time arrived, which heaven had des tined for the separation of the wide, confederated republic of America from the dominion of Great Britain, he was one of the instruments in the hand of Providence for accomplishing that great work. He took a decided part in the very first move ments of opposition, and urged his fellow citizens to open resistance. With a prophetic mind he looked forward to the event of an approaching war, and resolutely prepared to encounter all its evils rather than to resign his attachment to liber ty. As the controversy grew warm, his zeal be came proportionally fervent. He joined a corps of volunteers, accustomed himself to military dis cipline, and was ready to march at the call of his country. But that country to whose interests he was so sincerely attached, had other duties of more importance for him to perform. It was his destiny to obtain distinction as a statesman, legislator, and judge, and not as a warrior. Before the war com menced, he was elected a member of the Virginia assembly. After having been for some time speaker of that enlightened and patriotic body, and render ing himself conspicuous as the vindicator of the .336 rights and privileges of his injured countrymen, he was sent by the members of that body, as one of their delegates to the congress which met at Philadelphia in May, 1775, and did not separate until it had declared the independence of America. In that august assembly, he possessed no small share of influence. He was one of those who signed the memorable declaration, by which the heroic legislators of this country pledged "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honours," to maintain and defend its violated rights. In November following, by a resolution of the general assembly of Virginia, he was appointed one of the committee to revise the laws of the com monwealth, and to prepare bills for re-enacting them, with such alterations as the change in the form and principles of the government, and other circumstances, required of this extensive work of legislation. Wythe executed the revision of those laws which had been enacted during the period commencing with the revolution in England, and ending with the establishment of the new govern ment here, except the acts for regulating descents ; for religious freedom ; and for proportioning crimes and punishments ; which were part of the labours of Mr. Jefferson. After finishing the task of new modelling the laws, he was employed to carry them into effect according to their true intent and spirit, and was appointed one of the three judges of the high court of chancery of Virginia: but on a subsequent change in the organization of the court of equity, he was constituted sole chancellor: which high station he rilled with the strictest integrity for more than twenty years. Whilst in this office, he pub lished a collection of chancery reports, which by legal characters are held high in estimation. In 1786, he was appointed a delegate to meet the grand convention at Philadelphia to revise the federal constitution. His country never losing sight of his distinguished patriotism and abilities, when occasion required his services, we again find him a conspicuous member of the great public body which assembled at Richmond in 1788, to take into view the adoption or rejection of the late ly framed constitution of the United States. Dur ing the debates on this occasion, he acted for the most part as chairman. Amidst all his public ser vices, throughout all his private life, the devotion of Wythe to his country, his scrupulous discharge of the duties of his office, and his universal bene volence of disposition, were eminently apparent. Some of the greatest luminaries at the bar, and in the senate, that Virginia has produce J, were in structed in science, and led up the steep of fame by George Wythe. In the list of his pupils we may enumerate two presidents of the United States, a chief justice, and others who by their abilities and virtues are entitled to the most distinguished ho nours of their country. He presided twice suc cessively in the presidential electoral college of Virginia, with great distinction and applause. His political opinions were always firmly republican. He died, after a short but very excruciating sick ness, on the 8th June, 1806, in the eighty-first year of his age. President Jefferson, who was the friend of his age, and his compatriot through life, thus draws the portrait of this extraordinary man: "No man ever left behind him a character more venerated than George Wythe. His virtue was of the purest kind; his integrity inflexible, and his justice exact ; of warm patriotism, and devoted as he was to li berty, and the natural and equal rights of men, he might be truly called the Cato of his country, without the avarice of the Roman ; for a more dis interested person never lived. Temperance and regularity in all his habits, gave him general good health, and his unaffected modesty and suavity of manners endeared him to every one. He was of 43 338 easy elocution, his language chaste, methodical in the arrangement of his matter, learned and logical in the use of it, and of great urbanity in debate. Not quick of apprehension, but with a little time, profound in penetration, and sound in conclusion. His stature was of the middle size, well formed and proportioned, and the features v of his face manly, comely, and engaging. Such was George Wythe, the honour of his own, and model of future times." By his last will and testament he bequeathed his valuable library and philosophical apparatus to his friend Mr. Jefferson, and distributed the re mainder of his property among the grandchildren of his sister, and the slaves whom he had set free. He thus wished to liberate the blacks not only from slavery, but from temptations to vice. He even condescended to impart to them instruction ; and he personally taught the Greek language to a little negro boy, who died a few days before his preceptor. WASHINGTON, GEORGE, first president of the United States, and a distinguished patriot, hero, and statesman, was born at the seat of his ances tors, in Westmoreland county, Virginia, February 22, 1732. He was educated under the care of a private tutor, and after making rapid progress in the languages, mathematics, and engineering, he embraced the military profession. His abilities were first employed by governor Dinwiddie, in 1754, in making remonstrances to the French com mander on the Ohio, for the infraction of the trea ty between the two nations, and he afterwards ne gotiated a treaty of amity with the Indians, on the back settlements ; and for his honourable services received the thanks of the British government. In the unfortunate expedition of general Braddock. * * * i/fj V i .539 he served as his aid-de-camp, and when that brave but rash commander fell in an ambush, he dis played great military talents in conducting the re treat to the corps under colonel Dunbar, and in the saving the remains of the army, from a dangerous and untenable position. During the remainder of the war between Eng land and France, which in their American colo nies, raged with a spirit of exterminating fury, he was looked up to as the source and director of all military operations, whether intended for an noyance or protection. After the termination of the French war he re tired to his valuable estate on the banks of the Potomac, to which he had succeeded by the death of his brother. But while engaged at his favourite seat of Mount Vernon, in the peaceful employments of an agriculturist, he also served as a member of the house of burgesses of Virginia, till he was called again into the service of his country, by the proceedings preparatory to the American revolution. In 1774, he was one of the seven distinguished citizens, who represented Virginia in the first con gress that met at Philadelphia, and was placed on all those committees, whose duty it was to make arrangements for defence. In the following year a defensive w r ar against the oppressive usurpations of Great Britain having been agreed on by that august and enlightened body, he was unanimous ly appointed commander-in-chief of the armies of America. This high trust he accepted with diffi dence, and expressed his intention of receiving no compensation for his services, and only a mere dis charge of his expenses. Among the friends of liberty his appointment was productive of confi dence and hope, satisfaction, and joy. He immediately repaired to Cambridge, Massa chusetts, and formed the army into three divisions. Here he had to struggle with great difficulties, the want of arms, ammunition, clothing, and the defect of discipline ; but instead of yielding to despon dence, he bent the whole force of his mind to over come them. As soon as he could rely upon his troops, he be came anxious for an opportunity to meet the enemy. In February, 1776, he proposed to a council of his officers to attack the enemy in Boston, but they unanimously disapproved of the daring measure. It was, however, resolved to take possession of the heights of Dorchester, which was accordingly done ; and by this masterly movement, the enemy found it necessary to evacuate the town. The seat of war was afterwards removed to New- York and New- Jersey, where the British, had brought to operate the whole of their disposable force, which was computed at 55,000 men, while that of the Americans did not exceed 27,000, of these a large proportion was militia. On the 27th of August, in the memorable battle of Long-Island, the Americans experienced an entire defeat. In this affair general Sullivan commanded in person, while he was only a spectator of the scene. He however assumed, in the following night, the im mediate superintendence of the evacuation of Long-Island, in the execution of which, he effected one of the most renowned retreats that is any where recorded in military annals. Forced from his position in New-York, he re treated to the White Plains, where on the 28th October, a considerable action took place, in which the Americans were overpowered. After the loss of forts Washington and Lee, he passed into New- Jersey in November, where he was pursued by a triumphant and numerous enemy. Here, his diffi culties and embarrassments, dangers and suffer ings, were inconceivably great. His army was daily diminished by sickness, desertions, and other misfortunes incidental to war. The few that re mained faithful to his standard, did not amount to 3000 men. When winter commenced thev were 341 bare footed and almost naked, and destitute of every comfort; and every circumstance tended to fill the minds of the votaries of freedom with des pondence. But his mind, great at all times, but greatest in adversity, rose above every obstacle, and did not despair of the success of his cause. Inflexible in his determination to save his country, or perish in the conflict, he infused into his fol lowers the same resolution. It was hence, under Providence, that the arms of America were render ed invincible. In this critical situation, he was only separated from the enemy by the river Dela ware. Anxious to remove the depression which hung like a mildew on the public mind, he resolv ed to cross the Delaware, and become the assail ant. Accordingly on the night of the 25th Decem ber, he crossed the river nine miles above Trenton, in a storm of hail mingled with rain, with about 2400 men. In the morning, about 8 o clock, he surprised Trenton, and took 1000 Hessians pri soners, with about 1000 stand of arms, and six field pieces. The loss of the Americans were two privates killed and two frozen to death. On the same day he re-crossed the Delaware with the fruits of his enterprise. In a day or two he passed again into New-Jersey, and concentrated his forces at Trenton. Lord Cornwallis on hearing of this disaster, marched immediately with all his forces, bent on retrieving this misfortune. Having, on the evening of the 2d of January, 1777, taken a posi tion, which in his opinion, placed the American army completely in his power, he encamped for the night, confident of making a successful attack in the morning. At this critical moment, when it was hazardous if not impracticable to retreat into Pennsylvania, he left his encampment in the night, and moved off to the left of the enemy, and early in the morning, attacked and overthrew, a strong detachment of the enemy, that was stationed at Princeton. The loss of the British on this occa- sion in killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted to upwards of 600. During this march many of his soldiers were without shoes, and their feet left the marks of blood upon the frozen ground. Corn- wallis in the morning broke up his camp, and alarmed for his stores at Brunswick, pushed on the pursuit. Thus the military genius of general Washington, under the blessing of Divine Provi dence, rescued Philadelphia from the threatened danger, obliged the enemy, which had overspread New-Jersey, to return to New-York, and revived the desponding spirit of his country. No sooner had the news of these successful operations reach ed the court of Versailles, than France became the ally of the United States. After sundry instances of generalship and mili tary address in the state of New-Jersey, in which he manifested a decided ascendency over the Bri tish commander, he, in compliance with the di rections of congress, and the wishes of the public, rather than from the dictates of his own judgment, engaged the enemy in the celebrated battle at Bran dy wine, September 9, 1777, and suffered a defeat. Cornwallis, soon after took possession of Philadel phia, and posted a strong division of his army at Germantown. This division, general Washington determined to attack, a measure which he effected on the morning of the 4th October. The affair was planned with great wisdom, and promised, at first, a glorious issue, but from unforseen causes, the enterprise failed. Towards the close of December, he retired into winter-quarters at Valley Forge. Here, the forti tude and patience of his soldiers experienced a trial almost too severe for human nature to endure. For a time they were unfed, unclothed, and without a shelter from the inclemency of the weather. Nothing but the personal influence of their much- loved commander, could have retained them in ser vice. The mere principles of military compact 343 would have been insufficient for the purpose. But the dissolution of the army at this period would have been the loss of freedom. In the mean time, he, in his personal and official character, sustained the utmost injustice and wrong. Moved by envy, or something worse, a faction of malcontents was formed to remove him from com mand, and to appoint in his place general Gates, whose successes of late had given him a high re putation. But his name was too dear to the great body of Americans to admit of such a change, and the meditated mischief recoiled on themselves. The British army having abandoned Philadelphia on the 17th and 18th of June, 1778, he pursued them, annoying them in their march through the state of New-Jersey. On the 28th of June, he met the enemy on the plains of Monmouth, and after a hard fought battle, he obliged them to retire from the field. General Washington slept in his cloak on the field of battle, intending to renew the attack next morning; but at midnight the British troops marched off in such silence, as not to be discovered. The loss of the British was 300, while that of the Americans was 69. Thus after the vicissitudes of two years war, both armies were brought back to the point from which they set out. In the two succeeding campaigns, it did not fall to the lot of the commander-in-chief to be person ally concerned in any very distinguished military events. But his active and capacious mind had full employment in the public service ; in the council chamber of the nation as well as in the field. In January, 1780, a winter memorable for its severity, his utmost exertions were necessary to save the army from dissolution. The soldiers in general submitted with heroic patience to the want of provisions and clothes. Their sufferings at length were so great, that two regiments actually 344 mutinied, but by his exertions it was timely sup pressed, and the ringleaders secured. In September, 1780, the treachery of Arnold was detected. In September, 1781, lord Cornwallis having pe netrated from the south, with an army of 10,000 strong, took possession of Yorktown, in Virginia. In the meantime, general Washington, at the head of the combined force of French and Ameri cans, marching from Williamsburgh, proceeded to invest the enemy s position. The siege com menced on the 28th September, and continued un til the 19th of October, when the British force was compelled to surrender themselves prisoners of war. This event filled America with joy, and was the means of terminating the glorious contest. On the 19th April, 1782, a cessation of hostilities took place. In March, 1783, he exhibited his characteristic firmness in opposing an attempt to produce a mu tiny by anonymous letters. His address to his officers on the occasion displays, in a remarkable degree, his prudence and the correctness of his judgment, and was the happy means of repressing the spirit which was brealdng forth. In June, he addressed a letter to the governors of the several states, congratulating them on the result of the contest in the establishment of independence, and recommending an indissoluble union of the states tinder one federal head, a sacred regard to public justice, the adoption of a proper peace establish ment, and the prevalence of a friendly disposition among the people of the several states. After the evacuation of New-York, he entered it, accompa nied by governor Clinton and many respectable citizens. On the 4th of December, after having taken a most solemn and affecting leave of his companions in arms, he proceeded to Annapolis, when congress was in session. Here with no less solemnity, and in a manner equally affecting, he took leave also of them, after surrendering into the hands of their president his commission which he had borne dur ing eight years of solicitude and peril, exertion, and glory. He then retired to Mount Vernon, to enjoy again the pleasures of domestic life. In 1786, he was convinced, with other states men, of the necessity of substituting a more vigor ous government, and was, in 1787, again called from domestic retirement, to take a seat in the con vention, which formed the present constitution, and over which, by the unanimous voice of his col leagues, he was appointed to preside. On the adoption of the constitution, he was una nimously elected president of the United States. His elevation to this office was productive, at once, of universal joy and reviving hope. On his journey to the seat of government, he was every where saluted with honours and distinctions worthy of the father and protector of his country. On his arrival at New-York, he was inducted into office on the 30th April, 1789, and at once entered upon the arduous and exalted duties which it imposed. Of the wisdom and ability with which these duties were discharged, the happy and glorious result of his administration can best testify. For the libe rality of its views, soundness of its principles, the correctness of its details, and the dignified gran deur and firmness of its march, it was a chef d ceu- vre of human achievement. On the expiration of his second term of office, he, although perfectly assured of success, declined a third election to the presidency, and withdrew to the shades of private life, with an increase of reso lution to abandon them no more. In September, 1796, he published his farewell address to the people of the United States. A public document of the richest value, and will be handed down to the latest posterity with the im mortal declaration of independence. 346 This great and good man expired December 14 ? 1799. This melancholy event, which was in a short time announced in every section of the coun try, produced a shock more severe and extensive than had ever, perhaps, been experienced from the death of a mortal. From one end of the continent to the other, the most exalted honours were paid to his memory. Nor were the tributes on this occasion confined to America. Some of the ablest pens and most elo quent tongues in Europe were exerted in portray ing the virtues and services of the deceased. In stature he was upwards of six feet; in his form muscular and well proportioned, exhibiting the appearance of unusual strength ; and in all his movements easy and graceful. The lineaments of his face were rather on the Grecian than the Ro man model. His appearance was strongly indicative of his character. It exhibited the most striking repre sentation of greatness and majesty, that have ever been seen attached to the person of a mortal. No one could approach him without experiencing this sentiment, and feeling that he was in the presence of the greatest of men. Considered as a compound of whatever is most estimable and magnificent in man, he is without a parallel in history or tradition. In no other in dividual, ancient or modern, has such transcendent greatness been found associated with such exalted virtue. Perfection does not belong to humanity ; but the nearest approach to it that mortal has at tained, is believed to have been in him. A pa triot without a blemish ; a statesman without guile ; a leader of armies without ambition ; a magistrate without severity, yet inflexible in uprightness; a citizen exemplary in the discharge of every duty, a man in whose character weakness and faults ap peared but as specks on the brightness of the sun : who had religion without austerity, dignity with- t~ ! """1 .Edwin sc. Z*Kif!W.1tt!lrtta ) out pride; modesty without diffidence; courage without rashness ; politeness without affectation ; affability without familiarity. Such was the founder of American liberty and independence. His writings are expressed in a style of dignified simplicity. The following have been published ; " Official Letters to the American Congress, writ ten during the War," 2 volumes 8vo. 1795. "Let ters to Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair, on Agriculture, and the Rural Economy of the United States," 2 volumes 8vo. " Farewell Address to the people of the United States." WEST, BENJAMIN, a celebrated historical painter, was born near Springfield, Chester county, Penn sylvania, in the year 1738. At an early age, he evinced an attachment for drawing, and displayed an uncommon precocity of talent in that art. His designs were beheld with wonder by his parents and friends, from whom he received every .encou ragement. At the age of sixteen, he settled in Philadelphia, where he acquired new facilities in the progress of his favourite art. Here he also received employ ment as a portrait painter. His success at histori cal painting was so flattering, that after passing nearly a year in New-York, where he painted the " Student reading by candle-light," he determined to visit the classical shores of Italy. He accord ingly embarked, in 1760, on board of a vessel des tined for Leghorn ; after which, he immediately proceeded to Rome, and entered on the 10th July, 1760. He was immediately introduced to cardinal Albani, and Mengs. At the recommendation of Mengs, he visited Florence, Bologna, and Venice, and studied the most eminent masters of anti quity. On his return to Rome, animated by a noble spirit of emulation, he determined to rival his fel low students by painting two pictures, one of " Cy- men and Iphigeriia," and another of "Angelica and Medora," when he resolved to return to Ame rica. At Parma, by express invitation of the prince, he was presented at court. He now passed through Savoy into France, on his return home, and resided some time at Paris. He at length arrived in England, on the 20th Au gust, 1763; and after due consideration he deter mined to settle in London. He was introduced by Dr. Markham, archbishop of York, to Dr. Johnson and Mr. Burke. In 1765, he painted " the Parting of Hector and Andromache," for the bishop of Bristol; and "the Return of the Prodigal Son," for the bishop of Worcester. Dr. Drummond, archbishop of York, now be came one of his most zealous patrons, and for whom, he painted "Agrippina landing with the ashes of Germanicus." On finishing this picture, he was introduced by the archbishop to the king, and afterwards to the queen. On seeing this picture, the king, as a mark of his approbation proposed to him, " the final depar ture of Regulus from Rome." With all possible haste, he produced a sketch, which pleased his majesty greatly, and from this moment, he exhibited a partiality for him, which continued uninterrupted during the long term of forty years. He was frequently invited to spend the evening at Buckingham house, and it was with him, in the conversation with his majesty, that the plan of the royal academy was first canvassed and digested. Mr. West continued to receive the patronage of his royal highness, and for whom he painted " Ha- milcar, making his son swear implacable enmity against the Romans. 7 " The death of Wolfe ;" 349 u The death of Epaminondas ;" and " The death of Chevalier Bayard." He was also employed to paint thirty-five pic tures, illustrative to the history of revealed reli gion, which were to be placed in his majesty s pri vate chapel at Windsor castle. On the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds, in 1791, he was unanimously elected president of the royal academy. After the peace of Amiens he visited Paris, for the express purpose of contemplating the noble series of statues and pictures contained in the splendid galleries of the Louvre. He received on this occasion a distinguished reception not only from the French artists, but the French go vernment. The honours paid to him in France, appear to have given umbrage in England, and he partially lost the royal patronage for a time. He, however, appealed to the public ; and the appeal was not in vain. The several large pictures painted by him, on his return, were exhibited with great eclat, and proved highly productive. The British insti tution presented him with 3000 guineas, for the ce lebrated composition of " Christ healing the Sick," while a copy, which he presented to the hospital of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, actually enabled the committee of that institution, to enlarge the build ing for the reception of no less than fifty additional patients. The death of Mrs. West on the 10th December, 1817, proved a melancholy event in his life, by has tening his own. Accordingly on the 10th March, 1820, this great painter expired, without a struggle. His body was afterwards transferred to one oif the saloons of the royal academy, and interred with great funeral pomp, in St. Paul s cathedral. In his deportment Mr. West was mild and consi derate : his eye was keen, and his mind apt ; but he was slow and methodical in his reflection. As an artist, he will stand in the first rank. His name will be classed with those of Michael Ange- lo and Raphael. His powers of conception were of a superior cast equal in their excellence to Michael Angelo s energy, or Raphael s grandeur ; and, in the inferior departments of drawing and colouring, he was one the greatest artists of his age. He received from his majesty for pictures on va rious subjects, historical and religious subjects, and family portraits, 34,187 sterling. The whole number of the works of his pencil amount to near ly one thousand. WALTON, GEORGE, one of the signers of the de claration of independence, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, about the year 1740. At an early period, he removed to Georgia, where he prosecut ed the study of the law, under the superintendence of H. Young, Esq. Having completed his studies, he embarked in the practice of his profession in the year 1774. The progress of the revolution in the other colonies, soon rendered it necessary that Georgia should take a decided part either in favour of, or in opposition to the royal government. At this critical period, the cause of liberty proved tri umphant, and a council of safety was appointed. In consideration of his zeal and patriotism he was elected by the legislature of Georgia, a dele gate to the general congres , on the 20th February, 1776. On the 4th July, he was one of those worthy patriots, who pledged "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honours," in support of the liber ties of the people in that solemn declaration, which for ever separated the colonies from Great Britain. He was successively re-elected to the congress of 1777,78, 79, 80, and 81 ; in this latter year, he 351 finally retired from the great national council, in whose proceedings he had so long and ably as sisted. As an evidence of the public confidence in his talents and usefulness, he was six times elected a representative to congress ; twice, a governor of the state ; once a senator of the United States ; and four times judge of the superior courts. The latter office he held until the day of his death. He closed his useful and laborious life on the 2d of February, 1804, leaving in the memory of his actions and his accomplishments, a lasting monu ment of his worth, and a rich legacy to his country. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born in the town of Lebanon, Connecticut, on the 8th April, 1731. At the age of sixteen, he entered Harvard col lege, and was graduated in 1751. In 1756, he commenced his political career, as the town clerk of Lebanon, to which station he was annually elected during the long period of forty- five years. He was chosen about the same time to represent the town in the general assembly of Con necticut, and for many years acted as speaker of the house of representatives. During the greater part of the revolution, he was a member of the council of safety, whose sessions were daily and unremitting. In 1780, he was elected counsellor, and was an nually re-elected for twenty-four years. He was seldom absent from his seat in the legislature for more than ninety sessions, except when he was a delegate to the general congress. In fact, he expended his whole life in the ser vice of the public, and in promoting the prosperity of his eoimtrv. He was appointed a delegate to represent the state of Connecticut in the general congress of 1776. He was therefore present and assisted in the deliberations of that august assembly, when the great charter of our independence was submit ted to its considerations. He now embarked en thusiastically in the cause of the colonies, and by his writings and eloquence, he aroused the feelings of his fellow citizens to resist the arbitrary measures of Great Britain, and to maintain their rights. He was a member of the state convention which adopt ed the present constitution. Mr. Williams con tinued to render distinguished services to his coun try, till the day of his death, which took place on the 2d August, 1811, in the eighty-first year of his age. WOLCOTT, OLIVER, LL. D. one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, on the 26th November, 1726. He was graduated at Yale college in 1747. He applied himself to the study of medicine under the direction of his brother, but before he was established in practice, he was appointed, in the year 1751, first sheriff for the county of Litchfield. He afterwards filled various offices, and lastly was appointed chief judge of the court of common pleas for the county. On all questions preliminary to the revolutionary war, he was a firm advocate of the American cause. In July, 1775, he was appointed by congress one of the commissioners of Indian affairs for the northern department. In January, 1776, he attended congress at Phila delphia, and remained with that body till the de claration of independence was adopted and signed. He then returned home, and was appointed major- 386 general of fourteen regiments of the Connecticut militia, which were ordered for the defence of New- York. In November, 1776, he resumed his seat in con gress, and accompanied that body to Baltimore, during the eventful winter of 1777. In the ensu ing summer he joined the army under general Gates, and took the command of the militia : and aided in taking the army under Burgoync. In February, 1778. he attended congress at Yorktown. In 1779, he took the field at the head of a divi sion of the militia for the defence of the sea coast of Connecticut. From 1781 to 1783, he occasionally attended congress. In 1784 and 5, he was a commissioner of In dian affairs, and was one of those who prescribed the terms of peace to the Six Nations of Indians. From 1786, he was annually elected lieutenant- governor, till 1796, when he was chosen governor, which office he held till his death, which happened on the 1st December, 1797, in the seventy-second year of his age. Governor Wolcott was an inflex ible patriot, * Nor kings, nor worlds could warp his steadfast mind;" and the numerous offices which he filled, are pledges of the universal esteem and confidence of his fel low citizens. Incorruptible integrity and unshaken firmness were conspicuous in his character. He was the friend of virtue and religion. He was per sonally acquainted with most of the great actors of the American revolution, and his name is re corded in connexion with most of its important events. 4" 354 WILSON, ALEXANDER, a celebrated naturalist, was born in Scotland about the year 1768. He re ceived the elements of a classical education at the grammar school at Paisely, his native town. At an early period of life he evinced a strong desire for literature, arid occasionally contributed essays . and poetry to the periodical publications of the day. In 1792, he published " Watty and Meg," a poem, which at the time was attributed to Burns, and ranks with the best productions of the Scottish muse. In 1794, he embarked for America, and arrived at Philadelphia, where he procured employment as a copperplate printer. After various changes of residence and employment, he at length solicited and received an engagement from the trustees of the Union School, on the Schuylkill, near Philadel phia. It was here that he contracted an intimacy with Mr. William Bartram, the naturalist, which continued unabated to the last moments of his ex piring friend. His friend, whose long life had been spent in travels and researches into nature, perceiving the turn of his mind for natural history, took every pains to encourage him in a study, which, while it expands the faculties, and purifies the heart, in sensibly leads to the contemplation of the glorious Author of nature. Mr. Bartram possessed some works on natural history, particularly those of Catesby and Edwards ; these Mr. Wilson attentively perused, and found himself enabled, even with his slender stock of in formation, to detect errors and absurdities into which these authors had fallen. Having perused all the works of naturalists, par ticularly those relating to the birds of America, and finding them teeming so much with theories, fables, and misrepresentations, that he no longer looked upon them as authority, but turned to ex- 55 ploring the fields and the woods as his only safe guide. Having satisfied his mind of the utility of a cor rect history of the birds of North America, he ap plied himself with unremitted exertions to the ac complishment of this favourite work. In 1807, he made several excursions into the western parts of Pennsylvania to procure speci mens, and in the following year, under the patron age of S. F. Bradford, Esq. of Philadelphia, the first volume of that splendid work made its appear ance. From this moment he began to emerge from the vale of obscurity, and attain that enviable distinction in the republic of science and letters, which it is the lot of but few to enjoy. In 1810, he published a second volume. Shortly after its appearance, he took a tour as far as New- Orleans, and returned in the course of the next year to Philadelphia with the fruits of his industry and perseverance, including several specimens of birds hitherto unknown. In 1812, he made an excursion to the eastward, for the purpose of collecting specimens, and of adding to his stores of knowledge. In the mean time the publication advanced as rapidly as a due regard to correctness and elegance would permit. Besides the journeys already mentioned, he made excursions to the sea shore in pursuit of the waders and webfooted tribes ; which he found in immense numbers. The aggregate of his peregri nations amounted to upwards of ten thousand miles. In the early part of the year 1813, he published the seventh volume of the American Ornithology. He immediately made preparations for the suc ceeding one, but unfortunately his great anxiety to conclude the work, condemned him to an excess of toil, which, inflexible as was his mind, his bodily frame was unable to bear. He was attacked by a disease which, after a few days of illness, put a period to his useful life, August 23, 1813. As a naturalist, perhaps no age or nation can lay claim to one who was more eminently qualified , He was indebted for his ideas, not to books, which err, but to nature which is infallible ; and the in estimable transcript of her work, which he has be queathed to us, possesses a charm which affects us the more, the better we become acquainted with the delightful original. WARD, ARTEMAS, the first major-general in the American army, was graduated at Harvard college in 1743, and was afterwards a representative in the legislature. When the war commenced with Great Britain, he was appointed by congress first major-general, July 17, 1775. After the arrival of Washington, in July, when disposition was made of the troops for the siege of Boston, the command of the right wing of the army at Roxbury was in trusted to general Ward. He resigned his commission in April, 1776, though he continued for some time longer in com mand at the request of Washington. He after wards devoted himself to the duties of civil life. He was a member of congress, both before and after the adoption of the present constitution. After a long decline, in which he exhibited the most exemplary patience, he died at Shrewsbury; October 28, 1800, aged seventy-three years. He was a man of incorruptible integrity. So fixed and unyielding were the principles which governed him, that his conscientiousness in lesser concerns was by some ascribed to bigotry. life presented the virtues of the Christian. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWE1 LOAN DEPT. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall LD 21A-50m-8, 61 (C1795slO)476B General Library . 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