Obrázky stránek
PDF
ePub

officer. His name is worthy of a place with the Sages and Heroes of our Independence. He died in 1806.

OGDEN MATTHIAS was a brave colonel in the Continental army and among the first in the field of military glory. He passed through the wilderness to Quebec with Arnold and was carried from the walls of that city severely wounded on the day of the unfortunate attack by the Americans. He served to the close of the war with credit to himself and usefulness to his country. Near the termination of the Revolution he was raised to the rank of brigadier-general. He was a man highly honorable in all things and under all circumstances-liberal, charitable and honest. He died at Elizabethtown N. J. on the 31st of March 1791.

OLNEY JEREMIAH commenced his exemplary life in Rhode Island in 1750. He was remarkable for mildness and an abundant share of the milk of human kindness and just as remarkable for his undaunted bravery in the field of battle and unshaken firmness in the cause of Freedom. He was much admired by Washington and frequently led the Rhode Island line to victory. He participated in the dangers and glory of the hattles of Springfield, Monmouth, Red Bank and Yorktown. Subsequent to the war he was Collector of the Port of Providence and President of the Society of Cincinnati of his native state. No man enjoyed more fully the affection of all who knew him-no one more richly merited it. He died at his residence on the 10th of Nov. 1812.

ORR JOHN was born in New Hampshire in 1748. He was an officer under the brave and independent Stark and so severely wounded in one of his legs at the battle of Bennington that he was crippled for life. He was a man of strong intellect and filled several judicial and legislative offices with ability and strict fidelity He had the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens through life and was sincerely mourned at his death which occurred at Bedford, N. H. in 1823.

PAINE THOMAS commenced his eventful life in England in 1737. He pursued the business of stay maker for some time in London-then went to sea in a British privateer-was subsequently an excise man and a grocer. On learning the situation of the American Colonies from Franklin he became deeply interested in their behalf and came to this country in 1775 when his intellectual powers suddenly burst into a blaze of light. His vigorous essays and eloquent speeches in favor of American Independence did much towards consummating that glorious event. Had he published or said nothing against that religion which is held sacred by the great mass of our nation he would have remained as he was at first-one of the most popular political men of that time. If professing Christians all honored the religion of the cross infidelity would be robbed of its richest aliment. Hypocrites, degenerate and lukewarm church members, bigoted sectarians, dogmatical dictators, deluded fanatics-are all caterers for infidelity. The editor of the Cottage Bible remarks in commenting on the 19th chap. of Judges-" More inhumanity and villany may be found among degenerate professors of Christianity than among infidels and in general where we expect the most kindness we meet with the greatest injuries." This remark is painfully true but is not an argument against primitive Christianity. If we had no pure coin or solvent banks, counterfeit notes and bogus money could not be circulated. If Christianity

was not essentially good, hypocrites would be left without a motive to profess it. Aside from the question of its divine origin, as a system of social order-as the foundation of rational liberty and moral rectitude-as a system imparting the greatest amount of happiness to the greatest number-it rises sublimely above all others. This is conceded by the ablest infidel writers. I refer to primitive Christianity as taught and practised by the immaculate Redeemer and his disciples. As this is not-cannot be denied, common sense dictates that all should practice at least its moral precepts if only upon the ground of self-preservation and interest which are ever dependent upon social order and good government. Thomas Paine took an active part in the French Revolution-was a member of the National Assembly-incurred the displeasure of Robespierre-fled to escape the guillotine-returned to America and died in the city of New York in 1809 not in a quiescent state of mind.

PARSONS SAMUEL HOLDEN was a citizen of Connecticut and an eminent lawyer. When the Revolution commenced he left his office for the tented field resolved on Liberty or death. His zeal and daring courage gained for him the commission of major-general. He had the unlimited confidence of Washington-the esteem of his fellow officersthe love of his brave soldiers-the admiration of his numerous acquaintances-the gratitude of his bleeding country. His useful career was cut short by his being drowned near Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1789.

PAULDING JOHN was born in the State of New York in 1732. He was a brave soldier and rose from the ranks to the grade of major after he aided in the capture of Major Andre. For that noble act the names of Paulding, Williams and Van Wert are embalmed in the affections of every patriot whilst the name of the traitor Arnold rouses a manly indignation in the bosom of every man who loves his country. His portrait will darken as time rolls on. For this important capture Congress passed a highly complimentary resolution on the 3d of November 1780 and made the following order which was placed upon the records. "That each of them receive annually, out of the public treasury, two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in the current money of these States, during life and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscription- FIDELITY' and on the other the following mottoVincit amor patria' [the love of our country prevails] and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of this resolution and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity and the eminent service they have rendered their country." Maj. Paulding died at Staatsburgh, Duchess County, N. Y. on the 30th of

December 1819.

PETERS NATHAN was a native of Connecticut and a bold defender of his country's rights. On the morning after the cry-" To arms! to arms!" sounded in his ears and ran through his soul like vivid lightning he was on his way to the field of battle. He rose rapidly from the grade of lieutenant to that of major and became one of the boldest of the bold. He fought bravely at Long Island, Frog's Point, Trenton, Princeton and in every place where he met the enemy in mortal combat. On the 6th of September 1781, before Arnold left Fort Griswold, he caused a slow train of powder to be set on fire communicating

with the magazine. Just before reaching the volcanic mass Major Peters rushed into the fort and prevented a destructive explosion. No dangers prevented him from the prompt performance of every duty. At the close of the successful struggle for freedom he resumed the practice of law at New London where he lived in the high esteem of his friends and his country to a ripe old age. He was a sound lawyer, a safe counsellor, a brave soldier, a good citizen-AN HONEST MAN.

PETERS RICHARD was born in the balmy month of June in 1744. He was educated at Philadelphia and became an eminent member of the bar of that city. Understanding the rights of his country and the advantages of freedom he determined to maintain them at all hazards. In 1776 he was made secretary to the Board of War and faithfully performed the arduous duties of that important station until 1781 when he was elected a member of Congress and continued in that august body to the close of hostilities. He was appointed the first United States District Judge for Pennsylvania and highly honored that dignified station for thirty-six consecutive years. His decisions in the Court of Admiralty form the foundation on which our superstructure of that branch of jurisprudence is raised. This platform was adopted by the celebrated maritime judge Lord Stowell of England-a high compliment to the judicial acumen of Judge Peters. He was deservedly popular because scrupulously impartial, rigidly just and proverbial for humanity and kindness. In his performance of all the public and private duties of life he was a luminous example of human excellence worthy of admiration and imitation. He was a liberal patron of public improvements and did much to improve agriculture. He died at his residence in August 1828.

PETTIT CHARLES was born in New Jersey in 1737. He was a sensible lawyer and opposed to the usurpations of the hirelings of mother Britain although himself secretary of his native province when the revolutionary storm commenced its pitiless peltings. Congress made him a deputy quartermaster under Gen. Greene in conjunction with Col. Coxe. They performed the perplexing and arduous duties of that responsible office whilst Gen. Greene was in the field to the entire satisfaction of Washington, the army and Congress-a high encomium upon their perseverance and activity when we reflect upon their limited means to perform a mighty work. At the close of the Revolution he removed to Philadelphia and became a successful merchant. He was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania under the old Confederationa member of the State Convention that sanctioned the Federal Constitution and in every public station which he was called to fill he performed his duty with the strictest integrity and great industry. His private virtues rendered him dear to every good man. He was president of the first insurance company incorporated in Philadelphia. died at his residence on the 6th of September 1806.

He

PICKERING TIMOTHY commenced his infancy at Salem, Mass. in 1746. He was favored with a classical education and superior talents. He took an early and active part in the cause of equal rights and rendered efficient service in organizing the new government of his native State. He was made a judge of the Common Pleas and Maritime courts-adjutant-general of the United States army and a member

of the Board of War. From 1790 to '98 he negotiated several reaties with sundry tribes of Indians. Under President Washington he was in succession Postmaster General, Secretary of War and Secretary of State. From 1803 to 1811 he was a member of the United States Senate-from 1814 to '17 was a representative in Congress. Few men of his time performed more public work-no one acted with more fidelity and faithfulness. He was an able judge, a firm patriot, a judicious legislator, an efficient officer-a credit to his State-an honor to our nation and in all respects a worthy man. He died in Salem, Mass. in

1829.

PICKENS ANDREW commenced his earthly existence in Bucks County, Pa. on the 13th of September 1739. When Andrew was a child his father removed to Augusta County, Va. and then to Waxhaw, in South Carolina. Andrew commenced a brilliant military career in the French war-served with Marion and Moultrie in 1761 in the sanguinary expedition against the Cherokees under Lieut. Col. Grant and became a hardy frontier warrior. When mother Britain became insolent and oppressive he was as ready to fight as he had been to serve her. He became a terror to the refugees alias Tories. At Kettle Creek he pounced upon an army of them under Col. Boyd of double his force and flogged them so severely that they were quiet until the British army afterwards spread over the south. At the Cowpens he commanded the militia and inspired them with the courage of veteran regulars. Congress voted him a sword for his gallantry on that occasion. At Eutaw he commanded the Carolina militia in conjunction with Marion. He was severely wounded in the breast by a musket ball early in the action and but for the buckle of his sword belt would have been shot through. When Charleston surrendered he was obliged to flee before the enemy to North Carolina and was among the first to rally under the indomitable Greene. In 1781 he commanded the last expedition against the Cherokees and laid the foundations of the peace that has never since been broken. Through the entire course of his military career he stood approved by his superiors and beloved by those under his command. He rose to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army and was made major-general of militia in 1794. At the close of the war he filled several civil offices and aided essentially in consummating the treaty of Hopewell with the Cherokees to which place he removed soon after. He was a member of the convention that formed the Constitution of his State-a member of the legislature and in 1794 was elected to Congress. In 1797 he was returned to the legislature of his State where he remained fourteen consecutive years. He was a commissioner in all the treaties with the southern Indians. In this department Washington considered him the most useful man of that time. He took a deep interest in the war of 1812 and was that year governor of his State. He then retired to private life full of honors and years with a fame that will grow richer as it shall be rehearsed by each succeeding generation. His private character was as spotless as his public life was brilliant. He died at his residence on the 11th of October 1817.

PORTER ANDREW was born in Worcester, Montgomery County, Pa. on the 24th of September 1743. Without the advantages of a school education he became an eminent mathematician by the force of his own

genius and industry. When the Revolution commenced he was at the head of a large mathematical school in the city of Philadelphia. Deeming the cause of Liberty paramount to all other interests he tendered his services to Congress and on the 19th of June 1776 he was made a captain of marines and placed on board the frigate Effingham. He was shortly after transferred to the artillery corps where he made himself extremely useful during the whole period of the war. He was ultimately raised to the rank of Colonel and commanded the 4th Pennsylvania regiment of artillery. He distributed iron hail effectually at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Brandywine. At Germantown he received the thanks of Gen. Washington on the field for his skill and undaunted courage. He was with Gen. Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians on the Susquehanna. It was Col. Porter who suggested to Gen. Clinton the plan of raising the water of Otsego Lake by a dam at its narrow outlet which produced a flood sufficient to float his troops on rafts to Tioga Point where they formed a junction with Sullivan. When the siege of Yorktown was planned Gen. Washington placed Col. Porter in charge of the military laboratory in Philadelphia to prepare the shells, cartridges, &c. for that important occasion. Although deprived the pleasure of being at the siege he had the high honor of preparing the thunder and hail that terminated the sanguinary conflict. Subsequent to the war he was one of the commissioners to run a line by astronomical observations between Pennsylvania and the adjoining States. He succeeded Gen. Muhlenberg as major-general of militia. Governor Snyder appointed him surveyor-general of the State of Pennsylvania in 1809 which office he ably filled until the 16th of November 1813 when he left earth for a fairer, brighter world on high. He was buried in the Presbyterian church-yard at Harrisburg with military honors.

PŘEBLE EDWARD commenced his earthly career at Portland, Maine, on the 15th of August 1761. From his youth he gloried in hazardous enterprises. At the age of eighteen he became a midshipman on board the Protector of 26 guns commanded by the brave Capt. John Forster Williams. On his first cruise young Preble had the proud satisfaction of contributing to the capture of the Admiral Duff of 36 guns after a brief but sanguinary action which so injured the British vessel that she sunk in a few moments with 40 of her crew. In the second cruise the Protector was captured and most of the officers taken to England. Preble was permitted to return and was made first lieutenant on board the sloop of war Winthrop. Shortly after that he took a party of brave tars in the night and captured a British armed brig lying in Penobscot Bay and of superior force to the Winthrop. This was accomplished with fourteen men dressed in white frocks. The brig lay near the shore and a large number of the enemy jumped overboard as the shrouded tars gained the deck and made for land where lay a considerable British force with artillery. Amidst a brisk fire Preble towed out his prize and moored her safely along side of the Winthrop. He continued on this ship till the close of the war. In 1801 he commanded the frigate Essex-in 1804 was made a commodore and placed in charge of the Mediterranean fleet of seven sail which prepared the way for placing the Bashaw of Tripoli upon his proper level and induced him

« PředchozíPokračovat »