ANTHONY WAYNE.

IF decision, promptness, and energy of character, combined with a sound judgment, correct principles, an ardent patriotism, and faithful service, merit distinction and a grateful record, no one is more entitled to them than the gallant WAYNE.

There is, indeed, something in the name of WAYNE, which immediately presents to the mind of every American, well read in the history of his country, the image of a bold, enterprising, and active officer, of a ready will and prompt execution; always ready to attack his enemy sword in hand, but impatient of restraint. This is the trait of his character, which particularly distinguishes him from those with whom he acted in the revolution, but, which peculiarly fitted him for the services on which his military reputation is established. It has been said of him, by one who knew him well, that he had "a constitutional attachment to the decision of the sword," and that "the general and his soldiers were singularly fitted for close and stubborn action, hand to hand, in the centre of the army." This may be accounted for on very probable grounds: his grandfather had been a commander of dragoons at the battle of the Boyne, and his father had distinguished himself in frequent conflicts with the Indians; young WAYNE had consequently

"heard of battles, and he long'd

To follow to the field some warlike chief."

Even at school, his studies were neglected for military amusements, and it was only by the dread of being compelled to labor on his father's farm, that his attention was diverted to his proper duties.

The subject of this sketch was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the first of January, 1745. Notwithstanding his distaste for his early studies, he left the Philadelphia academy, at the age of eighteen, a good mathematician, and commenced the business of a surveyor, which he pursued with success for some years, during which time, he turned his attention to engineering and astronomy, and has left some valuable manuscripts on those subjects. He took a deep interest

in the controversy with Great Britain, and was actively engaged in the measures, which were adopted preparatory to the great struggle, in which he performed so conspicuous a part.

In 1774, he was appointed one of the deputies to take into consideration the state of affairs between Great Britain and the colonies; was a member of the Pennsylvania convention, and a representative in the provincial legislature. The prospect of approaching war brought him, at length, into possession of his wishes—a military command. He retired from civil employment in the fall of 1775, and raised a regiment of volunteers, of which he was elected colonel; he afterwards received the appointment of colonel from the continental congress, and at the head of a regiment of Pennsylvanians, marched to Canada. He served under General Thompson, at the battle of the Three Rivers, where he was wounded; yet he distinguished himself by his courage and skill in bringing off the troops, after his commander was defeated and taken prisoner. He was promoted by congress to the rank of brigadier general, February 21, 1777, being at that time in command at Ticonderoga. In May following, he joined the commander-in-chief, in New Jersey.

At the battle of Brandywine, on the 11th of September, he was opposed to Knyphausen, and steadily maintained the contest, until after Cornwallis had turned the right of the American army. On the 16th, the two armies again met, to try the issue of another battle, in which, Philadelphia was to be the prize of the victor. WAYNE, who commanded the advance, commenced the action with spirit ; but a violent storm, with a deluge of rain, prevented a general engagement, and so damaged the ammunition of the Americans, that they were obliged to retire until it could be replenished, and the British army took possession of Philadelphia on the 26th.

In the mean time, WAYNE had suffered an unfortunate surprise. He had moved into the rear of the British left wing, and taken a position at about three miles distance, near the Paoli tavern, intending to fall on them when they decamped. The usual precautions were taken; but accurate information of his position and force had been conveyed to the British, and they effected a surprise at night, which compelled him in haste to retreat, with serious loss. The affair was made the subject of military investigation, and he was acquitted with honor, "as having done every thing that could be expected, from an active, vigilant, and brave officer, under the orders which he then had." A monument has been erected on the spot, to the memory of the brave men who fell there.

At Germantown, he signalized himself by his bravery in action, and prudence in retreat; he was twice slightly wounded, and had his horse shot under him, within a few yards of the enemy's front.

While the army lay, in the winter of 1777-8, at Valley Forge, WAYNE was detached into New Jersey, with a body of troops, to collect cattle and destroy the forage, which would be likely to fall into the hands of the enemy. He succeeded, even in the face of the foe, in sending into camp several hundred head of cattle, and a number of fine horses, and forage. It was in consequence of this success, that Major André wrote a song, to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," of which the concluding stanza runs thus:

"But now I end my lyric strain

I tremble while I show it!

Lest this same warrio-drover, Wayne,
Should ever catch the poet."

The unfortunate poet's fate soon changed his mock-heroic to a tragic strain; for when taken, he was delivered to WAYNE, at Tappan.

The British army evacuated Philadelphia, in June, 1778, and pursued the direct route to New York; and Washington's force, which was about equal to it, immediately was put in motion, and crossed into Jersey. A council was held, to deliberate on the proper course to be pursued. WAYNE and Cadwallader were for battle; but all the foreign officers, and a large majority of the whole board, were decidedly against it. As the army drew near the enemy, in the vicinity of Monmouth, WAYNE again advocated an attack; and in the battle which ensued, he added to his reputation, and won the commendation of the commander-in-chief, who particularly mentioned him in his official report.

The occasion on which WAYNE next distinguished himself, was the attack of Stony Point. This is a considerable height, situated on the Hudson, the greater part of whose base is washed by the river, and the remainder is covered by a morass, through which there is but one crossing-place. On the summit of the hill was a fort, mounted with heavy cannon; breast-works were advanced in front of the principal work; half way down, there was a double row of abattis; and in addition, there were several vessels of war in the river, whose guns commanded the ground at the foot of the hill.

Stony Point had been taken, not long before, by Sir Henry Clinton, and the works had been greatly strengthened by his orders. General Washington thought its recovery of great moment, and planned au