Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 10

In the a.s.sembly he was uniformly chairman of the most important committees. He was also elected speaker but the Governor, jealous of his rising popularity and liberal principles, put his veto upon the election.

He was a man of deep thought, general intelligence and strong mind. He had thoroughly investigated the laws of G.o.d, of nature and of man. He well understood that men are endowed by their Creator with certain inherent privileges--that they are born equal and of right are and should be free. He drank largely at the refres.h.i.+ng fountain of liberal principles and was among the first to expose the blind and cruel policy of the British ministers. He contributed largely in rousing his fellow sufferers to a sense of impending danger.

Although deeply interested in commercial business and more exposed to the wrath of kingly power than any individual in the province--he boldly placed himself at the head of the a.s.sociation prohibiting the importation of goods from Great Britain. The other provinces caught the patriotic fire from these examples and became prepared to act their part in the tragic scenes that resulted in the emanc.i.p.ation of the pilgrim fathers from monarchical domination.

As a mark of special attention to this uncompromising patriot, the first seizure that was made by the revenue officers under pretence of some trivial violation of the laws was one of his vessels. So great was the excitement produced by this impolitic transaction, that large numbers were speedily collected to rescue the property. It was placed under the guns of an armed s.h.i.+p ready to open a broadside upon any who should dare to reclaim the vessel. The populace rose like a thunder cloud--rushed to the onset--brought away the vessel--razed to the ground some of the buildings occupied by the custom house officers and committed to the flames the boat of the collector. For a time this fire was arrested by the strong arm of power but it was never extinguished--it was the fire of LIBERTY. It only required to be fanned by that ministerial oppression that ultimately blew it into curling flames.

To prevent the recurrence of a popular outbreak several regiments of British troops, with all their loathsome vices fresh upon them, were quartered upon the inhabitants. This was like pouring bituminous coal tar upon a lurid flame. The independent spirits of Boston were not to be _awed_ into subjection. The consequences were tragical. On the evening of 5th of March 1770, a party of these soldiers fired upon and killed five and wounded others of the citizens who had collected to manifest their indignation against those they _hated_ more than they _feared_.

Had the town been placed in the terrific cradle of an earthquake and its foundations moved to the centre, the agitation could not have been greater. Had it been melting before the burning lava of a volcano the commotion could not have been increased. The tolling of bells--the groans of the dying and wounded--the shrieks of mothers, widows and orphans--the flight of soldiers--the rush of the inhabitants--the cry of revenge--popular fury rising into a tornado of vengeance--all combined to create a scene of consternation and horror at which imagination recoils, description quails, sympathy trembles, humanity bleeds. It is a commentary, eloquently strong, upon the gross impropriety of quartering soldiers upon citizens--of enforcing civil law by military force--of invading the sanct.i.ty of domestic peace and private enjoyment.

On the following day a meeting was called composed of the concentrated talent and virtue of Boston. Strong but discreet resolutions were pa.s.sed. A committee was appointed to wait upon the governor to request him to remove the troops from the town, at the head of which were Samuel Adams and John Hanc.o.c.k. His excellency at first refused but finding that discretion was the better part of valor, at once ordered the soldiers to the castle. He also gave a pledge that the offenders should be arraigned and tried and thus restored transient tranquillity.

The solemn and imposing ceremony of interring those who were killed was then performed. Their bodies were deposited in the same grave. Tears of sorrow, sympathy, regret and indignation were mingled with the clods as they descended upon the butchered bodies of those victims of tyranny.

For many years the sad event was commemorated with deep and mournful solemnity. A hymn was sung to their memory and the torch of Liberty re-illumed at their tomb.

At one of these celebrations during the progress of the Revolution John Hanc.o.c.k delivered the address. A few brief extracts will be read with interest.

"Security to the persons and property of the governed is so evidently the design of civil government that to attempt a logical demonstration of it would be like burning a taper at noonday to a.s.sist the sun in enlightening the world. It cannot be either virtuous or honorable to attempt to support inst.i.tutions of which this is not the princ.i.p.al basis. Some boast of being friends to government. I also am a friend to government--to a righteous government, founded upon the principles of reason and justice--but I glory in avowing my eternal enmity to tyranny."

He then portrayed vividly the wrongs inflicted by the mother country and urged his fellow citizens to vindicate their injured rights. On speaking of the ma.s.sacre his language shows the emotions of his heaving bosom--the feelings of his n.o.ble soul.

"I come reluctantly to the transactions of that dismal night, when, in quick succession we felt the extremes of grief, astonishment and rage--when Heaven, in anger, suffered h.e.l.l to take the reins--when Satan, with his chosen band opened the sluices of New England's blood and sacrilegiously polluted her land, with the bodies of her guiltless sons. Let this sad tale be told without a tear--let not the heaving bosom cease to burn with a manly indignation at the relation of it through the long tracts of future time--let every parent tell the story to his listening children till the tears of pity glistens in their eyes or boiling pa.s.sion shakes their tender frames."

"Dark and designing knaves--murderous parricides! how dare you tread upon the earth which has drunk the blood of slaughtered innocence shed by your hands! How dare you breathe that air which wafted to the ear of Heaven the groans of those who fell a sacrifice to your accursed ambition!! But if the laboring earth doth not expand her jaws--if the air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister of death--yet hear it and tremble! the eye of Heaven penetrates the darkest chambers of the soul and you, though screened from human observation, must be arraigned--must lift up your hands, red with the blood of those whose death you have procured, at the tremendous bar of G.o.d."

So bold had Mr. Hanc.o.c.k become that the adherents of the crown put every plan and artifice in operation that could be devised to injure him. His worst enemy, the governor, nominated him to the Council, knowing that his acceptance would turn the populace against him. The plan was just as feasible as to think of baking griddle cakes on the moon. By a prompt refusal he put his enemies to shame and increased the confidence the patriots reposed in him. He was at this time Captain of the Governor's Guard and was immediately removed. His company was composed of the first citizens of Boston. As a testimony of respect to him the members promptly dissolved.

The dread crisis finally came. The war car was put in motion on the heights of Lexington. American blood was again shed by British soldiers.

The people heard the dread clarion of Revolution--mult.i.tudes rushed to the conflict--the hireling troops fled in confusion--messengers of death met them on the whole route--retribution pressed on them at every corner--the trees and fences were illuminated with streams of fire from the rusty muskets of the native yoemanry and many of Briton's proud sons slumbered in their gore on that eventful day. The watchword was then fixed--LIBERTY OR DEATH.

On the reception of this news the governor issued his proclamation in the name of his most _Christian Majesty_, George the III. declaring the Province in a state of rebellion but _graciously_ offering a pardon to all returning penitents--_excepting_ John Hanc.o.c.k and Samuel Adams. A secret attempt was made to arrest them but was foiled by information sent by Gen. Warren. They were preserved to aid in the glorious cause they had boldly and n.o.bly espoused and to become s.h.i.+ning lights in the blue canopy of FREEDOM--bright examples of patriotism for future generations. Their proscription by the royal governor endeared them still more to the people and their personal friends. They asked no pardon--desired no royal favor.

In 1774 Mr. Hanc.o.c.k was unanimously elected President of the Ma.s.sachusetts Provincial Congress and in 1775 he was called to preside over the Continental Congress. It was with great diffidence he accepted this high mark of esteem, many of its members possessing towering talents and were much his seniors in age. He discharged the duties of his station with fidelity, great ability and to the satisfaction of the members and the country. His was the only name affixed to the Declaration of Independence when first published and stands, in bold relievo, at the head of the list of that n.o.ble band of fearless patriots who bearded the British Lion in his den and drove him from Columbia's soil--whose names are enrolled on the historic sunbeams of unfading light, there to remain in living brightness to the remotest ages of time.

Impaired in health and worn down by fatigue, Mr. Hanc.o.c.k resigned his responsible station in Congress in October 1777, having presided over that body for two and a half years with a credit highly gratifying to his numerous friends and advantageous to the cause of human rights.

Soon after his return he was elected to the convention of his native state to form a const.i.tution for its government. His talents and experience were of great service in aiding to produce a truly republican instrument. In 1780 he was elected the first governor under the new const.i.tution and continued to fill the gubernatorial chair five years when he resigned. At the expiration of two years he was again elected to that office and continued to fill that important station during the remainder of his life.

During his administration there were many difficulties to overcome--many evils to suppress. The devastation of the war had paralyzed every kind of business--reduced thousands from affluence to poverty--polluted the morals of society and left a heavy debt to be liquidated. Conflicting interests were to be reconciled--restless spirits subdued and visionary theories exploded. A faction of 12,000 men threatened to annihilate the new government. Riots were of frequent occurrence--the civil authority was disregarded and it became necessary to call out the military to enforce order. By the prudence, decision and wise conduct of the Governor and those acting under him, all difficulties were adjusted--the clamor of the people hushed--order restored and but few lives sacrificed at the shrine of treason.

By his firm and determined course the Governor incurred the displeasure of many prominent men for a time--but when reason resumed her station and prosperity alleviated the burdens that had been so strongly felt, their better judgment gained the ascendency, the sour feelings of party spirit lost their rancor--admiration and esteem for his sterling virtues and useful talents--the long and arduous services he had rendered his State and country--disarmed his enemies of their resentment and produced uniform love and respect. None but those who then lived can fully appreciate the Alpine barriers the patriots had to surmount to preserve the Independence they achieved and reduce to practice the long nursed vision of a Republican government. To recount them would require a volume. Let them slumber in the shades of oblivion.

Gov. Hanc.o.c.k was strongly in favor of the adoption of the Federal Const.i.tution and left his sick bed in the last week of the session of the a.s.sembly and did much by his advice and influence to induce his State to sanction that important instrument of confederation which has thus far withstood the a.s.saults of demagogues--the thunder gusts of party spirit and held us in the bonds of Union, strength and power.

Paralyzed be that arm that would cut the smallest fibre of the--cord of our UNION. Silenced be that voice that would whisper the word _dissolution_ even to a zephyr. If we are true to ourselves we are destined to become the greatest nation known to history. We are appointed by the sages and heroes of the Revolution executors in perpetual succession of the richest estate ever bequeathed to a nation--LIBERTY in its pristine purity. Let us see well to its preservation that when we meet the testators in the realms of bliss, we may find our account approved and pa.s.sed in the high court of heaven.

John Hanc.o.c.k lived to see prosperity shed the benignant rays of happiness over the broad expanse of the infant republic. He saw her inst.i.tutions, laws, trade, manufactures, commerce, agriculture--all based on the firm pillars of purchased freedom and eternal justice. His Pierian vision was reduced to a happy reality--he could then die peaceful and happy.

His ill health continued until the 8th of October 1793 when suddenly and unexpectedly his soul left earth and returned to Him who gave it to join the kindred spirits that had gone before and entered upon the untried realities of the eternal world.

Governor Hanc.o.c.k was a man of elegant person and accomplishments--amiable and pure in all the private relations of life--highly honorable in all his actions--a polished gentleman in his manners--fas.h.i.+onable in his dress and style of living--charitable and liberal--a friend to the poor--a visitor of the widow and orphan--diligent in business--open and frank in his disposition--a faithful companion--a consistent patriot--an HONEST MAN.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

Coolness, united with sound discretion, deep penetration, wisdom to plan and energy to execute, is an important quality. In times of high excitement it is indispensably necessary in those who wield the destiny of a community. When the fires of pa.s.sion, burning in the bosoms of an enraged mult.i.tude, unite in one cyclopean volume, the mental rod of cooling discretion is necessary to regulate, guide and direct it to a proper destination. If all were alike charged with boiling desperation in times when angry commotions disturb the public peace, the holiest cause would lose its efficacy and be overwhelmed by the murky waters of fell revenge. The cool deliberations of the first Continental Congress, writhing under the lash of oppression, shed upon it a l.u.s.tre that attracted the admiration of a gazing world, the smiles of angels and the approval of Heaven. The mother country was left without an excuse or just reason for the continuation of her suicidal course. To the cool and discreet conduct of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution we may attribute the LIBERTY we now enjoy.

No one among them demonstrated more fully this quality combined with firmness of purpose and boldness of action than Benjamin Harrison a native of Berkley, Virginia, supposed to have been born about 1730, the precise time not being a matter of record. His family descended from a near relative of Gen. Harrison, a bold leader in the revolution of the English Commonwealth who was sacrificed on the scaffold for his liberal principles. This relative settled in Surrey, Virginia, about 1640. His descendants sustained the high reputation of their ancestors and filled many important stations in the colony. It is recorded of Benjamin Harrison, son of the ancestor that located in Surrey, that "he did justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with his G.o.d," leaving a memento of character that forms the crowning excellence of human attainments.

Benjamin Harrison, the father of young Benjamin now under review, was killed by lightning with two of his daughters. At that time this son was prosecuting his studies at the college of William and Mary where he finished his education at an early age. Before he arrived at his majority he had the management of a large estate left him by his father.

As good sense dictated and as in duty bound, he shortly after married Elizabeth, the accomplished daughter of Col. William Ba.s.sett and niece to Lady Was.h.i.+ngton. She possessed all the high requisites of a wife.

Before he arrived at the age then required by law, he was elected to the House of Burgesses and became a leading member. His talents were of the peculiar kind calculated to lead without an apparent desire to command.

His magic wand was sound discretion coolly and firmly exercised, enlivened by a good humor and sprightliness that mellowed his otherwise stern qualities. Wielding a powerful influence, the creatures of the crown were particularly courteous to him just previous to the revolution and proposed to confer upon him the highest official dignity in the colony--except governor--who must be a _native_ of the mother country.

Mr. Harrison was too republican and far seeing to be caught in the silken web of ministerial intrigue or royal cunning. With all his wealth and influence he was a plain common sense man opposed to the pomp of courts and the flourish of high pretensions. He went for his country and the people. He scorned to be the hireling or slave of a king. As early as 1764 he was on the committee in the House of Burgesses that prepared an address to the crown, a memorial to the House of Lords and a remonstrance to the House of Commons of Great Britain predicated upon the Virginia Resolutions antic.i.p.ating the odious Stamp Act. These doc.u.ments as reported were then too hard metal in view of a majority in the House and were trans.m.u.ted to soft solder by the process of political alchemy well understood by the creatures of the king. The time rolled on rapidly when hard metal was made the order of the day. As British oppression increased Virginia indignation kindled to a flame that illuminated the old Dominion to its utmost bounds. Mr. Harrison was a member of the convention that met at Williamsburg on the 1st of August 1774 and pa.s.sed a series of strong resolutions in favor of equal rights--sanctioned the measures of opposition adopted by New England and appointed seven delegates to the general Congress, Mr. Harrison being one. The benefits resulting from the labors of that Congress may not now be apparent to many young readers as a deaf ear was turned to the dignified proceedings by the mother country. They were twofold. 1. The true position of the two countries was clearly defined and held up to the world leaving England without an excuse for her subsequent course.

2. A personal acquaintance and free interchange of views served to establish mutual confidence and produced a concert of action between the colonies.

On the 20th of March 1775 Mr. Harrison was a member of the convention that met at Richmond and pa.s.sed the bold resolutions offered by Patrick Henry. Many had the royal film removed from their eyes at that time and came to the rescue. Antic.i.p.ating the appointment of delegates to a second Congress, Lord Dunmore issued his proclamation forbidding the procedure affecting to treat the convention as a mere bagatelle. Royal proclamations had lost their original efficacy. The delegates were elected, among whom was Mr. Harrison. He repaired to his post which was then more imposing than the year proceeding. A crisis had arrived big with consequences. Amidst the flashes and roar of the gathering storm cool deliberation pervaded his bosom. Mr. Randolph, the President of the first Congress being absent, Mr. Hanc.o.c.k was elected to fill the vacancy. When his name was announced he seemed overcome with a modest diffidence and did not move. Mr. Harrison took him in his gigantic arms and placed him in the chair saying--"We will show mother Britain how little we care for her--by making a Ma.s.sachusetts man our President whom she has excluded from pardon by public proclamation."

Action--n.o.ble and G.o.d-like action became the order of that eventful era. Each gale from the north brought tidings of fresh outrages and increasing aggressions on the part of mother Britain. Congress prepared for the worst although many of the members turned a willing ear to the siren song of peace. Mr. Harrison was one of the committee appointed to devise ways and means for defence and to organize the militia throughout the colonies that were represented. After laboring arduously for a month the plan of military operations was reported that carried the American Colonies through the war. Mr. Harrison was the military man of Congress.

He had the unlimited confidence of Was.h.i.+ngton. In September of that year he was one of the committee of three to consult with the Commander-in-chief and with the authorities of the regenerated colonies relative to a preparation for vigorous action. On the 29th of November he was made chairman of the committee of five to take charge of the foreign correspondence. On the 2d of December he was sent to Maryland to aid in organizing a naval armament to repel the predatory warfare of Lord Dunmore along the sh.o.r.es of the Chesapeake. On the 17th of January 1776 he laid before Congress a plan for the recruiting service which was adopted. On the 21st of the same month he was placed upon the committee to organize the War Department On the 23d he went to New York with Messrs. Lynch and Allen to aid Gen. Lee in devising plans and means of defence and for erecting fortifications upon the two confluent rivers.

On his return he was placed on the committee for organizing the military departments of the middle and southern Colonies. On the 6th of March he was placed on the Marine Standing Committee--bestowing on him labor in proportion to his physical as well as mental powers. He was found equal to the task imposed.

On the 26th of March 1776 Congress published a full preface to the Declaration of Independence, setting forth the contempt with which the pet.i.tions, remonstrances and appeals for relief had been treated--portraying in lively colors the const.i.tutional and chartered rights of the American people and the manner they were trampled under foot and steeped in blood by British hirelings. The same doc.u.ment authorised the colonies to fit out vessels of war to meet the mistress of the seas on her own element. Mr. Harrison was chairman of a committee to select and have fortified one or more ports for the protection of these vessels and such prizes as they might take. In May he was made chairman of the committee on the Canada expedition. After consulting Generals Was.h.i.+ngton, Gates and Mifflin, he laid a plan of operations before Congress which was adopted. On the 26th of the same month he was made chairman of a committee of fourteen to confer with the general officers of the army relative to the plan of operations for the ensuing campaign. When matured he laid it before Congress and during its consideration was chairman of the committee of the whole. With slight amendments the report was adopted. On the 15th of June he was made chairman of the Board of War and continued in that important station until he retired from Congress. In his discharge of its duties Judge Peters remarks of him--"He was chairman when I entered upon the duties a.s.signed me in the War Department. This gave me an opportunity of observing his firmness, good sense and usefulness in deliberation and in critical situations and much use indeed was required of these qualities when everything around was lowering and terrific."

Mr. Harrison became very popular as chairman of the committee of the whole. If in the House he uniformly presided when important questions were under consideration. He was in the chair during the discussion of the Declaration of Independence. He presented the resolution that recommended the formal preparation of that sacred doc.u.ment and on the glorious 4th of July 1776 sealed his heart felt approval with his vote and signature. At the thrilling moment when the members were signing what many called their death warrant, as the slender Mr. Gerry finished his signature Mr. Harrison pleasantly remarked to him "when the hanging scene commences I shall have all the advantage over you. It will all be over with me in a minute but you will be kicking in the air half an hour after I am gone." During the protracted discussions upon the Articles of Confederation Mr. Harrison was uniformly in the chair. From August to the 5th of November he was engaged in the service of his own state in the formation of the new government when he again returned to his place.

He was one of the committee to advise in the movements of the northern army. When the members of Congress were compelled to fly from Baltimore to Lancaster, where they remained but one day and from there to York, Pa. he remained firm at his post. The enemies of Liberty predicted a final dissolution but proved false prophets. They even reported that Mr.

Harrison was about to desert the American cause. His coolness and deliberation were often made useful in softening down hasty and harsh propositions. When the question was agitated relative to punis.h.i.+ng the Quakers he interfered in their behalf. In after life one of them often remarked of him--"He saved us from persecution. He had talents to perceive the right and firmness enough to pursue it however violently opposed."

At the close of 1777 Mr. Harrison resigned his seat in Congress and returned to the bosom of his family. No one member had performed more labor than him--no one was more highly esteemed and honored. He was emphatically a working man--a colossus in the cause of liberty and human rights. He returned home to enjoy repose. This was of but short duration. He was immediately elected to the Virginia Legislature and made Speaker, which station he ably filled for five consecutive years.

During that period the revolutionary storm spent its fury upon the Old Dominion. The traitor Arnold and the tyrant Cornwallis were tinging its streams and saturating its soil with the blood of its n.o.ble sons. Fire, sword, murder, rapine, ruin and destruction marked their savage course.

Her legislature was driven from Richmond to Charlotteville--to Staunton--to the Warm Springs and found but a transient rest at either place. During these rapid removes Mr. Harrison remained cool, collected and firm and was prolific in the best measures to ward off impending dangers. He did much to rouse the people to action and dispel the terrors of their minds. He knew no "fugitive fear"--the a.s.sertion of another writer to the contrary notwithstanding and without any foundation in fact, for the purpose of raising his own hero above his proper level by climbing upon the shoulders of the towering reputation of Mr. Harrison. This fict.i.tious capital will not answer even at this late day. Records speak for the dead in a voice that paralyzes the slanderer like the hand writing that shook the st.u.r.dy frame of Belshazzar.

In 1782 Mr. Harrison was elected Governor of Virginia and a.s.sumed a herculean task. The recent devastations of the British army aided by tories who remained on the soil, had thrown everything into one chaotic ma.s.s. He entered upon the discharge of his duties with an energy that showed no "fugitive fear" and became one of the most popular chief magistrates that ever filled the gubernatorial chair of the Old Dominion. He was re-elected twice and was then inelligible by the const.i.tution and once more sought retirement. Without his knowledge or consent he was immediately after nominated for the legislature and for the first time defeated. This was effected by a cunning device of his opponent. When Governor he had ordered the militia to level the embankments at Yorktown which was the first and last unpopular act of his life. This was the political hobby-horse on which his opponent gained the race. Mr. Harrison removed into the adjoining county of Surrey and was returned to the same Legislature with his successful compet.i.tor. To add to the chagrin of his opponents he was elected Speaker of the House. Before the year expired he was urged to return to his former residence. Old age and declining health induced him to permanently retire from public life.

In 1788 he was a member of the Convention of his State to which the Federal Const.i.tution was submitted and was chairman of the first committee--that of privileges and elections. He opposed the doc.u.ment in some of its details as being too indefinite in defining the powers of the General and State Governments but approved it as a whole with certain amendments that were returned with it. So strong was the opposition to its adoption by nearly half of the delegates that this large minority held a private meeting in the night for the purpose of adopting plans of opposition that were calculated to produce the most fatal consequences. Fortunately this cool and deliberate patriarch of Liberty gained admittance and prevailed upon them to submit to the majority of nine and pursue the legal remedy for obtaining amendments after it became the law of the land. This n.o.ble and patriotic act formed the crowning glory of his public career.

In 1790 he was nominated for Governor but declined serving and used his utmost influence in favor of Mr. Randolph and induced his own son to vote against him who was a member of the House which elected the Chief Magistrate. Mr. Randolph was unpopular with some of the members who were confident of defeating him could they prevail upon Mr. Harrison to consent to be used as a party man. His Roman integrity and influence prevailed and Mr. Randolph was made Governor.

During the next year his health declined rapidly. Shortly after his unanimous election to the Legislature he was prostrated by a severe attack of the gout which terminated his long and useful life in April 1791, leaving a large family of children to mourn the loss of a kind father--his country to lament the exit of a favorite son and n.o.ble patriot. He was the father of the late President Harrison who survived just one month after his inauguration.

Mr. Harrison was a man of great muscular power--above the middle height, graceful but plain in his manners with an intelligent countenance indicating strength of mind and decision of character. During the latter part of his life he became quite corpulent in consequence of a quiet mind and good dinners. His private character was above reproach. His wit and humor made him a pleasant companion--his intelligence and good sense made him an instructive one. His cool head, good heart, sound judgment and agreeable temperament made him an important public servant just suited to the times in which he lived. Were all our legislators of the present day like him--fanaticism and ultraism could not flourish--our UNION would be safe.

JOHN HART.