Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 3

The importance of increasing our navy is felt but by a few of our legislators and not urged by them. Americans are the favorite sons of Neptune. With shamefully limited means they have fought their way to the temple of fame. With a maritime force far inferior to the resources and magnitude of our prosperous and expansive country--far inferior to that of the enemy whom they met and conquered--they have s.n.a.t.c.hed the laurels of victory from the mistress of the seas and placed them upon their own manly brows. Had our government been as forward in providing s.h.i.+ps of war as our naval officers and n.o.ble tars have been in courting danger, shedding their blood and sacrificing life in defence of the star spangled banner--the combined forces of the old world would dread our power more than they now respect our flag. By an equal force our seamen cannot be conquered. History points to a long list of heroes--sons of America--who have carved their names as high on the temple of fame as Sidney and Nelson.

Among them is that of Joshua Barney--born in Baltimore, Maryland on the 6th day of July 1759. His father was a respectable farmer cultivating the soil now within the city limits. His son was sent to a common school until he was ten years of age and was then placed in a retail dry goods store at Alexandria. In 1771 he revealed to his parents his long nursed vision of a seaman's life. Reluctantly his father obtained for him a place on board a pilot boat commanded by an intimate friend. After a few months service he was apprenticed to Capt. Drisdall whose brig was bound to Ireland. After a long and rough pa.s.sage the vessel reached the cove of Cork. From thence the Captain proceeded to Liverpool where he sold his cargo and brig. Young Barney returned home by the way of Dublin.

Soon after his arrival his father was killed by the accidental discharge of a pistol in the hands of a young son but seven years of age. Joshua subsequently made a voyage to Cadiz and Genoa. In 1775 he sailed to Italy. On arriving there the mate was discharged, the captain taken sick which put Barney in command of the s.h.i.+p. He was not then sixteen years of age.

In July of that year he joined an unsuccessful Spanish expedition against Algiers. In October 1776 he arrived in Chesapeake Bay where he was boarded by the officers of the British sloop of war King Fisher and plundered of all his letters and arms. He there first received intelligence of the battle of Bunker Hill. He was at length permitted to proceed to Baltimore where his vessel was laid up. He had been her captain eight months--had pa.s.sed through many perils with courage and skill that would have done credit to a man ripe in years and experience.

He had earned the fame of a skilful navigator and judicious commander.

He was not long in choosing whom he should serve for the future. He was born a patriot. The fire of liberty illuminated his soul. Freedom pointed him to the service of his beloved country. He was appointed master's mate on the sloop of war Hornet under Capt. Stone. Com. Hopkins presented him with a flag which he mounted on a staff--obtained martial music--beat up for volunteers and in one day raised a full complement of men for the sloop. He was the first one who unfurled the star spangled banner in Maryland.

In November the Hornet and Wasp sailed for the Delaware to join Com.

Hopkins. The British fleet was in Hampton Roads to intercept them but could not bag the game. On their arrival the fleet of the Commodore consisted of two small frigates, two brigs and four sloops. With this infant navy just bursting into life he sailed for the Bahama Island New Providence--took the fort without opposition--secured the military stores--treated the people and private property with due respect and returned safely to the Delaware with his booty. Soon after his return Barney was stationed on board the Wasp under Capt. Alexander who was ordered to conduct the s.h.i.+p beyond the capes that conveyed Benjamin Franklin to France. On its return the Wasp was closely pursued by two British s.h.i.+ps carrying 72 guns and escaped by running into Wilmington creek. The next morning Com. Hazelwood went down from Philadelphia with several row gallies and boldly attacked the Englishmen which enabled the Wasp to come out and take part in the action. This little schooner stung the British brig Tender so severely that she surrendered in a short time and was immediately taken to the Jersey sh.o.r.e. On his return to join the games amidst a dense fog, Capt. Alexander came in close contact with the fleet of the enemy. He met with a warm reception and returned the salutation promptly and effectually. After an exchange of the most impressive compliments he returned to the gallies. A brisk fire was kept up during the day which convinced the creatures of the crown that the infant navy was not to be trifled with. During the action young Barney went on board another vessel that was not fully manned. His bold and n.o.ble daring on that occasion elevated him in the esteem of his superiors and companions in arms. Robert Morris, then President of the Marine Committee, presented him with a lieutenant's commission and put him in command of the sloop of war Sachem. He was then but seventeen years of age. Shortly after receiving his commission Lieut. Barney partic.i.p.ated with Capt. Robinson in a severe action of two hours which resulted in the capture of an English brig. A large sea turtle, designed as a present to Lord North, was one of the delicacies of the prize. It was presented to Robert Morris. In a few days after his return Lieut.

Barney spread the canvas of his little craft in company with the Andrew Dorin with fourteen guns and the Lexington--all under the command of Capt. Barry and sailed for the West Indies. On their return they fell in with the British sloop of war Race Horse--tender to Admiral Parker's fleet, which he had sent out from Jamaica on purpose to capture these American "small craft." After a sanguinary action of two hours the English nag was cut in pieces, distanced and surrendered at discretion.

Shortly after that brilliant victory the British sloop of war Snow was captured and Lieut. Barney placed on board as prize-master. He was overtaken by a gale that threatened to land all hands in Davy Jones'

locker--was badly crippled and captured by the Perseus of twenty guns.

During the pa.s.sage young Barney was insulted by the purser of the Perseus and knocked him down the hatchway for which he was commended by the British captain. On their arrival at Charleston an exchange of prisoners took place which enabled Lieut. Barney to return to Philadelphia with fresh laurels on his youthful brow.

In the spring of 1777 he joined the squadron for the defence of the Delaware composed of the Delaware--32 guns--the Sachem, Andrew Dorin and several smaller vessels--all under the command of Com. Hazelwood. They were stationed near Fort Mifflin and bravely maintained their position until the next autumn when the little fleet and fort were compelled to yield to a superior force. Lieut. Barney was then ordered on board the frigate Virginia at Baltimore commanded by Capt. Nicholson. In an attempt to run her to sea at night the pilot brought up on the opposite sh.o.r.e where she and her crew fell an easy prey to the enemy. In August the ensuing year Lieut. Barney was exchanged--proceeded to Baltimore--took command of a small schooner with two guns and eight men and was again captured in an attempt to run out of Chesapeake Bay. He was soon exchanged and joined his old friend Capt. Robinson at Alexandria on board a vessel with 12 guns, 35 men and but a small supply of ammunition. On the third evening after leaving port they fell in with the British privateer Rosebud--fully manned and eager for action. A running fight was continued during the night. Daylight revealed a rapid opening and expansion of the Rosebud--she hauled off with 47 of her men killed and wounded. Capt. Robinson had none killed and but one man wounded. He then sailed to Bordeaux--mounted eighteen guns--s.h.i.+pped 70 men--took in a cargo of brandy and sailed for home. On his way he captured a valuable prize--placed it in charge of Lieut. Barney who arrived with it at Philadelphia in October 1779. He was received with great enthusiasm and applause. Lavished praises did not inflame his youthful mind. Vanity had no resting-place in his n.o.ble soul. Pomp and parade had no charms for him. He bore his prosperity with the calm dignity of a Socrates. He steered clear of the alluring quicksands of vice--the rocks of sinful pleasure on which many young men founder and are lost forever. His manly conduct gained the esteem of the great and good--his fame was based on substantial merit. Familiarity with scenes of blood and carnage--the rage of battle and the clash of arms did not enervate the exalted powers of his refined sympathies and softer pa.s.sions. These were commingled with those of an accomplished daughter of Alderman Bedford of Philadelphia and were consolidated in one at the hymeneal altar before he left the city of brotherly love. After basking in the rays of the honey-moon for a few days he proceeded to Baltimore.

On the way his money was stolen from the box of his carriage where he thought it more safe than in his pocket. He returned to Philadelphia--concealed his loss--went to sea in the Saratoga of 16 guns under Capt. Young.

Their first prize was a vessel carrying 12 guns. In a short time they came in contact with an English s.h.i.+p mounting 32 guns with 90 men accompanied by two brigs. Under the disguise of British colors Capt.

Young ran alongside the s.h.i.+p. In a few brief moments the star spangled banner was floating in the breeze upon the three English vessels.

Lieutenant Barney was put in charge of one of them. Becoming separated from the others he was captured by the seventy-four Intrepid commanded by Capt. Malloy and treated with great cruelty. On arriving at New York Lieut. Barney and 70 other prisoners were placed on board the s.h.i.+p of war Yarmouth by Admiral Rodney. They were confined under five decks in a dark filthy apartment but three feet between floors--twelve feet by twenty in area and ordered to England. They were 53 days performing the pa.s.sage. Eleven of the prisoners died on the way--the survivors were scarcely able to walk. They were covered with vermin and when landed could not bear the light for some time. They were sent to Mill prison where they found nearly three hundred of their fellow-countrymen sharing the same tender mercies with themselves. Soon after this new accession of rebels preparations for escape were discovered. Lieut. Barney was suspected--loaded with heavy irons and thrown into a dungeon for thirty days. By the a.s.sistance of a soldier he made his escape from prison on the 18th of May 1781--was discovered and remanded. In a second attempt he succeeded--visited Bristol, London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague. He reached Philadelphia in March 1782 amidst the heart-felt congratulations of his family and numerous friends. His sufferings had been aggravated and heart-rending. He had almost tasted death. The barbarous treatment of the American prisoners on board the English prison-s.h.i.+ps is without a parallel. It has left a stigma on the Christian escutcheon of the British nation that time or angels' tears can never expunge--a foul blot, lasting as the pages of history. My strong language may be excused when I inform the reader that one out of eight of my patriot uncles was literally suffocated and starved to death on one of those s.h.i.+ps in the port of New York. Were I to draw a full picture of the demoniac cruelties heaped upon the American prisoners in the loathsome dungeons of these floating Pandemoniums--a horror too painful to be borne would oppress the aching heart of the reader.

As a manifestation of the high value placed upon the services of young Barney, the State of Pennsylvania presented him with a captaincy and placed him in command of the Hyder Ally of 16 guns with 110 men. In a few days he proceeded down the Delaware as a convoy. On the 8th of April 1782 he was anch.o.r.ed in Cape May road waiting for a move favorable wind.

At 10 A. M. he discovered four vessels making all sail towards him. On nearing they proved to be a British frigate, s.h.i.+p, brig and sloop of war. About noon the frigate made for Cape Henlopen channel--the other vessels steering for Cape May. Capt. Barney weighed anchor and sailed up the bay to elude pursuit. At 1 P. M. the s.h.i.+p and brig came into the bay by Cape May channel--the frigate coming round under Cape Henlopen.

The following account of the action is from a gentleman who was a volunteer on board the Hyder Ally.

"At one P. M. prepared for action--all hands to quarters. At three quarters past one the brig pa.s.sed us after giving us two fires. We reserved our fire for the s.h.i.+p then fast coming up. We received very little, damage from the brig which stood after our convoy. She mounted 16 guns and was formerly the Fair American privateer commanded by Capt.

Decatur and equal to us in force. At 2 P. M. the s.h.i.+p ranged upon our starboard quarter and fired two guns at us. We were then at good pistol shot. We attempted to run her on board by laying her across the starboard bow--at the same time poured in our broadside from great guns and small arms. Our fire was briskly kept up for twenty-six minutes when she struck her colors. Immediately sent our first lieutenant on board and stood up the bay--the frigate being in chase under all sail and the brig ahead in pursuit of our convoy. We again prepared for action and stood for the brig. On perceiving this she tacked for the frigate and got aground. We were obliged to pa.s.s her as the frigate was gaining upon us. At 4 P. M. the frigate came to anchor in the bay--as we supposed for want of a pilot. We then spoke the prize for the first time and learned that she was his majesty's s.h.i.+p Gen. Monk--Capt. Rodgers--with 20 _nine_-pounders--136 men of whom 30 were killed and 53 wounded, including 15 out of 16 officers." The Hyder Ally had four killed and eleven wounded--mounted 12 _six_ and 4 _nine_-pounders--a little more than half the weight of metal carried by the Gen. Monk--with a crew of 110 men and 5 volunteers who went on board as a matter of recreation.

Capt. Barney proceeded to Philadelphia with his prize--treating his conquered foe with great kindness, soaring above retaliation for the recent base treatment he had received when a prisoner.

On his arrival at Philadelphia the welkin rang with plaudits of praise from the mult.i.tude who hailed him as one of the deliverers of their oppressed country. For his gallantry the legislature of Pennsylvania voted him a splendid sword which was presented to him by the governor with appropriate ceremonies. The General Monk was purchased by the U. S.

government--fitted for a cruise and placed in command of Capt. Barney.

He sailed for Paris in November of that year with despatches to Benjamin Franklin. His naval fame had preceded him in France and prepared the way for an enthusiastic reception at her proud metropolis. On his return he brought the loan that had been obtained by Franklin for the United States. That voyage closed his useful, adventurous, brilliant revolutionary career.

Subsequent to the revolution Capt. Barney purchased a tract of land in Kentucky for the purpose of a permanent residence. During 1786-7-8 he travelled through the West, the Carolinas and Georgia. He was a strong advocate of the Federal Const.i.tution and freely expressed his views on all proper occasions. In 1789 he was in poor health and joined with another gentleman in the purchase of a brig. They sailed to Carthagena, South America and returned by the way of Havana. In 1792 he was at Cape Francois when the town was burned. Being on sh.o.r.e he was compelled to fight his way to his s.h.i.+p and brought off with him about sixty distressed women and children. On his return he was captured by an English privateer and all his crew taken from him except his carpenter, boatswain and cook. Three officers and eleven men were put in charge of the prize and ordered to New Providence. Capt. Barney was treated with cruelty because he refused to surrender the keys of his iron chest.

Having secreted several loaded guns he and his three men retook the vessel, wounding two of the officers and compelling the Englishmen to work the s.h.i.+p into Baltimore. The little sleep Capt. Barney obtained up to the time his craft was moored at the monumental city was in his arm-chair on the quarter-deck. The next year he repeated his visit to Cape Francois and on his way home was captured by a British privateer--taken to Jamaica--his s.h.i.+p condemned and he confined in prison. It was acts like this that hastened the war of 1812. In 1794 Capt. Barney was again restored to his family. In company with James Monroe he visited the transient Republic of France in 1795 and was the bearer of the star spangled banner to the French convention. So delighted were the members with the veteran captain that they proffered him a command in their navy. The ensuing year he accepted the offer and arrived at Norfolk with two frigates where he was a long time blockaded by a British squadron. He offered to measure skill with an equal force which was prudently refused. In 1800 he surrendered his command without having had an action with the enemy. In 1805 he declined the offered command of the Navy Yard at Was.h.i.+ngton. In 1806-8 he was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress--the interests of party having become paramount to the substantial merit and righteous claims of a candidate who was not _politically available_ although covered with scars and wounds received in the purchase of our liberty--endowed with sterling talents matured by cool reflection and long experience--with a pure and honorable reputation in all respects--deficient in one thing only--_a political gum-elastic conscience_.

In 1812 he removed to Elkridge with his family. On the declaration of war against Great Britain in June of that year he was immediately called into service. He was first commissioned to cruise in a privateer and succeeded in speedily capturing eighteen British vessels--several of a superior force to his. In 1813 he was invited to take command of the armed flotilla in Chesapeake Bay. On his arrival at Was.h.i.+ngton he was surprised to find a letter to the Secretary of the Navy from a merchant in Baltimore derogatory to his character. He at once called the writer to an account and settled the matter by the inverse rule of _false_ honor by probing his breast with a blue pill which did not prove mortal.

With the rank of Commodore, Barney took command of the flotilla in the spring of 1814. It consisted of twenty-six barges and nine hundred men.

He first intended attacking the enemy at Tangier Island. On his way he met the British squadron off Patuxet and was compelled to run in there.

During the summer he annoyed the enemy constantly--captured several of their smaller vessels and several times boldly attacked their frigates--materially injuring them--then retreating quickly into shoal water beyond their reach. On the first of July he was called to Was.h.i.+ngton to aid in devising the best plan of defence against the contemplated attack by the enemy. On the 3d he returned and moved the flotilla farther up the river. On the 16th of August the British fleet entered the Patuxet in full force. An express was despatched to the Secretary of the Navy apprising him of the movement. On the 21st Com.

Barney landed most of his men--marched for Was.h.i.+ngton and joined Gen.

Winder and Capt. Miller with his marines and five pieces of artillery.

The marines were put under the command of the Commodore. On the 23d the troops were reviewed by the President and looked fine. On the 24th the enemy halted within three miles of the American camp. Skirmis.h.i.+ng occurred between small advance parties. Com. Barney proceeded to the city and took station at the marine barracks determined to defend the bridge to the last extremity. Being advised of this the British changed their route by way of Bladensburg. The main body of the American troops met them there on the 25th about 11 A. M. At a late hour Com. Barney obtained permission from the President to join them. Within a mile of that town he found the Americans formed in irregular detached parties engaged in battle. His troops were nearly out of breath--having ran--not marched to the scene of action under the burning rays of an August sun. He had scarcely formed and brought his guns to bear when the militia broke in confusion and ran for dear life. The whole British army then advanced upon the Spartan band of Barney. He saw no hope of rallying the mushroom troops that were flying but determined not to be shot on the wing himself and fill a coward's grave. He reserved his fire until the enemy came within a few yards when a discharge of round and grape shot left the front ranks struggling in death. A second time the English veterans advanced--a second time their front ranks fell like gra.s.s before a scythe. The British then left the road and approached from another direction by fording the creek then very low. All the so-called American troops had left the Commodore and his brave phalanx.

Still he stood his ground against an overwhelming force of the veterans of Waterloo. Although simultaneously charged on the right and left, he repulsed them several times with great slaughter. He had received a ball in his thigh which was bleeding profusely. At the same time his horse was killed under him. To add to his chagrin the mushroom militia had ran off with his ammunition wagon. On being nearly surrounded by the enemy and Capt. Miller severely wounded, he ordered those to retreat who were able to do so. He was carried a few yards by three of his officers and fell from loss of blood. Two of them he ordered to conduct the retreat of his gallant men. Gen. Ross and Admiral c.o.c.kburn were conducted to him and treated him kindly. They ordered him and Capt. Miller to be carried to a house in Bladensburg where their wounds were dressed and they made as comfortable as circ.u.mstances would permit. The British left 80 of their killed and wounded on the battle ground--who had fallen through the bravery of the bold sailors and marines who stood like men and fought like lions. The Americans had 60 killed and wounded 50 of whom were those who n.o.bly defended the star spangled banner of the brave Barney and Miller, showing how early in the action the shrimp militia entered leg bail and distanced all pursuit--only ten being shot on the wing as they were courageously flying from the field of glory. Had they fought as did Barney and Miller with their ocean band they would have repelled the invading foe and saved the capital of our nation from desecration. The means for success were as formidable at Bladensburg as at Baltimore and New Orleans.

After having committed the most wanton waste at the shamefully deserted city of Was.h.i.+ngton Gen. Ross retreated on the 26th with a loss of over 1000 men. He could boast of having visited and devastated the capital of a great nation filled with defenceless females and children left to his mercy and generosity by most of their _gallant_ husbands and fathers. The whole transaction as conducted by both armies does not reflect the _highest_ honor on any concerned but the brave Commodore and his companions in arms.

The day after the battle Mrs. Barney, a son and the family physician repaired to Bladensburg to aid and comfort the Commodore. It was impossible to extract the ball from his thigh which remained through life. In a few days he was able to ride home in a carriage. On the 7th of October he was so far recovered as to visit the British fleet for the purpose of exchanging prisoners. For his gallantry on the battle ground of Bladensburg the state of Georgia voted him hearty thanks--the city of Was.h.i.+ngton presented him with a splendid sword. On the 15th of October he resumed the command of the flotilla--still suffering severely from the pressure of the ball. During the ensuing winter he prepared for a vigorous spring campaign. Peace put an end to further military operations. He sailed on a mission to Europe on the 25th of May 1815 and returned on the 19th of the ensuing October. So much did his wound disable him that he was compelled to send his despatches from Baltimore to Was.h.i.+ngton. He was conveyed to his family at Elkridge and subsequently removed to Baltimore.

In 1816 he visited his lands in Kentucky in company with his lady. They were received with marked attention on their whole route. So highly pleased were they with the n.o.ble bearing, open frankness and proverbial hospitality of the Kentuckians, that they resolved on removing there at the earliest time possible. In 1818 the arrangements were completed and the journey commenced. He started his men and effects in advance and met them at Brownsville on the Monongahela. Owing to low water he was detained for some time before reaching Pittsburgh. At that place he was detained from the same cause. When the water rose he went on board with his family in the evening for the purpose of an early start the next morning. During the night he was taken ill and was removed on sh.o.r.e. His disease increased--his wounded thigh became highly inflamed--death did its work. On the 1st day of December 1818 Com. Joshua Barney was numbered with the silent dead. He breathed his life calmly away and descended to the tomb in peace. He was buried by the sympathizing citizens of Pittsburgh with all the honors of sepulture in the graveyard of the first Presbyterian church where his remains reposed until 1849 when they were removed to the splendid Allegheny Cemetery three miles from Pittsburgh. After the funeral obsequies were over and the widow and her family had partially recovered from the shock of their sudden bereavement they proceeded to their place of destination and located upon their land in Kentucky. As a small compensation for the valuable services of her husband, Congress granted Mrs. Barney a pension for life.

But few men have lived whose web of life has been filled with as many exciting events and sudden changes as was that of Com. Barney. His was a life of industry and usefulness without reaching the lofty summit of fame on which many have perched whose substantial worth was inferior to his. He discharged every duty that devolved upon him with the strictest fidelity--with an eye single to the good and glory of his country--without parade, pomp or vain show. Such men should elicit the grat.i.tude of our nation as much as those who have filled a higher rank but have not been more useful.

In all the relations of public and private life Com. Barney stood approved, admired and beloved. He lived respected and died regretted.

JOSIAH BARTLETT.

UNION--enchanting word--a harmonious euphony vibrates from its sound. It is the most mellow word in our language. It was the watchword in Heaven before this mighty globe was spoke into existence--its melody will be chanted there through the rolling ages of eternity. This magic word has rallied millions to deeds of n.o.ble daring both for good and evil. No language thrills through the soul of a patriot like the watchword of '76--"OUR UNION." Is this still the watchword of the great ma.s.s of the American people?--or is the unholy leaven of _Dissolution_ working its fearful progress from demagogues and factionists? Shall our UNION be preserved to millions yet unborn? or will we follow in the awful wake of nations who once were but now are not? Will the bone and sinew of our dear America suffer patriotism to be basely strangled by party spirit and internal dissensions? These are questions big with importance and should be promptly answered by every friend of the UNION in a voice of patriotic thunder that shall carry terror into the heart of every fanatic and disorganizer in our land.

For years too little attention has been given to the mental and moral qualifications of our legislators. _Available_ to the party has been the watchword in most cases. Cliques nominate--electioneer and hoodwink the dear people so that the destinies of our nation are emphatically placed in the hands of a meagre minority and many of this minority men of just seven principles--two loaves and five fishes. People of the United States! awake to a sense of impending danger! Return no man to a legislative hall whose uniform conduct has not proved him to be a pure patriot and no one a second time who deals in billingsgate, legislates by force of arms or favors dissolution. Unless UNION is his watchword he cannot be trusted.

UNION was the glorious rallying word of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution among whom was Josiah Bartlett born at Amesbury, Ma.s.s. in November 1729. He was the son of Stephen Bartlett a man of sterling merit and liberal principles. Josiah received a good academic education which he completed at the early age of sixteen. He then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Ordway and pursued it with great industry for five years. He then entered upon a successful practice at Kingston, New Hamps.h.i.+re, where he gained the confidence and esteem of the community. Two years after he commenced practice he was reduced very low by a fever and given up by his attending physicians.

More consistent than some physicians he experimented upon _himself_ and saved his life. He commenced taking small and frequent doses of cider--a free perspiration ensued--the fever left and he soon recovered. From that time he watched the indications and wants of nature more closely in his patients and often made judicious and successful deviations from the old beaten path of practice.

Dr. Bartlett was the first physician who boldly a.s.sumed the position that the _angina maligna tonsillaris_ [canker] was _putrid_ and not _inflammatory_ and first gave Peruvian bark for this distressing disease. He also introduced the successful practice of using antiphlogistic remedies for _cynanche maligna_ [sore throat] at that time terrific among children--four being sometimes buried in one grave from the same family. By the skill of this able physician this awful scourge was checked and stripped of its terrors. These improvements in his practice resulted from a close study and investigation of the laws of nature, ever in operation, which may be _aided_ but never _controlled_ by artificial means. Let doctors remember this fact and govern themselves accordingly.

Dr. Bartlett held several important offices under Gov. Wentworth both civil and military. Enjoying the confidence of the people he was elected to the New Hamps.h.i.+re a.s.sembly where he became a prominent opposer of the infringements of the crown upon chartered rights. Republican blood only flowed in his veins. With an Argus eye he watched the movements of the British ministry and the royalists around him. In granting charters for towns the royal governors had uniformly reserved for the ostensible use of the Episcopal Church the cream of the location. This was one of the bones of contention between the people and the governors. Taxation for illegitimate purposes was the vertebra of the hated animal. In effecting their settlements the colonists had conquered the wilderness and the savage unaided by the mother country. They were unwilling to be robbed of their hard earnings by those who desired to roll in luxury at their expense. Resistance was natural--was right. Taxation and representation are inseparable principles that cannot be divorced. They were incorporated in the eternal code of Nature and like the Siamese twins must journey together where intelligence and social order predominate.

Kingly power adopts the unholy aphorism that _might makes right_. Upon this sandy foundation the British ministers based their policy towards the American Colonies. _They_ put the Revolutionary ball in motion--its rebounding force demolished the superstructure of their power over our hardy ancestors. At the commencement of their oppressions, so prompt was resistance that the king loosened the screws for a time. But under his old preceptor, Lord Bute, backed by Lord North, he was bound to court ruin and affiance it. Most effectually did he perform his plighted vows which were freely sanctioned by the patriots of America.

Gov. Wentworth thought to secure Dr. Bartlett by making him a member of the judiciary. But there was no gift within the power of monarchy that could seduce him from the path of liberty. As the crisis was urged on by the hirelings of the crown his opposition increased in an equal ratio. A circ.u.mstance occurred that made him at once conspicuous. The favorite measure of securing a majority in the a.s.sembly at all hazards was resorted to by the Governor. He obtained the king's writ for three new members from towns that were then fully represented. This open violation of the known law of the land roused the indignation of the Doctor who carried with him others who had not before come out in favor of freedom.

The three new members were expelled--opposition to the governor rose like a July thunder gust. He was obliged to take refuge from the popular fury on board the man-of-war Fowey. His Excellency proceeded to annul the power of all liberals under commission from him. By using this air-pump too freely he produced a vacuum that caused an irreparable collapse of his own power. The line of demarcation was drawn--the war cry was raised.

Dr. Bartlett was elected to the Congress of 1774 but on account of the recent destruction of his house by fire was unable to attend. In September 1775, he took his seat and was at once placed upon several important committees. About the same time he was made colonel of a regiment of provincial troops. In Congress his duties were arduous. That body met at nine in the morning and continued in session until four in the afternoon. After that hour most of the business of the committees was faithfully attended to. At this day of inglorious ease no one can fully appreciate and but few bestow a thought upon the immense labor, treasure and blood that our UNION cost. When we learn from the historic page the difficulties that surrounded the Continental Congress--a tremendous storm bursting over their heads--retreating before a relentless foe from place to place--their country bleeding at every pore--without resources--their army nearly annihilated--we are led to wonder and admire and ask why their well formed resolutions were not shaken when the yawning gulf of destruction seemed open to devour them.

To my mind the solution is plain. A majority of the Sages and Heroes of that eventful period were truly pious and put their trust in Him who directs the destinies of nations. Their trust was well founded.

In 1776 Dr. Bartlett was again a member of Congress and took a decided stand in favor of severing the maternal cords of allegiance to the mother country and declare the child capable of self government. Many zealous patriots feared it was yet too weak. Much discussion occurred and a majority pledged themselves to take the nursling in charge. On the 4th of July 1776 the contract was signed which relieved mother Britain from further responsibility.

When the final question was taken the name of Josiah Bartlett was first called. With his eyes raised to Heaven he responded in a loud voice--_Yea_ and _Amen_! Echo caught the words from his lips and carried them on wings of wind to the remotest bounds of a nation of freemen.

They ran through the dense crowd of spectators hovering around the Hall of Independence who made the welkin ring with long and repeated responses--_Yea_ and _Amen_!!!

Worn down by fatigue the health of the Doctor became impaired and prevented his further attendance in Congress for two years. During that time he was able to aid his state in organizing her new government and in raising troops for the northern army. He served in 1778 and took a final leave of the National Legislature that he might gather up the scattered fragments of his ruined fortune and aid his own state in her effort to advance the glorious cause of national freedom. He was appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and muster master of the troops then enlisting. In 1782 he was made a justice of the Superior Court and in 1788 was appointed Chief Justice. His marked usefulness did not close with the war. The ushering in of peace made a false impression upon the great ma.s.s. Few understood the herculean task of rising from the paralysis of a seven years contest with a powerful foe--the formation of a government entirely different from the one which had stamped its customs upon the people. In my view the wisdom of the sages of the revolution was more severely taxed in perfecting our system of government than in driving the Britons from our sh.o.r.es. It often requires more wisdom to retain and enjoy, than to obtain an object.

In the new work of preparing the people for the rational enjoyment of the Independence they had achieved Dr. Bartlett took an active part.

Numerous conflicting interests were to be reconciled--an enormous debt was to be paid--many abuses and corruptions were to be corrected--a concert of feeling and action to be produced--the art of self government to be acquired. Storm after storm arose that threatened to throw our nation back into primeval darkness. It required the combined sagacity and wisdom of the boldest sages to preserve the laurels of victory, the trophies of freedom and the chart of our liberty. Long and arduous were the labors that effected a confederated consolidation. During the time this subject was under consideration several of the states were shook to the very centre by internal commotion. That concert of feeling and action which had carried the people through the perils of the war was now lost in the whirlpool of self. UNION was no longer the rallying word with the ma.s.s. Fortunately for our country those who stood at the helm during the revolutionary storm were still at the post of duty. Reason slowly resumed her sway--wise counsels prevailed--order was restored--liberty was saved.

Dr. Bartlett was a member of the Convention of N. H. that adopted the Federal Const.i.tution and gave it his zealous support. In 1789 he was elected to the U. S. Senate--the next year President of N. H. and in 1793 was elected the first governor of the state under the new order of things. He enjoyed the universal esteem of his const.i.tuents and discharged the duties of the numerous offices he filled with so much dignity, wisdom and prudence that envy and slander could find no crevice for an entering wedge.

Worn down with toil--old age ploughing deep furrows in his face for the last seed time--the confines of a brighter world just before him, he resigned his authority and closed his public career on the 29th of January 1794, covered with living honors and not a spot to tarnish the glory of his fair escutcheon. He then retired to private life full of hope--antic.i.p.ating the domestic enjoyments always desirable to those who accept of public office for the sake of their country--not for the sake of the loaves and fishes. But these long desired enjoyments were of short duration. Disease fastened its relentless grasp upon him. On the 19th of May 1795, his happy spirit left its tenement of clay--ascended to Him who gave it--leaving a nation to mourn the loss of one of its brightest ornaments--one of its n.o.blest patriots.

In his private character he fulfilled the duties of citizen, friend, husband, father and Christian. No man was more generally esteemed--no man more richly deserved it. In his whole life we have one of the fairest pictures drawn upon the easel of history. His public career was of that solid character that imparts substantial usefulness. Without dazzling, his course was right onward in the cause of universal philanthropy. He could look back upon a life well spent--he stood approved at the stern tribunal of conscience. He n.o.bly fulfilled the design of his creation--discharged his duty to his country, his fellow men and his G.o.d. He left examples that stand as beacon lights to erring man to guide him safely through this vale of tears--to statesmen and patriots to induce them to put forth their n.o.blest powers to preserve our UNION.