Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 27

In 1758 Gen. Abercrombie planned an attack upon Ticonderoga. The rangers under Major Rodgers were sent forward to reconnoitre the enemy and make way for the main body of troops. The evening previous to that fatal attack the Major received orders to carry the bridge between Lake George and the plains of Tie early the next morning. On the approach of the rangers the French and Indians were a.s.sembled in force to dispute their pa.s.sage. A halt was made--Capt. Stark advised the Major to advance rapidly by which means the bridge was cleared instantly. During the whole of that sanguinary action no officer manifested more cool and determined bravery than Capt. Stark. The Colonial troops were defeated which ended that campaign. It was an unfortunate affair inspiring the Indians with boldness in their career of predatory warfare.

Early in 1759 Capt. Stark obtained leave of absence and hastened to his fond parents and friends. Above all he consummated his plighted vows to Elizabeth Page who he promptly led to the hymeneal altar in the good old fas.h.i.+oned way. The tables were covered with spare-ribs, baked pork and beans, pumpkin pies, short cake, gingerbread and dough-nuts. Smiling faces, hearty kisses and good wishes had free course and were not cramped into nonent.i.ty by modern etiquette. Imported refinement has been frittering away the richest enjoyments of American life for the last fifty years.

The ensuing spring he repaired to his post in the army and added to his military fame in the reduction of Crown Point and Tie. He served to the end of the French war and saw the English standard wave triumphantly over the Canadas. His bravery forced unqualified applause from his superiors who were subsequently compelled to witness a new edition of his military tactics fresh from the font of liberty.

At the consummation of the conquest of the Canadas he retired to the bosom of his family where he drank deeply of the untold joys of domestic felicity until British tyranny roused him to action in a n.o.bler cause.

He had fought in the army of the mother country until her most hated enemy had been conquered on the heights of Abraham. He had been her faithful subject but was not willing to become her slave. He boldly opposed the usurpations of the crown and kindled the fire of patriotism in all around him who had courage to be free. He was prudent but firm as the granite rock. He hoped for the best--prepared for the worst. He delighted in the suns.h.i.+ne of peace but held himself ready to meet the fury of the impending storm should it burst upon his beloved country. He pointed his neighbors to the dark clouds as they rose higher and blacker and urged them to prepare for the approaching crisis. Soon American blood stained the heights of Lexington--the cry--_to arms! to arms!_--rent the air and was carried, as on wings of mighty wind, to the remotest bounds of the down-trodden colonies.

On the reception of this heart-rending news Capt. Stark mounted his horse and hastened to the scene of action. On his way he imparted patriotic fire to those he met urging them to rally at Medford where he would meet them on his return. Large numbers a.s.sembled there with their rusty muskets, powder-horns and slugs. By acclamation he was made their leader with the rank of Colonel aided by Lieut. Col. Wyman and Maj.

McClary. Ten large companies promptly rallied around him with hearts beating high for their injured bleeding country. The necessary discipline was introduced--all were anxious to learn military tactics.

Shortly after the organization of his regiment Col. Stark was ordered by Gen. Ward to examine Noodle's Island for the purpose of locating a battery. With two other officers he repaired to the place designated and returned under a brisk but harmless fire from a British boat in close pursuit. At the battle of Bunker's Hill his regiment seemed invincible. Unbroken and undismayed--his brave soldiers repelled the repeated attacks of the enemy with dreadful slaughter. When ordered to retreat his men reluctantly obeyed the command.

In the service of enlisting troops and obtaining supplies for the army Col. Stark had no superior. His influence was broad and commanding. When Boston was evacuated he marched his regiment to New York to aid in erecting fortifications. The ensuing May he was ordered to Canada. In June he met his troops at St. Johns and proceeded to the mouth of the Sorrel. The unfortunate expedition to Three Rivers was undertaken contrary to his advice. At Chamblee he and his men rendered essential service to the troops at that place then suffering under the small-pox.

From there he crossed over to Chimney Point and encamped. When ordered to Ticonderoga by Gen. Schuyler he drew up a formal remonstrance a.s.signing his specific objections and correctly pointed out the disasters that must and did render the expedition abortive. On presenting his views to the General he obeyed the order. When Gen. Gates took command of the northern army he placed Col. Stark over a brigade.

Towards the close of that campaign Congress was led into the error of raising several younger Colonels to Brigadiers--a violation of common justice--a source of discord in the army. About the same time Col. Stark marched into Pennsylvania and joined Was.h.i.+ngton a few days before the battle of Trenton. So poorly shod and disheartened were the soldiers that then composed the mere nucleus of the American army, that they melted the snow with gus.h.i.+ng blood from their feet and scalding tears from their eyes. At the battle of Trenton Col. Stark led the vanguard and contributed largely towards obtaining the most important victory of the Revolution. At Princeton he was equally efficient. On retiring to winter quarters at Morristown Was.h.i.+ngton despatched him to his native state to raise recruits and supplies. In April he was surprised to learn that a new roll of promotions had been made out and his name omitted. He was too patriotic to complain--too high-minded to submit to such ingrat.i.tude. He surrendered his commission and retired to his farm--still urging every man to action in the cause of Liberty.

When New Hamps.h.i.+re was called upon to furnish men to oppose the onward march of Burgoyne Gen. Stark was urged to take command of her troops. He informed the Council he was willing to lead the troops where duty called but would not place himself under any power but that of his own state.

His terms were promptly accepted. The brave Stark was immediately under way with an independent corps of dauntless soldiers who were ready to follow _him_ through storms of iron hail and British thunder. He encamped at Bennington, Vermont, where he was waited upon by Maj. Gen.

Lincoln who had orders to conduct the New Hamps.h.i.+re troops to headquarters. The Maj. Gen. found himself in the wrong box and returned to Gen. Gates who complained to Congress and Was.h.i.+ngton that Gen. Stark was bent on fighting upon his own hook which he was permitted to do with great effect. Apprised of this apparent discord Burgoyne despatched Col.

Baum to cut off the Americans by detail. Gen. Stark determined to give the ill.u.s.trious visitant a warm reception. On the 13th of August 1777 Baum encamped on an eminence near the town and erected a breastwork of logs--his ardor for a sudden attack having abated. Early the next morning Gen. Stark formed his troops into two divisions of attack and a reserve. The two divisions advanced upon the front and rear of the enemy at the same time and drove them so rapidly upon the reserve that many were killed and most of the balance taken prisoners. In a short time a formidable reinforcement approached from the British army ready to s.n.a.t.c.h the laurels of victory from the Americans. At that critical moment Col. Warner advanced with his bold Green Mountain boys and kept a far superior number at bay until Gen. Stark could bring all his men into action that could be spared from guarding the prisoners. The red coats were routed and were so generous as to leave their artillery for the use of the patriots. A considerable number of prisoners were taken in the second engagement--the mantle of night saved many more from the same fate. As Gen. Burgoyne advanced, Gen. Stark retired to the vicinity of the American army to take part in a general engagement which he saw must soon occur.

On the 15th September his term of service expired when he returned home with his troops. He immediately reported himself to the council and urged the necessity of sending new recruits at once to aid in capturing the British army. In a few days he joined Gen. Gates with a stronger force than before. He was in favor of a bold movement and placed his troops in the rear to cut off all communication with Lake George. The surrender of Gen. Burgoyne took place soon after when Gen. Stark returned home with his troops. Shortly after his return Congress commissioned him to prepare an expedition against Canada making his head quarters at Albany, New York. He performed the duties a.s.signed him with promptness and fidelity. The project was abandoned and he permitted to return to his family. Early in 1778 he was put in command of the northern department which was in a chaotic condition--with but few troops to protect an extensive frontier--a combination of tories, peculators, defaulters and reckless speculators around him--all tending to render his situation unpleasant and embarra.s.sing. He commenced a rigid reform and continued in the vigorous discharge of his duty until October when he joined Gen. Gates in Rhode Island where he continued until the close of that campaign. During the ensuing winter he was engaged in raising recruits and supplies for the army. The next spring he was stationed in Rhode Island to attend to any calls that might be made by the enemy and received all their visiting parties with such marked prompt.i.tude and attention that they took final leave in November.

About this time he was ordered to join Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton in New Jersey with such troops as could be spared from the garrison. The campaign closed without the antic.i.p.ated battle and Gen. Stark was put upon his usual winter service of obtaining recruits and supplies for the army.

Early in the ensuing May he joined Was.h.i.+ngton at Morristown and was in the battle of the Short Hills. Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton found it necessary to send him back to New England to obtain more recruits and supplies and concentrate them at West Point. This duty he performed n.o.bly and successfully. He then repaired to his troops at the Liberty Pole in New Jersey. In September he joined Gen. St. Clair. Shortly after that he was ordered to advance near York Island with 2500 men and a large train of wagons and secure all the grain and forage possible and remain their for further orders. He was completely successful, returning to West Point with a large supply of necessaries for the army. On his return he was reduced very low by sickness which rendered him unfit for duty until the next spring when he was put in command of the northern department. He found it in a worse condition than when he took charge of it previously.

Tories, spies, traitors and robbers were acting in concert with the enemy in Canada. Energetic measures were required and adopted. A military post was established at Saratoga. A leader of the plunderers was arrested and his company secured. A British Lieutenant's commission was found upon his person--he was tried by a court martial--condemned as a spy and hung the next day. His friends were threatening and noisy--a copy of the proceedings was sent to Was.h.i.+ngton--received his unqualified approbation and placed Gen. Stark in a position to restore the department to a healthy tone. He continued at that station until after the surrender of Cornwallis when he returned to his native state for the winter to raise recruits and supplies. It is believed Gen. Stark did more in this service than any one individual during the Revolution.

Deservedly popular, a patriot of the first water, an officer of cool undaunted bravery and great skill--he exerted a large and salutary influence. He was very successful during the winter and reported himself to Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton early in April--receiving the hearty thanks of the commander-in-chief for his faithful services during the struggle for freedom. At West Point he closed his long and useful military career--took an affectionate leave of his companions in arms--urged upon his troops the propriety of returning to their homes in peaceful and dignified order and of preserving pure and untarnished the rich laurels that decked their manly brows. He was greeted with enthusiastic applause and tears of affection unknown to the present era. He returned to the warm embrace of his dear family and bid a last farewell to public life.

His advice was often asked and wisely imparted in public affairs.

Quietly and happily he pa.s.sed down the current of time until the 8th day of May 1822 when his frail bark of earth was moored in the port of death--his immortal spirit in the haven of eternal rest.

In all the private relations of life Gen. Stark was pure beyond all suspicion. He was worthy, virtuous, amiable and honest in the fullest sense of these terms. In reviewing his life we are carried back to that eventful era when the pilgrim fathers held their lives by a slender tenure amidst the red men of the wilderness that they might enjoy that liberty of conscience which is the inalienable gift of G.o.d. If all could but faintly realize the value of the blood and treasure that our Liberty cost--the reckless party spirit that is now stripping that Liberty of its richest foliage, would be banished from the heart of every reflecting man--patriotism would revive like drooping plants after a summer shower--demagogues would find their proper level and disorganizers have permission to stay at home or make an excursion up salt river. Then we might more fondly hope for the perpetuity of our glorious UNION--the preservation of that FREEDOM which has been sacredly transmitted to our care.

RICHARD STOCKTON.

Discretion is wisdom put in practice. It is the development of a sound judgment and good heart. It seeks a happy equilibrium in all things--aims at pure happiness in time and futurity--seeks to accomplish n.o.ble ends by honorable means--shuns every appearance of evil--meets the ills flesh is heir to with Christian fort.i.tude and resignation. It applies the touch stone of plain common sense and Revelation to everything. The discreet man discerns what is clearly right and has moral courage and energy to pursue it. He is cool, deliberate, resolute, strong, efficient. He practices economy without parsimony, benevolence without ostentation, sincerity without dissimulation, goodness without affectation, religion without hypocrisy, power without abuse.

Parents should teach this sterling virtue to their children by precept and example. Teachers should enforce it upon their pupils as the helm of human action. It should be the bright morning star in the political arena--legislative halls--cabinet--executive chamber--international intercourse--courts of justice--seminaries of learning--pulpit--social meetings--domestic circle--family government--juvenile nursery--in short--discretion should regulate all our conduct for time and eternity.

So thought and so acted Richard Stockton, born near Princeton, New Jersey, in October 1730. His great grandfather of the same name came from England in 1670--purchased some 7000 acres of land near Princeton and in 1682 effected the first European settlement made in that part of the Province. On this estate the Stockton family continued to reside happily until driven off by the army of Lord Howe.

Under the instruction of the celebrated Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, Princ.i.p.al of West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, the talents of Richard were rapidly and strongly developed in early youth. From that seminary he went to the college at Princeton and graduated at the first annual commencement of Na.s.sau Hall in 1748. At the age of eighteen he commenced the study of law under David Ogden then at the head of the New Jersey bar. He studied closely for six years when he was admitted fully prepared for the practice of law. How different the course of law students now. Two years of superficial study is deemed a hards.h.i.+p by some young men. A mere smattering of the elementary principles is imprinted on their _memories_ not on their _understandings_. A collegiate diploma and influential friends are thrown into the dangerous breach, a slight examination is made--the young _men_ not the young _lawyers_, are admitted to the bar, fully prepared to create litigation and lead their clients into the vortex of error and trouble--perhaps ruin them.

Not so with Mr. Stockton. Years of toil had prepared him to become a safe and judicious adviser. He could clearly discern the right and wrong between litigants--then kindly enforce the one and correct the other by sound reasoning and a lucid exposition of the principles of law and equity applicable to the case. Such lawyers are peace makers--a blessing in community. The reverse are cancers upon society--an annoyance to courts the sepulchres of their clients' money--living nuisances in the commoving ma.s.s.

Mr. Stockton opened an office at his paternal mansion and rose rapidly to the zenith of professional eminence. His fame expanded so widely that he was frequently employed to try important suits in other colonies. In 1763 he was honored with the degree of Sergeant at Law. In 1766, he closed his professional career richly rewarded for his faithful and arduous labors. He committed the settlement of his business and his practice to Elias Boudinot who had married his sister and who was well qualified to follow in the steps of his ill.u.s.trious predecessor.

Anxious to further enrich his mind, in June of that year he embarked for Europe and arrived safely at London. His legal fame had been spread in that country--his visit was antic.i.p.ated and he was received by the dignitaries of England with marked attention. He was presented at the Court of St. James by one of the Cabinet members and delivered to the King an address from the College of New Jersey, expressive of their joy at the repeal of the peace disturbing Stamp Act.

During his stay in Europe he rendered lasting service to this college by inducing Dr. Witherspoon to become its President pursuant to his recent election to that station--adding another brilliant star to the list of high minded talented patriots who n.o.bly conceived, boldly prosecuted and gloriously consummated the emanc.i.p.ation of the colonies. During his visit he communicated freely with the statesmen of England who were friendly to the cause of const.i.tutional rights and confirmed them more strongly in favor of the Americans.

In February following he visited Edinburgh where he received the kindest attention from those in commission who gave him the freedom of the city and a magnificent public dinner at which he delivered an eloquent and thrilling speech--fully sustaining his reported forensic fame--more than realizing their most sanguine antic.i.p.ations. His company was courted by the most scientific of that ancient seat of learning. He was made the honored and welcome guest of every n.o.bleman on whom he could call.

He also visited Dublin and received the hearty Irish welcome so characteristic of that warm hearted nation. The oppressed situation of that down trodden people convinced him more strongly of the fate that awaited his native country if she yielded to the imperious and humiliating demands of the British ministry. His n.o.ble resolves were then and there made--he was prepared for future action.

Mr. Stockton was surprised to find so few in England who understood the situation and character of the Americans--the English were astonished to find so great a man from the western wilderness. Misapprehension often produces disastrous consequences to individuals and nations. The comprehensive mind of this philanthropist readily saw the result of this ignorance of the people of the mother country relative to the colonists and embraced every opportunity to dispel this dark mist that hung over the land of his ancestors like the mantle of night. With many he succeeded--but when those who wield the destiny of a nation are wading in corruption--breathing the atmosphere of tyranny--influenced by sordid avarice--thirsting for a stretch of power--delighting in cruelly and oppression--they dethrone reason--would dethrone Jehovah if they could--defy justice--trample on const.i.tutions and laws--stop at nothing to accomplish their demoniac purposes. Thus acted the British ministers when they turned a deaf ear to the pet.i.tions and remonstrances of the Americans and the wise counsels and warning voices of the ablest statesmen in their Parliament. With untiring industry and determined perseverance they wove the web of our Independence and gave it an enduring and beautiful texture before unknown.

The mind of Mr. Stockton was enriched and embellished by his varied intercourse with the great men of the United Kingdom. He had listened to the forensic eloquence and powerful arguments of Blackstone and the other celebrated pleaders in Westminster Hall. He had treasured his mind with the clear and erudite decisions of the learned judges who then graced the English bench. He had witnessed the enrapturing rhetoric of Chatham--the logical genius of Burke--the fascinating manners of Chesterfield and saw Garrick on the flood tide of his glory.

After an absence of a little over a year he embarked for home and arrived in September 1767. He was received with demonstrations of the liveliest joy by his fellow citizens and with great kindness and affection by his relatives.

In consequence of the high opinion of his talents entertained by the king he appointed him to a seat in the Supreme Judiciary and Executive Council in 1769. In 1774 he was appointed an a.s.sociate judge of the Supreme Court with David Ogden his law preceptor. Two better judges could not have been selected for the people--but to the king they ultimately became as obnoxious as a crown of thorns and plume of thistles.

The revolutionary storm was gathering. Dark clouds were rolling into a conglomerated ma.s.s. An awful crisis had arrived. The flames of revenge were spreading like fire on a prairie in autumn. Mr. Stockton was a favorite of the crown. It became necessary for him to choose whom he would serve. The immense influence he wielded made his decision of great importance to the king and Colonies. Now came the test of patriotism.

Sordid self and inflated aristocracy could have had no difficulty in deciding. Nor had he, but came to a very different conclusion from most of the crown officers. He knew much of the mother country--he knew and loved his own better. The pomp of kings and pageantry of courts had no charms for him. He was a republican, a patriot, a friend of LIBERTY. In her cause he promptly enlisted--under her banner he took his stand willing to sacrifice kingly favor, property and life in defence of the sacred rights of his bleeding injured country. He carried with him his friend, Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, both of whom were elected to the Continental Congress in June 1776, just in time to immortalize their names by recording them on the Magna Charta of our rights. Mr. Stockton was among its boldest advocates, brandis.h.i.+ng the amputating knife fearlessly in public and private circles. Nor did he stand alone. The members of that body soon acquired the art of cutting _five_ and _six_.

They forged and finished a blade, pure as Damascus steel and placed it in the hands of their proscribed President. At one bold stroke the cords of parental authority were cut asunder. America was redeemed, regenerated and free. LIBERTY dipped her golden pen in the cerulean font of JUSTICE and recorded the names of the FIFTY-SEVEN upon the s.h.i.+ning tablet of enduring fame. Heaven smiled its approbation--angels shouted for joy--nations gazed with admiring wonder--every patriot responded a loud--AMEN!!!

The rich store of information, matured experience, soaring talent and enrapturing eloquence of Mr. Stockton--rendered him one of the most useful members of that Congress. His acute knowledge of law, political economy, human nature, chartered rights and of men and things--commanded the respect and esteem of all his colleagues. He performed every duty with zeal, industry and integrity. In the autumn of 1776 he was sent with George Clymer to inspect the northern army, with power to supply its wants and correct any existing abuses. In the able discharge of this duty they had the approbation of Congress and the army.

Soon after his return Mr. Stockton was called to remove his family to save his wife and children from the proverbial brutality of the approaching enemy. In the effort to do this he was taken prisoner and in the most inhuman manner taken to New York and consigned to the common prison. He was deprived of every comfort--kept twenty-four hours without any provision and then received a coa.r.s.e and scanty supply--the British violating the laws of humanity--of nations and all rules of civilized warfare. This base treatment impaired his health and laid the foundation of disease that hastened his death. His capture was effected by the information of a Tory who was subsequently indicted and punished for his perfidy.

This abuse of one of its members roused the indignation of Congress.

Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton was directed to send a flag of truce to Gen. Howe and through great exertions finally obtained the release of Mr. Stockton.

Simultaneous with his capture the demoniac enemy committed to the flames his extensive library, papers and everything combustible--leaving his highly ornamented plantation a blackened waste.

Oppressed by want and disease he was unable again to take his seat in Congress but continued to be a consulted counsellor in public affairs at his residence near Princeton. His opinions had great weight and proved a national blessing. Among his complicated diseases he had a painful cancer upon his neck. He endured his severe affliction with Christian fort.i.tude up to the 28th of February 1781 when death relieved him from pain and consigned him to the peaceful kingdom of the dead. At his exit to the world of spirits many warm hearts were sad--thousands dropped the sympathetic tear--our nation mourned the loss of a valued son.

Thus prematurely closed the brilliant career of one of the bright luminaries of that eventful period. His science and knowledge were unusually extensive. He was the first Chief Justice of his state under the new const.i.tution. He acquitted himself n.o.bly in all the relations of life--lawyer, judge, statesman, patriot, gentleman, citizen, friend, husband, father, Christian and man. He was an ornament to society--an honor to his country and a blessing to mankind.

THOMAS STONE.

The man who has a just sense of the responsibilities of a high public office is the last to seek it. The more clearly a sensible una.s.suming man perceives the magnitude of a public trust the more he mistrusts his capacity to discharge its duties--yet such a man is the very one to be trusted. It was with great diffidence that Was.h.i.+ngton a.s.sumed the command of the American armies. No one can be pointed out who possessed as fully all the requisites to meet the times that tried the souls and bodies of men. John Hanc.o.c.k quailed under his appointment to the Presidential Chair of Congress. No one manifested more firmness in the cause of freedom--no one could have filled that chair with more dignity.

It is only in times of danger that men of the greatest worth become most conspicuous. They are then sought for by the virtuous portion of community. In times of peace and prosperity the same men may be called to the councils of a nation without exciting great applause whilst the names of noisy demagogue politicians are carried over the world on the wings of venal partisan prints and held up as the conservators of the body politic. It is at such times that our best men shrink from the public gaze. It is at such times that the canker worm of political intrigue carries on the work of death. It is at such times that peculation stalks abroad at noon day with hideous form and unblus.h.i.+ng impudence. It is at such times that the conclave caucusers consume the midnight oil to concoct plans to dupe the dozing people and secure to themselves the loaves and fishes. It is only in times of strong commotion and certain peril that men of sterling merit become most prominent and are duly appreciated. This fact was fully demonstrated during the American Revolution. Many were then called to deliberate in the solemn a.s.semblies who had not been previously known as public men and who retired when the mighty work of Independence was completed. They were selected for their discretion, honesty, wisdom, firmness and patriotism.

Of this cla.s.s was Thomas Stone, a descendant of William Stone who was governor of Maryland during the reign of Cromwell. He was born at Pointon Manor, Charles County, Maryland in 1743. He was well educated under the instruction of a Scotch clergyman and read law with Thomas Johnson of Annapolis. He commenced a successful practice at that place and was held in high estimation by the community in which he lived.

Modest, una.s.suming, industrious, a close student, a judicious counsellor and an honest man--he was admired and beloved for his substantial worth and sterling merit. He possessed a clear head, sound judgment and good heart. His mind was vigorous, a.n.a.lyzing, investigating and philosophical. He was a friend to equal rights and delighted in seeing every one happy. He detested oppression in all its various shades from the abuse of a worm up to the capstone of the climax of creation--MAN.

He was patriotic, kind, n.o.ble, benevolent, generous.

With such feelings he could not carelessly look upon the oppressions of the Grenville administration. When the Stamp Act was pa.s.sed he was a youth in politics but the discussions upon its odiousness deeply interested him. He was an attentive listener and a thorough investigator. His opposition to such encroachments became firm. A holy indignation was awakened in his manly bosom and prepared him for future action. Still he avoided the public gaze. In private circles he conversed freely, lucidly and understandingly upon the subject of American rights and British wrongs. But just previous to his being called by his country to deliberate in her councils could he be induced to mount the rostrum in the forum and display his very respectable forensic powers. When the Boston Port Dill was proclaimed Mr. Stone surmounted the barriers of diffidence and came out boldly against abused power. His example had a salutary influence upon those around him. All knew there must be something radically wrong--that some portentous cloud hung over the Colonies if Thomas Stone was roused to public action. In times of peril the influence of such men is of the highest value. The declaimer who is always on hand at public meetings charged with a Niagara cataract of words must be a Demosthenes or Cicero to long keep a strong hold upon the hearts of the people. And if he does so his influence is only popular--not of that deep-toned kind that moves the living ma.s.s only from a deliberate conviction of imperative duty. The cool, the reflecting, the calculating, the timid and the wavering are operated upon magically when they see such a man as Thomas Stone go boldly forward and advocate a cause that they at first believed problematical.

On the 8th of December 1774 he was elected to the Continental Congress and took his seat on the 15th of the ensuing May. The meeting had been deeply solemn and imposing the year before but at that time increased responsibilities rested upon the members. The cry of blood was ringing in their ears--the fury of the revolutionary storm was increasing--the clash of arms and mortal combat had commenced--the vials of British wrath were unsealed--civil government was at an end. To meet such a crisis required the wisdom of Solon, the patriotism of Cincinnatus, the acuteness of Locke, the eloquence of Demosthenes and Cicero, the caution of Tacitus, the learning of Atticus, the energy of Virginius, the honesty of Socrates, the justice of Aristides, the boldness of Caesar, the perseverance of Hannibal, the concentrated and harmonious action of all the colonies. These qualities were all represented by the members of the Continental Congress to a degree that has no parallel in history.