YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift of Edith and Maude Wetmore in memory of their father George Peabody Wetmore b.a. 1867 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS AFPOINTEB BY THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES AND OTHER PUBLIC BODIES, FROM 1770 TO 1852; COMPHISING HISTOEICAL GLEANINGS, ILLUSTKATINa THE PRINCIPLES AND PROGRESS OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS. BY JAMES SPEAE/ LORING. JFouttS Sfiition, FAMES SPEAE/ LORING. x' S?-^ C " I would have these orations collected and printed in volumea, and then write the history of the last forty-five years in commentaries upon them." John Adams, in 1816. " The precious spark of liberty had been kindled and was preserved by the Puritans alone ; * * • and it was to this sect that the English owe the whole freedom of their constitution.'' David Hume. ^¦^iiccite. BOSTON: JOHN P. JEWETT AND COMPANY. CLEVELAND, OHIO: JEWETT, PROCTOR & WORTHINGTON. 1855. Sold. Lowell City Library. mfss^sx>mis0m)wsfsm> Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, By JAMES SPEAK LORING, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetif. CV>3\.52„ STEREOTVPET) BT HOBART & ROBBINS, SEW E.VQLASD TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOraDEBY, BOSTON :^' n;>' A WORD TO THE READER. The editor, after a careful research pursued with an intense devotion during a period of nearly four years, presents this volume to the public, and here takes occasion to dedicate its pages to the glorious memory of Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Thomas Gushing, — a noble triumvirate, among the foremost of the great promoters of the American Involution. Aspiring to no higher claim than that of editor, he remarks, in addition to what has been stated at the close of the introduction on the Boston Massacre, — of which event Daniel Webster emphasizes, " from that moment we may date the severance of the British empire," — that he has embodied a great mass of materials in relation to our own political and national history, after poring over valuable manuscripts, newspapers printed for more than a hundred years past, every variety of periodicals, pamphlets, and a multitude of other authorities essential to the completion of his design. The editor has generally been careful to cite authori ties ; but sometimes through inadvertence, sometimes for the reason that writers have adopted the language and statements of others as original, he has not designated authorities. A great disparity in the sketches of the orators wiU be observed. In the gathering of materials, the editor has mostly been thrown on his own resources. While, by interviews with parties interested, a great body of original matter has been obtained in relation to a large number of the orators, very meagre materials only, like ^ monumental inscription, could be gathered in regard to others ; and this is an apology for what may, at the first blush, appear an act of injustice to some of the most worthy characters in the catalogue ; — but there are in the volume such frequent allusions to the same person, that they partially atone for the scanty materials of a separate article. Notwithstanding the vigilance of the editor, many errors appear in the work ; but, to adopt the language of Cotton Mather, " it seems the hands of Briareus and the eyes of Argus will not prevent them." Unlike old Homer's "hundred-gated Thebes," — which, however, according to the best authorities, never was a walled city, and lost the honored name of capital by the conquest of Cambyses, — Boston hath ever been the capital of our famed Bay State, and, by the eloquence of her more than hundred orators, hath given character to the nation. Would this mother of New England and exemplar of America continue worthy IV A WOBD TO THE BEADEB. of her elevated position, unceasing must be her regard to the schools of learning, the influences of the pulpit, and an uncontaminated public press. The editor, in offering the present edition of the Hundred Boston Ordtors, at so short a period from its first appearance, acknowledges his grateful remembrance of the late Samuel Appleton, an eminent merchant of Boston, for his liberal distribu tion of this book to the public schools of this city, to academies in this state, to every college in the United States, and other institutions ; by whose munificence the pub lishers are thus early enabled to present the work with improvements. Indeed, Mr. Appleton was the most generous patron of literary works then living in Boston. as was evinced in his defraying the largest part of the expenses of publishing the elaborate and Hghiy elegant edition of the History of New Ipswich, besides a gift of five hundred dollars to each of the authors, Frederic Kidder, Esq., and Dr. Augustus A. Gould. Moreover, he bestowed two hundred dollars for the distribution of Dr. Kali's Memoir of Mary Lovell Ware to clergymen who had not received it. It was impressive to look upon this venerable octogenarian, dressed in his maroon velvet robe de chambre, listen to his tender expressions of sympathy to applicants, and witness his prompt and hearty appropriation of funds for laudable objects. His noble heart glowed with patriotic fervor ; his recollection was distinct of witnessing the departure of his father on horseback to the Concord fight, and listening to the remark of a neighbor, Mrs. William McClary, to his mother, that she was fortunate in not having sons old enough to march to battle, while her own husband and three sons had gone to engage in the conflict at Concord. Although the sons of Mrs. Apple- ton — the last survivor of whom is now an honored citizen among us — were not called to ofier their blood in the cause of liberty, they lived to become eminently useful to the descendants of our patriotic fathers. The most beautiful feature in the character of the solid men of our country, next to patriotism, is their munificence. In this connection the editor acknowledges the liber ality of Dr. John Collins Warren, of Boston, since the publication of the third edition of this work, for the gift of the same to the theological institutions in the United States. His princely donation of the Anatomical Museum to Harvard University, — an accumu lation of fifty years, — the value of which is estimated at ten thousand dollars, together with the appropriation of five thousand dollars for its preservation, will ever entitle him to an honored remembrance. So long as public libraries have an existence in this country and in Europe, Dr. Warren's gifts to them of valuable works will also be gratefully recognized ; among which are his treatise on the Mastodon Giganteus of North America, a very costly quarto volume, with engravings ; his Genealogy of War- : ren, with historical sketches and elegant engravings, a superb quarto volume — and his popular work on the Preservation of Health, more than a thousand copies of which he has presented to individuals. CONTENTS PAOH The Massacre of March 5, 1770 1 1771. March 5. Thomas Young. Boston Massacre 24 1771. April 2. James Lovell. Do 29 1772. March 5. Joseph Warren. Do 45 1773. March 8. Benjamin Church. Do 37 1774. March 5. John Hancock. Do 72 1775. March 5. Joseph Warren. Do .59 1776. March 6. Peter Thaoher. Do 122 April 8. Pekez Morton. Over the Remains of Warren. . . ..127 1777. March 5. Benjamin Highborn. Boston Massacre 130 1778. March 5. Jonathan Williams Austin. Do 133 1779. March 5. William Tudor. Do 135 1780. March 5. Jonathan Mason. Do 139 1781. March 5. Thomas Dawes. Do 141 1782. March 5. Georoe Richards Minot. Do 146 1783. March 5. Thomas Welsh. Do 154 July 4. John Warren. Town Orator. National Independence. . . 156 1784. July 4. Benjajun Highborn. Do 167 1785. July 4. John Gardiner. Do 16& 1786. July 4. Jonathan Loring Austin. Do 172 1787. July 4. Thomas^ Dawes. Do 182 John Brooks. Mass. Soc. of Cincinnati 184 1788. July 4. Harrison Gray Otis. Town Orator 188 William Hull. Mass. Soc. of Cincinnati 218 1789. July 4. Samuel Stillman. Town Orator 222 Samuel Whitwell. Mass. Soc. of Cincinnati. . . . 228 1790. July 4. Edward Gray. Town Orator 229 Willlam Tudor. Mass. Soc. of Cincinnati 229 1791. July 4. Thomas Crafts, Jr. Town Orator 230 1* Vr CONTENTS. FAGS 1792. July 4. Joseph Blake, Jr. Town Orator. 231 1793. July 4. John Quincy Adams. Do 233 1794. July 4. John Phillips. Do 248 1795. July 4. George Blake. Do 253 1796. July 4. John Lathbop. Do 255 1797. July 4. John Callender. Do 257 1798. July 4. Josiah Quincy. Do 258 1799. July 4. JTohn Lowell. Do 278 July 17. Robert Treat Paine. Young Men of Boston 283 Dec. 29. John Thornton Kirkland. Eulogy on Washington. . . 287 1800. Feb. 8. Fisher Ames. State Eulogy on Washington 291 Feb. 11. Timothy Bigelow. Mass. Grand Lodge. .... 298 Feb. 19. John Davis. American Academy of Arts and Sciences. . . 304 July 4. Joseph Hall. Town Orator 307 1801. July 4. Charles Paine. Do 310 1802. July 4. William Emerson. Do 311 1803. July 4. William Sullivan. Do 313 1804. July 4. Thomas Danforth. Do 320 1805. July 4. Warren Dutton. Do 321 Ebenezer French. Young Republicans 322 1806. July 4. Francis Dana Channing. Town Orator 322 Joseph Gleason. Young Republicans 323 1807. July 4. Peter- OxENBRiDGE Thacheb. Town Orator. . • . .323 1808. July 4. Andrew Ritchie, Jr. Do 325 July 4. Charles Pinokney Sumner. Young Republicans. . . . 325 1809. July 4. William Tudor. Town Orator 333 July 4. David Everett. Bunker Hill Association 337 July 4. William Charles White. Do 344 1810. July 4. Alexander Townsend. Town Orator 349 Daniel Waldo Lincoln. Bunker HiU Association. . . 351 1811. July 4. James Savage. Town Orator 353 Henry A. S. Dearborn. Bunker Hill Association. . . . 360 1812. July 4. Benjamin Pollaed. Town Orator 365 1813. July 4. Edward St. Loe Livermore. Do 367 1814. July 4. Benjamin Whitwell. Do 368 1815. Apr. 30. Horace Holley. Washington Benevolent Society. . . 368 July 4. Lemuel Shaw. Town Orator 375 William Gale. Washington Society 381 1816. July 4. George Sullivan. Town Orator 881 Ashur Wake. Washington Society.- 382 1817. July 4. Edward Tyrell Channing. Town Orator 384 1818. July 4. Francis Galley Gray. Do 385 CONTENTS. VII 1819. July 4. Franklin Dexter. Town Orator 388 1820. July 4. 1821. July 4. 1822. July 4. 1823. July 4. 1824. July 4. 1825. July 4. 1826. July 4. Aug. 2. Aug. 6. 1827. July 4. 1828. Jan. 8. July 4. 1829. 1830.1831.1832. M'ch 4. July 4. July 4. July 4. July 11. July 4. 1833. July 4. 1834. July 4. 1835. Sept. 6. July 4. Samuel Adams Wells. Washington Society. . Theodore Lyman. Town Orator. . Henry Orne. Washington Society. . Charles Greely Loring. Town Orator. Gerry Faiebanks. Washington Society. . John Chipman Gray. City Orator. Charles Pelham Cuetis. Do Russell Jaetis. Washington Society. . Joseph Baetlett. Volunteer Francis Bassett. City Orator. John Everett. Washington Society. Charles Speague. City Orator. . Josiah Quinct. Do David Lee Child. Washington Society. . Daniel Webster. Eulogy on Adams and Jefferson. Samuel Lorenzo Knapp. Young Men of Boston. William Powell Mason. City Orator. Nathaniel Greene. Battle of New Orleans. . Bradford Sumneb. City Orator James Davis Knowles. Baptist Churches. Joseph H.utDY Peince. Washington Society. John Waeken James. Inauguration of Jackson. James Teecothig Austin. City Orator. Charles Gordon Greene. Washington Society. Alexander Hill Everett. City Orator. . Henry Barney Smith. Washington Society. . John Gorham Palfrey. City Orator William Foster Otis. Young Men of Boston. TiMOTUY Fuller. Anti-Masonic. .... Josiah Quincy, Jr. City Orator Edward Goldsboeough Prescott. Boston Regiment. Andrew Dunlap. Washington Society. . Edward Goldsborough Prescott. City Orator. John Wade, Jr. Washington Society. Amasa Walker. Twelve Young Men's Societies. Caleb Gushing. Amer. Colonization Society. . Richard Sullivan Fay. City Orator. Frederick Robinson. Boston Trades Union. . Edward Everett. Eulogy on Lafayette. Geoege Stillman Hillard. City Orator. 391 .391 393 .393 398 .898 400 .403 405 .406 407 .408 418 420 .421 445 .447 449 .449 455 ,453 460 .470 477 .480 483 .485 493 .494 495 .500 504 ,501 507 .508 513 ,524 524525 546 VIII 1835. July 4. Oct. 15 1836. July 4. 1837. July 4. 1838. .July 4. 1839. July 4. 1840. July 4. 1841. Apr. 21. July 4. 1842. July 4. 1843. July 4. 1844. July 4. 1845 July 4. July 9. Oct. 15 1846. July 4. 3-847. July 4. 1848. July 4. 1849. July 4. July 25 18-50. July 4. 18.51. July 4. Ib52. July 5. 1853. July 4. 1854. July 4. CONTENTS. Jerome Vau Crowningshield Smith. South Boston. Theophilus Fiske. Boston Trades Union. Joseph Story. Eulogy on Chief Justice Marshall. Henry Willis Kinsman. City Orator David Henshaw. People of Massachusetts. . Edward Ceupt. Washington Society. . . . . Jonathan Chapman. City Orator, .... Hubbard Winslow. Do William Lloyd Garrison. Mass. Anti-Slavery Society. IvERS James Austin. City Orator Thomas Power. Do RuFus Choate. Eulogy on President Harrison. George Ticknor Curtis. City Orator. Horace Mann. Do Charles Francis Adams. Do. Peleg Whitman Ch-Andleb. Do. Charles Sumner. Do Pliny Merrigk. Eulogy on President Jackson. RoBERr Charles Winthrop. Merc. Lib. Assoc. Fletcher Webster. City Orator. Thomas Greaves Gary. Do Joel Giles. Do William Whitwell Greenough. Do. . Levi Woodbury. Eulogy on President Polk. . Edwin Percy Whipple. City Orator. . Charles Theodore Russell. Do. Thojias Starr King Timothy Bigelow. . .... Andrew Leete-Stone Ties .651 555 .655 564 .564 570 .571 576 .677 584 .586 588 .595 598 .609 613 .617 635 .038 648 .653 656 .658 660 .664 670 ,676 683 .688 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. To the sages who spoke. To the heroes who bled, To the day and the deed, Strike the harp-strings of glory ! Let the song of the ransomed Remember the dead. And the tongue of the eloquent Hallow the story. O'er the bones of the bold Be that story long told, And on Fame's golden tablets Their triumphs enrolled. Who on Freedom's green hills Freedom's banner unfurled. And the beaoon-fire raised That gave light to the world. Sprague. " The origin of our national independence may be traced to the native fervid sense of .freedom," says Tudor, "which our ancestors brought with them, and fostered in the forests of America, and which, with pious care, they taught their offspring never to forego ;" and it was not until the expiration of one century and a half that the colonists inflexibly resolved to govern themselves, uncontrolled by the mother country. Innumerable tendencies accelerated this determination. The noble 'Tvife of the elder Adams, in writing to Mrs. Cranch, remarked, with laudable pride: — "Amongst those who voted against receiving an explanatory charter, in the Massachusetts, stands the name of our venerable grandfather Quincy, accompanied with only one other, to his immortal honor." By vesting the governor with the veto power, opposing an elected speaker of the house, and forbidding them to adjourn at their own option more than two days. King Qeorge the First 1 2 THE HUNDRED BOSTON OEATOES. inflicted a fatal wound on the dominant power of Old England over New England, and showed himself unworthy an aspiration of holy George Herbert, in the days of the Mayflower Pilgrims,— " Religion stands on uptoe in our land, Ready to pass to the American strand ! " It is evident, however, that Madam Adams was mistaken regarding the minority. On turning to the records of the council, we find there were four who voted in the negative ; and the records of the house exhibit the names of thirty-two who negatived also the acceptance of this oppressive charter. As it wiU gratify the descendants of this honored minority to know this fact of their ancestors, we have carefully transcribed their names. The record is dated Jan. 15, 1725 : Isaiah Tay, Wilham Clark, Esq., Ezekiel Lewis, Thomas Cushing, Boston; John Wadsworth, Milton; John Quincy, Esq., Braintree; JohnTorrey, "Weymouth; Capt. Thomas Loring, Hingham; John Brown, Mendon; Edward White, Brookline ; John Sanders, Haverhill ; John Hobson, Bowley ; Benjamin Barker, Andover ; Joseph Hale, Boxford ; Samuel Tenney, Bradford ; Capt. William Rogers, Wenham ; Joseph Davis, Amesbury ; Richard Ward, Newton ; John Rice, Sudbury ; Capt. Samuel Bullard, Sherburne ; Joseph Wilder, Lancaster ; Capt. Edward Goddard, Framingham ; John Blanchard, Billerica ; Daniel Pierce, Woburn; Jonathan Sargent, Maiden ; Samuel Chamberlain, Chelmsford; Thomas Bryant, Scituate ; Nathaniel Southworth, Middleboro' ; Isaac Cushman, Plympton ; Elisha Bisby, Pembroke ; Edward Shove, Dighton ; William Stone, Norton. There were forty-eight in the affirmative. According to Pemberton's Massachusetts Chronicle, — a manuscript of great value, in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, — in an article regarding the odious Writs of Assistance to the officers of the customs, it is stated that the power of the Court of Exchequer had never been exercised by the Superior Court, for a period of about sixty years after the act of this province investing them with such power had been in force. The writ, which was the first instance of their exercising that power now granted, was never requested ; or, if eohcited, was constantly denied for this long course of years, until Charles Paxton, Esq., the Commissioner of the Revenue, applied for it in 1754. It was granted by the court in 1756, sub sileniio, and continued xintil the demise of George the Second. THE MASSACRE. 3 The first clarion notes that aroused to independence were sounded by the patriotic James Otis, in the February term of 1761, of the Superior Court, in the council-chamber of the town-house, where he delivered an eloquent argument in opposition to the arbitrary Writs of Assistance. The elder Adams said that Otis "burst forth as with a flame of fire, and every man was made ready to take arms against it." The name of Liberty-tree owes its origin to a popular gathering under its branches, Aug. 14, 1765, expressive of indignation at revenue oppressions. The event, however, which most eifectually inflamed popular wrath, was that of the fifth of March, 1770, when five citi zens were killed in King-street by regulars of the standing army. The people were resolved to assert their rights, though rivers of blood rolled down that street. The patriotic Lathrop, of the Second Church, delivered a warm sermon on the Sabbath after the event ; and in another, in 1778, said, " The inhabitants of these States must have been justified by the impartial world, had they resolved, from that moment, never to suffer one in the livery of George the Third to walk this ground." The immediate origin of the massacre was an attack of a mob on the sentinel who was stationed before the custom-house at the corner of Royal Exchange Lane, where the king's treasure was deposited. The regular loaded his gun, and retreated up the steps as far as he could, and often shouted for protection. A corporal and six jDrivates of the main guard, stationed near the head of King-street, directly opposite the door on the south side of the town-house, were sent to his relief, who, after being grossly insulted and attacked, fired upon the crowd. Three men were instantly killed, five men were danger ously wounded, and several slightly injured. The most exciting causes which urged to a decided disaffection in the people of Boston towards the mother country may be traced to the circumstances related in the narrative of the town, pubhshed shortly after the massacre. While the town was surrounded by British ships of war, two regiments landed, Oct. 1, 1768, and took possession of it ; and, to support these, two other regiments arrived, some time after, from Ireland, one of which landed at Castle Island, and the other in the town. They were forced upon the people con trary to the spirit of the Magna Charta, — contrary to the very letter of the bill of rights, in which it is declared that the raising or keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, unless it be 4 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. with the consent of Parhament, is against law, — and without the desire of the civil magistrates, to aid whom was the pretence for sending the troops hither. The conduct of this military force in Boston was highly aggravating. Gov. Bernard, without consulting the Council, having given up the state-house to the troops at their landing, they took possession of the chambers where the representatives of the province and the courts of law held their meetings, and (except the council-chamber) of all other parts of that house, in wliich they con tinued a considerable time, to the great annoyance of those courts while they sat, and of the merchants and gentlemen of the town, who had always used its lower floor as their exchange. They had a right so to do, as the property of it was in the town ; but they were deprived of that right by mere power. The governor, soon after, by every stratagem, and by every method but a forcible entry, endeavored to obtain possession of the manufactory house, to make a barrack of it for the troops ; and for that purpose caused it to be besieged by the troops, and the people in it to be used with severity, which created universal uneasiness, arising from the apprehension that the troops, under the influence of such a man, would be employed to effect the most dangerous purposes ; but, failing of that, other houses were pro cured, in which, contrary to act of Parliament, he caused the troops to be quartered. After their quarters Avere settled, the main guard was posted at one of the said houses, directly opposite the ilate-house, and not twelve yards distant, where the General Court and all the law courts were held, with two field-pieces pointed to the state-house. This situation of the main guard and field-pieces seemed to indicate an attack upon the constitution, and a defiance of the law, and to be intended to affront the legislative and executive authority of the prov ince. When the Superior Court met at the state-house, Nov. 1, 1769, a motion was made by James Otis, Esq., one of the bar, that the court would adjourn to Faneuil Hall, not only as the stench occasioned by the regulars in the representatives' chamber may prove infectious, but as it was derogatory to the honor of the court to administer justice at the mouths of cannon and the points of bayonets. In a new hberty song at this period, it was sung, — tune "Rule Britannia," — ¦"J ^" No haughty Bernard, swoln with pride. Shall e'er fair Freedom's sons subdue ; THE MASSACRE. 0 The rights old Britain — old Britain once denied, AVe bravely purchased in the new. Guard, Americans ! Americans, guard your land ! And spurn a tyrant's iron band ! ' ' A particular relation of the occasion of the event which occurred on the massacre thus appears in the narrative already gleaned. It was probably from the hand of James Bowdoin, chairman of the town's committee. " A difference having happened near Mr. Gray's rope- walk, between a soldier and a man belonging to it, the soldier chal lenged the ropemakers to a boxing match. The challenge was accepted by one of them, and the soldier Avorsted. He ran to the barrack in the neighborhood, and returned with several of his com panions. The fray was renewed, and the soldiers Avere driven off. Tliey soon returned, with recruits, and were again AA'orsted. This happened scA'eral times, till at length a considerable body of soldiers was collected, and they also were driven off, the ropemakers having been joined by their brethren of the contiguous ropewalks. By this time, Mr. Gray, being alarmed, interposed, and, with the assistance of some gentlemen, prevented any further disturbance. To satisfy the soldiers, and punish the man who had been the occasion of the first difference, and as an example to the rest, he turned him out of his service, and waited on Col. Dalrymple, the commanding oiEcer of the troops, and with him concerted measures for preA'enting further mis chief. Though this affair ended thus, it made a strong impression on the minds of the soldiers in general, Avho thought the honor of the regiment concerned to rcA^enge those repeated repulses. For this purpose, they seem to have formed a combination to commit some out rage upon the inhabitants of the tOAvn indiscriminately ; and this was to be done on the evening of the fifth of March, or soon after." Appended to this relation of the town, are the depositions of ninety- six witnesses, clearly unfolding the circumstances of the massacre. The minute evidence in the case advanced at the trials of the regulars o involved in this event is, moreoA'er, of greater importance than th§ town depositions, and a perpetual evidence of the blighting curse of standing armies. The most interesting statement that we find of this inemorable mas sacre, yet conflicting Avith that of the tOAvn, is gathered from the work of a British author, entitled " The History of the American War, 1* 6 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. etc., by C. Stedman," who served under Sir William Howe, which is as follows : " On the evening of the fifth of March, the same day on which the British minister. Lord North, moved his resolutions in the House of Commons for discontinuing the American duties, a quarrel arose at Boston between two or three young men of the town and as many soldiers, at or near their barracks. From words, they proceeded to blows ; and the soldiers, having vanquished their opponents, were seen pursuing them through the streets. The alarm to the populace was given by ringing the bells of the churches, and the people of the town, assembling in great numbers at the custom-hous'e, began to crowd around the sentinel who was posted there, and not only insulted him, but threatened his life. Captain Preston, the officer on duty for the day, who had by this time received information of the tumult, pro ceeded immediately to the main guard, and hearing that the sentinel placed at the custom-house might be in danger, sent a party, under the command of a sergeant, to protect the one and secure the other ; and, from greater precaution, soon afterwards followed, and took command of the party himself He endeavored to prevail upon the people to • disperse, but in vain. The mob soon became more riotous, not only reviling the soldiers with abusive language, but throwing stones at them, and whatever else came in their way. One of the soldiers received a blow from something that was thrown, and leA^elled his musket ; the officer, stretching out his arm to prevent the soldier from firing, was struck with a club, and the musket was discharged. The attack from the mob became more violent, and the rest of the soldiers, following the example of their comrades, discharged their pieces singly and in a scattered manner, by which four of the populace were killed, and several others wounded. They were intimidated, and for a moment fled ; but, soon afterwards collecting, took their station in an adjoining street. The drums beat to arms, the rest of the troops were assembled, and the Avhole town was in the utmost confusion. A town-meeting was held, and a deputation was sent to the governor, requesting him to remove the troops from the town. The governor ' called together the Council, and the Council giving it as their opinion that the removal of the troops from the town would be for his majesty's service, the commanding officer promised to comply with their advice. Capt. Preston surrendered himself for trial, and tho soldiers under his command at the custom-house were taken into THE MASSACRE. 7 custody ; the mob dispersed, and the folloAving day the troops were removed to Castle William. In the Diary of John Adams, it is recorded as follows : — "The evening of the fifth of March I spent at Mr. Henderson Inches' house, at the south end of Boston, in company with a club, Avith Avhom I had been associated for several years. About nine o'clock we were alarmed with the ringing of bells, and supposing it to be the signal of fire, we snatched our hats and cloaks, broke up the club, and went out to assist in quenching the fire, or aiding our friends who misht be in danger. In the- street we were informed that the British soldiers had fired on the inhabitants, killed some and Avounded others, near the town-house. A crowd of people Avere floAving down the street to the scene of action. When Ave arrived, we saw nothing but some field-pieces before the south door of the town-house, and some engi neers and grenadiers drawn up to protect them. Mrs. Adams was then in circumstances to make me apprehensive of the effect of the surprise upon her, who was alone, excepting her maids and a boy, in the house. Having, therefore, surveyed round the house, and seeing all quiet, I walked down Boylston-alley, into Brattle-square, where a company or two of regular soldiers were draAvn up in front of Dr. Cooper's old church, with their muskets shouldered, and their bayonets all fixed. I had no other way to proceed but along the whole front, in a very na,rrow space which they had left for foot-passengers. Pur suing my way without taking the least notice of them, or they of me, any more than if they had been marble statues, I went directly home to Cole-lane." We will relate particulars of the town-meeting. The excited Bos- tonians, overwhelmed with indignation at the outrage of the British regulars, on the very next day, as with one tread, repaired to the Cradle of Liberty. The toAvn record of that day states that the selectmen not being present, and the inhabitants being informed that they were at the council-chamber, it was voted that Mr. Wilham Greenleaf be desired to proceed there, and acquaint the selectmen that the inhabitants desire and expect their attendance at the hall. The tOAvn-clerk, Wilham Cooper, presided at this meeting in the interim. The selectmen forthAvith attended, and it was voted that constable Lindsey George Wallace Avait on Rev. Dr. Cooper, and acquaint him that the inhabitants desire him to open the meeting with prayer. Hon. Thomas Cushing was chosen moderator, by hand vote. 8 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. The first object of this democratic assembly, in defiance of British control, Avas to hsten to relations of the people respecting the massacre of last night ; and, that the same might be recorded by the town-clerk, they were requested to give written statements. The persons that appeared to give information relative to the conduct of the soldiers being many, it was inconvenient to receive them all at that meeting, and William Greenleaf, Wilham Whitwell and Samuel Whitwell, were appointed to take the depositions offered regarding the conduct of the regulars. The statements of four persons at this meeting are on the toAvn records in substance as follows : — " Mr. John S. Copley related that Mr. Pelham and his Avife, and some persons of Mr. Samuel Winthrop's family, heard a soldier say, after the firing on the last night, that the devil might give quarters — he should give them none." Here we Avill cease a moment to relate further testimony, in order to make allusions to John Singleton Copley, who was the most eminent painter of his day in Boston, a pupil of Smibert, and memorable for his portraits of Hancock and Warren, and for the paintings of the death of Chatham, and the siege of Gibraltar. The associations that twine around his name are of pecuhar interest to the people of Boston, where he was born, in 1738. The Mr. Pelham to whom he alludes is supposed to have been one Peter Pelham, a vn-iting and dancing master, whose Avife Mary was the widow of Richard Copley, a tobac conist, his probable father. Mr. Copley married a daughter of Richard Clarke, one of the consignees of the tea destroyed in 1773, by whom his son John S., born in Boston, May 21, 1772, knoA^Ti as Lord Lyndliurst, became Lord Chancellor of England. Gardiner Greene, the late miUionaire, of Boston, married his daughter Ehza- beth. He was one of the addressers to Gov. Hutchinson in 1774 and departed for London in June of that year, where he died, Septem ber 25, 1815. Copley's Pasture extended down Beacon, from Walnut street to the water, and over Chestnut and Mount Vernon streets. His residence Avas on the present location of David Sears' man sion. We will now return to the town-meeting. The next relation was that of John Scott, who reported that a lad of Mr. Pierpont had said at Mr. Chardon's, that a soldier was heard to say his officer had acquainted them that if they went abroad at night, they should go armed and in companies. Mr. Pierpont stated that before the firing THE MASSACRE. 9 on the last night, he had disarmed a soldier who had struck down one of the inhabitants. Mr. Pool Spear related that last week he heard one Kilson, a soldier of O'Hara's company, say that he did not knoAV what the inhabitants were after, for they had broken the windows of an officer, one Nathaniel Rogers, but they had a scheme Avhich Avould soon put a stop to our procedure ; that parties of soldiers were ordered with pistols in their pockets, and to fire upon those AA'ho should assault said house again ; and that ten pounds sterhng Avas to be given as a reward for their kilhng one of those persons, and fifty pounds sterhng for a prisoner. A committee of fifteen was appointed to inform Lieut. Gov. Hutch inson that it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting that the inhab itants and soldiers can no longer dwell together in safety ; that nothing can restore the peace of the tOAvn, and prevent blood and carnage, but the immediate removal of the troops. The hall was crowded to excess, and adjourned to the Old South, to meet in the afternoon. Originally, Faneuil Hall could accommodate one thousand persons only. It was built of brick, two stories in height, and measured one hundred feet by forty. The offices of the tOAvn were established there, of the naval office, and of the notary pubhc ; and underneath was the market-house, used for that purpose until Aug. 26, 1826, on the erection of the splendid Quincy Market-house. We Avill digress here to exhibit the prejudiced and slanderous opinion of the character of the Coopers, advanced in the London Political Reg ister for 1780 : — " Wilham Cooper Avas formerly town-clerk of Boston, and is one of the great knaves and most inveterate rebels in Ncav Eng land. He is a very hot-headed man, and constantly urged the most violent measures. He was prompted secretly by his brotlier, the Rev. Samuel Cooper, who, though a minister of peace, and to all out- Avard appearance a meek and heavenly man, yet Avas one of the chief instruments in stirring up the people to take arms. Hancock, and many leaders of the rebelhon, were his parishioners. When the Boston rioters made their concerted attack on the custom-house to plunder the money-chest, March, 1770, the bell of tliis reverend rogue's church Avas the signal Avhich summoned them to the assault." This pastor of Brattle-street church, ever, noted as the silver-tongued orator, was of such remarkable popularity, that the aisles of the church would be thronged Avith eager listeners, and he was a favorite of royalists and rebels. William Cooper had rendered himself specially obnoxious to 10 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. the royahsts by his Journal of Occurrences from the time of the arrival of the regulars to the year 1770, pubhshed in the Boston Gazette. The foUoAving effusion, characterizing the Boston clergy of 1770, ascribed to John Fenno, keeper of the granary, and to Joseph Green, has long been famous. It was probably written by more than one hand : — The Mather race will ne'er disgrace Their ancient pedigree. And Charles Old Brick,' if well or sick. Will cry for Liberty. There 's puffing Pemb,'^ who does contemn All Liberty's noble sons ; And Andrew Sly ,5 who oft draws nigh To Tommy Skin and Bones.* In Brattle Street we seldom meet With silver-tongued Sam,* Who gently glides between both sides. And thus escapes a jam. Little Hopper,* when he thinks proper. In Liberty's cause is bold ; And John Old North,'' though little worth. Won't sacrifice to gold. Penuel Puff ^ is hearty enough, And so is Simeon Howard ; And Long Lane Teague' wiU join the league. He never was a coward. Trout's'" Sunday aim is to reclaim ITiose that in sin are sunk ; When Monday comes he stills them rum. And gets them woful drunk. There 's punning Byles provokes our smiles, A man of stately parts ; He visits folk to crack his jokes , Which never mend their hearts. With strutting gait, and wig so great, He walks along the streets. And throws out wit, or what 's like it. To every one he meets. We will further quote the Political Register, for the allusions to the moderator of this meetmg: — "Among the rebels in Massachu- ' Chauncy. ^ Pemberton. ^ Eliot. * Gov. Hutchinson. ^ Cooper. * Stillman. ' Lathrop. ^ Bowen. ^ Moorhead. '" Troutbec. THE MASSACRE. 11 aetts there are many jealousies. The staunch republicans have placed John Hancock and Tommy Cushing at the head of their state, — the first as governor, the second as lieutenant-governor, — chosen since the rebellion commenced. Bowdoin, who had been at the head of their affairs for these last five years, as president of the Council, was a candi date for the governorship in opposition to Hancock, but lost it by a great majority ; he was then offered the place of heutenant-governor, but refused it on a pretence of ill health ; that place was then offered to Warren, of Plymouth, who also declined it : at length, that the place might not go a-begging any longer, they offered it to Cush ing, Avho they were sure would not refuse it." We have praise enough for Thomas Cushing, to say of him, in the language of John Adams in 1765, that he Avas "steady and constant, busy in the inter est of liberty and the opposition, famed for secrecy and his talent in procuring intelligence ; " indeed, he was the chief operator in the under current of liberty. We gather from Tudor's Life of James Otis this graphic statement of the meeting of the Council: — "The lieutenant-governor Hutchin son convened the Council : a town-meeting was held March 6, and adjourned to the Old South Church, because Faneuil Hall could con tain only a part of the multitude that assembled. The British soldiers were aU kept in readiness at their quarters, and all the militia of the tOAm were called out. Every brow was anxious, every heart resolute. A vote of the town was passed that ' it should be evac uated by the soldiers, at all hazards.' A committee was appointed to wait on the heutenant-governor, to make this demand. Samuel Adams was the chairman of this committee, and discharged its duties with an ability commensurate to the occasion. Colonel Dalrymple was by the side of Hutchinson, who, at the head of the Council, received the delegation. He at first denied that he had the poAver to grant the request. Adams plainly, in few words, proved to him that he had the power by the charter. Hutchinson then consulted Avith Dalrymple in a whisper, the result of Avhich was an offer to remove one of the regiments. At this critical moment, Adams showed the most noble presence of mind. The military and civil officers were in reality abashed before this plain committee of a democratic assembly. They knew the imminent danger that impended ; the very air was filled with the breathings of compressed indignation. They shrunk, fortunately shrunk, from all the arrogance which they had hitherto maintained. 12 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Their reliance on a standing army faltered before the undaunted, irre sistible resolution of free unarmed citizens; and when the orator, seeming not to represent, but to personify, the universal feeling and opinion, Avith unhesitating promptness and dignified firmness replied, ' If the lieutenant-governor or Colonel Dalrymple, or both together, have authority to remove one regiment, they have authority to remove tAvo ; and nothing short of the total evacuation of the toAvn by all the regular troops Avill satisfy the pubhc mind, or preserve the peace of this province,' the desired efiect was produced. The commanding offi cer pledged his honor that the troops should leave the tOAvn, and it Avas immediately evacuated." It is related that Avhen Lord North was informed of this remarkable instance of the dignified energy of the toAvn's chairman, he called the regulars Samuel Adams' two regi ments, in a tone of contempt. Hutchinson, Avho was of a cowardly spirit of ambition, had declared pubhcly that he had no authority over the king's troops ; that the military force had no separate command, and he could do nothing without Dalrymple; moreover. Brigadier Ruggles, the commander-in-chief of the Massachusetts troops, Avas under the command of a British ensign for an entire campaign. Samuel Adams Avas one of the most remarkable men of the Revolu tion, and Ave cannot resist the pleasure of citing the opinion of his character from the hand of Thomas Jefferson, the clearest and best compressed conception of this dauntless patriot ever written : — "I can say that he Avas truly a great man, — wise in council, fer tile in resources, immovable in his purposes, — and had, I think, a greater share than any other member in advising and directing our measures in the northern war. As a speaker, he could not be com pared with his liAdng colleague and namesake, whose deep conceptions, nervous style, and undaunted firmness, made him truly our buhvark in debate. But Mr. Samuel Adams, although not of fluent elocution, was so rigorously logical, so clear in his views, abundant in good sense, and master ahvays of his subject, that he commanded the most pro found attention Avhenever he rose in an assembly by which the froth of declamation was heard with sovereign contempt." Samuel Adams was emphatically the man of the people ; and the editor, Avho has had conversation with his namesake, the ancient town- crier, now ninety-two years of age and with clear memory, was informed that Adams once remarked to him, — "We, the people, are like hens laying eggs; Avhen they hatch,_you must take care of the THE MASSACRE. 18 chickens. You are a young man, Samuel, and as you grow old, you must abide by our proceedings." At another time, our political patri arch obserA'cd to him, — "It is often stated that I am at the head of the ReA'olution, Avhereas a few of us merely lead the way as the people folloAV,- and we can go no further than Ave are backed up by them ; for, if we attempt to advance any further, we make no progress, and may lose our labor in defeat." Samuel Adams was ever at the head of Boston deputations before the Revolution, and conducted the corre spondence with patriots in remote places ; or, to adopt the language of the venerable town-crier, " Samuel Adams did the Avriting, and John Hancock paid the postage." In order to effect a more clear apprehension of the indignation of the Bostonians at this appalling crisis, and in justice to Lieutenant-gov ernor Hutchinson, who descends to a relation of full particulars of the immediate occurrences succeeding the massacre, in his History of Mas sachusetts Bay, we glean at large his statements ; and the reader, in observing discrepancies betAveen his relation and that of the rcA'olu- tionists, Avill bear in mind that Hutchinson was a minion of the throne, desirous to assert British control. He Avrites in the third person, stating that tAvo or three of the men Avho had seen the action ran to the lieutenant-governor's house, which was about half a mile distant in Garden-court, near North-square, and begged for God's sake he would go to King-street, Avhere, they feared, a general action would come on between the troops and the inhabitants. "He Avent immediately, and, to satisfy the people, called for Capt. Preston, and inquired why he fired upon the inhabitants without the direction of a civil magistrate. The noise Avas so great that his answer could not be understood, and some, Avho Avere apprehensive of the lieutenant- governor's danger, from the general confusion, called out, ' The town- house ! the town-house ! ' and, with irresistible violence, he was forced up by the crowd into the council-chamber. There, demand was imme diately made of him to order the troops to AvithdraAV from the town- house to their barracks. He refused to comply; and, calling from the balcony to the great body of the people which remained in the street, he expressed his great concern at the unhappy event, assured them he would do everything in his power in order to a full and impar tial inquiry, that the law might have its course, and advised them to go peaceably to their several homes. Upon this, there Avas a cry, ' Home ! home ! ' and a great part separated and went home. He then 14 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. signified his opinion to Lieut. Col. Carr, that if the companies in arms were ordered to their barracks, the streets would be cleared and the town in quiet for that night. Upon their retiring, the rest of the inhabitants, except those of the council-chamber, retired also." The elegant mansion of Gov. Hutchinson stood on Garden-court) adjoining 5iat of Sir Henry Franklyn, in the rear of which was a beautiful garden extending to Hanover and on Fleet street. It was erected of brick, painted in stone color. The capital of a Corinthian pilaster, of which there were six worked into the wall of this edifice, is deposited in the Historical Library. The crown of Britain sur mounted each window. The hall of entrance displayed a spacious arch, from the roof of which a dimly-lighted lamp gave a rich twilight view. The finely carved and gilded arch, in massy magnificence^ was most tastefully ornamented with busts and statues, says Mrs> Child, in the Rebels, who visited the structure when it was occupied by Wilham Little, Esq. The hght streamed full on the soul-beaming " countenance of Cicero, and playfully flickered on the brow of Tulhola, the tenderness of whose diminutive appellation dehghtfully associates the father with the orator, and blends intellectual Aagor with the best affections of the heart. The panelling of the parlor was of the dark richly-shaded mahogany of St. Domingo, and elaborately ornamented. The busts of George III. and his queen were in front of a splendid mirror, with bronze lamps on each side, coA'ered with transparencies of the destruction of the Spanish Armada and the other battle-ships before the rock of Gibraltar. Around the room were arches surmounted with the arms of England. The library was hung with canvas tapestry, emblazoning the coronation of George II., interspersed with the royal arms. The portraits of Anne and the Georges hung in massive frames of antique splendor, and the crowded shelves of books were sur mounted with busts of the house of Stuart. In the centre of the apartment stood a table of pohshed oak. In the year 1832, this building Avas demolished for modern changes. Lieut. Col. Dalrymple, at the desire of the lieutenant-governor, came to the council-chamber, while several justices were examining persons who were present at the transactions of the evening. From the evidence of several, it was apparent that the justices would commit Capt. Preston, if taken. Several hours passed before he could be found, and the people suspected that he would not run the hazard of a trial ; bu*-5 at length, he surrendered himself to a warrant for appre- THE MASSACRE. 15 hending him, and having been examined, was committed to prison. The next morning, the soldiers who Avere upon guard surrendered also, and were committed. This was not sufficient to satisfy the people, and early in the forenoon they were in motion again. The lieutenant- governor caused his Council to be summoned, and desired the two heutenant-colonels of the regiments to be present. The selectmen of Boston were waiting the lieutenant-governor's coming to Council, and being admitted, made their representation that, from the contentions arising from the troops quartered in Boston, and^ above all, from the tragedy of the last night, the minds of the inhabitants AA'ere exceedingly disturbed ; that they Avould presently be assembled in a town-meeting ; and that, unless the troops should be removed, the most terrible con sequences were to be expected. The justices, also, of Boston and several of the neighboring towns, had assembled, and desired to signify their opinion that it would not be possible to keep the people under restraint, if the troops remained in town. The lieutenant-governor acquainted both the selectmen and the justices that he had no author ity to alter the place of destination of the king's troops ; that he expected the commanding officers of the tAvo regiments, and would let them know the applications wliich had been made. Presently after their coming, a large committee from the' town-meeting presented an address or message to the heutenant-governor, declaring it to be the unanimous opinion of the meeting that nothing can rationally be expected to restore the peace of the town, "and prevent blood and carnage," but the Avithdrawal of the troops. The committee withdrew into another room, to wait for an answer. Some of the Council urged the necessity of complying with the people's demand. The lieutenant-governor thereupon declared that he would upon no consideration whatever give orders for their removal. Lieut. Col. Dalrymple then signified that, as the 29th regiment had originally been designed to be placed at the Castle, and was now pecuharly obnoxious to the town, he was content that it should be removed to the Castle until the general's pleasure should be knoAvn. Gen. Gage was commander-in-chief of the British forces in America. The committee was informed of this offer, and the heutenant-governor rose from the Council, intending to receive no further application upon the subject ; but the Council prayed that he would meet them again in the afternoon, and Col. Dalrymple desiring it also, he complied, /tefore the Council met again, it had been inti^ mated to them that the "desire" of the governor and Council to the 16 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. I commanding officer (Maj. Gen. Wm. Keppel was colonel of the British regiments at Boston and at the Castle) to remove the troops, would cause him to do it, though he should receive no authoritative "order." As soon as they met, a committee from the town-meeting attended, with a second message, to acquaint the heutenant-governor that it was the unanimous voice of the people assembled, consisting, as they said, of near three thousand persons, that nothing less than a total and immediate removal of the troops would satisfy them. Here Hutchin son adds, in a note, sft the end of this page, as follows : — "The chair man of the committee, in conversation with Lieut. Col. Dalrymple, said to him, that if he could remove the 29th regiment, he could remove the 14th also, and it was at his peril to refuse it. This was a strong expression of that determined spirit which animated all future measures." The Council, continues Hutchinson, who were divided in the forenoon, Avere now unanimous ; and each of them, separately, declared his opinion, and gave his reason for it ; and one or more of them observed to the lieutenant-governor that he would not be able to justify a refusal to comply with the unanimous advice of the Council, and that all the consequences would be chargeable upon him alone. The secretary of the province, Andrew Oliver, Esq., who thought differ ently in the morning, the two lieutenant-colonels, and the commander of one of his majesty's ships then upon the station, who were all present in Council, concurred in the necessity of his complying. He had signified his OAvn opinion that, at all events, the governor and Council should avoid interfering in the destination of the troops, and' leave it to the commanding officer; but Avhen he considered that, by the charter, the Council was constituted for advice and assistance to him, — that he had called them together for that purpose, — that his standing out alone would probably bring on a general convulsion, Avhich the unanimity of the king's servants might have prevented, — he consented to signify his desire, founded upon the unanimous opinion and advice of the Council, that the troops might be removed to the barracks in the Castle ; at the same time disclaiming all authority to order their removal Some of the officers of the regiments appeared, the next day, to be greatly dissatisfied with being compelled by the people to leave the town so disgracefully. Expresses were sent away immediately to the gen eral. The jealousy that the general would forbid the removal caused THE MASSACRE. 17 further measures to force the troops from the town before there could be sufficient time for his answer. Roxbury, the next tOAvn to Boston, assembled, and sent a committee of their principal inhabitants with an address to the lieutenant-governor, praying him to interpose, and to order the immediate removal of the troops ; but he refused to concern himself any further in the affair. As the time approached Avhen a return might be expected from New York, it was thought fit to have another meeting of the town of Boston, and a committee Avas appointed further to apply to the lieutenant-governor to order the troops out of toAvn ; Ish. Adams, their prolocutor, pressing the matter with great vehe mence, and intimating that, in case of refusal, the rage of the people Avould vent itself against the heutenant-governor in particular. He gave a peremptory refusal, and expressed his resentment at the men ace. The committee then applied to the commanding officer, and the same day, March 10, the 29th regiment, and the next morning the 14th, were removed to the Castle. This success, concludes Hutchin son, gave greater assurances than ever that, by firmness, the great object, exemption from all exterior poAver, civil or military, would finally be obtained. Checks and temporary interruptions might hap pen, but they would be surmounted, and the progress of hberty would recommence. The time for holding the Superior Court for Suffolk was the next week after the tragical action in King-street. Although bills Avere found by the grand jury, yet the court, says Hutchinson, considering the disordered state of the town, had thought fit to continue the trials. to the next term, when the minds of people would be more free from prejudice, and a dispassionate, impartial jury might be expected, after there had been sufficient time for the people to cool. A considerable number of the most active persons in all public measures of the town having dined together, relates Hutcliinson, went in a body from table to the Superior Court, then sitting, with Samuel Adams at their head, and, in behalf of the town, pressed the bringing on the trial at the same term with so much spirit, that the judges did not think it advisable to abide by their OAvn order, but appointed a day for the trials, and adjourned the court for that pur pose. But even this irregularity the lieutenant-governor thought it best not to notice in a public message ; and for the grand point, the rela tion between the Parliament and the colonies, he had determined to avoid any dispute with the assembly, unless he should be forced into 2* 18 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. it. Therefore, after acquainting them that he should transmit the remonstrance to be laid before the king, and attempting a vindication of his own character from their charges against it, he dissolved the assembly,^ the time, by charter, for a new assembly approaching. The trials of the soldiers implicated in the massacre occurred on the October term of that year. The evidence against the four persons tried for firing from the custom-house being only that of. a French boy, the jury acquitted them Avithout leaving the bar. It was proved that the boy was at a remote part of the town the whole time that he swore he Avas at the custom-house and in King-street. The court ordered that he should be committed and prosecuted for wilful per jury ; and, by his own confession, he was convicted. Captain Preston had been well advised to retain two gentlemen of the laAv, says Hutchinson,. — Josiah Quincy and John Adams, — Avho were strongly attached to the cause of liberty, and to stick at no reasonable fees for that purpose ; and this measure proved of great service to him. He Avas also well informed of the characters of the jury, and challenged such as were most likely to be under bias. Three or four witnesses swore that he ordered his men to fire ; but their evidence was encountered by that of several other witnesses, Avho stood next to him, and were conversing Avith him at a different place from that which the witnesses for the crown swore he was in ; and the judges, in summing up the evidence to the jury, were unanimous in their opinion that he did not order his men to fire ; but if he did, they were of opinion that, from the evidence of many other witnesses, the assault both upon the officer and men, while upon duty, was so violent, that the homicide could not amount even to manslaughter, but must be con sidered as excusable homicide. The jury soon agreed upon a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoner, being discharged, retired to the Castle, and remained there until he sailed for England, where he Avas pen sioned. A few days after the trials, while the court continued to sit, an incendiary paper was posted in the night upon the door of the toAvn-house, complaining of the court for cheating the people with a show of justice; and calling upon them to rise and free the world from such domestic tyrants. We refer to the printed trials for the results in the other cases. In order to repel the insinuation of Hutchinson regarding abundant fees, we will give the relation of John Adams on this point. After stating that he accepted a single guinea as a retaining fee, Mr- Adams THE MASSACRE. 19 states : — "From first to last, I never said a word about fees, in any of those cases ; and I should have said nothing about them here, if calum nies and insinuations had not been propagated, that I Avas tempted by great fees and enormous sums of money. Before or after the trial, Preston sent me ten guineas, and at the trial of the soldiers after wards, eight guineas more, Avhich Avere all the fees I ever received, or were offered to me ; and I should not have said anything on the sub ject to my clients, if they had never offered me anything. This was all the pecuniary reward I ever had for fourteen or fifteen days' labor in the most exhausting and fatiguing causes I ever tried, for hazard ing a popularity very general and very hardly earned, and for incur ring a clamor of popular suspicions and prejudices, which are not yet Avorn out, and never will be forgotten as long as the history of this period is read." And, on another occasion, Mr. Adams further remarked : — "I have reason to remember that fatal night. The part I took in defence of Capt. Preston and the soldiers procured me anxi ety and obloquy enough. It Avas, hoAvever, one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested actions of my whole life, and one of the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country. Judgment of death against those soldiers would have been as foul a stain upon this country as the executions of the Quakers or Avitches anciently. As the evidence Avas, the verdict of the jury was exactly right. This, howeA^er, is no reason why the toAvn should not call the action of that night a massacre ; nor is it any argument in favor of the governor or minister who caused them to be sent here. But it is the strongest of proofs of the danger of standing armies." The Boston Athenseum overlooks the cemetery AA'here were deposited the remains of our fellow-citizens martyred in the cause of liberty, March 5, 1770. Here repose the ashes of Hancock and Cushing, the latter of whom Avas lieutenant-governor during the administration of the former. Though Sumner speaks of "Hancock's broken column," the idea is merely poetical, for no monument has ever been erected over his remains. It is stated in the Boston Ncavs Letter that four of the victims were conveyed on hearses, and buried on the eighth of March, in one vault, in the Middle Burying Ground. The funeral consisted of an immense number of persons in ranks of six, followed by a long train of carriages belonging to the principal gentry of the town, at Avhich time the bells of Boston and adjoining toAvns Avere tolled. It is supposed that a greater number of people of Boston and 20 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. vicinity attended this funeral than were ever congregated on this con tinent on any occasion. In this procession emblematical banners were displayed. The folloAving effusion appeared in Fleet's Post, March 12, 1770: " With fire enwrapt, surcharged with sudden death, Lo, the poised tube convolves its fatal breath ! The flying ball, with heaven-directed force, , Rids the free spirit of its fallen corse. Well-fated shades ! let no unmanly tear From pity's eye distain your honored bier. LoSt to their view, surviving friends may mourn. Yet o'er thy pile celestial flames shall burn. Long as in Freedom's cause the wise contend. Dear to your country, shall your fame extend ; AVhile to the world the lettered stone shall tell HoAV Caldwell, Attucks, Gray and Maverick fell." On the fourteenth of March, Patrick Carr, who died of the wound received in the massacre, was buried from Faneuil Hall, in the same grave in which the other victims were deposited. The poet Avho wrote the effusion above quoted predicts that the let tered stone ^hall tell the tale of the martyred sons of liberty ; but no stone appears on the spot where they were buried. Indeed, if any stone were ever erected over their remains, it may have been destroyed by the British regulars, or removed in maldng repairs on the ground. Let the prediction be realized by the erection of a beautiful marble monument on the site to the memory of this CA'ent, which, with the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, insured our independence. Our venerable native citizen of Boston, the Hon. Thomas Handy- side Perkins, probably the only survivor who has any remembrance of the Boston massacre, stated to the editor of this Avork, at an inter view with him on Jan. 3, 1851, that at that period he Avas fiA'C years of age, and asleep at home on the evening of its occurrence. His father, James Perkins, a AA'ine-merchant, resided in King-street, on the present location of Tappan's stone building, opposite Mackerel- lane, now Kilby-street. On the next day, his father's man-servant, being desirous that he should witness the effects of this occurrence, imprudently, as Mr. Perkins remarked, went Avith him to the Royal Exchange Tavern, located on the opposite side of the custom-house, now the site of the Messrs. Gilberts, brokers, kept by Mr. Stone. Alexander Cruikshank testified that when he Avas at the head of THE MASSACRE. 21 Royal Exchange-lane, he stopped at Stone's taA'ern, and the people were abusing the sentinel, and showed him the dead body of Crispus Attucks, one of the victims. He then pointed to him the frozen blood in the gutter, opposite the Exchange Tavern, and proceeded Avitli him to the residence of Tuthill Hubbard, on Cornhill, a short distance from the north side of Queen-street, where lay the dead body of another of the victims ; and this is the whole of his recollection of the tragical event, Avhich has never been effaced from his mind. Colonel Perkins is unable to state which of the victims he saw at Mr. Hubbard's resi dence ; but, as Joseph Hinckley testified, according to the trial, that, after the regulars had fired, he assisted in the removal of Samuel Gray, who had fallen, to the apothecary's shop of Dr. John Loring, which was adjoining or very near Mr. Hubbard's dAvelling, and could not find admittance, as it was closed, — doubtless, that Avas the name of the other victim Avhose remains were exhibited to his youthful eye. In order to a further elucidation of this matter, we have recurred to the papers of the day, by which it appears that Gray Avas killed on the spot, as the ball entered his head and broke the skull. He Avas a ropemaker, and, on the day of interment, his body Avas conveyed from the residence of Benjamin Gray, his brother, on the south side of the Exchange Tavern. Noav, Col. Perkins is either mistaken regard ing the house Avhere he saw the pale corpse, or else it was removed from Mr. Hubbard's dwelling on the next day. James Caldwell, also killed on the spot by two balls entering his breast, was mate of Captain Morton's vessel, and his body was removed from the captain's resi dence in Cole-lane on the day of interment. Crispus Attucks being a stranger, his remains Avere conveyed from Faneuil Hall. He was killed by tAvo balls entering his breast, and was a native of Framing ham ; and Samuel, a son of widow Mary Maverick, a promising youth of seventeen years, an apprentice to Mr. Greenwood, a joiner, Avas AYOunded by a ball that entered his abdomen and escaped through his back, which caused his death, and his reinains were removed from his mother's house on the day of interment. Patrick Carr, who died a few days after, of a ball that entered near his hip and went out at his side, was in the employ of one Mr. Field, leather-breeches maker in Queen-street, and aged about thirty years. Among other matters in the warrant for the annual town-meeting of Boston, March 12, 1770, is the following clause: — " Whether the toATO Avill take any 22 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. measures that a public monument may be erected on the spot where the late tragical scene was acted, as a memento to posterity of that horrid massacre, and the destructiA^e consequences of mihtary troops being quartered in a well-regulated city." We notice, on turning to the records,' that no action was taken on this point ; but the toAvn voted their thanks to the towns of Roxbury, Cambridge, Charlestown and Watertown, for their kind concern in this deplorable event. As the precise location of this scene will ever be a point of great interest to Bostonians, we gather, /rom the deposition of Samuel Drowne, that it occurred between Ci'ooked, noAV Wilson's lane, and Royal Exchange- lane. He states that he Avas standing on the steps of the Exchange Tavern, being the next house to the custom-house ; and soon after saAV Captain Preston, whom he Avell knew, with a number of soldiers draAvn near the west corner of the custom-house, and heard Preston say, " Damn your bloods ! why don't you fire 7 " after which they fired. At a town-meeting, Boston, March 19, 1771, Hon. Thomas Cush ing moderator, the committee appointed to consider of some suitable method to perpetuate the memory of the horrid massacre perpetrated on the evening of the fifth of March, 1770, by a party of soldiers of the 29th regiment, reported as their opinion that, for the present, the town make choice of a proper person to deliver an oration at such time as may be judged most convenient, to commemorate the barbarous murder of five of our fellow-citizens on that fatal day, and to impress upon our minds the ruinous tendency of standing armies in free cities, and the necessity of such noble exertions, in all future times, as the inhabitants of the toAvn then made, whereby the designs of the con spirators against the public liberty may be still frustrated ; and the committee, in order to complete the plan of some standing monument of military tyranny, begged leave to be indulged with further time. Their report being accepted, it was voted unanimously that the toAvn Avill now come to the choice of an orator. A committee was then appointed ; Samuel Hunt and James Lovell were nominated as candi dates to dehver the oration. The inhabitants then voted, and the latter Avas elected. A committee was appointed to wait on James Lovell, and invite his acceptance. In regard to the location of the site where the victims of the Boston. massacre were deposited, the editor has the evidence of the venerable Col. Joseph May, a warden of King's Chapel, possessing great integ rity and a tenacious memory, stated previous to his decease in 1841 THE MASSACRE. 23 and who witnessed thejr interment, being then ten years of age, and a scholar in the public Latin school. Pointing to the spot which is the site of a tomb once OAvned by the city, in the rear of the tomb of Deacon Richard Checkley, an apothecary. Col. May stated that was the place Avhere he saAV them interred. A beautiful larch-tree flour ishes at the side of the city tomb, Avhich is opposite Montgomery-place. When, during the mayoralty of Jonathan Chapman, an iron fence was erected on the Granary cemetery, in the month of June, 1840, an excavation was made over this spot, for the erection of this city tomb, human bones, and a skull with a bullet-hole perforated through it, Avere discovered, Avhich probably were remains of these victims ; and we haA'e the evidence of the late Martin Smith, sexton of King's Chapel church, that he assisted in throAA'ing the skull and other bones jnto the earth near the larch-tree. When General Warren gave an oration on the massacre, March 5th, 1772, James Allen, one of the Boston poets, commemorated the event in verse, at his request ; and John Adams states in his diary, probably in allusion to this poem, that James Otis reads to large circles of the common people Allen's oration on the beauties of liberty, and recom mends it as an excellent production. AUen thus apostrophised King George, in these prophetic terms : "In vain shall Britain lift her suppliant eye. An alienated offspring feels no filial tie. Her tears in vain shall bathe the soldiers' feet, — Remember, ingrate, Boston's crimsoned street ! AVhole hecatombs of lives the deed shall pay. And purge the murders of that guilty day." May the s.ons of Boston be sure that a centennial oration, commem orative of the Boston massacre, be pronounced by the most eminent and eloquent orator of the day ! One of the most popular celebrations in Boston, previous to the massacre, was that of the GunpoAvder Plot, which, according to Dr. Charles Chauncy, in a letter to Dr. Stiles, dated May 23d, 1768, was to that day commemorated ; and was in especial memorable to him, as his ancestor Avas at Westminster school, adjoining the parliament house, pursuing his studies, when the plot was discovered. The latest date of its celebration in Boston, of Avhich we find the most particular account, was on Monday, Nov. 6th, 1769, when the guns at the Castle 24 .THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. and at the batteries in town were fired, and a pageantry exhibited, elevated on a stage, carried in derision through the streets, and fol lowed by crowds of people, with ludicrous effigies of the Pope and others, which, Avhen they reached Copp's Hill, Avere committed to the flames. One of the regulars was flogged by one of the party, for attempting to detain the procession, as it passed the main guard sta tioned at the door of the state-house. On a lantern was a descrip tion of the Pope in 1769; on another was inscribed "Love and Unity. The American whig. Confusion to the tories ; and a total banishment to bribery and corruption." And on the right side Avas this profane acrostic, below a caricature of John Mein, the royahst editor of the Chronicle, and warm opponent of the people : "Insulting wretch ! we '11 him expose, — O'er the whole world his deeds disclose. Hell now gapes wide to take him in ; Now he is ripe ; 0, lump of sin ! Mean is the man, — M**n is his name ; Enough he 's spread his hellish fame. Infernal furies hurl his soul Nine million times from pole to pole." "Wilkes and Liberty" was inscribed on another lantern, over highly inflammatory verses. We find no allusion to this celebration after 1774. When the evening of the first anniversary of the massacre arrived, an address Avas deliA^ered at the Manufactory House, by Dr. Thomas Young. This building was selected for the occasion, because the first opposition to the British regulars, October, 1768, Avas made there, when one Elisha Brown, having possession of the building, which Avas located at the corner of Hamilton-place, as a tenant underthe province, refused admission to the mihtary. The high sheriff was sent by Gov. Bernard, for admission; and, on a third attempt, he found an open Avindow, and entered that ; upon which the people gathered about him, and made him prisoner. This outrage occurred just after the arriA'al of the regulars. We transcribe the particulars of this public demon stration, from the Boston News Letter of March 7th and 14th : The bells of the churches Avere tolled from tAvelve o'clock at noon until one. An oration was delivered in the eA'ening, by Dr. Young, at the hall of the Manufactory, a building originally designed for encouraging manufactories, and employing the pool*. The oration, it is said, con- THE MASSACRE. 25 tained a brief account of the massacre ; of the imputations of treason and rebellion, with Avhich the tools of power endeavored to brand the inhabitants ; and a descant upon the nature of treasons, with some threats of the British ministry to take away the Massachusetts charter. In the evening there Avas a very striking exhibition at the house of Mr. Paul Revere, fronting the old North-square, so called. At one of the chamber windows was the appearance of the ghost of Christopher Snider, Avith one of his fingers in the wound, endeavoring to stop the blood issuing therefrom; near him his friends weeping; at a small distance, a monumental pyramid, Avith his name on the top, and the names of those killed on the fifth of March round the base ; under neath, the following lines : " Snider's pale ghost fresh bleeding stands, And vengeance for his death demands." In the next window were represented the soldiers draAvn up, firing at the people assembled before them, — the dead on the ground, and the wounded falling, with the blood running in streams from their wounds, — over which Avas AVi'itten, " Foul Play." In the third windoAV, Avas the figure of a Avoman, representing America, sitting on the stump of a tree, with a staff in her hand, and the cap of liberty on the top thereof; one foot on the head of a grenadier, lying prostrate, grasping a serpent ; her finger pointing to the tragedy. Another authority states that the bells of Boston tolled from nine to ten o'clock in the evening, and they were muffled. The allusion, in Dr. Young's oration, to the threats of Great Britain, and the imputations of treason, forcibly remind one of the firmness with which the Massachusetts colonists resisted every device to decoy and divert, most artfully attempted by the minions of the throne. The eloquence of bribery fell powerless. Lord Paramount urged, in the Revolutionary play, written by the author of the American Chron icles of the Times, pubhshed in 1776, — ¦ " Don't you knoAV there 's such SAveet music in the shaking of the treasury keys, that they Avill instantly lock the most babbling patriot's tongue? transform a tory into a whig, and a whig into a tory ? make a superannuated old miser dance, and an old cynic philosopher smile? How many thousand times has your tongue danced at Westminster Hall to the sound of such music ! " 3 20 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. The bold daring of the times was thus forcibly expressed, in an old almanac, printed during the contest : " Let tyrants rage, and sycophants exclaim ; Let tories grumble, parasites defame. And all the herd of trembling despots roar. And plot revenge ; dependence is no more. ' 'T is independence that we will maintain, And Britain's tyrant shall no longer reign. Britain, adieu ! Ave seek your aid no more ; Nor call you Mother, as we did before." We know httle of Dr. Thomas Young. He Avas a member of the Committee of Correspondence in 1772. He was a talented writer in papers of the day, and in the Royal American Magazine, on medical, political, and religious subjects. He Avas one of the tea-party in 1773 ; but a groundless tradition exists, that he Avas the person who filled his pockets with the detestable herb, Avhich being discovered when he was on the way home from the ships, some one cut off the skirts of his coat, and threw aAvay the tea. The old crier witnessed this scene, but cannot state who committed the act. John Adams writes of him as his physician. He Avas an army surgeon in 1776. In the Life and Times of General Thomas Lamb, of Revolutionary fame, are highly spirited letters from Dr. Young, in one of Avhich he says, that " Lord North endeavors to still the rising rage of his coun trymen, by assuring them that no other province will, in the least, countenance the rebellious Bostonians." And, in allusion to a town- meeting at Faneuil Hall, Dr. Young says, it "was conducted Avith a freedom and energy becoming the orators of ancient Rome." We descendants of the patriot fathers have no conception of their perils, and are prompted by emotions of veneration, at their decided tone, amid the glare of royal bayonets. In Edes and Gill's North American Almanac, printed in 1770, we find Avhat is termed "A New Song, now much in vogue in North America," Avhich entwines this rebel passage : " All ages shall speak with amaze and applause Of the courage we '11 show in support of our laws. To die we don't fear, but to serve we disdain ; We had better not be, than not freemen remain. In freedom we 're born, and in freedom we '11 live ; Our purses are ready, — Steady, friends, steady ; Not as slaves, but as freemen, our money we '11 give." THE MASSACRE. 27 The earliest orations were delivered in the Old Brick Church, on the site of Cornhill-square, or at the Old South Church, and attended by immense croAvds of people. Originally, a small stage Avas erected in the northern section of the church, on Avhich Avere exhibited the sur- viA'ors wounded at the massacre, and a contribution Avas taken for their benefit. These patriotic orations are a protective shield to our consti tution, as they illustrate the principles of civil liberty. The honored successor of Washington to the presidency of this glo rious Union, when Avriting to Dr. jNIorse in allusion to the memorable orations on the massacre, and those succeeding on the national inde pendence, from the peace of 1783 (|oAYn to the year 1816, thus emphasizes : — " These orations AA'ere read, I had almost said, by every body that could read, and scarcely ever Avith dry eyes. They have now been continued for forty-five years. Will you read them all 1 They were not long continued in their original design ; but other gen tlemen, with other views, had influence enoufrh to obtain a change from ' standing armies ' to 'feelings which produced the Revolution.' Of these forty-five orations, I have read as many as I have seen. They have varied with all the changes of our politics. They have been made the engine of bringing forward to public notice young gentlemen of promising genius, whose connections and sentiments were tolerable to the prevailing opinions of the moment. There is juvenile ingenuity in all that I have read. There are few men of consequence among us Avho did not commence their career by an ora tion on the fifth of JMarch. I have read these orations Avith a mixture of pleasure and pity. Young gentlemen of genius describing scenes they never saw, and descanting on feelings they -never felt, — and which great pains had been taken they never should feel. When will these orations end? And when Avill they cease to be monuments of the fluctuations of public opinion, and general feehng, in Boston, Mas sachusetts, and the United States ? They are infinitely more indica tive of the feehngs of the moment than of the feelings that produced the Revolution." And, in the conclusion of this letter, he remarks, " If I could be fifty years younger, and had nothing better to do, I would have these orations collected and printed in volumes, and then write the history of the last forty-five years in commentaries upon them." The conception of this Avork was matured, and the materials mostly gathered, in relation to every one of the orators introduced, before the editor ever read or Avas aAvare of the paragraph last quoted 28 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. from the venerable Adams the elder. An entire collection of the orations noticed in this book, and pubhshed in a connected form, would prove a valuable acquisition to the history and literature of our country. Our plan differs materially from that suggested by the great Nestor of this republic. We exhibit striking specimens from some of the best of those performances, with opinions respecting their character, and present a statement of the Hves of their authors, inter spersed Avith political, historical, and literary reminiscences, unfolding a period of eighty years. Our plan extends, moreover, to the orators of the Massachusetts Cincinnati, the Washington Benevolent, and the Democratic Washing ton Societies ; the eulogists on the deceased presidents, on Warren, on Lafayette and Marshall, and almost every other political occasion in the great head-quarters of the Revolution,- — our own noble Boston! — tending to establish the permanence of republican institutions. While we mainly concur Avith President Adams in opinion regarding the merits of those which he had examined, we venture to assert that a large portion of these productions indicate an ability and patriotic spirit that Avould honor the heads and the hearts of the most eminent politicians of any age or nation ; and we should view the period Avhen such orations would cease as a strong indication of the decline of this great exemplar of all nations. A large portion of the materials for this production were gathered from the libraries of the Massachusetts Historical Society, of the Gore Library at Cambridge, of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of the State Library, of the Boston Library, and of the Boston Athenseum ; to the librarians of Avhich institutions the editor renders his grateful acknowledgments for the ready facility extended during the research for information. The editor is more especially indebted to the Massachusetts Historical Society for the generous per mission of access to valuable unpublished manuscripts in their posses sion, from which passages are embodied in this work, greatly enhanc ing its value. Moreover, the editor renders his grateful thanks to Rev. Joseph Barlow Felt, the courteous librarian of this institution, and author of an Ecclesiastical History of New England, and to Lucius Manlius Sargent, Esq., AA'hose experience in historical research ranks them with the most profound antiquarians in our country ; to Sam uel G. Drake, Esq., the chronicler of Indian History; and to Dr. John C. Warren, for the free use of the Revolutionary manuscript JAMES LOVELL. 29 journal of Dr. John Warren, his patriotic father. The editor Avill never forget the courtesy of gentlemen of the leading professions, in rendering information essential to the accuracy of this Avork, the cata logue of Avhose names would fill a chapter ; and to recount the mass of facts furnished would embrace a large appendix. JAMES LOVELL. APRIL 2, 1771. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. As the father and son were remarkable men, and effected much in moulding the intellects of the principal actors of the Revolution, we will exhibit first the scanty materials regarding the father. Master John Lovell was the eldest son of John LoA'ell, who married Priscilla Gardiner, June 16th, 1709; and was born at Boston, June 16th, 1710. He entered the public Latin school in 1717 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1728 ; became usher of the Latin school in 1729, until he was appointed principal in 1734 ; which station he occupied until April 19th, 1775, when the school was dispersed by the siege of the town, and consequent occupation of the royalists. Mr. LoA'ell married Abigail Green, Sept., 1734. He was an excellent critic, and one of the best classical scholars of his day. Though a severe teacher, yet he Avas remarkably humorous, and an agreeable companion. It is worthy of record, that he delivered the first published address in Faneuil Hall, March 14th, 1742, at the annual meeting of the town, occasioned by the death of Peter Faneuil, Esq. , the noble donor of the hall to the town of Boston. In the peroration of Mr. Lovell's funeral oration, he said: "May this hall be ever sacred to the interests of truth, of justice, of loyalty, of honor, of liberty. May no private A'iews, nor party broils, ever enter these walls." Heaven, in mercy, however, otherwise decreed, and to the permanence of republican insti tutions. When the royal troops evacuated Boston, there Avas left unremoved, at the residence of Master Lovell, adjoining the public 3* 30 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Latin school in School-street, the coach of General Gage, whose head quarters Avere at the Province House, together with a phaeton and harness entire. Moreover, a chariot of the governor Avas taken out of the dock on Long Wharf, greatly defaced. He was a warm advo cate for the crown, and embarked with the British troops for Halifax, when they evacuated the town, March 14th, 1776. We find no particulars of his history at Halifax, where he died in 1778. In the gallery of paintings at Harvard College is his portrait, taken by Nathaniel, son of John Smybert, who came to this country in 1728, in company with Bishop Berkeley. Judge Cranch once remarked, " I remember that one of his first portraits was the picture of his old master Lovell, drawn while the terrific impressions of the pedagogue Ayere yet vibrating upon his nerves. I found it so perfect a likeness of my old neighbor, that I did not wonder when my young friend told me that a sudden, undesigned glance at it, had often made him shudder." Master Lovell was a contributor to the Pietas et Gratulatio Collegii Cantabrigiensis, etc., published in 1761. The numbers 2, 25, 26, and 27, are ascribed to his hand. The following is the twenty-seventh article in the Pietas : " While Halley views the heavens with curious eyesi And notes the changes in the stormy skies, — What constellations 'bode descending rains. Swell the proud streams, and fertilize the plains, — AVhat call the zephyrs forth, with favoring breeze To waft Britannia's fleets o'er subject seas ; — In different orbits how the planets run. Reflecting rays they borrow from the sun ; — Sudden, a distant prospect charms his sight, — Venus encircled in the source of light ! Wonders to come his ravished thought unfold. And thus the Heaven-instructed bard foretold What glorious scenes, to ages past unknown. Shall in one summer's rolling months be shown. Auspicious omens yon bright regions wear ; Events responsive in the earth appear. A golden Phoebus decks the rising morn, — Such, glorious George ! thy youthful brows adorn ; Nor sparkles Venus on the ethereal plain. Brighter than Charlotte, midst the virgin train. The illustrious pair conjoined in nuptial ties, Britannia shines a rival to the skies ! " JAMES LOVELL. 31 Master Lovell was author, also, of " The Seasons, an Interlocutory Exercise at the South Latin School," spoken at the annual A'isitation, June 26, 1765, by Daniel Jones and Jonathan Williams Austin, in which the latter exclaims : " Happy the man, when age has spread Its hoary honors on his head, Whose mind, on looking back, surveys A fruitful life and Avell-spent days. As on the verge of both he stands. Both worlds, at once, his view commands : Sees earth unwished for, wished for skies, — Contented lives, and joyful dies." The British troops ascribed their repulse at the battle of Bunker Hill to the following circumstance : Directly after they had landed, it was discovered that most of the cannon-balls Avhich had been brought over were too large for the pieces, and that it was necessary to send them back, and obtain a fresh supply. " This Avretched blunder of OA'er-sized balls," says Gen. Howe, "arose from the dotage of an officer of rank in the ordnance department, who spends all his time Avith the schoolmaster's daughter." It seems that Col. Cleveland, who, "though no Samson, must have his Delilah," Avas enamored of the beautiful daughter of old Master Lovell, and in order to win favor with the damsel, had given her younger brother an appointment in the ordnance, for which he was not qualified ; and Dr. Jeffries confirmed this relation. This error, to Avhatever cause it might have been owing, created delay, and someAvhat diminished the effect of the British fire durino; the first two attacks. A tradition exists that durino; the battle suddenly the fire of the British artillery ceases. Gen. Howe, in con sternation, demands the reason. " The balls are too large." " Fatal error!" says Howe; "what delusion drives Col. Cleveland to pass all his time with the schoolmaster's daughter, instead of minding his business? Pour in grape ! " The forthcoming allusion to this affair appears in a song ascribed to a British soldier, written after the battle : " Our conductor, he got broke For his misconduct, sure, sir ; The shot he sent for twelve-pound guns, AVere made for twenty-four, sir. There 's some in Boston pleased to say. As we the field were taking. 32 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. We went to kill their countrymen While they their hay were making. For such stout whigs I never saw, — To hang them all, I 'd rather. For making hay with musket-balls And buck-shot mixed together." We will noAV exhibit the oiithne of the history of Master James Lovell, who was born at Boston, Oct. 31, 1737; entered the pubhc Latin school in 1744, and graduated at Harvard College in 1756. He became the usher of this school in 1757, which station he filled until April 19, 1775, when the school was suspended by the war. He was also master of the North Grammar, now the Eliot school. The Latin school Avas revived, Nov. 8, 1776. He married, at Trinity Church, Mary, daughter of Alexander Middleton, a native of Scotland, Nov. 24, 1760. On the morning before the town committee had reached his resi dence, to invite him to deliver an oration on the massacre, his father took occasion, at the breakfast-table, according to the tradition, to advise him not to accept the appointment, as his inexperience in public matters was not equal to the effort ; nor could he expect, if he were, that the undertaking would result in any public benefit, or personal advantage to himself " Besides, my son," said the old gentleman, "there is a consideration in this matter, above all others: there is danger in the attempt, — your life will be in jeopardy." " Is that the case, father?" said Lovell; "then my mind is decided; my resolu tion is fixed, that I will attempt it at every hazard ! " Whether or not this relation be fact, it was perfectly characteristic of the man. The people assembled at Faneuil Hall to listen to the young orator, when the throng being too great, the audience forthwith adjourned to the Old South Church, and after a fervent prayer by the Rev. Dr. Chauncy, an oration Avas pronounced by James Lovell, that received "the universal acceptance of the audience;" after which, the thanks of the toAA'n Avere voted him, and a committee appointed to request a copy for the press. He remarked, in this performance, that "the design of this ceremony was decent, wise, and honorable. Make the bloody fifth of March the era of the resurrection of your birthrights, Avhich have been murdered by the very strength that nursed them in their infancy." And towards the close of the oration, he remarks : " Having declared myself an American son of liberty, of true JAMES LOVELL. 33 charter principles, — having shoAvn the critical and dangerous situation of our birthrights, and the true course for speedy redress, — I shall take the freedom to recommend with boldness one previous step. Let us show AA'e understand the true value of Avhat we are claimins;." Mr. Lovell Avas an excellent scholar, and of famous reputation ; but detraction, ever seeking to Avound those most esteemed, frowned its odious visage upon him. John Adams says, in his diary, under date of January 7, 1766 : " Samuel Waterhouse, of the customs, the most notorious scribbler, satirist, and libeller, in the service of the conspira tors against the liberties of America, made a most malicious, ungen erous attack upon James Lovell, Jr., the usher of the grammar school, as others had attacked him about idleness, and familiar spirits, and zanyship, and expectancy of a deputation." The residence of James Lovell, during the Revolution, was on the estate Avhere Chapman Hall is now located, and his family witnessed on the house-top the burning of Charlestown during the battle of Bunker Hill. While Ish. Lovell was imprisoned in the Boston jail, in Queen-street, in consequence of General Howe having discovered a prohibited correspondence, proving his adherence to the Revolutionary cause, his devoted wife Avas daily accustomed to convey his food to the prison door. They had eight sons, and one daughter, Mary, who was married to Mark Pickard, a merchant of Boston, Avhose daughter was the wife of Rev. Henry Y^are, of Harvard College. After the Revo lution, Mr. Lovell resided in Hutchinson-street, located on Sturgis- place. After the battle of Bunker Hill, thirty-one captives were imprisoned in Boston jail, among Avhom Avas Mr. Lovell, Avho wrote a pathetic letter to Washington, dated Provost's Prison, Boston, Nov. 19, 1775, in which he said: "Your excellency is already informed that the powers of the military government established in this town have been wantonly and cruelly exercised against me, from the 29th of June last. I have in vain repeatedly solicited to be brought to some kind of trial for my pretended crimes. In answer to a petition of that sort, pre sented on the 16th of October, I am directed, by Col. Balfour, aid-de camp to Gen. Howe, to seek the release of Col. Skene and his so7i, as the sole means of my enlargement. " This proposition appears to me extremely disgraceful to the party from which it comes ; and a compliance with it pregnant with danger ous consequences to my felloAV-citizens. But, while my own spirit 34 THE HUNDRED BOSTON OfeATORS. prompts me to reject it directly with the keenest disdain, the impor tunity of my distressed Avife, and the advice of some whom I esteem, have checked me doAvn to a consent to give your excellency this inform ation. I have the fullest confidence in your wisdom, and I shall be perfectly resigned to your determination, Avhatever it may be. I must not, hoAvever, omit to say, that should you condescend to stigmatize the proceeding of my enemies by letter, the correction might work some change in favor of myself, or at least of my family; which must, I think, perish through want of fuel and provisions, in the approach ing winter, if they continue to be depriA^ed of my assistance." Master Lovell addressed another letter, Dec. 6, 1775, to General Washington, in Avhich he remarked: " Charged with being a spy, and giving intelligence to the rebels, I have been suffering the pains and indignities of imprisonment from the 29th of June last, Avithout any sort of trial. Capt. Balfour, aid-de-camp to Gen. Howe, some time ¦ago directed Mrs. Lovell to tell me, from the commander-in-chief that I must obtain the exchange of Col. Skene and his son, as the only ¦condition of my enlargement ; and I have waited weeks in a vain hope of being enabled to write Avith more precision to your excellency. I have no argument but of a private nature to make use of, upon this occasion; and it is addressed to your excellency's humanity, Avhich I .am well satisfied Avill attend the decision of your wisdom. I myself am reduced to such a risk of life, and my family to such miseries, by my imprisonment, as to make both objects of compassion to all who are not learnedly barbarous aid cruel." Washington wrote to Hancock, in a letter dated Jan. 30, 1776 : " I ¦shall, in obedience to the order of Congress, though interdicted by Gen. Howe, propose an exchange of Col. Skene for Mr. Lovell and his family ; and shall be happy to have an opportunity of putting this ¦ •deserving man, Avho has shoAvn his fidelity and regard to his country to be too great for persecution and cruelty to overcome, in any post agreeable to his Avishes and inclinations." Here is a tribute to Lovell from the immortal Washington, of greater value than the most renoAvned heraldry. Mr. Lovell was detained in prison, regardless of the intercession of Washington, until the British army evacuated the town, when he AA'as ¦conveyed to Halifax, Avhere he was kept in close confinement. Thus, while the father was at Halifax an honored folloAver of the croAvn, the son was degraded for an adherence to the eagle. His family were pro- JAMES LOVELL. 35 tected by the respected Dr. Joseph Gardner, in Avhose dwelling they resided, — located on Marlboro'-street, — until his return from cap tivity. Mr. Lovell happened to be doomed to the same prison in Avhich the famous Col. Ethan Allen was confined, Avith several other Americans. Allen had been a Avanderer during his captivity, liaA'ing been first sent from Montreal to England in irons, and then trans ported back to Halifax, by way of Ireland and North Carolina. Mr. LoA',ell was finally exchanged for Gov. Skene, of Ticonderoga, on Nov. 1776, and arrived in Boston on the 30th day, by Avay of Ncav York. The hardships of imprisonment rather impaired his intellect, though its poAver was never dethroned. There was a deep rancor against Mr. Lovell, when in Boston jail, for having publicly repeated, in his oration on the massacre, what the royalists had taught him by experi ence, " that slaves envy the freedom of others, and take malicious pleasure in contributing to destroy it; " — being a citation from Black- stone. And another matter that excited prejudice Avas the getting possession of a note Avritten to one going to Point Shirley, which Gen. IIoAve had intercepted. Consequently he was closely locked up, and debarred the use of pen, ink, and paper, though he declared his inno cence of any forbidden correspondence. In Dec. 1776, James Lovell Avas elected to the Continental Con gress, for his native state. On the third of May, 1778, ]Mr. Lovell Avrote to Arthur Lee as follows: "In the month of October, 1775, I used the freedom of writing to you from Boston prison, by a Mr. William Powell, who had also in charge some papers to enable you to stigmatize the mean cruelties of Gage, Avho Avas then exulting in his command : but the papers which I afterwards sent you from Halifax jail, by an amiable lady, afforded proofs of scientific barbarity in HoAve, which tended to obliterate the memory of what I had endured under his predecessor. I had the imagination, at that time, of pur suing those men personally to Europe ; but Avhen I heard my country men had Avisely declared independence, I felt myself instantly repaid for all my losses and bodily injuries. I Avill not endeavor to constrain you to believe that I am governed, at this day, by feelings and motiA'es of the most laudable patriotism. I am not anxious to disavow a degree of the spirit of retaliation, which our enemies seem to have been industrious to excite in us. It AVOuld be false affectation of universal benevolence to say I lament the present disgrace of Britain. 36 THE HUNDRED BOSTON. ORATORS. Whether she mends upon it or not, I must rejoice at it, though upon (different principles." It is a singular coincidence to this remark, that the editor, while writing in, the book-store of Drake the antiquarian, had his attention directed to a passage in BosAvell's Johnson, which Mr. Drake held in his hand at the moment, where Johnson, in conversing with Miss Seward, says, April 15th, 1778, "I am willing to love all mankind, except an American." Miss Seward, looking at him Avith mild and steady astonishment, said, " Sir, this is an instance that we are always most violent against those we have injured." We find in the London Political Register for 1780 the following severe remarks on the character of Mr. Lovell, because of his repub lican course : "In the pockets of Warren, the rebel commander, killed at Bunker Hill, were found letters from James Lovell, a rebel spy, stating the number and disposition of the troops in Boston, with a variety of other information. The spy, instead of being sentenced to the galloAYS and executed, was only taken up and detained in custody; and when our army was at New York, he was discharged, at the request of some of the rebel chiefs. The deputy commissary of prisoners saAV him safely on board the cartel ship, and laid in for him the best provisions the place could supply. Lovell, instead of being grateful for this, the instant he landed in the rebel territory, AATOte the commissary a most abiisive letter ; and, by this infamous behavior, having arrived at the summit of villany, was, in the opinion of the rebels of Massachusetts, deemed a fit person to represent them in Con gress ; accordingly, as soon as he set his foot in Boston, he Avas chosen one of their delegates to Congress. The rebel spies and prisoners taken by our troops have been always treated Avith a lenity nearly akin to folly ; the rebels noA'er imputed it to our humanity, but to our ¦ timidity and dread of them." The Political Register quotes a passage from an intercepted letter of Mr. Lovell, dated Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1780, addressed to Mr. Gerry, in Avhich he said : " Is it not time to pay a visit to Massachu setts ? Does my wife look as if she wanted a toothless, grayheaded, sciatic husband near her ? . I am more benefit to her at a distance than in conjunction, as the almanac has it." In 1784 Mr. Lovell was appointed receiver of Continental taxes, and during the confederacy of 1788 and '89 he Avas the collector for DR. BENJAMIN CHURCH. 37 the port of Boston. He was the naA^al officer of Boston from 1790 until his decease, at Windham, Maine, July 14, 1814; Mr. Lovell published several tracts. In 1760 he delivered an oration in Latin, to the memory of the venerable Henry Flint, Avho was fifty-five years a tutor of Harvard College. In 1808, Propaga tion of Truth, or Tyranny Anatomized ; Sketches of Man as He is, connected with the Past and Present Mode of Education ; A Letter to the President of the United States, supposed by the Avriter to be fitted specially for the Age and Courage of the Young Federal Repub licans of Boston, and also to be calculated generally to promote the comfort of all gray-headed as well as green-headed free citizens every where : dated, July 4, 1805. DR. BENJAMIN CHURCH. MARCH 5,1773. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. Dr. Benjamin Church was a son of Deacon Benjamin Church, of Mather Byles' church, in Boston ; and Avas born at Newport, R. I. , Aug. 24, 1734. He entered the Latin school in 1745, and graduated at Harvard College in 1754. He was a student in the London Med ical College, and Avalked the hospitals, daily visiting all the wards. He married Miss Hannah Hill, of Ross, in Herefordshire, a sister of his early friend, a young student in London. He returned to Boston, and had Benjamin, who married a lady of London, and became a ' surgeon in the British army ; James Miller, born 1759 ; Sarah, born 1761, who married Benjamin Weld, a tory refugee ; Hannah, born'l764, Avho married William Kirkby, a merchant of London, and had sixteen children. It is to a descendant of this branch that the editor is indebted for information. Dr. Church was the surgeon Avho examined the body of Crispus Attucks, killed by the British soldiers in the massacre of 1770 ; and his deposition is printed in the narrative of the town. He was the 4 38 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. first Grand Master of the Rising Sun Lodge, instituted in 1772. Dr. Church pronoijn'ced the oration on the massacre, at the Old South; and so vast Avas the throng of people to hear it, that the orator, and John Hancock, the moderator of this adjourned toAvn-meeting, were obhged to be taken in at a windoAv. It ivas receiA'ed "with universal applause," and directly after its delivery the people unanimously requested a copy for the press. Dr. Eliot says of it, that "it is certainly one of the A'cry best of the Boston oraitions." He had genius and taste, and was an excellent writer in poetry and prose, consisting mostly of essays of a witty and philological nature, Avhich are scattered in newspapers and publications almost obsolete. On the evening after the delivery of this oration, the lantern exhibition appealed from Mrs. Clapham's balcony, in King-street; and in one of the chamber windows was inscribed the following impas sioned effusion : " Canst thou, spectator, view this crimsoned scene. And not reflect what these sad portraits mean .' Or can thy slaughtered brethren's guiltless gore Revenge, in vain, from year to year implore ? Ask not where Preston or his butchers are ! But ask, who brought those bloody villains here ? Never for instruments forsake the cause. Nor spare the wretch who would subvert the laws ! That ruthless fiend, who, for a trifling hire. Would murder scores, or set a town on fire. Compared with him who would a land enslave, Appears an inconsiderable knave. And shall the first adorn the fatal tree. While, pampered and caressed, the last goes free ? Forbid it, thou whose eye no bribe caii blind. Nor fear can influence, nor favor bind ! Thy justice drove one murderer to despair ; And shall a number live in riot here ? Live and appear to glory in the crimes Which hand destruction down to future times ? Yes, ye shall live ! but live like branded Cain, In daily dread of being nightly slain ; And when the anxious scene on earth is o'er. Your names shall stink till time shall be no more ! " We cannot restrain the desire to present the peroration of the oration so much applauded : "By Heaven, they die ! Thus nature spoke, and the swollen heart leaped to execute the dreadful purpose. Dire was the interval of rage, — fierce was the conflict of the soul. In DR. BENJAMIN CIirKCII. 39 that important hour, did not the stalking ghosts of our stern fore fathers point us to bloody deeds of vengeance ? " Did not the con sideration of our expiring liberties impel us to remorseless havoc? But, hark ! the guardian God of New England issues his aAvful man date, — Peace, be still ! Hushed Avas the bursting Avar ; the loAvering tempest frowned its rage aAvay. Confidence in that God, beneath whose Aving we shelter all our cares, — that blessed confidence released the dastard, the cowering prey; Avith haughty scorn Ave refused to become their executioners, and nobly gave them to the Avrath of HeaA'en. But Avords can poorly paint the horrid scene. Defenceless, prostrate, bleeding countrymen, — the piercing, agonizing groans, — the mingled moan of Aveeping relatives and friends, — these best can speak, to rouse the luke-Avarm into noble zeal. — to fire the zealous into manly rage against the foul oppression of quartering troops in pop ulous cities in times of peace." There is but one sentence in this admired production that cou.ld be construed in the least degree to indicate the fear that this vigorous mind would ever forsake the cause of injured humanity, Avherein he says, " The constitution of England I revere to a degree of idolatry." This, however, is directly qualified, for he continues, "but my attach ment is to the common Aveal. The magistrate Avill ever command my respect by the integrity and Vi^isdom of his administrations." Dr. Church was a Boston representative, a member of the ProA'in- cial Congress in 1774, and physician-general to the patriot army in that year. About the year 1768, Dr. Church erected an elegant mansion at Raynham, on the side of Nippenickit pond, " allured, perhaps," says Dr. Allen, "by the pleasures of fishing." Probably it was thus that he created a pecu.niary embarrassment, AA'hich led to his defection from the cause of his country. A letter Avritten in cipher, to his brotlier in Boston, Avas intrusted by him to a young Avoman, Avith whom he Avas said to be living in crime. The mysterious letter was found upon her ; but, the doctor having opportunity to speak to her, it was only by the force of threats that the name of the Avriter Avas extorted from her. It was for some time difficult to find any person capable of decipher ing Dr. Church's letter, but at length it Avas effected by Rev. Dr. Samuel West, of New Bedford. When Washington charged him Avith his baseness, he never attempted to vindicate himself Washington stated, in a letter to Hancock, dated Cambridge, Oct. 5, 40 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. 1775: "I have now a painful, though a necessary duty to perform, respecting Dr. Church, director-general of the hospital. About a Aveek ago, Mr. Secretary Ward, of Providence, sent up to me one Wainwood, an inhabitant of Newport, with a letter directed to Major Cane, in Boston, in characters ; Avhich, he said, had been left Avith Wainwood some time ago, by a woman who was kept by Dr. Church. She had before pressed Wainwood to take her to Capt. Wallace, at NcAvport, Mr. Dudley the collector, or George Rowe, Avhich he declined. She then gave him a letter, with a strict charge to deliver it to either of those gentlemen. He, suspecting some improper coiv respondence, kept the letter, and after some time opened it ; but, not being able to read it, laid it up, where it remained until he received an obscure letter from the woman, expressing an anxiety after the original letter. He then communicated the whole matter to Mi. Ward, who sent him up with the papers to me. I .immediately secured the Avoman ; but for a long time she was proof against every threat and persuasion to discover the author. However, at length she was brought to a confession, and named Dr. Church. I then immediately secured him, and all his papers. Upon his first examination, he readily acknoAA'ledged the letter ; said it was designed for his brother Fleming, and Avhen deciphered Avould be found to contain nothing criminal. He acknovdedged his never having communicated the correspondence to any person here, but the girl, and made many protestations of the purity of, his intentions. Having found a person capable of decipher ing the letter, I, in the mean time, had all his papers searched, but found nothing criminal among them. But it appeared, on inquiry, that a confidant had been among the papers before my messenger arrived." We select this passage from Dr. Church's intercepted letter : "For the sake of the miserable convulsed empire, repeal the acts, or Britain is undone. This advice is the result of Avarm affection to my king and the realm. Remember, I never deceived you." He was convicted by court-martial, Oct. 3, 1775, of which Wash ington was president, "of holding a criminal correspondence Avith the enemy." He was imprisoned at Cambridge. On Oct. 27, he Avas called to the bar of the House of RepresentatiA'es, and examined. His defence before the house, printed in the Historical Collections, Avas a specimen of brilliant talents and great ingenuity. That the letter Avas designed for his brother, but, not being sent, he had communicated no DR. BENJAMIN CHURCH. 41 intelligence : that there Avas nothing in the letter but notorious facts : that his exaggerations of the American force could only be designed to favor the cause of liberty : and that the object Avas purely patriotic. "Confirmed," said he, "in assured innocence, I stand prepared for your keenest searchings. The Avarmest bosom here does not flame Avith a brighter zeal for the security, happiness, and liberties, of America." He ¦\vas expelled from the house ; and the Continental Congress after wards resolved that he should be confined in jail in Connecticut, and "debarred the use of pen, ink, and paper." He Avas afterwards allowed to occasionally ride out, under a trusty guard. Madam Adams, in alluding to the treachery of Dr. Church, remarked at that time: "You may as Avell hope to bind up a hungry tiger Avith a cobweb, as to hold such debauched patriots in the visionary chains of decency, or to charm them with the intellectual beauty of truth and reason." His residence, in Boston, Avas at the south corner of Avon-place. Dr. Thatcher says, " There were not a few among the most respectable and intelhgent in the community Avho expressed strong doubts of a criminal design in his conduct." Our readers, howcA'er, need only to examine the statement of Paul Revere, in the succeeding paragraphs, to have their minds satisfied of his treacherous conduct. It appears in a letter to Rev. Dr. John Eliot, corresponding secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society, dated Boston, Jan. 1, 1798: "In the fall of 1774, and Avinter of 1775, I was one of upwards of thirty, chiefly mechanics, Avho formed ourselves into a committee, for the purpose of watching the movements of the British soldiers, and gaining every intelligence of the movements of the tories. We held our meetings at the Green Dragon Tavern. We were so care ful that our meetings should be kept secret, that every time Ave met, every person swore upon the Bible that they would not discover anj^ of our transactions, but to Hancock, Adams, Drs. Warren, Church, and one or two more. About November, when things began to groAV serious, a gentleman who had connections Avith the tory party, but was a Avhig at heart, acquainted me that our meetings Avere discovered, and mentioned the identical words that were spoken among us the nif^htjDefore. We did not then distrust Dr. Church, but supposed it must be some one among us. We removed to another place, Avhich we thought was more secure ; but here Ave found that all our transac tions were communicated to Gov. Gage. This came to me through the then secretary, Flucker. He told it to the gentleman mentioned 4* 42 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. above. It was then a common opinion that there A\-as a traitor in the Provincial Congress, and that Gage Avas possessed of all their secrets. Dr. Church appeared to be a high son of liberty. He frequented all the places Avhere they met ; Avas encouraged by all the leaders of the sons of liberty ; and it appeared he Avas respected by them, though I knew that Dr. Warren had not the greatest respect for him. Though it Avas known that some of the liberty songs Avhich he composed Avere parodized by him in favor of the British, yet none dare charge him Avith it. I Avas a constant and critical observer of him, and I must say that I never thought him a man of principle, and I doubted much, in my own mind, whether he Avas a real whig. I kiiew that he kept company Avith a Capt. Price, a half-pay British officer ; and that he frequently dined Avith him and Robinson, one of the commissioners. I knoAY that one of his intimate acquaintance asked him Avhy he was so often Avith Robinson and Price. His answer was, that he kept company with them on purpose to find out their jjlans. The day after the battle of Lexington, I met him in Cambridge, Avhen he shew me some blood on his stocking, Avhich, he said, spirted on him from a man Avho was killed near him, as he Avas urging the militia on. I aa'bU remember that I argued Avith myself, if a man Avill risk his life in a cause, he must be a friend to that cause ; and I never suspected him after, till he Avas charged with being a traitor. " The same day, I met Dr. Warren. He was president of the Committee of Safety. He engaged me as a messenger to do the out- of-doors business for the committee, Avhich gave me an opportunity of being frequently with them. The Friday evening after, about sunset, I was sitting Avith some or near all that committee, in their room, which was at Mr. Hastings' house, in Cambridge. Dr. Church, all at once, started up. 'Dr. Warren,' said he, 'I am determined to go into Boston to-morroAV.' It set them all a staring. Dr. Warren replied; 'Are you serious. Dr. Church? They Avill hang you, if they catch you in Boston.' He replied, 'I am serious, and am determined to go, at all adventures.' After a considerable couA^ersation, Dr. War ren said, 'If you are determined, let us make some business for you.' They agreed that he should go to get medicine for their and our wounded officers. He went the next morning, and I think he came back on Sunday evening. After he had told the committee how things were, I took him aside, and inquired particularly hoAV they treated him. He said, that ' as soon as he got to their lines on DR. BENJAMIN CHURCH. 43 Boston Neck, they made him a prisoner, and carried him to Gen. Gage, where he was examined ; and then he Avas sent to Gould's bar racks, and was not suffered to go home but once. After he AA^as taken up for holding a correspondence Avith the British, I came across Dea. Caleb Davis. We entered into conversation about him. He told me that the morning Church Avent into Boston, he (Davis) received a billet for Gen. Gage ; — (he then did not know that Church was in toAvn.) When he got to the general's house, he Avas told the general could not be spoke Avith, — that he was in private Avith a gentleman ; that he waited near half an hour, when Gen. Gage and Dr. Church came out of a room, discoursing together like persons Avho had been long acquainted. He appeared to be quite surprised at seeing ¦ Dea. Davis there ; that he (Church) went where he pleased, Avhile m Boston, only a Major Caine, one of Gage's tools, Avent with him. I Avas told by another person, whom I could depend upon, that he saAv Church go into Gen. Gage's house at the above time ; that he got out of the chaise and went up the steps more like a man that Avas acquainted than a prisoner. " Some time after, — perhaps a year or two, — I fell in company with a gentleman who studied with Church. In discoursing about him, I related what I have mentioned above. He said he did not doubt that he was in the interest of the British, and that it Avas he Avho informed Gen. Gage ; that he knew for certain that, a short time before the Battle of Lexington, — for he then lived Avith him, and took care of his business and books, — he had no money by him, and was much drove for money; that, all at once, he had several hundred new British guineas ; and that he thought at the time Avhere they came from." When released from his imprisonment in Norwich jail. Conn., May, 1776, he set sail from Boston for London, — some say for the West Indies ; and, according to a family tradition, the vessel was Avrecked near the Boston Light-house, and all on board perished. Our prin cipal authorities state, however, that after he left Boston he was never heard from. His family was pensioned by the crOAvn. We cannot conclude this article before introducing an incident. Col. Revere was the first President of the Massachusetts Mechanics' Charitable Association, and a copper-plate engraver. In the year 1768, the Legislature of Massachusetts voted to send a circular letter to the several Provinces, on the alarming state of this country, and inA'iting a convention to oppose a taxation ivithout the consent of the 44 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. representatives of the people. The king directed Governor Bernard to demand that the said vote be rescinded and obhterated. A vote was passed, June 30, 1768, not to conform to it, seventeen members only voting in favor of it, and ninety-two in the negative. .The seventeen members Avere stigmatized with the name of Rescinders, and treated with contempt. Paul Revere engraved a caricature, entitled "A Warm Place — Hell." The delineation was a pair of monstrous open jaws, resembling those of a shark, with flames issuing ; and Satan, with a large pitchfork, driving the seventeen Rescinders into the flames, exclaiming, " Noay I've got you! A fine haul, by Jove!" As a reluctance is shoAvn by the foremost man at entering, Avho is supposed to represent the Hon. Timothy Ruggles, afterward a brigadier-general of Worcester county, another devil is draAvn, with a fork, flying tOAvards him, and crying out, " Push on, Tim ! " Over the upper jaw is seen, in the back-ground, the cupola of the Province-house, Avith the Indian and boAV and arrow, the arms of the Province, where was the residence of the governor. When Revere was engaged in executing this caricature. Dr. Benj. Church came into his office, and seeing Avhat he was about, took a pen and wrote the following lines as an accompaniment : " On, brave Rescinders I to yon yawning cell, — Seventeen such miscreants sure will startle hell. There puny villains, damned for petty sin. On such distinguished scoundrels gaze and grin ; The outdone Devil Avill resign his sway, — He never curst his millions in a day . " " Instead of subject colonies," remarks Daniel Webster, " England now beholds on these shores a mighty rival, rich, powerful, intelligent, like herself And may these countries be forever friendly rivals. May their poAA'er and greatness, sustaining themselves, be ahvays directed to the promotion of the peace, the prosperity, the enlightenment, and the liberty of mankind ; and, if it be their united destiny, in the course of human events, that they be called upon, in the cause of humanity and in the cause of freedom, to stand against a Avorld in arms, they are of a race and of a blood to meet that crisis, without shrinkina: from danger, and without quailing in the presence of earthly power." JOSEPH AVARREN, M. D. 45 JOSEPH WARREN, M. D. MARCH 5, 1772. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. The name of Warren appears on the Roll of Battle Abbey, as being of those engaged in the Battle of Hastings, under William the Conqueror, Oct. 14, 1066. It appears also in Doomsday Book, pub lished in 1081. William de Warrene, the first of the name according to Duncan's Dukes of Normandy, related to Duke William on the side of his mother, Avho Avas niece to the Duchess Gouner, took his name from the fief of Varenne, or AVarrene, in the district of St. Aub-in-le- Cauf Warrene received from the Conqueror tAvo hundred and ninety- eight manors, and in 1073 he was adjoined to Richard de Bienfaite as Grand Justiciary of England. He was created Earl of Surrey, by Wilham Rufus, in 1089, and died shortly afterwards. He Avas buried in the Abbey of Lewes, in Sussex, AA'hich he had founded. The ancestry of General Joseph Warren has long been a subject of doubtful speculation, as it could not be traced to the ancient families either of Plymouth or Watertown. After careful research, Ave believe it traceable to the pubhc records of Boston. Doubtless the ancestor of this family was Peter Warren, a mariner, who, according to Suffolk Deeds, purchased an estate of Theodore Atkinson, of Boston, March 8; 1659, " situated on the south side of Boston, next the AA'ater-side, opposite and against Dorchester Neck." This was a part of ancient Mattapan, now South Boston. On his decease, he gave his dwelhng- house and land to his AvidoAV Esther, for and during her natural life, in case she continue a widow, and not otherwise. In case she happen to marry again, the estate should revert to his son Joseph ; or, at her decease, if a widow, he bequeathed the same to him. He married three times, and died at Boston, Nov. 15, 1704, a^ed 76 years. His Avill is m Suffolk Probate. His son Joseph, according to Suffolk Deeds, conveyed, April 15, 1714, this estate to Henry Hill, distiller, for eighty pounds, with the reserve, that his widoAved mother Esther should have a hfe occupancy, and profits and benefits of the same. It Avas located in Boston, at the south part of the toAvn, and bounded southerly at the front by Essex-street, fifty-seven feet ; westerly by the land of 46 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Isaac Goose, eighty-one feet ; northerly by the land of Henry Cole, thirty-one feet; easterly by the land of Whitman, eighty-four feet; — with the buildings, wells, Avater-courses, &c. A distillery has long been located on this estate, bounded by South-street, and is improved by William E. French. This Avas doubtless the ancestral residence. We find no conveyance of real estate to Peter Warren at any other period. Sarah, the first wife of Peter Warren, was admitted to the Old South Church, by dismission. May 22, 1670. His second wife, Han nah, was received in the same church, by dismission also, April 30, 1675 ; and his third wife, Esther, was admitted to that church, also by dismission, Oct. 11, 1687. The baptisms of the children are on the records of the Old South Church, and correspond with the births on the records of Boston, as folloAvs : Peter Warren married Sarah, a daughter of Robert Tucker, of Dorchester, Aug. 1, 1660, by Avhom he had John, born Sept. 8, 1661; Joseph, born Feb. 19, 1662; Benjamin, born July 25, 1665; Elizabeth, born Jan. 4, 1667; Robert, born Dec. 14, 1670 ; Ebenezer, born Feb. 11, 1672 ; Peter, born April 20, 1676 ; Hannah, by his wife Hannah, born May 19, 1680; Mary, born Nov. 24, 1683; Robert, born Dec. 24, 1684. Joseph, the second son of Peter, who, according to Suffolk Deeds, was a housewright, married Deborah, a daughter of Samuel Wilhamsj of Roxbury, where he settled, and had eight children ; among whom was Joseph, born Feb. 2, 1696. He died at Roxbury, July 13, 1729, aged 66 ; and this corresponds Avith the Boston record of his birth. His will was proved August 1st of that date. Joseph, Jr., son of Joseph of Roxbury, married Mary, daughter of Dr. Samuel Stevens, of that toAvn, May 29, 1740. He is named, on Suffolk Probate, as "gentleman." He was a respectable farmer, and Avas the first person who cultivated an apple, Avith a fine blush on one side, famous as the Warren Russet. The Boston News-Letter thus relates the tale of his decease, in a note dated Roxbury, Oct. 25, 1755: " On Wednesday last a sorrOAvfal accident happened here. As Mr. Joseph Warren, of this tOAvn, Avas gathering apples from a tree, standing upon a ladder at a considerable distance from the ground, he fell from thence, broke his neck, and expired in a fcAV moments. He Avas esteemed a man of good understanding, industrious, upright, honest, and faithful, — a serious, exemplary Christian, a useful member of 47 society. He Avas generally respected amongst us, and Iris death is universally lamented." Joseph, 3d, a son of Joseph, Jr., was born at Roxbury, June 11, 1741. He graduated at Harvard College, 1759, and Avas a public- school teacher at Roxbury, in 1760. The old mansion in Avhich he was born has been demolished, and an exact model of it, made partly of the original materials, is retained in the family of Dr. BroAvn. Avho married a daughter of Dr. John Warren. A painting of the estate is in the family of Dr. John C. Warren. An elegant stone building has been erected on the location. The inscriptions hereAvith are chis eled on the front side of the second story of the edifice ; that on the right hand is as foUoAvs : " On this spot stood the house erected in 1720 by Joseph Warren, of Boston, remarkable for being the birthplace of General Joseph War ren, his grandson, Avho Avas killed at the Battle'of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775." The inscription on the left hand is as folloAvs : " John Warren, a distinguished physician and anatomist, Avas also born here. The original mansion being in ruins, this house was built by John C. Warren, M. D., in 1846, son of the last named, as a permanent memorial of the spot." The estate is in Warren-street, on AVarren- place, opposite St. James' -street. Warren was ever remarkable for fearless intrepidity. When at college, some of his classmates Avere engaged in a merriment which they knevY Warren would not approve, and adopted a plan to prevent his attendance. They fastened the door of the apartment, Avhich Avas in the upper story of a college building. Warren, finding that he could not get in at the door, and perceiving that there Avas an open window, determined to effect his entrance by that way, from the roof He accordingly ascended the stairs to the top of the building, and, getting out upon the roof, let himself doAvn to. the eaves, and thence, by tho aid of a spout, to a level with the open AvindoAv, through Avhich he leaped into the midst of the conspirators. The spout, Avhich was of Avood, Avas so much decayed by time, that it fell to the ground as Warren relaxed his hold upon it. His classmates, hearing the crash, rushed to the windoAV, and when they perceived the cause, loudly con gratulated him upon the escape. He coolly remarked that the spout had retained its position just long enough to servB his purpose ; and, without further notice of the accident, proceeded to remonstrate with 48 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. them on the mischief they intended to perpetrate, which had the desired effect. In the period of the Revolution a gallows was erected on the Neck, near Roxbury, for the pubhc execution of criminals. One day, when he Avas passing the spot, he met three British officers, one of whom called to him, saying, "Go on, Warren; you will soon come to the galloAVS ! " It was very evident they meant to insult him, as they burst into a loud laugh as soon as it was uttered. Warren Avas not a man to submit to an insult from any one, least of all from them. He immediately turned back, walked up to them, and calmly requested to kriOAV which of them had thus addressed him. Not one of them had the courage to avow his insolence. Finding he could obtain no answer, he at last left them, ashamed of themselves and each other, but pleased to escape so easily. This is related on the authority of Dr. John C. Warren. Gen. Warren resided several years in Boston, on the location of the present American House, nearly opposite Elm-street. Wired skulls, from his anatomical room, Avere discovered, in excaA-ating the earth, about the year 1835. He was a member of Rev. Dr. Cooper's church, in Brattle-street, and his pew was located opposite the old southern door, in the body of the house, which he selected for the pre vention of disturbance, when abruptly called on for medical aid. The late Governor Eustis, Avho was, in 1774, a student of medicine under Warren, relates that, ii;i returning to his dAvelling, he passed several British officers in Queen-street, among whom Avas Col. Wol- cott, Avho subsequently became notorious for a paltry insult, in address ing General Washington as "Mr. Washington," in a letter on the subject of prisoners ; and, as the friends of Warren were then con stantly expecting that some attempt AA'Ould be made to seize him by the regulars, Eustis stated the circumstance, and advised him not to leave the house. Warren replied, " I have a visit to make to a lady in Cornhill, this evening, and I Avill go at once; come with me." He then put his pistols in his pocket, and they Avent out. They passed several British officers, without molestation from them. It was ascer tained, the next day, that they were watching for two pieces of cannon Avhich had been removed by some Bostonians, of which a relation is given in the outhne of John Hancock. Warren, having his spirit fretted, one day, by some of the taunts frequently uttered by British officers, exclaimed, " These fellows say we won't fight. By heavens ' JOSEPH WARREN, M. D. 49 I hope I shall die up to my knees in blood ! " This was spoken but a foAV Aveeks before the Battle of Bunker Hill. Gen. Warren married Elizabeth, a daughter of the late Dr. Richard Hooton, of Boston, Sept. 6, 1764. Their children Avere Joseph, who graduated at Harvard College, in 1786, — died single in 1790 ; Richard, Avho died at twenty-one years of age ; Elizabeth, who Avas the wife of Gen. Arnold Welles; and Mary, wife of Judge Newcomb, of Greenfield, who died Feb. 7, 1826. Their son Joseph Warren Newcomb, coun sellor at Springfield, has two children, the last living descendants. The three younger children of Gen. Warren Avere for a period under the care of Miss Mercy Scollay, of Boston, a lady to Avhom he was betrothed for a second Avife. His Avife died April 29, 1773, aged tAventy-six years. This impressive tribute to the virtues of his lamented partner appeared in the Boston Gazette of that year : " If fading lilies, when they droop and die. Robbed of each charm that pleased the gazing eye, AVith sad regret the grieving mind inspire, What, then, when virtue's brightest lamps expire? Ethereal spirits see the systems right. But mortal minds demand a clearer sight. In spite of reason's philosophic art, A tear must fall to indicate the heart. Could reason's force disarm the tyrant foe. Or calm the mind that feels the fatal blow. No clouded thought had discomposed the mind Of him whom Heaven ordained her dearest friend. Good sense and modesty with virtue crowned A sober mind, when fortune smiled or frowned ; So keen a feeling for a friend distressed, She could not bear to see a worm oppressed. These virtues fallen enhance the scene of woe. Swell the big drops that scarce confinement know. And force them down in copious showers to flow. But know, thou tyrant Death, thy force is spent, — Thine arm is weakened, and thy bow unbent. Secured from insults of your guilty train Of marshalled slaves, inflict disease and pain. She rides triumphant on the aerial course. To land at pleasure's inexhausted source ; Celestial Genii line the heavenly way. And guard her passage to the realms of day. ' ' Gen. Warren, in the year 1766, addressed the following letter to the Rev. Edmund Dana, a graduate of Harvard College in 1759, who 5 50 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. became the Rector of Wroxeter, Salop, in England, Avhere he died in 1823, and was a brother of Judge Francis Dana. This letter passed into the care of his grandson, Thomas Oatley, Esq., of Bishton Hall, Salop, and has recently been brought to this country by Edmund Trowbridge Hastings, Esq., a relative of the Dana family. It is a precious rehc, as presenting a view of the state of feehng in New England in relation to the odious Stamp Act. "Boston, New England, March 19, 1766. " Dear Sir : — I have not had the pleasure of a line from you since you left this country. I Avrote to you soon after I knew of your arrival in England, and I have not at any time been neghgent in inquiring concerning you, whenever an opportunity presented. I have, with great satisfaction, heard of that agreeable life which you lead amidst all the gayeties and diversions of that jovial city, London; but I received a peculiar pleasure from the intelligence which I have lately had of your happy marriage with a lady of noble birth, and CA'ery accomplishment, both natural and acquired. Accept the sincerest wishes of your long absent (but I hope not forgotten) friend, that you may long enjoy, with your charming consort, that unequalled happi ness which must arise from an union of persons so amiable. " Perhaps it may not be disagreeable at this time to hear something of the present state of your native country. Never has there been a time, since the first settlement of America, in AA'hich the people had so much reason to be alarmed, as the present. The Avhole continent is inflamed to the highest degree. I believe this country may be esteemed as truly loyal in their principles as any in the universe ; but the strange project of levying a stamp duty, and of depriA'ing the peo ple of the privilege of trials by juries, has roused their jealousy and resentment. They can conceive of no liberty Avhere they haA-e lost the power of taxing themselves, and AA'here all controversies between the crown and the people are to be determined by the opinion of one dependent ; and they think that slavery is not only the greatest mis fortune, but that it is also the greatest crime (if there is a possibility of escaping it). You are sensible that the inhabitants of this country have ever been zealous lovers of their civil and religious liberties. For the enjoyment of these, they fought battles, left a pleasant and pop ulous country, and exposed themselves to all the dangers and hardships in this new world; and their laudable attachment to freedom has hith- JOSEPH WARREN, M. D. 51 erto been transmitted to their posterity. Moreover, in all new coun tries (and especially in this, which was settled by private adventurers), there is a more equal division of property amongst the people ; in con- se(]^uence of Avhich, their influence and authority must be nearly equal, and every man will think himself deeply interested in the support of pulilic liberty. Freedom and equality is the state of nature; but slavery is the most unnatural and violent state that can be conceived of, and its approach must be gradual and imperceptible. In many old countries, where, in a long course of years, some particular families ha.ve been able to acquire a very large share of property, from which must arise a kind of aristocracy, — that is, the poAver and authority of some persons or families is exercised in proportion to the decrease of the independence and property of the people in general ; — had America been prepared in this manner for the Stamp Act, it might perhaps have met Avith a more faA'orable reception ; but it is absurd to attempt to impose so cruel a yoke on a people Avho are so near to the state of original equality, and Avho look upon their liberties not merely as arbitrary grants, but as their unalienable, eternal rights, purchased by the blood and treasure of their ancestors, — AA'hich liberties, though granted and received as acts of favor, could not, Avithout manifest injustice, have been refused, and cannot noAV, or at any time hereafter, he rcA'oked. Certainly, if the connection Avas rightly understood. Great Britain Avould be convinced that, without laying arbitrary taxes upon her colonies, she may and does reap such advantages as ought to satisfy her. Indeed, it amazes the more judicious people on this side the water, that the late minister Avas so unacquainted Avith the state of America, and the manners and circumstances of the people ; or, if he was acquainted, it still surprises them to find a man, in his high station, so ignorant of nature, and of the operations of the human mind, as madly to provoke the resentment of millions of men Avho AA'Ould esteem death, Avith all its tortures, preferable to slavery. Most certainly, in whatever light the Stamp Act is vicAved, an uncommon Avant of policy is discoverable. If the real and only motive of the minister Avas to raise money from the colonies, that method should undoubtedly have been adopted Avhich Avas least grievous to the people. Instead of this, the most unpopular that could be imagined is chosen. If there Avas any jealousy of the colonies, and the minister designed by this act more effect ually to secure their dependence on Great Britain, the jealousy was first groundless. But if it had been founded on good reasons, could any thing haA-'e been AA'orse calculated to answer this purpose ? Could not 52 THE HUNDRED BOSTON 0RAT0R2. the minister have found out, either from history or from his own observation, that the strength of any country depended on its being united within itself? Has he not, by this act, brought about Avhat the most zealous colonist never could have expected? The colonies, until now, Avere ever at variance, and foolishly jealous of each other. They are now, by the refined policy of Mr. George Grenville, united for their common defence against Avhat they believe to be oppression ; nor will they soon forget the Aveight which this close union gives them. The impossibility of accounting in any other Avay for the imposition of the stamp duty has induced some to imagine that the minister designed by this act to force the colonies into a rebellion, and from thence to take occasion to treat them Avith severity, and, by mihtary power, reduce them to servitude. But this supposes such a monstrous degree of wickedness,, that charity forbids us to conclude him guilty of so black a villany. , But, admitting this to have been his aim (as it is known that tyrannical ministers have at some time embraced even this hellish measure to accomplish their cursed designs), should he not haA'e con sidered that every power in Europe looks Avith envy on the colonies which Great Britain enjoys in America ? Could he suppose that the poAverful and politic France would be restrained by treaties, when so ¦ fair an opportunity offered for the recovery of their ancient possessions ? At least, Avas he so ignorant of nature as not to know that when the rage of the people is raised by oppression to such a height as to break out in rebellion, any new alliance Avould be preferred to the miseries which a conquered country must necessarily expect to suffer ? A.nd would no power in Europe take advantage of such an occasion ? And, above all, did he not know that his royal, benevolent master, when he discovered his vicAvs, would detest and punish him ? But Avhatever was proposed by the Stamp Act, of this I am certain, that the regard which the colonies still bear to His Majesty arises more from an exalted idea of His Majesty's integrity and goodness of heart than from any prudent conduct of his late minister. " I have written, sir, much more than I intended Avhen I first sat .down, but I hope you Avill pardon my prolixity upon so important a subject. " I am, sir, your most sincere friend and humble serA'ant, "Joseph Warren. " To Mr. Edmund Dana. " P. S. I hope for the favor of a line from you, the first opportu nity." JOSEPH AVARREN, M. D. 53 Gen. Warren published three highly spirited articles, in the Boston Gazette, originated by the exercise of the arbitrary powers of Gov. Bernard, in negativing councillors elected by the representatives ; and further, for severe censures on leading members of the house, unjustly expressed in letters addressed to Lord Shelburne, the king's minister of state, Avho, in reply, unequivocally sanctioned his measures, and also expressed displeasure that the house should object to the lieutenant- governor, who was not a member of the council, taking a seat in that body. In the first of these articles, Warren's quotation from Roches ter excited the ire of Bernard, who sent a message to the house, and another to the council, declaring the article hbellous, and calling it to their serious consideration. The council pronounced it an insolent and hcentious attack, and that the author deserved punishment. The house expressed a different opinion, and that the liberty of the press is a great buhA'ark of the liberty of the people. There Avere fifty-six in the affirmative, to eighteen in the negative. It Avas introduced to the grand jury, who Avould not find a bill of indictment. As these are all of the political newspaper productions of Warren that we have discov ered, and as they are strongly characteristic of his energy of charac ter, they are here presented entire. Bradford, in his History of Mas sachusetts, not appearing to be aware that Warren was the author, remarks of the first communication, that it was "a very scurrilous piece." Pemberton, Dorr, and Rees, in the Cyclopedia, ascribe them to him. Hutchinson alludes to it as " a most abusive piece against the governor." From Boston Gazette, Feb. 29, 1768. " Messrs. Edes & Gill, " Please insert the folloAving : ' ' ilay it please your . We have for a long time known your enmity to this province. We have had full proof of your cruelty to a loyal people. No age has perhaps furnished a more glaring instance of obstinate perseverance in the path of malice than is noAV exhibited in your . Could you have reaped any advantage from injuring this people, there would have been some excuse for the manifold abuses Avith which you have loaded them. But when a diabolical thirst for mischief is the alone motive of your conduct, you must not wonder if you are treated with open dislike ; for it is impossible, hoAV much soever Ave endeavor it, to feel any esteem for a man like you. Bad as the world may be, there is yet in every breast something which 5* 54 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. points out the good man as an object worthy of respect, and marks the guileful, treacherous man-hater, for disgust and infamy. " Nothing has ever been more intolerable than your insolence on a late occasion, when you had, by your Jesuitical insinuations, induced a AYorthy minister of state to form a most unfavorable opinion of the province in general, and some of the most respcctalile inhabitants in particular. You had the effrontery to produce a letter from his lord ship, as a proof of your success in calumniating us. Surely you must suppose ayc have lost all feehng, or you would not dare thus tauntingly to display the trophies of your slanders, and upbraidingly to make us sensible of the inexpressible misfortunes Avhich you have brought upon us. But I refrain, lest a full representation of the hard ships suffered by this too long insulted people should lead them to an unAA'arrantable revenge. We never can treat good and patriotic rulers Avith too great reverence. But it is certain that men totally aban doned to wickedness can never merit our regard, be their stations ever so high. 'If such men are by God appointed, The devil may be the Lord's anointed.' "A True Patriot." From Boston Gazette, March 7, 1768. "Messrs. Edes & Gill, " Please to insert the followino- : "My first performance has, by a strange kind of compliment, been by some applied to his excellency Gov. Bernard. It is not for me to account for the construction put upon it. Every man has a right to make his own remarks, and if he satisfies himself, he Avill not displease me. I will, however, inform the public that I have the most sacred regard to the characters of all good men, and would sooner cut my hand from my body than strike at the reputation of an honest member of the community. But there are circumstances, in Avhich not justice alone, but humanity itself, obhges us to hold up the villain to view, and expose his guilt, to prevent liis destroying the innocent. Whoever he is whose conscience tells him he is not the monster I have por- traited, may rest assured I did not aim at him ; but the person who knows the black picture exhibited to be his own, is welcome to take it to himself The imputation of disaffection to the king and the govern ment, brought against me by His Majesty's Council, I shall answer JOSEPH AA'AKREX, M. D. 55 only by a quotation from the paper which they have been pleased to censure, where I say, ' We can never treat good and patriotic rulers with too great reverence.' In Avhich sentence I hope the honoraljle board will not say I have omitted to declare my sentiments of the duty Avhich every good subject OAves to his present majesty, and all Avorthy subordinate magistrates ; and I flatter myself that the sentiments of the board coincide Avith mine. If they do not, I must dissent from them. Their charge of profaneness, I humbly apprehend, Avas occa sioned by their forcing a sense upon the tAA'o last lines totally different from AA'hat I intended they should convey. My design Avas to compare wicked men, and especially Avicked magistrates, to those enemies to mankind, the devils ; and to intimate that the devils themselves might boast of divine authority to seduce and ruin mankind, Avith as much reason and justice as AA'icked rulers can pretend to derive from God, or from his word, a right to oppress, harass, and enslave their felloAV- creatures. The beneficent Lord of the universe delights in viewing the happiness of all men. And so far as civil government is of divine institution, it was calculated for the greatest good of the Avhole com munity ; and whenever it ceases to be of general advantage, it ceases to be of divine appointment, and the magistrates in such a community have no claim to that honor Avhich the Divine Legislator has assigned to magistrates of his election. I hope the honorable board Avill not condemn a man for expressing his contempt for the odious doctrines of divine hereditary right in princes, and of passive obedience, which he thinks dishonorary to Almighty God, the common and impartial Father of the species, and ruinous both to kings and subjects ; and which, if adhered to, would dethrone his present majesty, and destroy the British nation. The honorable board is humbly requested to examine whether the above is not the most natural and obvious sense of the quoted lines. Certainly, Avhen I read them, I thought it the only sense ; and I shall think myself very unhappy in my readers, should they generally put that construction upon them Avhich the honorable board have been pleased to adopt. "I shall, at all times, write my sentiments Avith freedom, and Avith decency too, — the rules of Avhich I am not altogether unacquainted with. While the press is open, I shall publish whatever I think con ducive to general emolument ; Avhen it is suppressed, I shall look upon my country as lost, and, with a steady fortitude, expect to feel the general shock. A True' Patriot." 56 the hundred boston orators. From Boston Gazette, March 14, 1768. "Messrs. Edes & Gill, " Please insert the following : " With pleasure I hear the general voice of this people In favor of freedom ; and it gives me sohd satisfaction to find all orders of unplaced, independent men, fii-mly determined, as far as in them lies, to support their own rights and the liberty of the press. The honorable House of Representatives have showed themselves resolute in the cause of justice. The Grand Jurors have convinced us that no influence is able to overcome their attachment to their country, and our free consti tution. They deserA'e honor. But this is one of those cases in which, by doing as they have done, they really merit praise ; yet the path Avas so plain, that to have done otherwise Avould have rendered them indeed ! "While this people know their true interest, they will be able to distinguish their friends from their enemies ; and, with uniform cour age, will defend from tyrannic violence all those who generously offer themselves volunteers in the cause of truth and humanity. But if ever a mistaken complaisance leads them to sacrifice their privileges, or the Avell-meaning assertors of them, they will deserve bondage, and soon will find themselves in chains. "Every society of men have a clear right to refute any unjust asper sions upon their characters, especially when they feel the ill effects of such aspersions ; and, though they may not pursue the slanderer from motives of revenge, yet are obliged to detect him, that so he may be prevented from injuring them again. This province has been most barbarously traduced, and now groans under the weight of those mis fortunes which have been thereby brought upon it. We have detected some of the authors ; we will zealously endeavor to deprive them of the power of injuring us hereafter. We will strip the serpents of their stings, and consign to disgrace all those guileful betrayers of their country. There is but one way for men to avoid being set up as objects of general hate, which is — not to deserve it. "A True Patriot." In the Diary of John Adams, it is stated that he was frequently solicited to attend the town-meetings, in 1768, after the British troops had arrived in Boston, and harangue there, which was constantly refused ; and Dr. Warren the most frequently urged him to this, and JOSEPH AVARREN, M. D. 57 his reply to him always was, " That way madness lies." The symp toms of our great friend Otis, at that time, suggested to Warren a sufficient comment on those AVords, at which he i^lvr'ays smiled, and said, "It Avas true." Gen. Warren once said of John Adams, that he thought he Avas rather a cautious man, but he could not say he was ever a trimmer. When he spoke at all, he always spoke his sentiments. Hutchinson remarks, in his history, under date of 1772, that "Mr. Adams had been pressed to pronounce the oration upon the Boston ]\Iassacre, but declined it; and Dr. Warren, whose popularity Avas increasing, undertook it. Though he gained no great applause for his oratorical abilities, yet the fervor, Avhich is the most essential part of such compositions, could not fail of its effect upon the minds of the great concourse of people present." It was delivered in the Old South Chm-ch. We will select a passage from this performance, Avith one remark of Avonder and admiration, — that he could have the courage to express such opinions in the presence of a British governor, amid the glare of royal bayonets. Here is reasoning of greater value than splendid declamation ': ' ' I would ask Avhether the members of the British House of Com mons are the democracy of this province ? If they arte, they are either the people of this province, or are elected by the people of this province to represent them, and have therefore a constitutional right to originate a bill for taxing them. It is most certain they are neither, and therefore nothing done by them can be said to be done by the democratic branch of our constitution. I would next ask, whether the lords, who compose the aristocratic branch of the legislature, are peers of America ? I never heard it Avas, even in these extraordinary times, so much as pretended ; and if they are not, certainly no act of theirs can be said to be the act of the aristocratic branch of our constitution. The power of the monarchic branch, Ave Arith pleasure acknoAvledge, resides in the king, who may act either in person or by his represent ative ; and I freely confess that I can see no reason why a proclama tion for raising money in America, issued by the king's sole authority, would not be equally consistent with our own constitution, and there fore equally binding upon us, with the late acts of the British Parlia ment for taxing us, — for it is plain, that, if there is any validity in those acts, it must arise altogether from the monarchical branch of the legislature. And I further think that it would be at least as equita- 58 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. ble ; for I do not conceive it to be of the least importance to us by whom our property is taken away, so long as it is taken without our consent. And I am very much at a loss to know by what figure of rhetoric the inhabitants of this province can be called free subjects, when they are obhged to obey imphcitly such laws as are made for them by men three thousand miles off, Avhom they know not, and Avhom they never have empoAvered to act for them ; or hoAV they can be said to have property, when a body of men, over Avhom they haA'e not the least control, and AA'ho are not in any way accountable to them, shall oblige them to deliA'cr up any part or the whole of their substance, Avith out even asking their consent : a.nd yet, Avhoever pretends that the late acts of the British Parliament for taxing America ought to be deemed binding upon us, must admit at once that we are absolute slaves, and have no property of our own, — or else that we may be freemen, and at the same time under a necessity of obeying the arbitrary commands of those OA'er whom Ave have no control or influence ; and that we may haA-e property of our own Avhich is entirely at the disposal of another. Such gross absurdities, I believe, will not be relished in this enlightened age ; and it can be no matter of wonder that the peo ple quickly perceived and seriously complained of the inroads AA'hich these acts must unavoidably make upon their liberty, and of the hazard to which their AA'hole property is by them exposed, — for, if they may be taxed without their consent, even in the smallest trifle, they may also, without their consent, be deprived of anything they possess, although never so valuable — never so dear. Certainly it never entered the hearts of our ancestors, that, after so many dangers in this then desolate Avilderness, their hard-earned property should be at the disposal of the British Parliament ; and as it was soon found that this taxation could not be supported by reason and argument, it seemed necessary that one act of oppression should be enforced by another ; and, therefore, contrary to our just rights as possessing — or, at least, having a just title to possess — all the liberties and immunities of British subjects, a standing army Avas established among us in a time of peace, and evidently for the purpose of effecting that Avhich it was one principal design of the founders of the constitution to prevent, Avhen they declared a standing army, in a time of peace, to be against laAV, — namely, for the enforcement of obedience to acts which, upon fair examination, appeared to be unjust and unconstitutional." On the evening after the delivery of this effective oration, a lantern JOSEPH AA^ARREN, M. D. 59 of transparent paintings Avas exhibited on the balcony at Mrs. Clap- ham's, in King-street, Avell draAvn by an ingenious young artist, repre senting in front the melancholy scene Avhich occurred near that spot, over AA'hich was inscribed, " The Fatal Effects of a Standing Army in a Free City." At the east end Avas a representation of a monument, inscribed to the memory of those who Avere killed, Avith their names, etc. ; at the Avest end Avas the figure of America, sitting in a mourning posture, and looking doAvn on the spectators, with this label, " Behold my sons!" At a quarter after nine, the painting Avas taken in, and the bells tolled from that time until ten o'clock. On the 21st of November, 1774, Gen. Warren addressed a highly patriotic letter to Josiah Quincy, from Avhich Ave select this remarkable passage : " It is the united voice of America to preserve their freedom, or lose their lives in defence of it. Their resolutions are not the effects of inconsiderate rashness, but the sound result of sober inquiry and deliberation. I am convinced that the true spirit of liberty Avas never so universally diffused through all ranks and orders of people, in any country on the face of the earth, as it now is through all North America." When Warren pronounced his second oration on the Massacre, March 5, 1775, at the Old South Church, the Boston papers of the day merely stated that it was an elegant and spirited performance. The pulpit stairs and the pulpit itself Avere occupied by officers and soldiers of the garrison, Avho Avere doubtless stationed there to overaAve the orator, and perhaps prevent him by force from proceeding. War ren, to avoid interruption and confusion, entered from the rear by the pulpit window ; and, unmoved by the hostile mihtary array that sur rounded him and pressed upon his person, delivered the bold and thrilhng oration, which was published, in vfhioh he said: "If pacific measures are ineffectual, and it appears that the only Avay to safety is through fields of blood, I knoAV you will not turn your faces from your foes, but will, undauntedly, press forward, until tyranny is trodden under foot, and you have fixed your adored goddess Liberty fast by Brunswick's side, on the American throne." The editor of this work has seen the original manuscript, Avhich is in the care of Dr. John C. Warren, his nephew, and is Avritten on Avhite English laid folio post, in a handsome round hand, with but few interlineations, and is in a black •>aper cover. We know no rehc, of ancient or modern date, tending to 60 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. inspire more thrilling sensations of veneration, than this fervent defence of freedom. The Rev. Dr. Homer, late of Newton, who was present at its dehvery, states there Avas at least one silent, but not Avholly insignificant, demonstration of feeling from the military. While the oration was in progress, a captain of the Royal Welsh Fusileers, Avho Avas seated on the pulpit stairs, held up one of his hands in vieAv of Warren, with several pistol bullets on the open palm, and, with a vehe ment and fierce exclamation, endeavored to alarm the audience with the cry of fire. Warren observed the action, and, without discontin uing his discourse, dropped a white handkerchief upon the officer's^ hand ; and William Cooper, the town-clerk, Avith a voice of thunder, appeased the tumult, Avhich, being silenced, the exercises were con cluded without much further disturbance. We will now revert to the abusive statement of the royalists, regard ing this celebration, published in Rivington's New York Gazetteer, March 16, 1775 : "On Monday, the 5th instant, the Old South meet ing-house being crowded with mobility and fame, the selectmen, with Adams, Church and Hancock, Cooper and others, assembled in the pulpit, Avhich Avas covered with black; and we all sat gaping at one another, above an hour, expecting ! At last, a single horse chair stopped at the apothecary's, opposite the meeting, from which descended the orator (Warreii) of the day ; and, entering the shop, was folloAved by a servant Avith a bundle, in Avhich were the Ciceronian toga, etc. ' ' HaA'ing robed himself, he proceeded across the street to the meeting, and, being received into the pulpit, he was announced by one of his fra ternity to be the person appointed to declaim on the occasion. He then put himself into a Demosthenian posture, Avith a Avhite handkerchief in his right hand, and his left in his breeches,- — began and ended Avithout action. He Avas applauded by the mob, but groaned at by people of understanding. One of the pulpiteers (Adams) then got up and pro posed the nomination of another to speak next year on the bloody massacre, — the first time that expression Avas made to the audience, — when some officers cried, 0 fie, fie ! The gallerians, apprehending fire, bounded out of the Avindows, and swarmed down the gutters, like rats, into the street. The 43d regiment, returning accidentally from exercise, Avith drums beating, thrcAV the Avhole body into the greatest consternation. There were neither pageantry, exhibitions, processions, or bells tolhng, as usual, but the night was remarked for being the quietest these many months past." JOSEPH AVARREN, M. D. 61 We have seen an original letter of Gen. Warren, addressed to Dr. Benjamin Frankhn, London, accompanied with a pamphlet, probably his oration delivered on the 5th of March, 1775, Avhich he very mod estly wishes Avas more deserving of his notice. We will quote the whole letter. "Boston, April?,, 1775. " Sir, — Although I have not the pleasure either of a personal or epistolary acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty of sending you, by Mr. Dana, a pamphlet Avhich I wish Avas more deserA'ing of your notice. The ability and firmness Avith which you have defended the rights of mankind, and the liberties of this country in particular, have rendered you dear to all America. May you soon see your enemies deprived of the pOAver of injuring you, and your friends in a situation to discover the grateful sense they have of your exertions in the cause of freedom. " I am, sir, with the greatest esteem and respect, " Your most obedient, humble servant, "Doctor Franklin. Joseph Warren." On the day after the Battle of Lexington, when the British troops reached West Cambridge, on their return from Concord, Warren was at tliis place, in attendance on the Committee of Safety. When the British regulars were near, he went out, in company with Gen. Heath, to repel them ; and, on descending the elevated ground of Menotomy, in West Cambridge, toward the plain, the firing Avas brisk, and at this instant a musket-ball came so near the head of Warren as to strike the pin from the hair of his forelock, and took away one of the long, close, horizontal curls, which, according to the fashion of the times, he wore aboA'e the ears. When Gov. Gage issued an extraordinary proclamation, on June 12, 1775, denouncing "the present unnatural rebelhon," remarking, "In this exigency of comphcated calamities, I avail myself of the last effort Avithin the bounds of my duty to spare the effusion of blood, to offer, — and I do hereby offer in His Majesty's name, — offer and promise His Majesty's most gracious pardon to all persons who shall forthAvith lay down their arms, and return to the duties of peaceable subjects ; excepting only from the benefit of such pardon Samuel Adams and John Hancock, whose offences are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condign punishment; " — the 6 62 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Provincial Congress appointed a committee, on the next day, of which Joseph Warren,— a delegate from Boston, in 1774, elected its presi dent. May 31, 1775, — was the chairman, to report on the subject, who prepared also a dignified proclamation, adopted by Congress on the day before its president was killed at Bunker Hill, recountitig a statement of the oppressions inflicted on the people, and the treachery of Gov. Gage ; extending " a full and frSe pardon to all persons who have fled to the town of Boston for refuge, and to all other public offenders against the rights and liberties of this country, of what kind or denomination soever, — excepting only from the benefit of such pardon, Thomas Gage, Samuel Graves; those councillors who were appointed by mandamus, and have not signified their resignation, namely, Jonathan Sewall, Charles Paxton, Benjamin Hallowell ; and all the natives of America, not belonging to the navy or army, Avho Avent out with the regular troops on the 19th of April last, and were countenancing, aid ing, and assisting them in the robberies and murders then committed, Avhose offences are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other con sideration than that of condign punishment : provided that they take the benefit hereof by a surrender of themselves," and subscribe a declaration of their readiness to support and abide by the decisions of Congress and of the State Legislature, Avithin thirty days from date. It is probable that this was the last public act of Joseph Warren in the Provincial Congress. The following noble passage from a letter of Dr. Warren to Arthui Lee, dated May, 1775, expresses a sentiment that should be inscribed on the Bunker Hill Monument, or on the base of a statue of his per son, in old Faneuil Hall : " God forbid that the nation should be so infatuated as to do any thing further to irritate the colonies ! If they should, the colonies Avill sooner throAV themselves into the arms of any other power on earth, than ever consent to an accommodation Avith Great Britain. That patience, Avhich I frequently told you would be at last exhausted, is no longer to be expected from us. Danger and war are become pleasing ; and injured virtue is now armed to avenge herself" "I verily believe," said Warren to Reed, in a letter of May 15, 1775, " that the night preceding the barbarous outrages committed by the soldiery at Lexington, Concord, etc., there were not fifty people in the whole colony that ever expected any blood Avould be shed in the contest between us and Great Britain." 63 This was one of AVarren's last letters prcA'ious to the Battle of Bun ker Hill. We have the evidence of Dr. John Jeffries, Avho Avas a surgeon in the British service, under Gen. Howe, at Boston, for stating that five days previous to the Battle of Bunker Hill the noble Warren had, with his accustomed fearlessness, A'entured in a small canoe to Boston, that he might personally gather information of the designs of the British, and urged the surgeon to return and espouse the cause of liberty. Gen. Warren, on the 16th of June, had a conversation Avith Elbridge Gerry, at Cambridge, Avith Avhom he slept all night, respect ing the determination of Congress to take possession of Bunker's Hill. He said that for himself he had been opposed to it, but that the majority had decided upon it, and he Avould hazard his life to effect this. Mr. Gerry expressed, in strong terms, his disapproba tion of the measure, as the situation Avas such that it Avou.ld be in vain to attempt to hold it; adding, "But if it must be so, it is not Avorth Avhile for you to be present. It will be madness for you to expose yourself, Avhere your destruction Avill be almost i'uevitable." " I knoAV it," he answered, " but I live Avithin the sound of their cannon. Hoav could I hear their roaring in so glorious a cause, and not be there ! " Again ilr. Gerry remonstrated, and concluded Avith saying, " As surely as you go there, you will be slain." Warren replied, enthu siastically, " Dulce et decorum, est pro patria mori." — It is pleasant and honorable to die for one's country. — The next day his princi ples Avere sealed with his blood. Having spent the greater part of the night in public business at WatertOAvn, he arrived at Cambridge at about five o'clock in the morning, and being unAvell, thrcAV himself on a bed. About noon he was informed of the state of preparation for battle at CharlestoAvn. He directly arose, saying he Avas Avell again, and mounting a horse, rode to the place. He arrived at Breed's Hill a short time before the action. Col. Prescott, the brave, as Washing ton Avas afterwards in the habit of calling him, Avas then in command. He came up to Gen. Warren to extend it to him, and asked Avhat were his orders. Gen. Warren told him he came not- to command, but to learn ; he had not received his commission. And having, as it is said, borrOAved a musket and cartouch-box from a sergeant, Avho Avas retiring, he mingled in the thickest of the fight, animating and encour aging the men more by his example than it Avas possible to do in any other way. 64 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. The revolutionary play, previously alluded to, relates of Warren, " His nervous arm, like a giant refreshed with wine, hurled destruction: where'er he came, breathing heroic ardor to adventurous deeds ; and long time in even scale the battle hung." After Col. Prescott ordered a retreat, says Everett, it Avas not without the greatest reluc tance that Warren quitted the redoubt ; and he was slowly retreating from it, being still at a foAV rods distance only, when the British had full possession. His person, of course, was in imminent danger. At this critical moment, Maj. Small, Avhose life had been saved in a similar emergency by the intervention of Gen. Putnam, attempted to requite the service, by rendering one of a like character to Warren. Col. Swett relates, that Maj. Small called to Warren, for God's sake,, to stop and save his life. He turned, and seemed to recognize him, but still continued ,on. Small ordered his men not to fire at him, and thrcAV up the muskets Avith his sword. - But in vain, — the fatal ball had sped ! Eighty yards from the redoubt, Warren received a musket- ball through the head, which killed him instantly. Everett further relates, that Gen. Howe, though shghtly Avounded in the foot, passed the night upon the field of battle. The next morning, as he was rest ing, wrapped in his cloak, upon a mound of hay, word was brought to him that the body of Warren Avas found among the dead. It had been recognized by Gen. Winslow, then a youth. Howe refused, at first, to credit the intelligence. It was impossible that the president of Con gress could have exposed his hfe in such an action. When assured of the fact, he declared that his death was an offset for the loss of five hundred men. Col. S^vett relates that Dr. Jeffries was on the field, dressing the British Avounded and the wounded American prisoners, with his usual humanity and skill. Gen. HoAve inquired of him if he could identify Warren. He recollected that he had lost a finger-nail, and wore a false tooth ; and the general was satisfied of its identity. The Cambridge N. E. Chronicle, of April 25, 1776, remarking on the identity of the remains of Gen. Warren, relates that, " though the body, Avhich our savage enemies scarce privileged with earth enough to hide it from the birds of prey, Avas disfigured when taken up, yet was sufficiently known by two artificial teeth, which were set for him a short time before his glorious exit." Everett states Warren Avas buried at the place Avhere he fell. Rev. Dr. Allen states of Warren : Just as the retreat commenced, a ball had struck liim on the head, and " he died. in the trenches " JOSEPH WARREN, .M. D. 65 The Hon. Needham Maynard, of Whitestown, N. Y., a native of Framingham, who states that he acted as Warren's aid in the battle, testified, on June 20, 1843, — then aged 88 years,— that on the night of the 16th of June, 1775, Col. Prescott was sent off with a detachment of men to break ground on Bunker Hill. It Avas found that Breed's Avas better, and s; they laid the fort, and Avent back to work there. We were -ordered out early in the morning. I Avas in Jonathan Brewer's regiment. We came there, at last, and found them at Avork. We found Col. Prescott there, and Col. BreAver. The balls were then flying about us very thick. At about eleven o'clock. Gen. WaiTen came on ; and when Col. BrcAA'er met him, he said, ' ' General, if you have come to take the command, I am glad to see you." " No," said Warren, "I have come only as a volunteer. I did not come to take the command, but to act as a volunteer, in any station. Our perils are commencing, and I have come to take my part." "Well," they said to him, " do you mean to stay with us, general? " "Yes," said Warren, "I mean to stay;" and then the other officers insisted upon his taking the command. They said. We have no officer to lead, — that we ought to have some particular one for the orders to come from, — • and they urged him to take the command ; and he replied that he did not think it would be proper. Then Col. Brewer said, "We must have a head, and he ought to be a general. We are all colonels here, and one colonel is as good as another." Then he found Prescott was there, and Warren said, " If you Avill continue to act as a council, I will give you my views as commander ; and if you approve them, they can go as commands." And they said that amounted to the same thing as if he Avas commander ; and so he went on, when anything Avas done, giving the orders. Col. Maynard was not Avith Warren when he fell, having gone into the redoubt, and he was there detained by Pres cott, who said to him, " Stop ; I may want to send you, in a minute ; " and then the new contest of their breaking into the redoubt began. Mr. Maynard gave an account of an interview betAveen Washington and the officers, on Bunker Hill, subsequently, when Washington, alluding to Warren, said, "You lost your commander-in-chief" "Why," continued Mr. Maynard, "in that time, there was nobody so lamented; " and Col. Brewer Avent on to relate to Washington, how he lost sight of Warren as he was going towards the redoubt, and sup posed that he was gone on ahead, and followed on with as much speed as he could, but found nothing of him. Then he thought he must have 6* 66 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. been shot down by a dead shot, not many steps where they started from. They had started together from the place they had occupied during the battle, just on the other side of the gap, against the hay breastwork, only about one rod from the gap. " Warren had a dark eye, was a little under six feet in height, well formed, Avith a pleasant face, and a remarkable countenance." Col. John Trumbull, of Ncav York, who visited Col. John Small, at London, in 1786, receiA'ed of him the relation herewith, which is too interesting to be kept out of view : At the moment when the troops succeeded in carrying the redoubt, and the Americans Avere in full retreat. Gen. Howe, who had been hurt by a spent bullet Avhich bruised his ankle, was leaning upon my arm. He called suddenly to me, " Do you see that elegant young man who has just fallen ? Do you know him? " I looked to the spot to which he pointed. " Good God ! " he exclaimed ; "I believe it is my friend Warren. Leave me, then, instantly ¦ — run — keep off the troops — save him, if possible." I flew to the spot. " My dear friend," I said to him, " I hope you are not badly hurt." He looked up, seemed to recollect, smiled, and died. A musket-ball had passed through the upper part of his head. Dea. Samuel Lawrence, of Groton, the father of the Minister to the Court of St. James, who was a minute-man in the Battle of Bunker Hill, testified, in 1818. in relation to Gen. Warren, that, just before ¦the battle commenced, Gen. Warren came to the redoubt. He had on a blue coat, white waistcoat, and I think a cocked hat, — but of this I am not certain. Col. Prescott advanced to him, said he was glad to see him, and hoped he would take the command. Gen. Warren replied, " No, — he came to see the action, but not to take command; that he was only a volunteer on that day." Afterwards I saw him when the ball struck him, and from that time until he expired. No British officer Avas within forty or fifty rods of him, from the time the ball struck him until I saw he was dead. This statement utterly refutes that of Col. Small, who says he spoke to Warren, as he looked at him and expired. Dr. John Warren, his brother, has related that, when the dead body of the general was discovered after the battle, his right hand was covered Avith blood, though there was no wound upon it, occurring as if he had raised his hand to the back of his head, on the right side, when the ball fractured his skull. What an affecting scene ! A small piece of granite, on which is inscribed in gilt letters, "Here fell Warren, June 17, 1775," laid m the ground on Bunkeo: 67 Hill, designates the spot where it is supposed he was killed. It is on Concord-street, nearly opposite the high-school.' t The identical bullet by which Warren was said to be killed was exhibited to the audience, by Alexander H. Everett, on the delivery of an oration at CharlestoAvn, June 17, 1836, in Avhich he exclaimed, " This is the one, felloAV-citizens, Avhich I no ay hold in my hand ! The cartridge-paper, which still partly covers it, is stained, as you see, with the hero's blood." This ball, enclosed in hnen cartridge-paper, is depos ited in the hbrary of the New England Genealogical and Historical Society. If this be not the ball that entered his skull, it is highly probable that it was one of the balls that entered his body. We will present the affidavit which is declared by Rev. William Montague, pastor of Christ Church, Boston, from 1786 to '91 : " I, Wilham Montague, of Dedham, County of Norfolk, State of Massachusetts, clergyman, do certify to whom it may concern, that, in the year 1789 or 1790, I Avas in London, and became acquainted with Mr. Savage, formerly an officer of the customs for the port of Boston, and Avho left there when the royahsts and royal troops evacuated that town in 1776. When in London, Mr. Savage gave me a leaden ball, Avhich is noAV in my possession, with the folloAving account of it, namely : ' On the mornino- of the 18th of June, 1775, after the battle of Bunker or Breed's Hill, I, with a number of other royalists and British officers, amono' whom was Gen. Burgoyne, went over from Boston to Charles toAvn, to view the battle-field. Among the Mien, Ave found the body of Dr. Joseph Warren, Avith Avhom I had been personally acquainted. When he fell, he fell across a rail. This ball I took from his body ; and, as I never shall visit Boston again, I will give it to you to take to America, where it will be valuable as a rehc of your Revolution.' His sword and belt, Avith some other articles, were taken by some of the officers present, and I believe brought to England. "(Signed) William Montague." " Norfolk ss. " Dedham, March 5, 1833. The aboA'e-named- William Montague appeared before me, and made oath to the above statement, " (Signed) Sherman Leland, Justice of the Peace." The Rev. Mr. Montague received the bullet of Arthur Savage, at the residence of Harrison Gray, formerly Treasurer of Massachusetts 68 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Province ; and Mr. Gray, in a letter dated London, 1792, addressed to Rev. Mr. Montague, alluding to the bullet supposed to have killed Gen. Warren, wrote: "I hope you will take good care to preserv^e that relic which Avas given you at my house, for in future time it will be a matter of interest to you rebels." This letter was found, by his son, Mr. William Henry Montague, among the papers of Rev. Mr. Montague, Avho Avas a frequent correspondent Avith Mr. Gray. Letter from Hon. Judge J\''ewcomb. "Greenfield, Mass., April 14, 1843. "William H. Montague, Esq., Boston. "Mr Dear Sir, — IhaA^e just seen, in the 'Boston Daily American' of the 8th inst., a note under your name, addressed to EdAvard War ren, Esq., junior editor of that paper, stating that you have deposited AA'ith him, till called for, the hall that put an end to the life of Gen. Joseph Warren. My object, in this communication,, is to inquire AA'hether you are Avilling or feel at liberty to part with that fatal piece of lead. My late wife, Mary, Avas the youngest and only surviving child of the late Gen. J. Warren. She died on Feb. 7, 1826, leaving an only child, — a son, — Avho bears the name of his grandfather, Joseph Warren. He is an attorney at laAV, and nOAV hves at Springfield, in this State. He, with the exception of his two children, is the only descendant, in the direct line, of him who fell on Bunker Hill, by force of that ball. If consistent with your views of propriety, it would be grateful to his feehngs, as well as my own, if some arrangement could be made by Avhich the ball might be confided to his keeping, as a fam ily relic. The interest I feel in the subject is my apology for intruding myself upon a stranger. "I am, with much respect, your obed't serv't, "Richard E. Neavcomb. "N. B. For any inquiries you may Avish to make, I AVOuld refer you to Dr. John C. Warren and Dr. John B. Brown, Boston. "R.E.N." A British soldier, oil his return to London', exhibited a Psalm-book to Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilton, of that city, stating that he took the vol ume from the pocket of Gen. Warren, after the battle of Bunker Hill. The clergyman, knowing that it would be a treasure to the Warren family, purchased the book of the soldier, and transmitted it to the JOSEPH WARREN, M. D. 69 Rev. Dr. Wilham Gordon, of Roxbury, the historian, with a request that it might be given to the nearest relative of the general. It was, therefore, given to his youngest brother. Dr. John Warren, of Boston, March 15, 1778. The title of the volume, Avhich the editor has exam ined, is as follows: "The Boke of Psalmes, wherein are contained praires, meditations and thanksgivings to God, for his benefits tOAvard his Church, translated faithfully according to the HebrcAV. With brief and apt annotations in the margin. Printed at Geneva, by RoAvland Hall. 1559." It is less than the 32mo. size. On the inside coA'er of this book is inscribed, — " Taken at ya Battle of Bunker Hill, .June 17, 1775, out of Dr. Warren's pocket." On the inside coA'er, at the end of the book, is written, "Thomas Knight," — probably the regu lar who secured the book. Warren's signature Avas on a blank leaf, but it has been abstracted. On the session of Congress after the decease of Warren, it Avas resolved that a monument should be erected to his memory in Boston, and that the eldest son should be educated at the national expense ; and, in July, 17S6, Congress resolved further, — that it should be recommended to the executive of Massachusetts Bay, to make pro vision for the maintenance and education of his three younger chil dren ; and that Congress Avould defray the expense, to the amount of the half-pay of a major-general, to commence at the time of his death, a,nd continue till the you.ngest of the children should be of age. Yet, to this day, no monument or statue has been erected to his memory. If the statue of Brutus Avas placed among those of the gods, who Avere the preservers of Roman freedom, should not that of Warren fill a lofty niche in old Faneuil Hall, — that temple for the perpetuation of our birth-right as a nation of freemen ? Mrs. Perez Morton, who gives a description of this AVorld-renoAvned battle, in a poem, — Beacon Hillj — says of Warren : ' ' The prophetic poet's piercing eyes AVill guard the sod where wounded valor lies. Till a -victorious country's grateful claim Shall bear his relics to eternal fame ; — And genius, rising o'er the rescued bier, AVake every worth, and hallow every tear ; With all the light that eloquence can give, Shine round his deeds, and bid their glory live." 70 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. THE GODLIKE AVARREN. From an Elegy, published July 3, 1775. Sure, godlike AVarren, on thy natal hour Some star propitious shed its brightest power ; By nature's hand with taste and genius formed, Thy generous breast with every virtue warmed ; Thy mind endued with sense, thy form with grace. And all thy virtues pencilled in thy face. Grave wisdom marked thee as his favorite child. And on thy youth indulgent science smiled ; Well pleased, she led thee to her sacred bower. And to thy hands consigned her healing power. Illustrious shade ! forgive our mingled woes, AVhich not for thee, but for our country, flows. We mourn her less — we mourn our hero gone ; We mourn thy patriot soul, thy godlike virtue flown. WARREN'S GHOST. From the Public Ledger, JVovember, 1775. Let little tyrants, conscience gored. Their sable vigils keep ; Bute on his downy pillow snored, — Thus greater tyrants sleep ! An hour ere day began to break. There AVarren's spectre stood ; The curtains shook, — it cried, " Awake ! " Awake ! — thou log of wood ! Thy veins hath apathy congealed, Unthawed by pity's tear ; One spark a flinty heart may yield. Struck by the steel of fear ! For know, that head so proud of crest, Sunk on the cygnet's plume. May for an eminence be dressed. To meet a Strafford's doom ! Or, crouched in abject, careworn plight. Beneath its sorrows low, Its bread by day, its rest by night, To Bourbon's bounty owe. Speak, minion, which of Stuart's race Could match thy cruel work .' Go, read where Strafford was in place, — A Jeffries, and a Kirk. JOSEPH AVARREN, M. D. Then, foiling history's modern page, Skilled in her ancient lore. Tell if Bejanus in his age — If Borgia could do more ? Tyrant ! dismiss your rebel clans, — The impious task forbear, Nor let that blood imbrue thine hands AA'hich brought a sceptre there. That liberty you would invade Gave George his only right ; Thus in their sons our sires are paid, AVhilst you for slavery fight. Shall not for thee, sunk deep in hell. Grim Satan forge his tongs. And fiends, who guard his inmost cell. Twine scorpions round their throngs ? But, hark ! I hear the ill-omened cock, — The Gallic Sun sh.all rise ; Lo ! commerce founders on a rock. The British Lion dies ! Bute felt the dream, — fetched many a shriek, And, though the ghost is gone. Starts from his bed, — . still hears it speak, — A cold, damp sweat comes on. AVitn that, like Gloster in his tent, He throws him on the ground, And by these words, seems to repent, " Boston ! bind up thy wound ! Just Heaven, give back the blood that 's spilt Bostonians' lives restore ! " He wakes, — and to atone his guilt. Bids Gage go slaughter more. ACROSTIC ON AA'ARBEN. Cambridge Almanac for 1776. Just as Joseph took his flight Onward to the realms of light, Satan hurled his hellish darts, — Evil spirits play their parts. Percy, Burgoyne, Howe, and Gage, Hove about infernal rage. Warren slept beyond their path. Awed by none, nor feared their wrath Ran his race to joy and rest, — Rose 'mongst the royal blest ; Entered in the rolls of feme, — North and devil miss their aim. 72 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. JOHN HANCOCK. MARCH 5, 1774. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. Was born at Braintree, Jan. 23, 1737, the son of Rev. John Han cock, of that tOAvn, Avhose wife AYas Mary HaAvke, of Hingham. He was a grandson of Rev. John Hancock, of Lexington. His father deceased Avhen he was but seven years of age, on which he was removed to the family of his grandfather, at Lexington, who attended to his early education. He entered the Boston Latin School in 1745, and grad uated at Harvard College in 1754. His uncle, Thomas Hancock, a Boston bookseller, who became one of the wealthiest merchants in the province, and died in August 1764, bequeathed him more than fifty thousand pounds sterling, besides the reversion of twenty thou sand pounds at the decease of his widow, who was a daughter of Daniel Henchman, in Avhose bookstore he had been a clerk. When young, John visited London, in 1760, on merclintile business, in com pany with Gov. Pownal, Avho was recalled. He witnessed the funeral obsequies of George the Second, and subsequently the coronation of George the Third, not anticipating that he beheld the monarch who Avas destined to offer a reward for his head. Young Hancock learned the art of swimming, in the river Thames. Gov. Hutchinson, Avho very naturally indulged detracting views of John Hancock, who became a poAverful opponent of his administration, remarks, in the History of Massachusetts Bay, that his ruling passion was a fondness for popular applause ; and he changed the course of his patron's business, in whose counting-room he had been a clerk, and built and employed in trade a great number of ships, — and in thisAvay, and by building at the same time several houses, he found work for a great number of tradesmen, made himself popular, Avas chosen selectman, representative in 1769, moderator of town-meetings, etc. In relation to the demeanor of Hancock, it is stated by John Adams, that Dr. Eliot Rawson thinks Hancock vain, — told a story : I was at school with him, and then upon a level Avith him. My father was richer than . his. But I was not long since at his store, and said to Mr. Glover, whom I knew, " This, I think, is Mr. Hancock. He just asked my name, and nothing JOHN HANCOCK. 73 more, — it was such a piece of vanity ! There is not the merest crea ture that comes from your Avay, but I take notice of him, — and I ought. What though I am worth a little more than they ? I am glad of it, and that I have it, that I may give some of it." I told the doctor that Mr. Hancock was far from beino- arrogant. In order to gratify persons of antiquarian taste, Ave transcribe the folloAving advertisement of John Hancock, Avhen in commercial business, which is inserted in the Boston Evening Post of Dec. 25, 1764 : " To be sold by John Hancock, at his Store No. 4, at the East End of Faneuil Hall JNIarket, A general Assortment of English' and India Goods, also choice NeAvcastle Coals, and Irish Butter, cheap for Cash. Said Hancock desires those persons AA'ho are still indebted to the Estate of the late Hon. Thomas Hancock, Esq., deceased, to be speedy in paying their respective balances, to prevent trouble. N. B. In the Lydia, Capt. Scott, from London, came the folio Aving packages : I W. No. 1, a Trunk, Ne. 2, a small Parcel. The owner, by applying to John Hancock and paying freight, may have his Goods." This store was last occupied by Jabez Fisher & Co., and in 1824 was demolished, on the erection of the Quincy Market. It was located on the present South Market-street. His Avarehouses for the storage of foreign merchandise were located on the Avharf well known as Hancock's Wharf One day, John Adams and Samuel Adams, relates Waterhouse, were walking in the Boston Mall, and Avhen they came opposite the stately mansion of John Hancock, the latter, turning to the former, said, Avith emphasis, " I have done a very good thing for our cause, in the course of the past week, by enlisting the master of that house into it. He is well disposed, and has great riches, and we can give him consequence to enjoy them." And Mr. Hancock did not disappoint his expecta tions ; for, in spite of his occasional capriciousness, owing partly to disease, he thrcAV all the weight of his fortune and extraordinary pop ularity into the scale of opposition to British encroachments. "The natural powers of Hancock were moderate," says Hutchin son, "and had been very little improA'cd by study or application to any kind of science. His ruling passion kept him from ever losing sight of his object, but he was fickle and inconstant in the means of pur suing it ; and though for the most part he was closely attached to RL-. Samuel Adams, yet he Avas repeatedly broken off from all connection with him for several months together. Partly by inattention to his 7 74 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. private affairs, and partly from want of judgment, he became greatly involved and distressed, and the estate was lost with much greater rapidity than it had been acquired." He was unboundedly lavish in his liberality. At the time of a great fire in Boston, Avhen many of his tenements Avere destroyed, his tenants gathered around him, and expressed sympathy at his loss, knowing '^at was a way to reach his heart ; on Avhich he remarked, they were the greatest sufferers, having been almost ruined, while he was able to erect noAV buildings, — at the same time passing a shower of guineas around them. His generous spirit appeared in a multitude of forms. He presented the Bostonians a valuable fire-engine. He distributed deck-loads of wood to the suf fering poor, in times of great peril, and gave the poor the free use of his extensive Avood-lot in the town of Milton ; and in Adams' Diary we have an incident arising from his hberality, related by James Otis, who stated that Col. Irving having met Parson Moorhead near his meet ing-house, "You have a fine steeple and bell," says be, "to your meeting-house, now." "Yes, by the liberality of Mr. Hancock, and the subscriptions of some other gentlemen, we have a very handsome and convenient house of it, at last." " But what has happened to the vane, Mr. Moorhead? It don't traverse, — it has pointed the same way these three Aveeks." "Ay, I did n't know it; I '11 see about it." AAvay goes Moorhead, storming among his parish and the tradesmen Avho had built the steeple, for fastening the vane so that it could not move. The tradesmen were alarmed, and went to examine it ; but soon found that the fault AA'as not in the vane, but the weather, the Avind having set very constantly at east three Aveeks before. Hutchinson Avas a native of Boston, and a graduate of the same col lege as Hancock and the two Adamses, tOAvard each of whom his detracting spirit was parallel. He Avas dark, intriguing, insinuating, haughty, and ambitious, the extreme of avarice marking each feature. Oxenbridge Thacher gave Hutchinson the soubriquet of "Summa Potestatis." Hutchinson said of Samuel Adams that "he acquired a talent of artfully and fallaciously insinuating into the minds of his readers a prejudice against the characters of all whom he attacked, beyond any other;" and he said of John Adams, that "his ambition was without bounds, and he has acknoAvledged to his acquaintance that he could not look with complaisance upon any man who Avas in pos session of more wealth, more honors, or more knoAvledge, than, him self" These are evidently the carpings of disappointed ambition; JOHN HAXCOCK. 75 and it is related that Avhen Hutchinson fled to England, he experienced the neglect and contempt of the House of Lords, and died at Bramp ton, June, 1780, in melancholy despondence. Trumbull thus alludes to Hutchinson, who " Af&rmed he never wrote a line. Your chartered rights to undermine ; AVhen his own letters then were by. That proved his message all a lie. How many promises he sealed To get the oppressive acts repealed ! Yet once arrived on England's shore. Set on the premier to pass more." When the two regiments of British troops debarked in Boston, Oct., 1768, they were received as unwelcome intruders, and the selectmen ¦absolutely refused to grant them quarters. One of the regiments encamped on Boston Common. The other, after a fruitless attempt to obtain possession of the Manufactory House, marched at sunset to Fan euil Hall, where they waited several hours, before they had leave of occupation ; Col. Dalrymple having pledged his honor that Faneuil Hall should be cleared as soon as possible, otherAvise they must have suffered in the streets. 'The next day, ^the State-house, in King- street, was opened, by order of Gov. Bernard, for their reception. John Hancock*being well knoAvn as a decided advocate of the Provin- cialists, and toe wealthiest merchant of Boston, an attempt Avas made to stigmatize his character. A Avriter in the Boston Gazette, of Nov. 7, 1768, remarked, in an article: "I have lately heard, from good authority, of an attempt to sully the reputation of a gentleman of great merit, as well as superior fortune, in this toAvn, — a gentleman Avho has the entire confidence of his felloAV-citizens, in A^arious pubhc stations ; — who has repeatedly served them in the General Assembly, and the last May had the honor of being chosen a member of His Majesty's Council, by a great majority of the su.ffrages of the tAVO Houses of Assembly, though it must be acknoAvledged he was neg- atiA'ed by Gov. Bernard. What could induce a scribbler to forge a ^letter, and publish it in a coffee-house, in New York, under the name of that gentleman, requesting Gen. Gage that he might supply the troops now in town or expected, — so unAvelcome to the inhabitants, considering the errand on Avhich all agree they are come, — unless it was to induce a belief in the minds of gentlemen in New York that, 76 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. from a sordid love of gain, he had counteracted his professed senti ments, and so to render him ridiculous there ? I doubt not but that both the general and Mr. Hancock know it to be a falsehood." The charge was repelled as follows, in the very next Gazette : "Messrs. Edes & Gill: "I observe in your last paper a piece signed Veritas, the Avriter of Avhich says he had it from good authority, that a letter under my hand was published in a coffee-house, at Ncav York, requesting His Excellency Gen. Gage that I might supply the troops then expected, and Avhich have since arrived in this town. If such a letter has been produced there, or anywhere else, I declare it to be a forgery ; for I have never made application to any for the supply of said troops, nor did I ever desire any person to do it for me. The person Avho pro duced the letter could have no other design but to injure my reputa-- tion, and abuse the gentlemen of Ncav York. I therefore desire you would give this a place in your next, in Avhich you will oblige " Your humble servant, John Hancock. "Boston, Nov. 12, 1768." In the fall of this year, a great uproar was raised in Boston on account of the unlading in the night of a cargo of wines from the sloop Liberty, from Madeira, belonging to John Hancock, without pay ing the customs. Mr. 'Hancock Avas prosecuted upon a great number of libels, for penalties upon acts of Parhament, amounting to ninety or a hundred thousand pounds sterling. " He thought fit to engage me as his counsel and advocate," says John Adams, "and a painful drudgery I had of his cause. There Avere foAV days, through the whole Avinter, when I Avas not summoned to attend the Court of Admiralty. It seemed as if the officers of the crown Avere determined to examine the whole town as witnesses. Almost every day a fresh Avitness Avas to be examined upon interrogatories. They interrogated many of his near" relations and most intimate friends, and threatened to summon his amiable and venerable aunt, the relict of his uncle, Thomas Hancock, who had left the greatest part of his fortune to him. I Avas thoroughly' weary and disgusted Avith the court, the officers of the croAvn, the cause, and even with the tyrannical bell that dangled me out of my house every morning; and this odious cause Avas suspended at last only by the Battle of Lexington, which put an end forever to all such pros- JOHN HANCOCK. 77 ecutions." Hutchinson, Avho enlarges on this affair, remarks, that an entry was made at the custom-house, upon oath, of four or five pipes only as the Avhole cargo ; and tliis Avas as much a submission to the authority of the act as if the Avhole cargo had been entered. The remainder Avas landed in the night, or evening ; and the wines, or freight, Avere sent to the OAvners, and no duty demanded. A furious riot ensued. The collector and comptroller had their AvindoAvs broken, and a boat, belonging to the custom-house, Avas draAvn in triumph through the streets of Boston, and burnt on the Common. Hancock constantly associated Avith the avowed advocates of liberty, and was an active member of the North End Caucus, Avhich frequently gathered at Wilham Campbell's house, near the North Battery, orig inated by Dr. Joseph Warren, Avho, Avith another person, drew up the regulations of the caucus. Here the committees of public service were formed, the plan for mihtary companies and means of defence, and the resolves for the destruction of the detestable tea. Dr. Thomas Young was its first president, when it consisted of sixty-one members. It was here, when the best mode of expelhng the regulars from Boston Avas discussed, that Hancock exclaimed, " Burn Boston, and make John Hancock a beggar, if the public good requires it ! " King George the Third sanctioned Lord North's bill repealing duties, excepting that on tea, April 12, 1770. Shortly after this decision, several cargoes of tea had arrived in Boston, and nothing would satisfy the people but its immediate return. The ladies signed a pledge not to drink any tea, except in sickness ; and John Hancock offered one of his vessels, freight free of expense, for that purpose, and a load of the detestable Aveed Avas conveyed to the London consignees. Samuel Adams was the chief counsellor in the destruction of the tea, Dec, 1773, and the hall of council aa'us the back room of the Boston Gazette, at the corner of Queen and Brattle streets. In Thomas' Spy n-e find a poetical effusion on this subject : "Farewell the tea-board, with its equipage Of cups and saucers, cream-bucket and sugar-tongs ; The pretty tea-chest, also, lately stored AVith hyson, Congo, and best double fine. Full many a joyous moment have I sat by you. Hearing the girls tattle, the old maids talk scandal. And the spruce coxcomb laugh at may-be nothing. No more shall I dish out the once-loved liquor, Though now detestable, 7* 78 the hundred boston orators. Because I am taught, and I believe it true. Its use will fasten slavish chains upon my country; And Liberty 's the goddess I would choose To reign triumphant in America ! " In the year 1772 Hancock was elected to the command of the Inde pendent Cadets, well known as the governor's guard ; and we find, by the Boston Gazette of May 12, at this date, the announcement of the elec tion of John Hancock as a Boston representative, as moderator of the town-meeting, and his 'appointment by Gov. Hutchinson as commander of the Cadets, which is stated as follows : " His Excellency the Captain General has been pleased to commissionate John Hancock, Esq., to be Captain of the Company of Cadets, Avith the rank of Colonel : " and the promptness with Avhich Col. Hancock entered upon the duties of his office is shown by the following advertisement, which appears in the next column of the Gazette: "Wanted, Im/mediately, For his Excellency's Company of Cadets, Two Fifers that understand Play ing. Those that are Masters of Musick, and are inclined to engage with the Company, are desired to apply to Col. John Hancock." When Thomas Gage landed at Long Wharf, May 19, 1774, this company escorted the ncAV governor, in an extensiA'e civil and mihtary procession, to the council-chamber, at the old State-house, in King- street, after which they conducted Gage, under Col. Hancock, to the Province-house, then the governor's residence. Gov. Gage soon became jealous of Hancock, for in August of this year he was noti fied, by Secretary ^Flucker, that the governor had no further occasion for his services as the commander ; on which, the corps disbanded themselA'cs, and deputed a committee to wait on Gage, at Danvers, surrendering to him the standard with his arms, Avhich his excellency had presented them on his arrival from London, informing him that they no longer considered themselves as the governor's Independent Cadets. In an address to Hancock, Aug. 18, 1774, signed by fifty-two mem bers, they remark, "At a period Avhen the post of honor is a priA'ate station, it cannot be thought strange that a gentleman of your distin guished character should meet Avith every discouragement from men in poAver;" and Col. Hancock said, in reply, "I am ever ready to appear in a pubhc station, when the honor or the interest of the com munity calls me ; but shall always prefer retirement in a private sta tion, to being a tool in the hand of power to oppress my countrymen." Gage and Hancock never came together again as pohtical friends. JOHN HANCOCK. 79 The orator on the Massacre, in the year 1774, was Col. John Han cock. His performance was remarkably bold and effective, givino- great offence to the executive, and more especially to the officers of the standing army ; indeed, it was a striking act of intrepidity. At the close of the exercises, a very generous collection was taken up for the unfortunate Christopher Monk, now about tAventy-three years old, then present, Avho was wou.nded on the fatal evening of the Massacre, and was a shocking monument of that horrid catastrophe. This produc tion AYas elegant, pathetic, and spirited. The allusion of Hancock to the attempt of Parliament to enforce obedience to acts Avhich neither God nor man ever authorized them to make, forcibly reminds us of James Otis, their most effective opponent, Avho was as "a wedge, to split the lignum A'itse block of parliamentary usurpation." John Adams, who Avas present on the occasion, remarks, the composition, the pronunciation, the action, all exceeded the expectation of every body. They exceeded even mine, Avhich were very considerable. Many of the sentiments came with great propriety from him. His invective, particularly against a jDreference of riches to virtue, came from him with a singular grace and dignity : " Despise the glare of wealth. The people Avho pay greater respect to a Avealthy villain than to an honest, upright man in poverty, almost deserve to be enslaved. They plainly shoAV that wealth, hoAvever it may be acquired, is in their esteem to be preferred to virtue." The lantern exhil)ition occurred on the succeeding Monday. In one of the Avindows at Mrs- Clapham's, Avas a painting of Gov. Hutchinson and Judge Peter Oliver, in the horrors occasioned by the appearance of the ghosts of Empson and Dudley, advising them to think of their fate : " Ye traitors ! Is there not some chosen curse, — Some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, Red with uncommon wrath, to blast the men Who owe their greatness to their country's ruin ? " On turning to Hutchinson, it is related that, on the evenino- after the delivery of the oration, "a select number of persons, styled in the newspapers friends of constitutional liberty, assembled at a house in King-street, Boston. Among them were the speaker and divers mem bers of the House of Representatives. Figures Avere exhibited, through the windoAYS of the room, to the peojjle in the street, of the governor and chief-justice, in derision. Such abuse of private characters it is 80 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. generally best to treat with contempt ; " and the Boston Post printed an original song for the Fifth of March, written in eight verses, the first of which says : " When the foes of the land our destruction had planned. They sent ragged troops for our masters ; But, from former defeat, they must now understand Their wolves shall not prowl in our pastures." As an embodiment of the condition and spirit of the Bostonians is indicated in this passage, ayc make no apology for its insertion here. "It was easy to foresee the consequences Avhich so naturally followed upon sending troops into America, to enforce obedience to acts of the British Parliament Avhich neither God nor man ever empowered them to make. It was reasonable to expect that troops who knew the errand they were sent upon would treat the people whom they were to ' subjugate with a cruelty and haughtiness which too often buries the honorable character of a soldier in the disgraceful name of an unfeel ing ruffian. The troops, upon their first arrival, took possession of our senate-house, and pointed their cannon against the judgment-hall, and CA'en continued them there whilst the Supreme Court of judicature for this province Avas actually sitting to decide upon the lives and fortunes of the king's subjects. Our streets nightly resounded with the noise of riot and debauchery ; our peaceful citizens were hourly exposed to shameful insults, and often felt the effects of their violence and out rage. But this was not all. As though they thought it not enough to A'iolate our civil rights, they endeavored to deprive us of our religious privileges ; to vitiate our morals, and thereby render us deserving of destruction. Hence the rude din of arms Avhich broke in upon your solemn devotions in your temples, on that halloAved day by Heaven, and set apart by God himself for his peculiar Avorship. Hence impious oaths and blasphemies so often tortured your unaccustomed ear. Hence all the arts Avhich idleness and luxury could invent were used' to betray our youth of one sex into extravagance and effeminacy, and of the other to infamy and ruin. And did they not succeed but too well ? Did not a reverence for religion sensibly decay ? Did not our infants almost learn to lisp out curses before they kncAV their horrid import ? Did not our youth forget they were Americans, and, regard less of the admonitions of the wise and aged, servilely copy from their tyrants those vices which must finally OA^erthrow the empire of Great JOHN HANCOCK. 81 Britain ? And must I be compelled to acknowledge that even the noblest, fairest part of all the lower creatioi^ did not entirely escape the cursed snare ? When virtue has once erected her throne within the female breast, it is upon so solid a basis that nothing is able to expel the heavenly inhabitant. But have there not been some — fcAV, indeed, I hope ¦ — Avhose youth and inexperience haA'e rendered them a prey to wretches, whom, upon the least reflection, they would haA'e despised and hated, as foes to God and their country ? I fear there have been such unhappy instances ; or why have I seen an honest father clothed with shame ? — or why a virtuous mother drOAvned in tears?" Mr. Hancock was a delegate from Suffolk to the first Provincial Congress, Avhich convened at Concord, Oct. 11, 1774, when he was elected its president. He Avas also president of the second -Provincial Congress, until he Avas succeeded by Dr. Joseph Warren. When Gov. Gage sent , the regular troops to Concord, for the destruction of the stores of the provincials, another design Avas to apprehend John Hancock and Samuel Adams, his most formidable foes. In the narratiA^e of Col. Revere, we find a statement of the escape of Hancock and Adams, at Lexington : " On Tuesday evening, the 18tb of April, 1775, it Avas observed that a number of soldiers were march ing toAvards Boston Common. About ten o'ckck, Dr. Warren sent in great haste for me, ai^ begged that I AVOuld immediately set off for Lexington, where Avere Hancock and Adams, and acquaint them of the movement, and that it was thought they Avere the objects. Wlien I got to Dr. Warren's house, I found he had sent an express by land to Lexington — a Jilr. William Dawes. The Sunday before, by desire of Dr. Warren, I had been to Lexington to see Hancock and Adams, Avho Avere at Rev. Mr. Clark's. I returned at nisht, throuo;h Charles- town. There I agreed with a Col. Conant, and some other gentlemen, that if the British went out by water, we ayouH show two lanterns in the North Church steeple, and if by land, one, as a signal ; for we were apprehensive it would be difficult to cross the Charles River, or get over Boston Neck. I left Dr. Warren, called upon a friend, and desired him to make the signals. I then went home, took my boots and surtout, went to the north part of the town, where I had kept a boat. Two friends rowed me across Charles River, a little to the eastAvard, where the Somerset man-of-Avar lay. It was then young 82 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. flood ; the ship was Avinding, and the moon was rising. They landed me on the CharlestOAVJoij side. When I got into town, I met Col. Conant and several others. They said they had seen our signals. I told them Avhat was acting, and went to get me a horse. I got a horse of Dea. Larkin. While the horse AA'as preparing, Richard Devens, Esq., who was one of the Committee of Safety, came to me, and told me that he came down the road from Lexington, after sundown, that evening ; that he met ten British officers, all Avell mounted and armed, going up the road. " I set off upon a very good horse. It was then about eleven o'clock, a.nd very pleasant. After I had passed Charlestown Neck, and got nearly opposite where Mark was hung in chains, I saw two men on horseback, under a tree. When I got near them, I discovered they Avere British officers. One tried to get ahead of me, and the other to take me. I turned my horse very quick, and galloped towards Charles- .town Neck, and then pushed for the Medford road. The one Avho chased me, endeavoring to cut me off, gownto a clay-pond, near where the new tavern is noAV built. I got clear of him, and Avent through Medford, over the bridge, and up to Menotomy. In Medford, I awaked the captain of the minute-men; and after that, I alarmed almost every house, till I got to Lexington. I found Hancock and Adams at the Rev. Mr. Clark's. I told them my errand, and inquired for Mr. Dawes. They said he had not been there. I related the story of the two officers, and supposed that he must have been stopped, as he ought to have been there before me. After I had been there about half an hour, Mr. DaAves came. We refreshed ourselves, and set off for Concord, to secure the stores, etc., there. We Avere over taken by a young Dr. Prescott, whom Ave found to be a high son of liberty. I told them of the ten officers that Mr. Devens met, and that it was probable we might be stopped before Ave got to Concord ; for I supposed that after night they divided themselves, and that two of them had fixed themselves in such passages as Avere most likely to stop any intelligence going to Concord. I likcAvise mentioned that Ave had better alarm all the inhabitants till Ave got to Concord. The young doctor much approved of it, and said he Avould stop Avith either of us, for the people betAveen that and Concord kncAv him, and Avould give the more credit to what we said. We had got nearly half way. Mr. Dawes and the doctor stopped to alarm the people of a house. I was about one hundred rods ahead, Avhen I saw tAVO men in nearly the JOHN HANCOCK. 83 same situation as those officers were near CharlestOAvn. I called for the doctor and Mr. DaAves to come up. In an instant I Avas sur rounded by four. They had placed themselves in a straight road that inchned each way. They had taken down a pair of bars on the north side of the road, and two of them were under a tree in the pasture. Dr. Prescott, being foremost, came up, and we tried to get past them ; but they being armed Avith pistols and SAVords, they forced us into the pasture. The doctor jumped his horse over a low stone- Avail, and got to Concord. I observed a wood at a small distance, and made for that. AYhen I got there, out started six officers on horseback, and ordered me to dismount. One of them, AA'ho appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from, and Avhat my name Avas. I told him. He asked me if I Avas an express. I ansAvered in the affirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston. I told him ; and added, that their troops had catched aground in passing the river, and tliat there would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the country all the way up. He immediately rode towards those who stopped us, Avhen all five of them came doAAii upon a full gallop. One of them, Avhom I afterwards found to be a Maj. Mitchell, of the 5th regiment, clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name, and told me he Avas going to ask me some questions, and if I did not give him true answers, he Avould bloAV my brains out. He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then ordered me to mount my horse, after searching me for arms. He then ordered them to advance, and to lead me in front. When Ave got to the road, they turned down toAvards Lexington. When ayc had got about one mile, Maj. Mitchell rode up to the officer that Avas leading me, and told him to give me to the sergeant. As soon as he took me, the major ordered him, if I attempted to run, or anybody insulted them, to blow my brains out. Wo rode till ayc got near Lexington meeting-house, ¦When the militia fired a volley of guns, Avhich appeared to alarm them very much. The major inquired of me hoAV far it Avas to Cambridge, and if there Avere any other road. After some consultation, the major rode up to the sergeant, and asked if his horse Avas tired. He answered him, he was. He was a sergeant of grenadiers, and had a small horse ; then said he. Take that man's horse. I dismounted, and the sergeant mounted my horse, when they all rode toAvards Lexington meeting house. I went across the burying-ground and some pastures, and came to the Rev. Mr. Clark's house, AYhere I found Hancock and Adams. I 84 THE HUNDRED BOSTON' ORATORS. told them of my treatment, and they concluded to go from that house towards Woburn. I went with them and a Mr. Lowell, who was a clerk to Mr. Hancock. When we got to the house where they intended to stop, Mr. Lowell and myself returned to Mr. Clark's, to find Avhat Avas going on. When we reached there, an elderly man came in. He said he had just come from the tavern, — that a man had come from Boston, Avho said there were no British troops coming. Mr. LoAvell and myself went toAvards the tavern, when Ave met a man, on a full gallop, who told us the troops Avere coming up the rocks. We after- Avards met another, AYho said they were close by. Mr. LoAvell asked me to go to the tavern Avith him, to get a trunk of papers belonging to Mr. Hancock. We Avcnt up chamber, and Avhile we were getting the trunk, we saw the -British very near, upon a full march. We hurried towards Mr. Clark's house. In our way, we passed through the militia. There were about fifty. When ayc had got about one hun dred yards from the meeting-house, the British troops appeared on both sides of the meeting-house. In their front Avas an officer on horseback. They made a short halt, Avhen I saAV and heard a gun fired, which appeared, to be a pistol. Then I could distinguish tAVO guns, and then a continued roar of musketry, when we made off with the trunk." In Frothingham's Siege of Boston we find it stated that Hancock and Adams, whose safety Avas regarded as of the utmost importance, Avere persuaded to retire to the then second precinct of Woburn, to the house occupied by Madam Jones, Avidow of Rev. Thomas Jones, and Rev. Mr. Marett, which is noAV standing in Burlington, and occupied by Rev. Samuel Sewell, a descendant of the venerable chief-justice. Dorothy Quincy accompanied her intended husband — Hancock. Here, at noon, they had just sat down to an elegant dinner, Avhen a man broke suddenly in upon them with a shriek, and they believed the regulars Avere upon them. Mr. Marett then piloted Adams and Hancock along a cartAvay to Mr. Amos Wyman's house, in a corner of Billerica, Avhere they Avere glad to dine off of cold salt pork and potatoes, served in a Avooden tray. Thus the proud anticipations of the British troops, in regard to their capture, were blasted. As John Hancock Avas accustomed to wear a scarlet coat of red velvet, Avith ruffles on his sleeves, after the fashion of the judges of the court. Gov. Gage is made to say, in the old revolutionary play, at the period of the Battle of Lexington, " If Col. Smith succeeds in his embassy, — JOHN HANCOCK. 85 and I think there is no doubt of it, — I shall haA'e the pleasure this evening, I expect, of having my friends Hancock and Adams' good company. I '11 make each of them a present of a pair of handsome iron ruffies, and jMaj. Provost shall provide a suitable entertainment." In another passage of the same play, it is said, " Let us have one good dinner before Ave part, and leave us half a dozen pipes of Hancock's Avine to drink your health; and don't let us part with dry lips." On the 12th of June succeeding. Gov. Gage issued a proclamation offering pardon to all the rebels, excepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, ' ' Avhose offences are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condign punishment; " — " As for their king, John Hancock, And Adams, if they 're taken. Their heads for signs shall hang up high Upon that hill called Beacon ;" — and the Provincial Congress, as noticed more especially in the memoir of Gen. Warren, issued a proclamation of like nature, excepting Thomas Gage, Admiral Graves, and others. There is no doubt that Gov. Gage was alarmed at his position, some months previous to this date, as, in his despatches to the throne, to the 18th of ilarch, acknoAvledging the king's orders to apprehend Messrs. Cushing, Adams, and Hancock, and send them over to London for trial (the second order, AA'hich was to hang them in Boston, he had not received) , he expressed his fears on the occasion ; and, hoping a reverse of the order, he stated that he should delay the execution a while longer, because, if the order were fulfilled, he must come to an engagement, the event of Avhich he had every reason to apprehend would be fatal to the king's troops and to himself, as the Massachusetts provincials had at least fifteen thousand men ready for the onset, and every public and private road occupied for defence. He earnestly requested a reinforcement of regulars , if that disagreeable order must be enforced. About this period, a party of British soldiers entered the residence of John Hancock, according to the Gazette, Avho began to pillage and break doAvn the fences ; but on complaint being made by the selectmen to Gov. Gage, he ordered the fences to be repaired, and appointed Earl Percy to take possession of the premises. We find additional partic- ulai-s, in relatiop to this affair, in the letter of a gentleman to a friend 8 86 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. in New York, dated March 22, 1775 : " In the evening of. the 17th instant. Col. Hancock's elegant seat, situate near the Common, was attacked by a number of officers, Avho, Avith their swords, cut and hacked the fence before his house in a most scandalous manner, and behaved very abusively, by breaking people's windoAvs, and insulting almost every person they met. On the 19th instant. Col. Hancock was again insulted by a number of inferior officers and privates, who entered his enclosures, and refused to retire, after his requesting them so to do, telling him that his house and stables AYOuld soon be theirs, and then they would do as they pleased. However, on his application to the general, he immediately sent one of his aids-de-camp to the officer of the guard, at the bottom of the Common, to seize any officer or private who should molest Col. Hancock, or any inhabitant, in their lawful calhng." The editor of the Ncav York Knickerbocker, who once enjoyed the hospitality of the present Hancock family, remarks : " From this house Was driven the fair and noble-looking lady whose portrait hangs in the drawing-room below, that the Percy, who ' Fought for King George at Lexington, A major of dragoons, ' might here establish his quarters. As I sat there, in what was for merly the state-chamber, conjuring up thoughts of that past time, I could almost fancy that I heard the measured tread of the red-coated sentinel in the grand old entrance-hall below, and saAV the glancing bayonets in the remains of the British intrenchments on the Common, nearly opposite the house. ' I wandered through the lofty halls Trod by the Percys of old fame. And traced upon the chapel walls Each high heroic name, — From him who once his standard set Where now, o'er mosque and minaret. Glitter the Sultan's crescent moons. To him who, when a younger son. Fought for King George at Lexington, A major of dragoons ! ' " Jh: Hancock married, at Fairfield, Conn., Dorothy, daughter of Edmund Quincy, of Boston, Aug. 28, 1775. He had a daughter, who died in infancy, at Philadelphia, 1776 ; and one son, John George JOHN HAXCOCK. 87 Washington, who received a contusion in the head, when skating at Milton, of Avhich he died, Jan. 27, 1787, aged nine years. He left no descendant. The quaint conceit of Lord Bacon may be applied to Hancock : " Surely, man shall see the noblest Avorks and foundations have proceeded from childless men, Avho have sought to express the imac^es of their minds where those of their bodies have failed ; so the care of posterity is most in them that have no posterity." In Quincy's History of Harvard University appears a statement of the difficulties of the college Avith John Hancock, who Avas the treasurer from 1773 to 1777, AA'hich exhibits a dark shade in his his tory; — not that he was Avilfully dishonorable, but he could not be aroused to an adjustment of financial duties tOAvards the institution; and Rev. Dr. Gray, of Roxbury, relates, that Dr. Samuel Cooper and Dr. William Gordon agreed that, at an overseers' meeting, the former should, introduce a motion for the immediate settlement of the treas urer's accounts, and wliich Avas seconded by the latter. But Dr. Gor don spoke so plainly his mind of the singular neglect of the treasurer, thouo^h so often urged to do it, that the manner Avas thought by Dr. Cooper, who was perfectly mild and polite in everything, to be as gross ; and therefore he forbore to utter a syllable upon the subject, and it passed off at the meeting in perfect silence. This circumstance so greatly offended Gov. Hancock, that he removed immediately from Jamaica Plain to his residence in Boston, and ceased all future inter course Avith Dr. Gordon. No name stands emblazoned on the records of the corporation, remarks Quincy, as a benefactor, with more laudatory epithets, than that of John Hancock. But his title to this distinction must depend upon the view which is taken of his first subscription of X500. In July, 1767, when no motives of policy influenced the corporation, this donation is stated to be "the proposed gift of Thomas Hancock;" his " signified intention to subscribe, towards the restoration of the library, the sum of five hundred pounds sterling, the completion of Avhich Avas prcA'ented by his sudden death;" the act of John Hancock is recorded as a demonstration of his generous affection to the college, and as hav ing done honor to the memory of his uncle, by voluntarily fulfilling his noble intention. " In the donation-book of the college, collected by order of the corporation in 1773," the year in Avhich Mr. Hancock, as treasurer, took his seat in that board, and when he Avas at the height of his popularity, this gift is recorded on one page as exqlusively " the 88 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. gift of John Hancock;" and on the next but one, as "his gen erous fulfilment of the intentions of his late uncle, the Honorable Thomas Hancock." It was generally regarded, and probably by Mr. Hancock, as an indispensable obligation; and it would have been almost impossible for a young man ambitious of popularity and power, on receiving an estate, estimated at £70,000 sterling, from the bounty of a relative, to refuse to fulfil " his signified intention" to subscribe ,£500 in favor of an institution which every man of influence in the proA'ince was laboring to raise from its ruins. If the subscription be placed to the account of its avowed origin, the good will of Thomas Hancock, the college was indebted to the bounty of John Hancock, as stated in the records of the college, "for a curious dipping needle," and, after that event, for the sum of £54 is. sterling, being the excess of the cost of the books ordered by the corporation beyond the £500 deriA'ed from the good will of his uncle ; for "a full-length picture of that benefactor," and also for a set of the most elegant carpets to cover the floor of the library, the apparatus and philosophy chambers, and covering the walls of the latter with a rich paper ; " for an Account of London and its Environs, in six a'oI- umes," and "a curious Coralline in its natural bed." The entire A'alue of these donations certainly did not greatly exceed — and was probably less than ¦ — • the actual loss sustained, according to the state ment of treasurer Storer, his successor, "hy Mr. Hancock's long denial of the rights of the college, and Avithholding its property." He says that "justice to a pubhc institution, which he essentially embarrassed during a period of nearly twenty years," etc., requires a statement of the facts. A very obvious apology for the delinquency of John Hancock is to be ascribed to the great financial distress of the Old Bay State, inci dent upon the war of the Revolution, rendering it almost impossible to command funds for the liquidation of large demands, until long after the peace of 1783. Did not treasurer Hancock secure an estate on Merchant' s-roAV, by mortgage, to Harvaird College, Dec. 29, 1785? — ¦ and, in tAvo years after his decease, did not his nephcAV, John Hancock, Esq., make a payment of nine years' interest due the college? — and, Dec. 13, 1802, did not he discharge the payment of the principal due, and the interest in full to that date, as appears by the records in.the office of the Suffolk Register of Deeds ? But treasurer Storer complains that the heirs refused to pay compound interest, whereby the college Avas. a JOHN HANCOCK. 89 loser of five hundred and tAventy-six dollars. This was a very natural decision of the heirs ; but we Avill not censure the memory of Gov. Hancock for this act of the heirs, which Avas their legal rio^ht. " Per haps there is not a person in America," remarked the Rev. Peter Thacher, his pastor, in the sermon at his funeral, "who has done mord generous and noble actions than Gov. Hancock, and Avho has, upon all occasions, contributed more liberally to public institutions. Besides the grand and hospitable manner in Avhich he entertained foreigners and others in his house, he expended large sums for every patriotic purpose, and for the benefit of our university, and equalled the gen erosity of his worthy patron to it by his own donations. I should be guilty of base ingratitude," continues Dr. Thacher, "did I not thus pubhcly acknowledge numberless instances of kindness, attention, and hberality, Avhich I have received at his hands. These uoay lie heavy at my heart, and increase my sorroAV for his loss, though they have not bribed me to exceed the truth in deliileating his character." America never had a more devoted patriot than John Hancock ; and the secret motive of his soul Avas disclosed in the declaration he made on taking the oath of office in the old State-house, in King-street, Oct. 26, 1780, when he became the first governor under the new constitution, Avhich is another apology for delay, Avhere he remarked, "Having, in the early stage of this contest, determined to devote my whole time and services, to the utter exclusion of all private business, CA'cn to the end of the war, and being ever ready to obey the call of my country, I venture to offer myself, and shall endeavor strictly to adhere to the laws of the constitution." Before Ave continue the history of John Hancock, we Avill revert a while to an incident that occurred in Boston when it Avas a besieged town, as his name is associated Avith it. At the close of 1774, and in the early part of 1775, Gov. Gage began to take possession of all the arms and military stores belonging to individuals and the public. These measures, which accelerated hostilities, occasioned a transaction Avhich illustrates the popular feeling. The General Court, in Nov., 1766, ordered four brass cannon to be purchased for the use of the artillery companies in Boston. Two of these guns, which Avere three-pounders, were kept in a gun-house that stood opposite the Mall, at the corner of West-street. A school-house Avas the next building, and a yard, enclosed Avith a high fence, was common to both. Maj. Adino Pad dock, Avho then commanded the artillery, having been heard to express 90 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. his intention of surrendering these guns to the governor, a few indi viduals resolved to secure for the country a property which belonged to it, and which at this time was of great value. Maj. Paddock Avas a coaclvmaker, and a devoted loyahst. The row of elm-trees in front of the Granary Cemetery was planted by him, and long known as Paddock's Walk. He left Boston with the royal troops, in March, 1776. Having concerted their plan, the party passed through the school- house into the gun-house, and were able to open the doors which were upon the yard by a small crevice, through Avhich they raised the bar that secured them. The moment for the execution of the project Avas that of the roll-call, when the sentinel, Avho Avas stationed at one door of the building, would be less likely to hear their operations. The guns Avere taken off their carriages, carried into the school-room, and placed in a large box under the master's desk, in which wood Avas kept. Directly after the roll-call, a lieutenant and sergeant came into the gun-house, to look at the cannon, previously to removing them. A young man — Samuel Gore, captain of the governor's troop of horse, of Avhom this narration was received, and who had assisted in their removal — remained by the building, and followed the officer, as an innocent spectator. The persons who aided in the plot were Nathaniel Balch, Jeremiah Gridley, Whiston, and others, together with master Abraham Holbrook, the schoolmaster. When the carriages were found Avithout the guns, the sergeant exclaimed, Avith an oath, " They are gone ! These felloAvs will steal the teeth out of your head, Avhile you are keeping guard." They then began to search the building for them, and afterAvards the yard ; and Avhen they came to the gate, and opened into the street, the officer observed that they could not have passed that Avay, because a cobAveb across the opening was not broken. They Avent next into the school-house, which they examined all over, except the box, on which the master placed his foot, Avhich was lame, and the officer, with true courtesy, on that account excused him from rising. Some boys Avere present, but not one lisped a AVOrd. The officers Avent back to the gun-room, when their volunteer attendant, in kind sympathy for their embarrassment, suggested to them that perhaps they had been carried into Mr. Greenleaf 's garden, opposite, — afterwards the "Washington Garden." On this, the sergeant took him by the collar, gave him a push, and said, it was very likely that he was one of the daring rebels who helped to get them off, and that JOHN HANCOCK. 91 he had better make himself scarce. This was too near a guess to make it worth while to wait for a second hint, and he left them. They soon after retired, in vexation. The guns remained in that box for a fortnight, and many of the boys Avere acquainted with the fact, but not one of them betrayed the secret. At the end of that time, the persons who had Avithdrawn them came, in the evening, Avith a large trunk on a AvheelbarroAV. The guns Avere put into it, and carried up to Whiston' s blacksmith's shop, at the south end, and there deposited under the coal. After lying there for a while, they were put into a boat in the night, and safely transported within the American lines. The guns Avere in actual service through the whole Avar. After the peace, the State of jMassachusctts applied to Congress for their restoration, which Avas granted, according to this resolve, dated May 19, 1788 : " Congress assembled. Present — Noay Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, DelaAvare, Maryland, Vir ginia, and South Carolina; and from Rhode Island, Mr. Arnold; from New York, Mr. Hamilton ; from North Carolina, Mr. William son ; and from Georgia, Mr. Baldwin. The Secretary at War having represented to Congress that there are in the arsenals of the United States two brass cannon, which constituted one moiety of the' field artillery with which the last war Avas commenced on the part of Amer ica, and which were constantly on serA'ice throughout the war ; that the said cannon are the property of the CommonAYcalth of Massachu setts, and that the governor thereof hath requested that they be retm-ned; Therefore, Resolved, that the Secretary at War cause a suitable inscription to be placed on the said cannon ; and that he dehA'er the same to the order of his Excellency the Governor of the CommonAvealth of Massachusetts." Gen. Knox, then Secretary at War, who had commanded the artillery of the American army during the Revolution, — one of the most gallant, generous, high-minded men that the army contained, — ay ell kncAV the history of these cannon, as they were the fellow-tOAvnsmen of his native tOAYU of Boston. In pursuance of the orders of Congress, he caused the arms of Ma.9sachusetts, and the inscription herewith, to be chiselled upon them in bold rehef These tAVO cannon were in charge of the "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" of Boston, and called the Hancock and Adams, in honor of the tAvo patriots proscribed by Gov. Gage, from whose grasp they were rescued ; and John Hancock was governor of Massachusetts when the cannon Avere returned to the 92 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. State. They are deposited on the wall inside of the top of the Bun ker Hill Monument, Avhere they hang perpendicularly suspended. The Hancock : Sacred to Liberty. This is one of four cannon, which constituted the whole train of Field Artillery possessed by the British Colonies of North America, at the commencement of the war, on the 19th of April, 1775. This cannon and its fellow, belonging to a number of citizens of Boston, were used in many engagements during the war. The other two, the property of the Government of Massachusetts, were taken by the enemy. By order of the United States in Congress assembled. May 19, 1788. The other cannon referred to Avere concealed in the stable of the second house west from the court-house, on the south side of Queen-street. Mr. Williams, a respectable farmer of Roxbury, drove in his own team Avith a load of hay, Avhich was taken into that stable; the cannon Avere then put in the bottom of the cart, which Avas loaded with manure, and in this way they were taken out of toAvn Avithout opposition. The British officers heard, on the same day, that the cannon were concealed in that street, and Avere to be removed in the evening ; and, in conse quence, many of them patrolled the street for several hours, but the guns Avere already safe Avithin the American lines. Hancock was a delegate to the Continental Congress convened at Philadelphia, May 10, 1775. During his tour to that city, he remained at Worcester tAVO days, Avaiting for a suitable escort, and for the approach of his colleagues, Avhen he addressed the following letter to the gentle men Committee of Safety, among whom were Joseph Warren and Ben jamin Church, besides himself: "Worcester, April 24, 1775, Monday evening. "Gentlemen: Mr. S. Adams and myself, just arrived here, find no intelli^-ence from you, anHttLgnard. We just hear an express has JOHN HANCOCK. 93 just passed through this place to you, from Ncav York, informing that administration is bent upon pushing matters ; and that four regiments are expected there. Hoay are we to proceed ? Where are our brethren ? Surely, we ought to be supported. I had rather be with you ; and, at present, am fully determined to be Avith you, before I proceed. I beg, by the return of this express, to hear from you ; and pray, furnish us with depositions of the conduct of the troops, the certainty of their firing first, and every circumstance relative to the conduct of the troops from the 19th instant to this time, that we may be able to give some account of matters as we proceed, especially at Philadelphia. Also, I beg you would order your secretary to make out an account of you.r proceedings since AA'hat has taken place : Avhat your plan is ; Avhat prisoners we have, and what they have of ours ; who of note was killed, on both sides ; who commands our forces, &c. "Are our men in good spirits ? For God's sake, do not suffer the spirit to subside, until they have perfected the reduction of our ene mies. Boston Tnust be entered ; the troops must be sent aAvay, or * * * Our friends are A'aluable, but our country must be saved. I haA^e an interest in that town. What can be the enjoyment of that to me, if I am obliged to hold it at the AA'ill of Gen. Gage, or any one else ? I doubt not your vigilance, your fortitude, and resolution. Do let us know how you proceed. We must have the Castle. The ships must be * * Stop up the harbor against large vessels coming. You know better Avhat to do than I can point out. Where is Mr. Cushing? Are Mr. Paine and Mr. John Adams to be Avith us? What are we to depend upon ? We travel rather as deserters, Avhich I will not submit to. I will return and join you, if I cannot detain this man, as I want much to hear from you. Hoay goes on the Congress ? Who is your president ? Are the members hearty ? Pray remember Mr. S. Adams and myself to all friends. God be with you. " I am, gentlemen, your faithful and hearty countryman, "John Hancock." On IMay 13th of this date, he was chosen successor to Peyton Ran dolph, as president of that assembly. When the unanimous election Avas declared, he felt deeply embarrassed ; and it was not until Ben jamin Harrison, a strong-nerved man and noble-hearted, a member from Virginia, had borne him in his A'igorous arms, amid the general acclamation, to the chair, that his wonted self-possession returned. 94 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. When the Declaration of Independence first appeared on the floor of Congress, it was circulated OA'er the name of John Hancock, singly and alone, as President of the Congress ; and the bold and striking char acters Avhich form his signature Avere the first to proclaim the fact. He resigned this station in October, 1777, owing to the severity of the gout. The nomination of Washington to be the commander-in-chief was first made by John Adams. The president, John Hancock, was then in the chair, and Washington himself was present. Hancock was ambitious for that appointment. The effect of Mr. Adams' motion upon the two patriots is thus related by himself Washington was at a subsequent period, May 26, 1775, unanimously chosen. At the conclusion of a speech on the state of the colonies, after making a motion that Congress Avould adopt the army before Boston and appoint Col. Washington commander of it, Mr. Adams remarked, that he was "a gentleman whose skill as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents, and excellent universal character, would command the approbation of all America, and unite the cordial exertion of all the colonies better than 'any other person in the Union. Mr. Washington, Avho happened to be near the door, as soon as he heard me allude to him, from his usual modesty, darted into the library-room. Mr. Hancock, who Avas our president, Avhich gave me an opportunity to observe his countenance, Avhile I Avas speaking on the state of the colonies, the army at Cambridge, and the enemy, heard me with visible pleasure; but when I came to describe Washington for the commander, I never remarked a more sudden and striking change of countenance. Morti fication and resentment were expressed as forcibly as his face could exhibit them. Mr. Samuel Adams seconded the motion, and that did .not soften the president's physiognomy at all." The announcement herewith is copied from a Hartford journal, under date Nov. 19, 1777: "On Friday last, passed through this town, escorted by a party of light dragoons, the Hon. John Hancock, Pres ident of the American Congress, Avith his lady, on his Avay to Boston, after an absence, on public business, of more than two and a half years." President Hancock addressed a letter to Gen. Washington, July 10, 1775, in Avhich he proposed as follows : " I must beg the favor that you Avill reserve some berth for me, in such department as you may judge most proper ; for I aja,determined to act under you, if it be to JOHN HANCOCK. 95 take the firelock and join the ranks as a volunteer." It does not appear, hoAvever, that he joined the army, under AVashington, in any military capacity. Washington addressed the following reply to Han cock, dated "Cambridge, July 21, 1775. "Dear Sir: I am particularly pleased to acknowledge that part of your faA'or of the 10th instant Avherein you do me the honor of determining to join the army under my command. I need certainly make no professions of the pleasure I shall have in seeing you. At the same time, I have to regret that so little is in my pOAver to offer equal to Col. Hancock's merits, and worthy of his acceptance. I shall be happy, in every opportunity, to show the regard and esteem Avith Avhich " I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, i " George Washingtox." The official correspondence of John Hancock, as President of Con gress, is rich in patriotic fervor. In a letter to Washington, dated Dec. 22, 1775, he writes : "For your future proceedings, I must beg leaA'e to refer you to the enclosed resolutions. I Avould just inform you that the last resolve, relative to an attack upon Boston, passed after a most serious debate in a committee of the whole house. You are now left to the dictates of prudence and your own judgment. May God croAvn your attempt with success. I most heartily wish it, though, indiA-idually, I may be the greatest sufferer." In an address to the inhabitants of Canada, Hancock says : " Let it be the pride of those Avhose souls are Avarmed and illuminated by the sacred flames of freedom, to be discouraged by no check, and to surmount every obsta cle that may be interposed betAveen them and the darling object of their wishes. We anticipate, in our pleased imaginations, the happy period when the standard of tyranny shall find no place in North America." In addressing Gen. Philip Schuyler, after the surrender of Montreal, Hancock writes : " You have hitherto risen superior to a thousand dif ficulties, in giving freedom to a great and an oppressed people. You have already reaped many laurels, but a plentiful harvest still invites you. Proceed, therefore, and let the footsteps of victory open a Avay for the blessings of liberty and the happiness of a Avell-ordered govern ment to visit that extensive dominion. Consider that the road to glory is seldom strcAved with floAvers; and that, Avhen the black and bloody standard of tyranny is erected in ^Jflldiiiggsesscd by freemen, patriots 96 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. cease to remain inactive spectators of their country's fall." In an address to Gen. Montgomery, in relation to the surrender of Montreal, Hancock writes : " The Congress, utterly abhorrent from every species of cruelty to prisoners, and determined to adhere to this benevolent maxim till the conduct of their enemies renders a deviation from it indispensably necessary, will ever applaUd their officers for beautifully blending the Christian Avith the conqueror, and never, in endeavoring to acquire the character of the hero, to lose that of the man." Hancock thus writes to Gen. Washington, under date of Philadel phia, March 25, 1776 : " Sir, — I had the honor of receiving yester day yours of the 19th, containing the agreeable information of the ministerial troops having abandoned Boston. The partial victory Ave have obtained over them in that quarter, I hope, will turn out a happy presage of a more general one. Whatever place may be the object of their destination, it must certainly give a sincere pleasure to every friend of the country to see the most diligent preparations everyAvhere making to receive them. What may be their views, it is, indeed, impossible to tell with any degree of exactness. We have all the reason, hoAvever, from that rage of disappointment and revenge, to expect the worst. Nor have I any doubt that, as far as their power extends, they will inflict every species of calamity upon us. The same Providence that has baffled their attempt against the Province of Massachusetts Bay will, I trust, defeat the deep-laid scheme they are uoay meditating against some other part of our country. ' ' The intelligence that our army had got possession of Boston, you Avill readily suppose, gave me heartfelt pleasure. I beg, sir, you will be pleased to accept my Avarmest thanks for the attention you have shoAved to my property in that town. I have only to request that Capt. Cazneau Avill continue to look after and take care that it be noways destroyed or damaged. This success of our arms naturally calls upon me to congratulate you, sir, to whose wisdom and conduct it has been owing. Permit me to add, that if a constant discharge of the most important duties, and the fame attending thereon, can afford genuine satisfaction, the pleasure you feel must be the most rational and exalted." Hancock says, on the 30th April, 1776 : " The unprepared state of the colonies, on the commencement of the war, and the almost total want of everything necessary to carry it on, are the true sources from whence all our difficu^diildMU^ proceeded. This fact, however, JOHN HANCOCK. 97 furnishes a proof most striking of the weakness or wickedness of those. who charge them with an original intention of withdrawing from the government of Great Britain, and erecting an independent empire. Had such a scheme been formed, the most Avarlike preparations AVOuld have been necessary to effect it." Hancock, in a letter to Gen. Washington, dated Philadelphia, May 21, 1776, where he renews an invitation to receive a visit from him, stating, ' ' I reside in an airy, open part of the city, in Arch-street and Fourth-street," says: "Your favor of the 20th inst. I received this morning, and cannot help expressing the very great pleasure it Avould afford both Mrs. Hancock and myself to have the happiness of accommodating you during your stay in this city. As the house I li\'e in is large and roomy, it Avill be entirely in your poAver to live in that manner you should Avish. Mrs. Washington may be as retired as she pleases, while under inoculation, and Mrs. Hancock will esteem it an honor to have Mrs. Washington inoculated in her house ; and, as I am informed Mr. Randolph has not any lady about his house to take the necessary care of Mrs. Washington, I flatter myself she will be as well attended in my family. In short, sir, I must take the freedom to repeat my wish, that you would be pleased to condescend to dwell under my roof I assure you, sir, I will do all in my poAver to render your stay agreeable, and my house shall be entirely at your disposal. I must, however, submit this to your determination, and only add that you will peculiarly gratify Mrs. H. and myself, in affording me an opportunity of convincing you of this truth, that I am, with every sentiment of regard for you and your connections, and with much esteem, dear sir, your faithful and most obedient humble servant." In a letter to the convention of New Hampshire, dated June 4, 1776, Hancock writes: "The mihtia of the LTnited Colonies area body of troops that may be depended upon. To their virtue their del egates in Congress now make the most solemn appeal. They are called upon to say Avhether they Avill liA'e slaves, or die freemen. They are requested to step forth in defence of their wives, their children, their liberty, and everything they hold dear. The cause is certainly a most glorious one, and I trust that every man of New Hampshire is deter mined to see it gloriously ended, or to perish in the ruins of it. In short, on your exertions, at this critical period, together with those of the other colonies, in the common cause, the salvation of America evi- 9 98 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. dently depends. Your colony, I am persuaded, will not be behindhand. Exert, therefore, every nerve to distinguish yourselves. Quicken your preparations, and stimulate the good people of your government, and there is no danger, notwithstanding the mighty armament with Avhich we are threatened, but you ayHI be able to lead them to victory, to liberty, and to happiness." Under date of July 4, 1776, John Hancock writes to the govern ments of Maryland and Delaware, in language breathing the fervor of burning patriotism. We select a passage from this truly noble docu ment: "Gen. HoAve having taken possession of Staten Island, and the Jerseys being drained of their militia for the defence of New York, I am directed by Congress to request you will proceed immediately to •embody your militia for the establishment of the flying camp, and march them, with all possible expedition, either by battalions, detach ments of battalions, or by companies, to the city of Philadelphia. The j)resent campaign, I have no doubt, if we exert ourselves properly, Avill ¦secure the enjoyment of our liberties forever. All accounts agree' that 'Great Britain will make her greatest effort this summer. 'Should ayc, therefore, be able to keep our ground, Ave shall afterAvards have little to apprehend from her. I do, therefore, most ardently beseech and request you, in the name and by the authority of Congress, as you regard your OAvn freedom, and as you stand engaged by the most solemn ties of honor to support the common cause, to strain every nerve to send forward your mihtia. This is a step of such infinite moment, that, in all human probabili};y, your speedy compliance will proA^e the ¦salvation of your country. It is impossible we can have any higher motives to induce us to act. We should reflect, too, that the loss of this campaign will inevitably protract the Avar ; and that, in order to gain it, we have only to exert ourselves, and to make use of the means Avhich God and nature have given us to defend ourselves. I must, therefore, again repeat to you, that the Congress most anxiously expect ¦and request you ivill not lose a moment in carrying into effect this requisition, Avith all the zeal, spirit, and despatch, which are so indis pensably required by the critical situation of our affairs." On the 6th ¦of July, 1776, Hancock, in Avriting to Washington, thus emphasizes : "The Congress, for some days past, have had their attention occupied by one of the most interesting and important subjects that could pos sibly come before them, or any other assembly of men. Although it JOHN HANCOCK. 99 is not possible to foresee the consequences of human actions, yet it is, nevertheless, a duty Ave owe ourselves and posterity, in all our public counsels, to decide in the best manner we are able, and to trust the event to that Being, who controls both causes and events, to bring about his own determinations. Impressed AA'ith this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our affairs may take a more faA'ora ble turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all connec tion between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States, as you Avill perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed by Congress to transmit to you, and to request you ayIII have proclaimed at the head of the army, in the way you shall think most proper." Hancock says to Washington, in another letter, written on the memorable 4th of July: "Sir, — The enclosed resolves, to which I must beg leave to refer your attention, Avill inform you of the steps Congress has taken to establish the flying camp. To the unhappy confusion that has prevailed in this colony must be principally ascribed the delays that have hitherto attended that salutary measure. However, I flatter myself things Avill now take a different turn, as the contest to keep possession of poAver is now at an end, and a new mode of government, equal to the exigencies of our affairs, will soon be adopted, agreeably to the recommendations of Con gress to the United Colonies." In an eloquent appeal to the thirteen United States, dated at Phil adelphia, Sept. 24. 1776, our spirited Hancock says : "Let us con- A'ince our enemies that, as we are entered into the present contest for the defence of our liberties, so we are resolved, with the firmest rehance on Heaven for the justice of our cause, never to relinquish it, but rather to perish in the ruins of it. If we do but remain firm, — if we are not dismayed at the httle shocks of fortune, and are deter mined, at all hazards, that we will be free, — I am persuaded, under the gracious smiles of Providence, assisted by our OAvn most strenuous endeavors, we shall finally succeed, agreeably to our Avishes, and thereby , establish the independence, the happiness, and the glory, of the United States of America." In the same letter, he writes: "You will perceive, by the enclosed resolves, which I have the honor to forAvard in obedience to the commands of Congress, that they haA'e come to a determination to augment our army, and to engage the troops to serve during the con tinuance of the war. As an inducement to enlist on these terms, the 100 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Congress have agreed to give, besides a bounty of twenty dollars, a hundred acres of land to each soldier ; and, in case he should fall in battle, they have resolved, that his children, or other representatives, shall succeed to such land. The many ill consequences arising from a short and limited enlistment of troops are too obvious to be men tioned. In general, give me leave to observe, that to make men well acquainted with the duties of a soldier requires time ; " and to bring them under proper subordination and discipline, not only requires time, but has always been a work of much difficulty. We have had too fre quent experience that men of a few days' standing Avill not look for Avard, but, as the time of their discharge approaches, grow careless of their arms, ammunition, &c., and impatient of all restraint. The consequence of Avhich is, the latter part of the time for which the sol dier was engaged is spent in undoing Avhat the greatest pains had been taken to inculcate at first. Need I add to this, that the fall of the late Gen. Montgomery before Quebec is undoubtedly to be ascribed to the limited time for which the troops were engaged, — whose impatience to return home compelled him to make the attack, contrary to the couA'ic- tion of his OAvn judgment. This fact alone furnishes a striking argu ment of the danger and impropriety of sending troops into the field under any restriction as to the time of the enlistment. The noblest enterprise may be left unfinished by troops in such a predicament, or abandoned at the very moment success must have crowned the attempt. The heavy and enormous expenses consequent upon calling forth the mihtia, the delay attending their motions, and the difficulty of keeping them in camp, render it extremely improper to place our whole depend ence upon them. Experience hath uniformly convinced us of this, some of the militia having actually deserted the camp at the very moment their services Avere most Avanted. In the mean time, the strength of the British army, which is great, is considered much more formidable by the superior order and regularity which prevail in it." In a manly letter to Gen. Schuyler, dated Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1776, Hancock Avrites, transmitting the resolve of Congress expressive . of their high sense of his past conduct, that " Congress cannot give their consent to your retiring from the army in its present situation. Such a step would give your enemies occasion to exult, as they might suppose you Avere induced to take it from an apprehension of the truth and reality of their charges against you. The unmerited reproaches of ignorance and mistaken zeal are infinitely overbalanced by the sat- JOHN HANCOCK. 101 isfaction arising from a conscious integrity. As long, therefore, as you can wrap yourself in your innocence, I flatter myself you Avill not pay so great a regard to the calumnies of your enemies as to deprive your country of any services which you may have it in your poAver to render his." In a spirited letter to six of the States, dated Philadelphia, Oct. 9, 1776, Hancock Avrites : " The Congress, for very obvious reasons, are extremely anxious to keep the army together. The dangerous constequences of their breaking up, and the difficulty of forming a new one. are inconceivable. Were this barrier once removed, military power would quickly spread desolation and ruin over the face of our country. The importance, and, indeed, the abso lute necessity, of filling up the army, of providing for the troops, and engaging them to serve during the war, is so apparent, and has been so frequently urged, that I shall only request your attention to the resolves of Congress on this subject ; and beseech you, by that loA'e yoii have for your country, her rights and liberties, to exert yourselves to carry them speedily and effectually, as the only means of preserving her in this her critical and alarming situation." In a letter to four of the States, dated Baltimore, Dec. 25, 1776, Hancock Avrites: "It is needless to use arguments on this occasion, or to paint the dreadful consequences, to gentlemen already fully acquainted Avith them, of leav ing the back settlements of the Ncav England States open to the rav ages of our merciless foes. If anything can add to your exertions, at this time, it must be the reflection that your OAvn most immediate safety calls upon you to strain every nerve. Should we heedlessly abandon the post of Ticonderoga, we give up inconceivable advantages. Should we resolutely maintain it, -^ and it is extremely capable of defence, — we may bid defiance to Gen. Carleton, and the northern army under his command. But our exertions for this purpose must be immediate, or they will not avail anything. The 31st of this inst. the time Avill expire for which the troops in that important garrison were enlisted, and Lake Champlain will, in all probability, be frozen over soon after. For the sake, therefore, of all that is dear to freemen, be entreated to pay immediate attention to this requisition of Congress, and let nothing divert you from it. The affairs of our country are in a situation to admit of no delay. They may still be retrieved, but not without the greatest expedition and vigor." Gov. Hancock, in Avriting to the Hon. Robert Morris, Financier General at Washington, under date Philadelphia, Sept. 24, 1781, says: 9* 102 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. " Pray, my friend, when will be the properest time for me to be con sidered for my expenses while President of Congress ? They wrote me on the subject some tAvo years ago; but I waived troubling them, knowing the delicacy of their situation. Indeed, I kept no account of my expenses ; nor had I time for it, as you well know how my time AA'as engrossed, and the labors and fatigue I under Avent, and the expenses I must have necessarily incurred. I can speak plain to you : confident I am that fifteen hundred pounds sterling AVOuld not amount to the expenses I incurred as president. In this I think I merit considera tion, more especially as grants have been made to all my successors." Had Congress remitted Hancock twice that amount, it would have been no equivalent to the sacrifices of this devoted patriot. President Hancock was appointed, by the General Court of his native State, Feb. 8, 1778, first Major-general of the Massachusetts Mihtia ; and, during a recess of Congress in July, on the very day succeeding that when he acted as moderator of a town-meeting, Aug. 6th of that year, when the people at Faneuil Hall unanimously decided that persons who have left the town, and have sought and received pro tection from the British king, cannot return to it again without greatly endangering the peace and safety of Boston, the Cadet company, headed by Maj. Gen. Hancock, and commanded by Col. Hichborn, and the company of Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. Hinckley, both of this town, set out for head-quarters, to engage in an enter prise in cooperation with the fleet of the French admiral, the Count D'Estaing, against Newport, in Rhode Island, conducted by a detach ment from the regular army of Washington, and seven thousand of the mihtia of New England, — an expedition Avhich excited great anticipa tions, — the Avhole under command of Maj. Gen. Sullivan, aided by the Marquis De La Fayette and Maj. Gen. Greene. On August 9th they landed on Newport Island, and took possession of two of the enemy's forts, under Lord Howe, and the Avhole island north of their lines, with out a gun fired on either side. The second line of this army Avas com manded by Gen. Hancock, who, Avarm Avith ardor, despatched intelli gence, on the 11th instant, to Hon. Jeremiah Powell, President of the State Council. On the arrival of these troops in the island, the fleet of Lord HoAve appeared upon the coast. We would have our readers revert to the Massachusetts Historical Collections, and Bradford's Massachusetts, for a relation of this contest. Count D'Estaing, regardless of his obligations with the American JOIIX H.-ANCOCK. 103 troops, instead of defending them, hastened to the pursuit of the Brit ish, and exposed the army of his alhcs to all the calamities of a defeat ; and the Americans Avere left, in the midst of great danger, to a morti fying retreat, Avhich they achieved, hoAvever, Avithout the loss of artil lery or baggage, and the fleet arrived at the same time in Boston harbor, shattered by a furious storm. Under these circumstances, the French Avere not received in Boston with the usual hospitality of its inhabitants, says Sanderson's Biogra^ phy, and with a displeasure Avhich threatened unhappy results ; but Gen. Hancock, interposing, relieved his country from such a calamity, by his conciliating manners and unbounded hospitality. His elegant mansion was thrown open to the French admiral and all his officers, about forty of Avhom dined every day tt his table, loaded with the lux uries of the season ; and, in addition, he gave a grand public ball at Concert Hall, attended by the admiral. On turning to the Gazette, however, we find that Admiral D'Estaing, Sept. 21, made a splendid entry into Boston. He was saluted from the Castle, the ships and forts in the harbor, as he approached the toAvn. Upon landing, he was received by the State authorities, at the Council-chamber in King- street, and breakfasted AA'ith Gen. Hancock at his seat ; and a superb entertainment Avas given that week at Faneuil Hall, Avhere Avere upwards of five hundred guests. The retreat of the Americans Avas, indeed, a remarkable escape. The delay of a single day Avould proba bly have been fatal ; for Sir Henry Clinton, Avho had been detained by .adverse winds, arrived Avith a reinforcement of four thousand men the very next day, when a retreat, it is suspected, would have been imprac ticable. In the reminiscences of John Trumbull are two allusions to Hancock. It appears that Gen. Gates, Avho had been appointed to the command of the northern department in Canada, had, previous to his entrance on the station, appointed Mr. Trumbull a deputy adjutant-general on that station. Avhich Avas rejected by Congress as premature and unmilitary. This occurred in 1775, when Hancock Avas president; and the circum stance probably excited a prejudice unfavorable to Trumbull, who relates that, " While I Avas in Gen. Washington's family, in 1775, Mr. Hancock made a passing visit to the general, and, observing me, he inquired of Mr. Mifflin Avho I Avas ; and, Avhen told that I was his felloAV aid-de-camp, and son of Gov. Trumbull, he made the unAvorthy observa tion, that ' that family was well provided for.'' Mr. Mifflin did not 104 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. tell me this until after Mr. Hancock had left head-quarters, but then observed that he deserved to be called to an account for it. I answered, 'No, — he is right; my father and his three sons are doubtless well provided for. We are secure of four halters, if we do not succeed.' " There is a strong probabihty that Hancock regretted this remark, and felt that Trumbull was wronged ; and after Col. Trumbull's service, as aid-de-camp to Gen. Sullivan, in the attack on Rhode Island, in 1778, when he returned to Boston overcome with fatigue and severe indispo sition, before he rose next morning, a visit from Gov. Hancock was announced. " He followed the servant to my bedside," says Trumbull, " and, Avith great kindness, insisted that I should, be removed to his house immediately, where, if my illness should become serious, I could be more carefully attended than was possible in a boarding-house. I made light of my illness, and, with many thanks, declined his pressing invi tation. But it was a proud and consoling reflection, that he, who had been President of Congress at the time of my resignation, and who had both signed and forwarded the misdated commission which had driven me from the service, had now Avitnessed my mihtary conduct, and seen that I was not a man to ask, but to earn, distinction." No doubt these patriots were soon reconciled, as Gov. Hancock sat to Trumbull for his portrait. In 1780 Hancock was elected a member of the convention that framed a State constitution, of which James Bowdoin was president. At that time the people of the State were divided into two political par ties, with one of which the popularity of John Hancock Avas unbounded ; with the other, James Bowdoin was the favorite. "In the Hancock party," says Josiah Quincy, " were included many of the known mal contents Avith Harvard College, — meuAvho had no sympathy for science or classical education, and who were ready to oppose any proposition for the benefit of that institution." Is not this a sweeping denuncia tion, top severe to credit ? On the contrary, the party of Avhich James BoAvdoin may be considered the exponent " included all the active friends of that seminary, and Avas chiefly composed of men regarded by the opposite faction with jealousy and fear, to some of whom Hancock then gave the sobriquet of 'The Essex Junto,' — the delegates from that county being among the most talented and efficient members of the convention." Would it be uncandid to concede that the Hancock party embraced a few friends of Harvard College ? Did not Gov. Hancock prove, by his pubhc messages, the paternal interest of his JOHN HANCOCK. 105 heart in the welfare of the college ? Does not President Quincy proA^e it by his own statement, Avhere he relates that " Gov. Hancock Avas induced to allude to the necessity of legislative aid, in his speech to the General Court, in May, 1791, and to introduce, by a special mes sage, the memorial of Samuel Adams and others, a committee of the overseers and corporation, of the necessity of making up by the arrearages of the usual grants to college officers, — without Avhich, they averred, that ' either the assessment on the students must be aug mented, or some of the institutions of the college must fail of support ' ? After great debates, the subject was again referred to the next session of the Legislature;" and on another occasion, in 1781, did not Han cock remark, that the college was, "in some sense, the parent and nurse of the late happy revolution in this CommonAvealth"? On the adoption of the State constitution at that date, John Han cock was elected governor, which station he occupied until his decease, Avith the exception of the years 1785 and 6, Avhen his great rival, James BoAvdoin, became his successor. One who saw John Hancock in June, 1782, relates that he had the appearance of advanced age. He had been repeatedly and severely afflicted with the gout ; probably OAving in part to the custom of drink ing punch, — a common practice, in high circles, in those days. As recollected at this time. Gov. Hancock was nearly six feet in height, and of thin person, stooping a little, and apparently enfeebled by dis ease. His manners were very gracious, of the old style of dignified complaisance. His face had been very handsome. Dress Avas adapted quite as much to be ornamental as useful. Gentlemen Avore wigs Avhen abroad, and, commonly, caps when at home. At this time, about noon, Hancock Avas dressed in a red velvet cap, within Avhich Avas one of fine linen. The latter Avas turned up over the loAver edge of the velvet one, two or three inches. He wore a blue damask gOAvn lined Avith silk, a white stock, a Avhite satin embroidered waistcoat, black satin small-clothes, white silk stockings, and red morocco shppers. It Avas a general practice, in genteel families, to have a tankard of punch made in the morning, and placed in a cooler Avhen the season required ft. At this visit, Hancock took from the cooler, standing on the hearth, a full tankard, and drank first himself, and then offered it to those present. His equipage was splendid, and such as is not custom ary at this day. His apparel was sumptuously embroidered Avith gold and silver and lace, and other decorations fashionable amongst men of 106 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. fortune of that period ; and he rode, especially upon public occasions, Avith six beautiful bay horses, attended by servants in livery. He wore a scarlet coat, with ruffles on his sleeves, which soon became the prevailing fashion; and it is related of Dr. Nathan Jacques, the famous pedestrian, of West NeAvbury, that he paced all the way to Boston, in one day, to procure cloth for a coat like that of John Han cock, and returned with it under his arm, on foot. Hancock was hospitable. There might have been seen, at his table, all classes, from graA'e and dignified clergy, doAvn to the gifted in song, narration, anecdote, and Avit, with whom "noiseless falls the foot of -Time, that only treads on flowers." Madam Hancock gratified the ambition of her husband, in presiding Avith so much graceful ease at his hospitable board and in the social circle, that her presence ever infused an enlivening charm. So famed Avas Hancock for hospitality, that his mansion was often thronged with visiters ; and frequently did Madam Hancock send her maids to milk their cows on Boston Common, early in the morning, to replenish the exhausted supply of the previous evening. On July 28, 1796, widow Dorothy Hancock Avas married, by Peter Thacher, D. D., to James Scott, the master of a London packet, formerly in the employ of the governor. She outlived ' Capt. Scott many years, and retained her mental faculties until near the close of hfe. She was a lady of superior education, and delightful powers of conversation. Her last days were retired and secluded, in the dwelling No. 4 Fed eral-street, next the corner of Milton-place, in Boston ; and those were most honored AA'ho received an invitation to her little supper-table. She spoke of other days Avith cheerfulness, and seldom sighed that they had gone. Her memory was tenacious of past times ; and there were but few officers of the British army quartered in Boston whose per sonal appearance, habits, and manners, she could not describe Avith accuracy. Her favorite was Earl Percy, Avhose forces encamped on Boston Common during the Avinter of 1774-5 ; and this nobleman, accustomed to all the luxuries of Old England, slept among his com panions in arms in a tent on the Common, exposed to the severity of the weather as much as Avere they. The traces of those tents have been visible, to a very recent period, on the Common, when the grass Avas freshly springing from the earth, and the circles around the tents were very distinct, At the dawn of day, Madam Scott related, that JOHN HANCOCK. 107 Earl Percy's voice was heard drilling the regulars near the old mansion. Madam Hancock had an opportunity, after the capture of Burgoyne, of extending her courtesies to the ladies of his army, Avhile at Cam bridge, under the treaty with Gates. They Avere gratefully recei\'ed by the fair Britons, and ever remembered. When Lafayette Avas in Boston, during his last visit, in August, 1824, he made an early call on Madam Scott. Those Avho witnessed this hearty interview speak of it with admiration. The once youthful chevalier and the unrivalled belle met as if only a summer had passed since they had enjoyed social interviews in the perils of the ReA'olution. While they both Avere contemplating the changes effected by long time, they smiled in each other's faces, but no allusion Avas made to such an ungallant subject ; yet she was not always so silent on this point. One of her young friends complimented her on her good looks. She laughingly replied, " What you haA'e said is more than half a hundred years old. My ears remember it; but Avhat Avere dimples once are Avrinkles noAV." To the last day of life, she was as attentive to her dress as when first in the circles of fashion. " She Avould never forgive a young girl," she said, "who did not dress to please, nor one Avho seemed pleased with her dress." Madam Scott died in Boston, Feb. 3, 1830, aged 83 years. The munificence of John Hancock, in the bosom of the church, was as proverbial as it was in forwarding the glory of the republic. In the year 1772 he officially proposed to contribute largely tOAvards a new meeting-house for Brattle-street Church, of which he Avas a member. A plan for an edifice, draAvn by John S. Copley, the artist, Avas rejected, because of the expense; but another, draAvn by Maj. Thomas DaAveS; father of the judge, Avas adopted. The admirers of genius Avill ever deplore the loss of Copley's design. There Avere seventy-five "free-gift" subscribers, of whom Gov. BoAvdoin gave £200, and Grov. Hancock gave £1000, reserving to himself the right of erecting a mahogany pulpit and furniture, a mahogany deacon's seat and com munion-table, and seats for poor AvidoAVS, and others unable to provide for themselves. When the bell, Avhich Avas his gift also, Avas hung and rung for the first time, Oct. 28, 1774, weighing 3220 pounds, tliis motto had been inscribed upon it : "I to the Church the living call. And to the grave I summons all." 108 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. During the years 1775-6, regiments of the British . troops were quartered in the new church, in a sugar-house to the north of it, and in houses in the near vicinity. Dr. Cooper was often a subject of their notice, in passing into the church at service-time, Avhen paraded in the square; and the provost once, in breaking open the church door, declared that if Dr. Cooper and Dr. Warren were there, he would break their heads. The congregation was 'dispersed, on the 16th of April, 1775, when it Avas used as a barrack for the British regulars, until the evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776. Gov. Gage had his military head-quarters opposite the church. He told Mr. Turell he had no fear of the shot from Cambridge, for his troops, while within such Avails. The morning on which the British evaluated, Dea. New ell and Mr. Turell entered the church, and quenched the fires which they had left burning. A shot Avhich struck the tower the night before Avas preserved in his family until the committee for making late repairs had it fastened in the tower where it had penetrated. When the Brit ish were about to occupy the church. Deacons Gore and Newell were permitted to encase the pulpit and columns, and remove the body pews, Avhich Avere conveyed to the paint loft of the former. When the church was erected, the name |0f " Hon. John Hancock, Esq." was inscribed on one of the rustic quoins, of Connecticut stone, at the south-west corner, which the royal regulars badly defiiced, and the stone remains to this day in the condition in which they left it ; and a similar inscrip tion, unmutilated, appears on one of the rustic quoins in the south-west corner of the tower. Palfrey's history of the church relates most of these facts. Though Hutchinson relates that the estate of Hancock was lost Avith greater rapidity than it was acquired, he was, at the latest period, one of the largest OAvners of real estate in Boston. His ancient stone mansion, opposite Avhich, in the summer, a band of music played for the people, stands on the front ground of the possessions inherited from his uncle, bounded eastward on Beacon, from Mount Vernon to Clapboard, now Belknap street, including the grounds of the State- house, Hancock-avenue, and Mount Vernon-place ; and westerly, embracing Mount Vcrnon-street, Avhich he gave to the town ; a part of Hancock-street, Avhere Avas his gardener's extensive nursery ; and other lands, including a part of Beacon Hill, now occupied for a Cochituate Reservoir, never before improved by any building, until it was sold to the city in 1847 His lands were originally of orchards and JOHN HANCOCK. 109 pastures. Hancock was the most public-spirited person ever knoAvn in Boston, and it is said that he sacrificed more than one hundred thousand dollars in the cause of liberty. Thei'e Avas a lofty and spacious hall on the northern wing of his mansion, extending sixty feet, devoted to festive parties, and built of wood. It was removed, in 1818, to Allen-street; and a complaint being entered that it endangered the neighborhood, brick Avails Avere built around it, and the building is still standing. Public dinners, now given at the public expense, were provided by Hancock from his OAvn private purse. The bill of cost for the dinner on election-day, at Faneuil Hall, May 25, 1791, was £90 ; and for 163 bottles of Avine, also, and other items, it Avas £65 6s. Qd. The bill was made out to John Hancock, and paid by himself On the 6th of June folloAving, Gov. Hancock gave a splendid entertainment in his glorious hall, it being election-day. Among the company present, were Col. Azor Orne, and Solomon Davis, Esq., a merchant who resided in Tremont- street, opposite the Savings Bank. He was very facetious. A superb plum-cake graced the centre of the table. It Avas noticed by the guests that Mr. Davis partook very freely of this cake ; and, more over, that the silver tankard of punch was greatly lightened of its hquid, by hberal draughts through his lips. As was the natural habit of Mr. Davis, he set the table in a roar ; and in one of his puns being specially felicitous. Col. Orne remarked, "Go home, Davis, and die; — ¦ you can never beat that ! " Mr. Davis, on his way home, fell dead, in a fit of apoplexy, near King's Chapel, and his pockets Avere found filled with plum-cake. His decease is recorded in Russell's Centinel of that date. Gov. Hancock would gather in his hall all the rare Avits of the town, of whom Nathaniel Balch, a hatter, was a never-failing guest, well known as the governor's jester. His shop was on Washington opposite Water street ; and he Avould, when seated in his broad arm-chair at the shop-door, keep his visiters in a roar at his witticisms. So strong Avas the attachment of the governor tOAvards him, that if the former were called away, at no matter Avhat distance, Squire Balch attended him, hke his shadow, — which we Avill illustrate. Hancock was called on to visit the District of Maine, on which occasion he travelled in state, and was attended by Hon. Azor Orne, of the Council, of Marblehead, and his old friend Balch. Their arrival at Portsmouth, N. H., was thus humorously announced : On Thursday last, arrived in this toAvn, 10 110 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Nathaniel Balch, Esq., accompanied by His Excellency John Hancock, and the Hon. Azor Orne, Esq. Among the most tenacious political opponents of John Hancock was Stephen Higginson, a nervous writer of great spirit, whose articles, signed "Laco," in Russell's Centinel, effected a strong feeling. jMr. Higginson was a merchant on Long Wharf, and passed down State-street to his store. The truckmen Avho stood in State-street used great efforts to teach a parrot, that hung in a cage at the corner of Merchant' s-row, to recognize " Laco," and to curse him, relates Thomas ; and so com pletely successful were they, that pretty Poll no sooner saw Mr. Higgin son approach, than she began to " Hurrah for Hancock ! Down with Laco ! " — and continued to do so until he was out of sight. In con nection with this, we will relate another incident. One evening, early in the year 1789, in a party, according to Russell's Centinel, consist ing of the advocates of Gov. Hancock and of his pohtical opponents, one of the latter, long famous for his unfriendly air, began a long harangue on B[ancock's unwise administration ; but before he had ended, he observed one of the company asleep. Offended at the indignity, he ceased, until the speaker's friends aAvoke the slumberer, who apolo gized, and proposed, as a reparation, to relate his dream. " Gentle men," said he, "I dreamed I Avas in the abodes of misery. The first spirit I met was Lucifer, who, as usual for him, came to welcome me, and asked, 'What news upon earth?' ' Not much,' said I. 'What are they doing at Boston ? ' said he. I told him they were trying to again elect John Hancock as governor. 'That will never do,' cried Lucifer ; ' Jack, fetch my horse, boots, and spurs. But pray what has become of Laco?' 'He is there, very busy.' ' 0, never mind, then, Jack ; let the horse go, and put away my boots and spurs ; for Avhile Laco is in Boston, there is no need of my presence. He can perform the AVOrk of confusion to admiration, without my aid.' " This sally of wit set the club in a roar, and the ranter Avas so chagrined that he uttered no more declamation. Hancock was that year elected governor of the Old Bay State. It was asserted, in Russell's Centinel, that it Avas generally known that privateers were fitting out of the port of Boston, and have been, by American and French citizens, notAvithstanding President Wash ington had proclaimed that our country Avas in a state of neutrality. A town-meeting was notified, Avhich took place on July 25, 1793. Thomas Dawes, the moderator, called upon Mr. Benjamin Russell for JOHN HANCOCK. HI his authority, on which he declared that Stephen Higginson related the statement. The latter roundly denied the charge. The' one Avas accused of asserting Avhat he could not prove, and the other for print ing what was never stated. Mr. Russell, therefore, was impelled to retract, saying that he had been misinformed. The editor of the Bos ton Mercury very pleasantly said, in his paper : " Stephen and Ben are now both even ; Stephen beat Ben, and Ben beat Stephen." Gov. Hancock was elected a delegate to the Massachusetts State Convention, on the adoption of the federal constitution, which assembled at the Rev. Jeremy Belknap's church, in Long-lane, — afterAvards named Federal-street, in honor of the convention, — Jan. 9, 1788, on which occasion Hancock was elected president, and George Richards Minot, secretary. Hancock had been absent some days, from illness. On the 31st day he resumed his place ; and, after remarking on the difference of opinion AA'hich prevailed in the convention, he pro posed that the constitution should be adopted, but that it should be accompanied by certain amendments, to be submitted to Congress. He expressed his belief that it would be safe to adopt the constitution, under the hope that the amendments Avould be ratified, which led to a discussion on its probability. "It cannot be assumed, for certainty," says Sullivan, "that this measure of Hancock's secured the adoption; but it is highly probable. The convention may have been influenced by another circumstance. About this time, a great meeting of mechanics was held at the Green Dragon Tavern, which was thronged. At this meeting resolutions Avere passed, with acclamation, in favor of the adoption. But notAvithstanding Hancock's conciliatory proposal, and this strong public expression, the constitution was adopted by the small majority of nineteen, out of three hundred and fifty votes." On taking this question, Gov. Hancock said : "I should have considered it as one of the most distressing misfortunes in my life, to be deprived of giving my aid and support to a system Avhich, if amended, as I feel assured it will be, according to your proposals, cannot fail to give the people of the United States a greater degree of political freedom, and eventually as much national dignity as falls to - the lot of any nation on the earth. The question noAV before you is such as no nation on earth, without the limits of America, have ever had the 112 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. privilege of deciding." The proposed amendments were twelve in number. They were submitted to the States. Ten of them were adopted, and now form a part of the constitution of the United States. The adoption was celebrated in Boston by a memorable procession, in which the various orders of mechanics displayed appropriate banners. It was hailed with joy throughout the republic. Gen. Washington is well known to have expressed his hearty satisfaction that the import ant State of Massachusetts had acceded to the Union. The proces sion Avas so vast, that though Faneuil Hall could then accommodate fifteen hundred persons, not half the people could find room to enter. " The 'Vention did in Boston meet, — , But State-house could not hold 'em , So then they went to Federal-street, And there the truth was told 'em. " They every morning went to prayer, And then began disputing. Till opposition silenced were, By arguments refuting. " Then Squire Hancock, like a man AVho dearly loves the nation , By a conciliatory plan. Prevented much vexation. " He made a woundy Federal speech, AA'ith sense and elocution ; And then the 'Vention did beseech T' adopt the constitution. " The question being outright put, Each voter independent. The Federalists agreed to adopt, And then propose amendment. " The other party, seeing then The people were against them. Agreed, like honest, faithful men. To mix in peace amongst 'em. *' The Boston folks are deuced lads. And always full of notions ; The boys and girls, their marms and dads. Were filled with joy's commotions ; JOHN HANCOCK. 113 " So straightway they procession made, — Lord ! how nation fine, sir ! For every man of every trade Went with his tools to dine, sir. " John Foster AVilliams, in a ship. Joined in the social band, sir ; And made the lasses dance and skip. To see him sail on land, sir ! " 0 then a whopping feast begab. And all hands went to eating ; They drank their toasts, shook hands, and sung, — Huzza for 'Vention meeting ! " 'Noy?, politicians of all kinds. Who are not yet derided. May see how Yankees speak their minds. And yet are not decided. " Then, from this sample, let 'em cease Inflammatory -ivriting ; For freedom, happiness, and peace. Are better far than fighting. " So here I end my Federal song. Composed of thirteen verses ; May agriculture flourish long. And commerce fill our purses." Just three days previous to the entry of Washington into Boston, in the year 1789, an effusion appeared in Russell's Centinel, addressed to the citizens. Its fervor of affection must be our apology for its insertion here: " The man beloved approaches nigh, — Revere him, ye Bostonian sons ! Embrace the chance before you die. And cannonade with all your guns. " Let lively squibs dance through the town. And pleasing rockets gild the air ; There 's not a man can show a frown. But aU shall joyously appear. " Let punch in casks profusely flow. And wine luxuriantly be spread ; That townsmen all, both high and low. May hand La hand by mirth be led." 10* 114 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. We will proceed to relate a memorable reminiscence of this reception of President Washington, which discloses an instance of frailty in regard to etiquette on the part of Gov. Hancock. It is well knoAvn that when Washington, with a mind oppressed with more painful sensations than he had words to express, accepted the presidency, and undertook the more difficult task of guiding in peace the nation which he had saved in war, he thought it a proper expression of his respect to the republic to take the tour of his country. Where- ever he came, he was received with every mark of honor and regard that a grateful and confiding people could bestow. Hancock was wilhng to show him attention in any way which allowed the governor to take precedence of the president. The State, though confederate, was sovereign; and who greater here than its chief magistrate ? So it was settled, in his mind, that etiquette required his excellency to be waited on first in his own house by the president, and not make the advance to his illustrious visiter. The president, as appeared in the result, had different ideas. On Gen. Washington's approach to Bos ton, Oct. 25, 1789, at some miles distance, attended by two secretaries and six servants, he was met by the governor's suite, and an invitation to dinner, but no governor. He intends to present himself, thought Washington, at the suburbs ; but, on arriving at the Neck, he still missed Gov. Hancock. The day was unusually cold and murky. The president, with his secretaries, had been mounted for a considerable time, waiting to enter the town. He made inquiry of the cause of the delay ; and, on receiving information of the important difficulty, is said to have expressed impatience. Turning to Maj. Jackson, his sec retary, he asked, " Is there no other avenue to the town?" and he Avas in the act of turning his charger, Avhen he was informed that he would be received by the municipal authorities, and was conducted amidst the universal acclamation of the, people. He passed the long procession, and reached the entrance of the State-house, but no governor. He stopped, and demanded of the secretary if his excellency was above, because, if he were, he should not ascend the stairs. Upon being assured he was not, he ascended, saw the procession pass, and then went to his lodgings. A message came from the governor's mansion that dinner was waiting. The president declined, and dined at home. Loud expressions of resentment were heard from all quarters at this indignity toward the first of men, whom the town had received, on their part, with every possible respect. They had not added an entertain- JOHN HANCOCK. 115 ment to their plan, because this was claimed by Hancock. In the evening, two of the Council came to Washington, with explanations and apologies in behalf of the chief magistrate, — " He was not well," etc. " Gentlemen," said Washington, " I am a frank man, and willbe frank on this occasion. For myself, you will believe me, I do not regard ceremony ; but there is an etiquette due to my office Avhich I am not at liberty to waive. My claim to the attention that has been omitted rests upon the question whether the Avhole is greater than a part. I am told," said Washington, "that the course taken has been designed, and that the subject Avas considered in Council." This was denied. One gentleman said, howcA'cr, it was observed that the President of the United States was one personage, and the ambassador of the French republic was another personage. "Why that remark, sir, if the sub ject was not before the Council?" Washington continued. "This circumstance has been so disa,greeable and mortifying, that I must say, notAvithstanding all the marks of respect and affection received from the inhabitants of Boston, had I anticipated it, I would have avoided the place." The friends of Gov. Hancock held a consultation on the matter, the same evening ; and, in compliance Avith their advice, he concluded to waive the point of etiquette, as Avill appear by a note written to Pres ident Washington : " Sunday, 26 October, half past twelve o'' clock. " The Governor's best respects to the President. If at home, and at leisure, the Governor Avill do himself the honor to pay his respects in half an hour. This would have been done much sooner, had his health in any degree permitted. He now hazards everything, as it respects his health, for the desirable purpose." Washington's Reply. "Sunday, 26 October, one o'clock. " The President of the United States presents his best respects to the Governor, and has the honor to inform him that he shall be at home till two o'clock. The President needs not express the pleasure it Avill give him to see the Governor ; but, at the same time, he most earnestly begs that the Governor will not hazard his health on the occasion." Hancock rode in his coach, without delay, enveloped in red baize, to the lodgings of Washington, at the boarding-house of Joseph Inger- 116 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. soil, on the corner of Court and Tremont streets, to whose apartment he Avas borne in the arms of attendants. Washington accepted of an invitation to dine with Hancock, partook of a public dinner of the State authorities where Hancock was not present, and attended an oratorio of Jonah, and other pieces, in King's Chapel, on which occa sion he was dressed in a black suit of velvet. The profits of this oratorio were appropriated to the expense of finishing the colonnade, or portico, of the chapel ; and it is stated that Washington contributed handsomely for the object. We find the following apostrophe to Hancock, in a poetical tribute to Washington, contained in Russell's Centinel, Oct. 31, 1789 : " Thou, too, illustrious Hancock ! by lis side In every lowering hour of danger tried ; AVith him conspicuous o'er the beamy page. Descend the theme of every future age. AVhen first the sword of early war we drew. The king, presaging, fixed his eye on you ; 'T was your dread finger pressed the sacred seal Whence rose to sovereign power the public weal !" When Washington entered Boston, he came on horseback, dresseu in his old continental uniform, with his head uncovered. He did not bow to the throngs that crowded around him, but sat on his horse, with a calm, dignified air. When he dismounted, at the old State-house, he came out on a temporary balcony at the Avest end. A long procession passed before him, Avhose salutations he occasionally returned. A tri umphal arch was erected across the street at that placCj^and a choir of singers were stationed there. When Washington came forAvard, he was saluted by the clear, powerful voice of Daniel Rea, who sang the ode prepared for the occasion. There is no question that the punctilious exactness of Gov. Hancock, in matters of etiquette, more especially in relation to the beloved Wash ington, had a tendency to diminish the respect for him, in the minds of our political leaders, that they had been accustomed to extend ; and William Cunningham, in the famous correspondence with John Adams, reminds him of what he himself once said of him in the summer of 1791, probably when Adams had in his mind this unfortunate affair of Washington's reception. Some conversation respecting Hancock led Mrs. Adams to remark that he was born near your residence, sa.ys Cunningham, — "You turned yourself towards your front door, and JOHN HANCOCK. 117 pointuig to a spot in view, you laughingly exclaimed, ' Yes, — there 's the place where the great Gov. Hancock was born.' Then, composing your countenance, and rolling your eye, you went on with these excla mations : ' John Hancock ! A man without head and without heart ! — the mere shadoAV of a man ! — and yet a Governor of old Massachu setts ! ' Pausing a moment, you breathed a sigh, which sorrowed, as plainly as a sigh could sorrow, for poor Massachusetts." Sullivan remarks that Hancock was not supposed to be a man of great intellect ual force ; and we have heard it stated, by a person of political emi nence, that Dr. Cooper was the author of Hancock's oration on the Massacre, and that Dr. Thacher wrote for him his messages. More over, we have heard that Hon. Judge Parsons wrote for him the resolves of the State convention on the adoption of the federal consti tution, which he had the reputation of preparing ; but such detracting traditions should be received with decided impressions of disbelief It is evident that he was an ardent friend of popular education ; as in the first year of his administration, and in 1789, he made a persuasive appeal to the State Legislature to provide by laAV for public schools, and for suitable instruction. In relation to the opinion of John Adams, we have stronger evidence than the statement of Cunningham, in his letter to Judge William Tudor, dated June 5, 1813, contained in Felt's Memorials of William S. Shaw, wherein he remarks that "the two young men Avhom I haA'e knoAvn to enter the stage of life with the most luminous, unclouded prospects, and the best-founded hopes, were James Otis and John Hancock. They were both essential to the Revolution, and both fell sacrifices to it.'- And in another part of the same letter, John Adams further asserts of them and Samuel Adams, that ' ' they were the first movers, the most constant, steady, perse vering springs, agents, and most disinterested sufferers, and firmest pil lars, of the whole Revolution." Moreover, John Adams remarked, in a letter to Rev. Jedediah Morse, D. D., written in 1818, as follows : "Of Mr. Hancock's life, character, generous nature, great and disin terested sacrifices, and important services, if I had forces, I should be glad to write a volume. But this, I hope, will be done by some younger and abler hand." It is honor enough to John Hancock, that his daring patriotism, in the direst period of his country' s»perils, rendered him especially obnoxious to the British throne. Old Massachusetts is greatly indebted to Gov. Hancock for his effi cient measures in the suppression of Shays' Rebellion, which occurred 118 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. in 1786, and for the Avithdrawal of three hundred pounds of his salary as governor, which act of patriotism and generosity elicited the public thanks of the General Court. In the year 1792, a company of comedians,' under the direction of Charles Powell, arrived at Boston from London, and established theat rical entertainments in a stable, in Board-alley, fitted up for the occa sion. A law having been in existence ever since 1750 against such amusements, the exhibitions Avere advertised under the covert name of Moral Lectures. Gov. Hancock was highly offended at such a trans gression, and made it a special topic of censure in his message to the Legislature, stating that it Avas an open breach of the laws, and a most contemptuous insult upon the government, advising that these aliens and foreigners be brought to condign punishment. A writer in the Chronicle of Nov. 22, indignant not only that foreigners should palm themselves 'on a repubhcan people, but also with "tales of love between my Lord and Lady, or Sir Charles and his Maid," in this land of lib erty and equality, as preachers of moral lectures, thus versifies : " Bostonians ! Shall a lawless Bandittis, the faeces. The refase of a degenerate people. Pass unnoticed, and be suffered To triumph over the opinions. And the long, well-established maxims Of our venerable ancestors ? Shall vile minions, from a foreign land. Affect to treat with open, marked contempt. The mild influence of our government. In the prevention of those evils AVhich experience and well-known prudence Long since stampt by the slow finger of time. With wisdom and success ? AVhat insult is not to be awaited From men, who, regardless of their honor, _ Trample upon our laws, — our sacred rights, — When the history of whose lives would put Modesty and every kindred virtue To the blush ! Philo Dramatis." On Wednesday, Dec. 3d inst., there was advertised to be performed, at the New England Exhibition-room, Board-alley, Feats on the Tight Rope ; after Avhich, a Moral Lecture — ¦ The True-born Irishman, or Irish Fine Lady, etc. On that evening, on the complaint of Mr. Sul- hvan, the Attorney-general, Jeremiah Allen, the sheriff of Suffolk, JOHN HANCOCK. 119 arrested Mr. Harper, one of the company of comedians who for some time past had entertained the people of Boston, as guilty of a breach of the laAV, and held him to bail to appear the next day before the justices, and enter into recognizance to appear at the next Supreme • Court. At the period of the scene Bosworth Field, in Richard the Third, the sheriff came unceremoniously forAvard upon the stage, and made prisoner the humpbacked tyrant, and declared, unless the per formances ceased, he should forthAvith arrest the whole company. Much excitement ensued, and the citizens trod under foot the portrait of Hancock, that hung in front of the stage-box. A loud call ensued for the performance to proceed, but the actors advised the audience quietly to withdraw, and receive the entrance-pay. The performances were discontinued until the last day of that year, when the laAV Avas abolished ; and it is said that many attended, at that time, armed with weapons. The building on Federal-street was shortly after erected for stage-plays. To return : The examination was held at Faneuil Hall, when Attorney Sullivan read a special order from Gov. Hancock. H. G. Otis, counsel for Harper, objected to the legality of the Avarrant, as contrary to the 14th article of the Declaration of Rights, Avhich requires that no warrants shall be issued except upon complaints made on oath. Mr. Tudor, also of his counsel, supported Mr. Otis, which was com bated by Mr. Sullivan. The justices acceded, and the defendant Avas discharged, amid loud applause. The last appearance of Gov. Hancock in the presence of the State Legislature occurred in the afternoon of Sept. 18, 1793, in the old State-house, in State-street, when, OAving to debihty, he was brought in attended by ilr. Secretary Avery and Sheriff Allen. Being seated, Gov. Hancock informed the Legislature that the condition of his health would not permit him to address them in the usual way. He there fore hoped they Avould keep their seats, and requested their indulgence Avhile the Secretary of State Avould read his addresS, as his infirmity rendered it totally impossible for him to speak so as to be heard. Eager to maintain the rights of the people, he had summoned the Leg islature to decide on the important question of the suability of the States, or rather, the sovereignty of Massachusetts. It was vicAved as rather remarkable that he should, summon a special session for this object, as before the period to Ayhich the Court was prorogued it AA'as 120 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. ordained that Hancock should be numbered with the dead, — as if it were the intention of Heaven that the man who had ever been fore most in asserting the liberties of the States, should be first to check any encroachment on their sovereignty and independence. After Secretary Avery had finished reading this valuable and per tinent speech. Gov. Hancock made the following truly pathetic apol ogy, with a tone of voice which at once demonstrated the sincerity of his heart, and which could not fail of making a deep impression on the mind of every spectator. Hancock said : "I beg pardon of th^ hon orable Legislature, and I rely on your candor, gentlemen, to forgive this method of addressing you. I feel the seeds of mortahty growing fast within me ; but I think I have, in this case, done no more than my duty, as the servant of the people. I never did, and I never will, deceive them, Avhile I have life and strength to act in their service." Whilst Great Britain dAvells with enthusiasm, says the Chronicle, on the death of Chatham, who expired amid his fellow-peers, in making one glorious effort to save his country from impending ruin, let Mas sachusetts remember, and to the latest posterity be it knoAvn, that Gov. Hancock met his constituents, in General Assembly convened, when he was unable to articulate, except a few broken, pathetic sentences, and there dehvered to the Senate and Representatives, through the medium of his secretary, the last political legacy of the dying patriot, replete with sentiments which deserve to be engraven on the pillars of time. The Legislature concurred in the opinion of Hancock, that a State was sovereign and independent, and not suable. This last exalted scene was worthy the pencil of Trumbull, and beamed with brighter glories than the death of Chatham. The Assembly rose. Hancock was conveyed to his carriage, and taken to his residence, but never again appeared in public. His decease occurred Oct. 8, 1793, at the age of fifty-six, of gout and exhaustion. The corpse was embowelled, and remained unburied for eight days, to give an opportunity for the citizens, from remote parts of the State, to render the last tribute of respect to his memory ; and they came in tens of thousands. The procession Avas an hour and one half in passing along, and it was conducted with great ceremony. Samuel Adams, who Avas lieutenant-governor, followed the bier as chief mourner ; but the venerable patriot could not endure the fatigue, and on reaching State-street was compelled to retire from the proces sion. JOHN HANCOCK. 121 " As the dead patriot's honored relics passed. The pomp was darkened, and the scene o'ercast; The world of pleasure passed unheeded by. And tears of sorrow stood in every eye." The mihtia of the town and the country added to the imposing effect of the scene. The judges of the Supreme Judicial Court had, to this period, worn immense wigs and broad bands above robes of scarlet English cloth, faced with black velvet, in Avinter, and black silk gowns, in summer. On this occasion they appeared in the latter, with their broad, floAving wigs ; the barristers, also, were in black gowns and club wigs. There is a tradition in the family, that on the night after the funeral of Hancock, the tomb, located in the Granary, was forcibly entered, and the right hand of Hancock Avas severed from the arm, and taken away. This rumor is probably unfounded, as when, in the year 1841, the remains were gathered, together with the rehcs of his only son, and carefully deposited in a new coffin, no missing hand Avas observed. Peace to the manes of our American Trajan ! May his grave, hke his fame, bloom forever ! No monument has ever been erected to the memory of John Hancock; and in the New York Mer chant's Magazine of December, 1840, is a brief memoir of Hancock, written by George Mountfort, Esq., a native of Boston, in Avhich it is proposed that a statue of John Hancock should be erected in the building of the Merchant's Exchange, on Wall-street, remarking : " Let an American sculptor breathe into chiselled marble the soul, and invest it with the form, of him Avho should be the merchant's pride and boast ; and let it stand the presiding genius of a temple reared and consecrated to the commercial interests of our great city." How much more seemly is it that the sons of the Old Bay State erect an exquisite marble statue to the memory of this most eminent patriot and munificent Bostonian, either over his unhonored remains in the Granary, or in the near view of that to EoAvditch, at Mount Auburn, the sacred forest of monuments ! Thy political reputation, Hancock, says Benjamin Austin, Avill ever be revered by the republicans of America ! Thou wilt live, illustrious spirit, in the hearts of thy countrymen ; and Avhile liberty and the rights of thy country are duly estimated, thy name will be held in gi-ateful remembrance. The proscription of George the Third is a "mausoleum" to thy memory, which will survive a ponderous mon ument of marble ! 11 122 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. ON JOHN HANCOCK. BY CHAPMAN WHITCOMB. 1795. Jove, armed in thunder, ne'er appeared more great. Old Delai Lama, on his throne of state. Had not more votaries, no Turkish Dey, Nor eastern sage, had more respect than he ; His house the seat of hospitality. And famed for alms and deeds of charity. Noble his mien, and elegant his air ; Comely his person, and his visage fair ; Old Cato's virtues did his actions grace. Courtiers were awed, and senators gave place ; . Knowledge and dignity shone in his face. PETER THACHER, D. D. MARCH 6, 1776. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. As Boston was at this time garrisoned by the British regulars, and the patriotic inhabitants were in the country, a meeting Avas assembled in the meeting-house at WatertoAvn, at ten A. M., March 5, 1776, and after choosing the Hon. Benjamin Austin moderator, and after a fer vent prayer by Rev. Dr. Cooper, the Rev. Peter Thacher delivered an oration, Avhich was received with uniA'ersal approbation, it being the anniversary of Preston's Massacre, says the New England Chronicle, effected " by a band of ruffians sent hither by George, the brutal tyrant of Britain, in order to execute his infernal plans for enslaving a free people." The oration was published by Benjamin Edes, at Watertown. Boston being occupied by the royahsts at this day, there was no lan tern exhibition, or other transparencies, Avhich had previously occurred at the inn of Mrs. Mary Clapham, an antique, spacious, two-story brick house located on the site of the present Merchant's Bank. Many British officers boarded with Mrs. Clapham, who had several beautiful daughters, one of whom eloped with one of the officers, and is said to have become his wife. PETER THACHER, D. D. 123 In the patriotic performance before uS, it is remarked : "English men have been wont to boast of the excellence of their constitution,— to boast that it contained Avhatever Avas excellent in every form of gov ernment hitherto by the wit of man devised. In their king, Avhose power was limited, they have asserted that they enjoyed the advantages of monarchy, Avithout fear of its evils ; Avhile their House of Commons, chosen by the suffi-ages of the people, and dependent upon them, repre sented a republic, their House of Peers, forming a balance of power betAveen the king and the people, gave them the benefit of an aristoc racy. In theory, the British constitution is, on many accounts, excellent ; but when Ave observe it reduced to practice, — when we observe the British government, as it has been for a long course of years administered, — we must be convinced that its boasted advan tages are not real. The management of the public rcA'cnue, the appointment of civil and military officers, are vested in the king. Improving the adA'antages Avhich these poAvers give him, he hath found means to corrupt the other branches of the legislature. Britons please themselves with the thought of being free. Their tyrant suffers them to enjoy the shadow, Avhilst he himself grasps the substance, of power. Impossible would it have been for the kings of England to haA'e acquired such an exorbitant power, had they not a standing- army under their command. With the officers of this army, they have bribed men to sacrifice the rights of their country. Having artfully got their arms out of the hands of the people, with their mercenary forces they have .aAved them into submission. When they have appeared at any time disposed to assert their freedom, these troops have been ready to obey the mandates of their sovereign, to imbrue their hands in the blood of their brethren. Having found the efficacy of this method to quell the spirit of liberty in the people of Great Britain, the right eous administration of the righteous King George the Third determined to try the experiment upon the people of America. To fright us into submission to their unjustifiable claims, they sent a military force to the tOAvn of Boston. This day leads us to reflect upon the fatal effects of the measure. By their intercourse with the troops, made up in gen eral of the most abandoned of men, the morals of our youth were corrupted ; the temples and the day of our God Avere scandalously pro faned ; we experienced the most provoking insults ; and at length saw the streets of Boston strewed Avith the corpses of five of its inhabit ants, murdered in cool blood by the British mercenaries." 124 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. This pathetic allusion hereA¥ith to the death of Warren should ever appear in the record of the times : " This day, upon which the gloomy scene was first opened, calls upon us to mourn for the heroes who have already died on the bed of honor, fighting for God and their country. Especially does it lead us to recollect the name and the virtues of Gen. Warren ; — • the kind, the humane, the benevolent friend, in the private Avalks of life, — the inflexible patriot, the undaunted commander, in his public sphere, — deserves to be recollected with gratitude and esteem ! This audience, acquainted in the most intimate manner with his num berless virtues, must feel his loss, and bemoan their beloved, their intrusted felloAV-citizen. Ah ! my countrymen, Avhat tender, what excruciating sensations, rush at once upon our burdened minds, when Ave recall his loved idea. "When we reflect upon the manner of his death, — when we fancy that we see his savage enemies exulting o'er his corpse, beautiful CA'en in death, — when we remember that, desti tute of the rites of sepulture, he was cast into the ground, without the distinction due to his rank and merit, — we cannot restrain the starting tear — we cannot repress the bursting sigh ! We mourn thine exit, illustrious shade ! with undissembled grief; we venerate thine exalted character ; we will erect a monument to thy memory in each of our grateful breasts, and to the latest ages will teach our tender infants to lisp the name of Warren with veneration and applause ! " Rev. Peter Thacher Avas born at Milton, March 21, 1752. He was a son of Oxenbridge Thacher, who published a tract, in 1764, entitled " The Sentiments of a British American, occasioned by the Act to lay certain Duties on the British Colonies," Avherein he remarks: " Trade is a nice and delicate lady; she must bo courted and won by soft and fair addresses ; she will not bear the rude hand of a ravisher. Penalties increased, heavy taxes laid on, the checks and oppressions of violence removed, — these things must drive her from her pleasant abode." Our tracts were of no avail with Parliament, and the Stamp Act was passed in the next year. John Adams writes of Thacher, "that " From 1758 to 1765 I attended every superior and inferior court in Boston, and recollect not one in which he did not invite me home to spend evenings with him, Avhen he made me converse with him as well as I could on all subjects of religion, mythology, cosmogony, metaphys- ¦ ics, — Locke, Clarke, Leibnitz, Bolingbroke, Berkley, — the preestab- lished harmony of the universe, the nature of matter and of spirit, and the eternal establishment of coincidences between their operations, fate, 125 foreknowledge absolute, — and we reasoned on such unfathomable sub jects, as high as Milton's gentry in pandemonium ; and Ave understood them as well as they did, and no better. But his favorite subject was politics, and the impending threatening system of parliamentary taxa tion, and universal government over the colonies. On this subject he was so anxious and agitated, that I have no doubt it occasioned his premature death." Young Peter entered the Boston Latin School in 1763, graduated at Harvard College in 1769, and Avas a school-teacher at Chelsea soon after that date. From his childhood he had devoted himself to the ministry of religion ; and his Avhole mind, as it expanded, had formed itself to this work. The father of Rev. Aaron Green, forrherly of Maiden, being intimate with him, invited him to pass the Sabbath with him, playfully remarking, " You had better bring a couple of sermons with you, for perhaps we shall make you preach." Accordingly, it came about that he officiated at the morning service. His youthful and engaging mien, his silvery voice and golden eloquence, so charmed the disturbed elements of this divided church, that, during the intermis sion, it was decided, by acclamation, that he was the man to heal the dissensions, and he became their pastor in 1770. During his resi dence in that town, he took an active part in the measure Avhich effected the Revolution ; and wrote, at the request of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, a Narrative of the Battle of Bunker Hill, dated June 25, 1775, pubhshed in the journals of the Provincial Congress, of which he was a member, and said to be the best statement of that battle ever prepared. Dr. Thacher drafted, also, the spirited resolves and revolutionary instructions recorded on the Maiden records of 1775. He was a delegate to the Massachusetts Convention of 1780, and strenuously contended against establishing the office of Governor of the State ; and, when the matter was decided contrary to his Avishes, he still objected to the title of " His Excellency," Avhich Avas given to the chief magistrate ; — but Avhen the constitution was adopted, he gave it his decided support. He was often a chaplain of the State Legislature. On the 8th of October, 1770, Mr. Thacher married the AvidoAV Ehzabeth Pool, and had ten children, of whom were Rev. Thomas Cushing, minister of Lynn, and Hon. Peter Oxenbridge, judge of the Boston Municipal Court. When Mr. Thacher was invited to the Brattle-street Church, the 11* 126 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. good people of Maiden did not relinquish their admired pastor Avithout a struggle. After much excited negotiation, it was agreed that the Brattle-street Church should pay the debt of the Maiden Church, amounting to a thousand dollars, — a debt undoubtedly contracted in consequence of the general depression of the Revolution. His preach ing was direct, practical, and earnest ; and, hke Samuel Cooper, his predecessor of Brattle-street Church, he possessed, in singular excel lence, the gift of prayer ; and so charmed with him was George Whit field, that he called him "The Young Elijah." And it is related of his brother. Rev. Thomas Thacher, of Dedham, a man of strong intel lectual powers, that he once remarked of him, " I know brother Peter excels me in prayer, but I can give the best sermons." We have heard it stated, that when Rev. Peter Thacher first appeared in the floAving silk gown and bands given him by John Hancock, and read from the elegant Bible in the new mahogany pulpit, — also the gift of the generous governor, — and the people listened to the musical tones of his voice, reasoning for the best interests of the soul, in the graceful gestures of oratory, he effected a deep impression. He was settled in Boston, Jan. 12, 1785, and with him orthodoxy departed from Brat tle-street Church. He was a frequent inmate of Hancock's festive ¦board, who was his parishioner. The degree of Doctor of Divinity, from the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, was conferred upon him. Being affhcted with an affection of the lungs, he visited Savan nah, Ga., where he died in six weeks after leaving home. A eulogy on. his character was pronounced, Dec. 31, 1802, by Rev. Wilham Emerson, at Brattle-street Church ; and a brief memoir was written by Gov. Sullivan, who was his parishioner and devoted admirer. He pub lished twenty pamphlets of a religious and pohtical character, Avritten in an easy and famihar style. " There is a history in all men's lives. Figuring the nature of the times deceased; The which observed, a man may prophesy. With a near aim, of the main chance of things As yet not come to life; which, in their ' Seeds and weak beginnings, lie entreasured. Such tilings become the hatch and brood of time." PEREZ MORTON. 127 PEREZ MORTON. APRIL 8, 1776. OVER THE REMAINS OF WARREN. The first object of public interest to the Bostonians, after the evac uation of the British troops, was the recovery of the remains of the beloved Warren. They were found on the heights of Charlestown. According to Rees' Cyclopedia, "a native of Great Britain, who was in Boston at the time of the battle, came to the friends of Warren, ten months after that period, and told them he could point out the spot where the remains were deposited. He was offered a reAvard, if his information should be correct ; and two brothers of the general, Avith some other gentlemen, accompanied him to the field. A sexton com menced digging on the spot he pointed out, and a corpse soon began to appear. The brothers, unable to remain longer, retired, having informed the other gentlemen that their brother might be distinguished by a particular false tooth. He was identified accordingly." , We are credibly informed, that the Rev. Andrew Eliot, D.D., Avho, accord-- ing to his private diary, received of the munificent Hancock, in th,s year 1777, a three-cornered hat, a wig, a fine suit of clothes, and'a cask of Madeira wine, has related to his son. Dr. Ephraim Eliot, that a barber, who was accustomed to dress the head of General Warren, being on the battle-ground at the time of the burial of those who Avere killed on Bunker's Hill, accidentally recognized the body of Warren, just as the British regulars were in the act of throwing it into a grave, over another body, and on his stating the fact to them, they Avrapped a mat around his remains previous to covering up the earth ; and this was probably the individual alluded to in the Cyclopedia. " No useless coffin enclosed his breast, — Not in sheet or in shroud they wound him ; But he lay, like a warrior taking his rest, AVith his martial cloak around him. ' ' We have reason to believe that the above relation is mainly correct; and we have gathered from Dr. John C. Warren, a nephew of the general, the folloAving statement of additional facts : The remains of Gen. Warren were deposited in a grave under a locust-tree, and the spot is now designated in gilt letters on a granite 128 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. stone in the ground. They were interred beside the body of a butcher, on the day subsequent to the fatal contest, and were personally identified, on the April succeeding, by Dr. John Warren, and Ebenezer Warren, Esq., the brothers of the general, who readily recognized a false tooth, secured by wires, in the place of an eye-tooth Avhich had been pre viously removed ; and, although his body and that of the butcher were reduced to skeletons, the discovery of the false tooth, which was famil iar to their eyes, and the aperture in the skull, together with the frock of the butcher, which remained entire, satisfied them that they witnessed the precious relics of their brother ; and they were removed to Boston, where they were entombed in the family vault of Hon. George Rich ards Minot, adjoining the tomb of Governor Hancock, in the Granary Burying-ground, and directly in the rear of the residence of Dr. John C. Warren. On turning to the letters of Mrs. Abigail Adams, we find it stated, under date of April 7, 1776 : "Yesterday, the remains of our worthy General Warren were dug up upon Bunker's Hill, and carried into town, and on Monday are to be interred with all the honors of war." A procession was formed, on the 8th inst., at the State-house, in King-street, consisting of a detachment of the continental forces, a numerous body of the Free and Accepted Masons, the mourners, mem bers of the General Assembly, selectmen, and citizens ,of the town. The pall was supported by Hon. Gen. Ward, Brig. Gen. Frye, Dr. Morgan, Col. Gridley, Hon. Mr. Gill, and J. Scollay, Esq. The remains were conveyed into Kang's Chapel, and a very pertinent prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Cooper, after an excellent dirge. Presi dent Adams' lady wrote on the occasion, and remarked at the time, in relation to the orator : "I think the subject must have inspired him. A young felloAv could not have wished a finer opportunity to display his talents. The amiable and heroic virtues of the deceased, recent in the minds of the audience ; the noble cause to Avhich he fell a martyr ; their own sufferings and unparalleled injuries, all fresh in their minds, must have given weight and energy to whatever could be delivered on the occasion. The dead body, like that of Caesar, before their eyes, whilst each wound, ' Like dumb mouths, did ope their ruby lips To beg the voice and utterance of a tongue : AVoe to the hands that shed this costly blood A curse shall light upon their line.' " PEREZ MORTON. 129 Indeed, this oration of Morton over the remains of Warren instinct- iA'ely reminds one of the oration of Mark Antony over the remains of Julius Caesar ; and the' occasion and the scene were of equal sublimity. The coming apostrophe, taken from the exordium of this splendid eulogy, must have deeply aAvakened the sensibility of the audience : "Illustrious relics! " What tidings from the grave? Why hast thou left the peaceful mansions of the tomb, to visit again this troubled-, earth ? Art thou the welcome messenger of peace ? Art thou risen again to exhibit thy glorious wounds, and through them proclaim salvation to thy country ? Or art thou come to demand that last debt of humanity to Avhich your rank and merit have so justly entitled you, but Avhich has been so long ungenerously withheld ? And art thou angry at the barbarous usage ? Be appeased, sweet ghost ! for, though thy body has long laid undis tinguished among the vulgar dead, scarce privileged Avith earth enough to hide it from the birds of prey, — - though not a kindred tear was dropped, though not a friendly sigh was uttered, o'er thy grave, — and though the execrations of an impious foe were all thy funeral knells, — yet, matchless patriot ! thy memory has been embalmed in the affec tions of thy grateful countrymen, who, in their breasts, haA'e raised eternal monuments to thy bravery ! " In another passage, Morton exclaims: "Like Harrington he wrote, — like Cicero he spoke, — like Hampden he lived, — -and like Wolfe he died ! " A few years since, the remains of Gen. Warren were removed from the tomb of the Minots to the family tomb of his nephcAV, Dr. John C. Warren, under St. Paul's Church. His skull is in a careful state of preservation. Perez Morton was born at Plymouth, Nov. 13, 1751. His father settled at Boston, and Avas keeper of the White Horse Tavern, opposite Hayward-place, and died in 1793. The son entered the Boston Latin School in 1760, and graduated at Harvard College in 1771, when he studied law ; but the revolutionary war prevented his engaging in the practice, and he took an active part in the cause of freedom. In 1775 he was one of the Committee of Safety, and in the same year became deputy-secretary of the province. After the war, he opened an office as an attorney at law, at his residence in State-street, on the present site of the Union Bank. In 1778 he married Sarah Wentworth Apthorp, at Quincy, noted by Paine as the American Sappho. Mr. Morton was a leader of the old Jacobin Club, which held meetings at 130 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. the Green Dragon Tavern, and became a decided Democrat. A polit ical poet of Boston thus satirizes Perez Morton : " Perez, thou art in earnest, though some doubt thee ! In truth, the Club could never do without thee ! My reasons thus I give thee in a trice, — You want their votes, and they want your advice ! "Thy tongue, shrewd Perez, favoring ears insures, — The cash elicits, and the vote secures. Thus the fat oyster, as the poet tells. The lawyer ate, — his clients gained the shells." Mr. Morton was Speaker of the House from 1806 to 1811, and was attorney-general from 1810 to 1832 ; was a delegate from Dorches ter to the convention for revising the State constitution, in 1820, and was vigorous in general debate. He died at Dorchester, Oct. 14, 1837. He was an ardent patriot, an eloquent speaker, of an elegant figure and polished manners. BENJAMIN HICHBORN. MARCH 5, 1777. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. We Avill cite a passage from this performance, which was delivered at the old brick meeting-house, to indicate its patriotic spirit: "We can ¦easily conceive," says Mr. Hichborn, " a mixture of prejudice and fear, that will excite such aAvful ideas of the person to Avhom we have been taught from our cradles to annex the properties of a most gracious sovereign, most sacred majesty, and a train of such God-like attributes, as would make us feel conscious of a degree of impiety in calling a villain by his proper name, Avhile shrouded under this garb of sanctity. But it is exceedingly diverting to view the influence of this chimerical divinity in those who are made the immediate tools of supporting it. They Avill tell you it is a task most ungrateful to men of their sensibil ity and refinement, to be made the instruments of sending fire and death indiscriminately among the innocent, the helpless, and the fair, — but they have sworn to be faithful to their sovereign, and, were they BENJAMIN HICHBORN. 131 ordered to scale the walls of the new Jerusalem, they should not dare to decline the impious attempt. " Were it not for this ridiculous faith in the omnipotence of the tyrant whom they serve, we must suppose them fools or madmen. Indeed, that very faith would justify the charge of extreme madness and folly against all mankind Avho had not been nurtured in this cradle of infatuation. Were it not for the indulgence that a generous mind Avill always show to the weakness and prejudices of the worst of men, many whom the chance of war has thrown into our hands must have felt the severity and contempt of a justly enraged people, Avhile they, with all their vanity and ostentation, remain the unhurt objects of our pity. " It is surely rather a subject of merry ridicule, than deserving of serious resentment, to see many of this kind of gentry affecting to deny the character of prisoners, and attributing that indulgence, which is the effect of unparalleled generosity, to the mean motive of fear ; but we will let them know that they cannot provoke us even to justice in the line of punishment, and we leave them to their own consciences, and the impartial censures of surrounding nations, to make some returns for the unexampled cruelties that many of our friends have suffered from their barbarous hands, — in heu of that severity which, however just, humanity shudders to inflict. But we cannot think it strange to find people, in the subordinate departments of life, influ enced by such ridiculous notions, Avhile their haughty masters seem to labor under the misfortune of the same infatuation." Benjamin Hichborn Avas born at Boston, Feb. 24, 1746, graduated at Harvard College in 1768, Avas admitted to the bar July 27th of that year, and became an eminent barrister. He Avas ardent in the cause of the Revolution, and one of the most fearless, dauntless patri ots. In 1775, a Tory wrote of him as a prisoner on board the Pres ton, and, as a young lawyer, standing a fair chance for the galloAvs. He was imprisoned on board of a ship of Avar in Boston harbor, and a note of his oration thus alludes to the fact : " Capt. Johnson and his crcAV, the prisoners in general at Ncav York and Halifax, j\Ir. Lovell and many others in Boston, are instances suf ficient to destroy the little credit the British ever had for humanity ; and the sufferings of some to which I myself have been a Avitness, exposed to all the inconveniences and hazards of a languishing disease in confinement on ship-board, in vicAV of the persons and habitations of their nearest friends, and a sympathizing parent turned over the side, 132 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. with reproaches for attempting to speak to his sick, suffering, dying child, must give the characters of the pohte, sensible, humane Admiral Graves, and his nephew Sam, a stamp of infamy which the power of time can never Avipe aAvay." When Mr. Hichborn took his degree at the college, his commence ment part was in Latin : "An Crimen, non Republicae noxium, Cogni- tioni humanae subjici debeat?" He married Hannah Gardner, March 2, 1780, the Avidow of Benjamin Andrews, a hardware merchant, Avhom tradition relates he shot with a pistol at the dinner-table of her husband, stating he Avas not aware that the pistol was loaded with ball. To obviate the tendency of the imputation against him, Ave quote from the Boston Gazette of Jan. 11, 1779, the following relation of the unfortunate death of Benjamin Andrews, Avhich occurred on the Sat urday evening previous : " Sitting in his parlor, with his lady and a friend, he had been comparing an elegant pair of pistols, which he had bought the preceding day, with a pair which he had some time before, and Avhich were supposed to be unloaded. Upon one of these Mr. Andrews observed some rust in a place left for the engraver to mark the owner's name upon. His friend undertook to rub it off. Having accomplished it, he was returning the pistol to Mr. Andrews, who was sitting in a chair at the table by the fireside. Unhappily, as he took it from his friend, Mr. Andrews grasped it in such a manner as brought his thumb upon the trigger, which happened to have no guard, and it instantly discharged its contents into his head, near his temple, and he expired in less than half an hour. It is remarkable that a few minutes before he had taken the scrcAA'-pins from both these pistols, and one of them almost to pieces ; and had handled them without any caution, and in every direction against his own body, and those who were in the room Avith him." The verdict of the jury of inquest was, that Mr. Andreivs came to his death by misfortune. As colonel of the Cadets of Boston, he marched to Rhode Island in 1778. Mr. Hichborn Avas a representative of Boston, a democrat of the old school, and a warm advocate of Jefferson. Many famous laAvyers read law in his office. He died at Dorchester, Sept. 15, 1817. A witty political poet of Boston, in 1795, thus alludes to Hichborn in a poem, " The Lyars," which, when pubhshed, excited furious riots : " Sooner shall Vinal in his school remain. Or Hewes, my pack-horse, common sense attain ; Sooner shall Morton's speeches seem too long. Or Hichborn to lay a tax upon the tongue , JONATHAN WILLIAMS AUSTIN. 133 Sooner shall language 'scape the clam-like lip Of Tommy Edwards, ere he drinks his flip ; Sooner shall Dexter use a word uncouth. Than Dr. Jarvis ever speak the truth." JONATHAN WILLIAMS AUSTIN. MARCH 5, 1778. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. Jonathan Williams Austin was born at Boston, April 18, 1751. He entered the Latin School 1759, graduated at Harvard College 1769. The first English exercise at this college, it is said, on com mencement day, July, 1769, was a dialogue between Mr. Austin and William Tudor. He read laAV with John Adams at the same period. Adams Avrote to Washington of Austin, who had the command at Castle William in 1776, that he was a young man of real genius and great activity. Mr. Austin was the first Avitness examined in the trial of the Brit ish soldiers for the murder of the victims on the 5th of March, 1770. He is recorded as clerk to John Adams, Esq., and recognized one William McCauley, a prisoner at the bar. He related as follows : " On the evening of the 5th of March last, I heard the bells ring, and immediately Avent into King-street." In answer to the question how many people Avere present on his entrance there, he replied, "There might be twenty or thirty, I believe. I saw the sentry at the custom house door, swinging his gun and bayonet. There were a parcel of men and boys round him. I desired them to come aAvay, and not molest the sentry. Some of them came off, and went to the middle of the street. I then left them, and went up towards the main guard. Immediately a party came down. I walked by the side of them till I came to the sentry-box, at the custom-house. McCauley then got to the right of the sentry-box ; he Avas then loading his piece. I was about four feet off. McCauley said, ' Damn you, stand off! ' and pushed his bayonet at me. I did so. Immediately I heard the report of a gun. He came round the sentry-box, and stood close to it on the right. I stood inside the gutter, close by the box, which was three or four feet 12 134 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. from the corner of the custom-house." In answer to the question how many guns did you hear fired, Mr. Austin replied that there were fiA'e or six. Mr. Austin was admitted to Suffolk bar July 27, 1772. We cannot find that Mr. Austin was ever married ; we infer, how ever, from an " Epitaph for Himself," as follows, that matrim.ony was a subject near his heart,^ but he was removed in early life : " I had my failings, be the truth oonfest ; And, reader, canst thou boast a blameless breast ' Nor hold me all defect ; I had a mind That wished all happiness to all mankind, — That more than -wished, — the little in ray power I cheered the sorrowing, soothed the dying hour. Yearned, though in vain, to save life's parting thread. Which mourned the pious, more the vicious, dead. Spare me one tear, and then, kind reader, go ; Live foe to none, and die without a foe. Live, and, if possible, enlarge thy plan ; Not live alone, — die, too, the friend of man. And when our dust obeys the trumpet's call. He '11 prove our friend who lived and died for all." He was an elegant writer, and an eloquent speaker. He was a member of the Middlesex Convention, in 1774, and chairman of the committee that prepared resolutions adopted by the convention. He was author of Poetical and Political Essays, and a colonel in the army of the Revolution. He died in a southern State, in 1779. The patriotic oration of Mr. Austin, delivered at the. Old Brick, burns warm with pure love of country, and Ave select one passage to the point: "It is standing armies in time of peace, and the conse quences thence resulting, that Ave deprecate. Armies, in defence of our country unjustly invaded, are necessary, and in the highest sense justifiable. We, my friends, attacked by an arbitrary tyrant, under the sanction of a force the effects of which Ave have attempted to illus trate, have been obliged to make the last solemn appeal. And I can not but feel a pleasing kind of transport. Avhen I see America, undaunted by the many trying scenes that have attended her, still baffling the efforts of the most formidable pOAver in Europe, and exhibiting an instance unknown in history. To see an army of veterans, Avho had fought and conquered in different quarters of the globe, headed by a general tutored in the field of war, illustrious by former victories, and flushed with repeated successes, threatening, with all the pomp of AVILLIAM TUDOR. 135 expression, to spread havoc, desolation, and ruin, around him, — to see such a soldiery and such a general yielding to a hardy race of men, new to the field of Avar, — while, on the one hand, it exalts the character of the latter, convincingly proves the folly of those Avho, under pre tence of having a body of troops bred to Avar and ever ready for action, adopt this dangerous system, in subversion of every principle of lawful government. Here, if, after having depictured scenes of so distressing nature, it may not appear too descending, I could not for bear smiling at the British general and his troops, who, not willing to reflect on their present humiliating condition, affect the air of arrogant superiority. But Americans have learnt them that men, fighting on the principles of freedom and honor, despise the examples that have been set them by an enemy ; and, though in the field they can brave every danger in defence of those principles, to a vanquished enemy they know hoAV to be generous, — but that this is a generosity not weak and unmeaning, but founded on just sentiments, and if wantonly pre sumed upon, will never interfere Avith that national justice Avhich CA'er ought, and lately has been, properly exerted." WILLIAM TUDOR. MARCH 5, 1779. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. William Tudor was born at Boston, March 28, 1750, a son of Dea. John Tudor, of Rev. Dr. Lathrop's church, Avho records, in 1779, that " the sudden judgments of an earthquake, terrible storm, and fire, have all three done damage to the meeting-house, Avithin his remem brance." The son entered the Latin School in 1758, graduated at Harvard College in 1769, studied law with John Adams, was admitted to Suffolk bar July 27, 1772, was an eminent counsellor, a colonel in the army of the Revolution, and Judge Advocate General from 1775 to 1778. He married Delia Jarvis, March 5, 1778. He Avas a mem ber of the House and Senate, and in 1809-10 the Secretary of State. 136 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Col. Tudor was Vice-president of the Society of Cincinnati of Ma,ssa-. chusetts, in 1816, and Avas the last orator of that institution, in 1791. He acted as Judge Advocate in the trials of officers engaged in the war of the Revolution. He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Historical Society, in whose collections appears an extended memoir. He died July 8, 1819. Mr. Tudor was, by the war of the Revolution, separated from the lady to whom his affections were engaged, and whom he afterwards married. For the benefit of a better air, she resided some time on Noddle's Island, in the family of Mr. Williams. ' One of his boyish acquisitions was now of use to him. He was, in his youth, an excel lent swimmer. When a boy, being on a visit on board of an English ship of the line in the harbor, the conversation turned upon swimming ; and he proposed to jump from tho taffrail rail over the stern, — which, in ships of the old model, was a considerable height, — if any one Avould do the same. A sailor offered himself The boy took the leap, but the man was afraid to follow. He now profited by a knowledge of thifs- art. To have attempted visiting the island in a boat, would have exposed him to certain capture by the enemy ; but, tying his clothes in a bundle on his head, he used to swim from the opposite shore of Chelsea to the island, make his visit, and return to the continent in the same manner. In the elegant and spirited oration of Col. William Tudor, delivered at the Old Brick, avc find a passage specially worthy of perpetual record: " In 1764 the plan for raising a revenue from this country was resolved on by the British ministry, and their obsequious Parlia ment Avere instructed to pass an act for that purpose. Not content with having for a century directed the entire commerce of America, and centred its profits in their own island, thereby deriving from the colo nies every substantial advantage which the situation and trans-marine distance of the country could afford them ; not content with appointing the principal officers in the different governments, while the king had a negative upon every laAV that AA'as enacted ; not content with our supporting the whole charge of our municipal establishments, although their own creatures held the chief posts therein ; not content with lay- in gexternal duties upon our mutilated and shackled commerce,- — they, by this statute, attempted to rob us of even the curtailed property, the hard-earned peculium which still remained to us, to create a rev enue for the support of a fleet and army ; in reahty, to overawe and WILLIAM TUDOR. 137 secure our subjection, — not (as they insidiously pretended) to protect our trade, or defend our frontiers ; the first of Avhich they annoyed, and the latter deserted. "After repeahngthis imperious edict, — not because it was unjust in principle, but inexpedient in exercise, — they proceeded to declare, by a public act of the whole legislature, that we had no property but Avhat was at their disposal, and that Americans, in future, Avere to hold their privileges and hves solely on the tenure of the good will and pleasure of a British Parhament. Acts soon followed correspondent to this righteous determination, which not quadrating Avith American ideas of right, justice and reason, a fleet and army were sent to give them that force Avhich laws receive when promulgated from the mouths of can non, or at the points of bayonets. We then first saw our harbor croAvded Avith hostile ships, our streets Avith soldiers, — soldiers accus tomed to consider mihtary proAvess as the standard of excellence ; and, vain of the splendid pomp attendant on regular armies, they contempt uously looked doAvn on our peaceful orders of citizens. Conceiving themselves more powerful, they assumed a superiority which they did not feel ; and Avhom they could not but envy, they affected to despise. Perhaj)S, — knoAving they were sent, and believing they Avere able, to subdue us, — they thought it was no longer necessary to observe any measures with slaves. Hence that arrogance in the carriage of the officers ; hence that licentiousness and brutality in the common soldiers, which at length broke out with insufferable violence, and proceeding to personal insults and outrageous assaults on the inhabitants, soon roused them to resentment, -and produced the catastrophe which Ave now com memorate. The immediate horrors of that distressful night have been so often and so strikingly painted, that I shall not again Avring your feeling bosoms Avith the affecting recital. To the faithful pen of his tory I leave them to be represented, as the horrid prelude to those more extensive tragedies Avhich, under the direction of a most obstinate and sanguinary prince, have since been acted in every corner of America where his armies have been able to penetrate." Judge Tudor, when on a tour in Europe, about the year 1800, after his arrival at London, was presented at court by our ambassador, Rufus King. On the mention of his name, King George smiled, and observed, in his rapid manner, "Tudor! Avhat — one of us?" Having been told that he had just come from France, he eagerly made many inquiries respecting the state of that country, the situation of Paris, and the 12* 138 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. opinions of the inhabitants. These court presentations are generally a mere matter of form ; but foreigners, introduced by their ambassadors, are received apart by the king, and before the subjects of the country. The king's curiosity continued the interview so long, that Lord Gal loway, the lord in waiting, who had a great amount of duty to perform, grcAv impatient, and said, " His Majesty seems to be so deeply engaged Avith his cousin, that he forgets what a number of persons are in wait ing to be presented." The king, in this audience, exhibited all the courtesy and inquisitive good sense Avhich ahvays distinguished him. When at Paris, in 1807, the Empress Josephine had it in charge to amuse the courtiers during the absence of Napoleon. She gave enter tainments at the palace, which were called cercles. The first singers and actors Avere called to perform a feAV select pieces on these evenings, and a light but most exquisite supper Avas given to the guests. After Mr. Tudor and the ladies of his family had been presented, they Avere invited several times to these cercles, and also to similar entertainments from the other branches of the imperial family. A trifling circum stance will here show how minute the French are in their attentions. In the absence of Napoleon, gentlemen were presented to Cambaceres, and afterwards invited to his table. From very abstemious and simple habits in early life, he became one of the most luxurious and ostenta tious of the imperial court. He was remarkable for the expense and excellence of his table. Mr. Tudor was invited to dine with him; and. as he did not speak French, though he understood it, a gentleman was placed by him who spoke English perfectly. In the course of the din ner, he Avas offered a piece of plum-pudding, which he declined. He Avas told that it had been prepared purposely for him, thinking it was a national dish. Of course, he could not refuse to take a piece. Though he Avas fonder of the simple dishes of his own country than the costly and scientific preparations of French cookery, he Avas ahvays willing to admit that this dinner of the arch-chancellor could not be surpassed. Judge Tudor, in the year 1777, conducted the trial of Col. David Henely, arrested, on the accusation of Gen. Burgoyne, for military oppression. It Avas an eloquent argument, conceded by the judge as unsurpassed by any speech he had ever heard ; and Burgoyne granted that Tudor managed the case as one profound in the laAV, and with great dignity. Col. Henely was acquitted. JONATHAN MASON. 139 JONATHAN MASON. MARCH 5, 1780. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE.' Jonathan Mason was born in Boston, Aug. 30, 1752, a son of Dea. Jonathan Mason of the Old South Church; entered the Latin School in 1763, graduated at Princeton College in 1774, a student at law under John Adams, and an attorney in 1777. Mr. Mason Avas one of the ninety-six attestators of the Boston Massacre, and confirms a fact regarding Hutchinson, related in the History of Massachusetts : "Jonathan Mason, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on the evening of the 5th of March, 1770, about ten o'clock, being in King- street, Boston, standing near His Honor the heutenant-governor, he heard him say to an officer at the head of the king's troops, who, it Avas said, was Capt. Preston, ' Sir, you are sensible you had no right to fire, unless you had orders from a magistrate.' To which Capt. Preston replied, ' Sir, we were insulted,' — or words to that purpose; upon which Capt. Preston desired His Honor to go Avith him to the guard-house, which His Honor dechned, and repaired to the council- chamber. "Boston, March 21, 1770." On the Monday after the memorable 5th March, 1780, Mr. Mason delivered a spirited oration in the Old Brick Church, when a collection was taken for the unhappy Monk, still languishing from the cruel wounds received at the Massacre. " The living history of our own times Avill carry conviction to the latest posterity," says Jonathan Mason in his eloquent performance, "that no state, that no community, — I may say, that no family, — nay, even that no individual, — can possibly flourish and be happy, Avithout some portion of the sacred fire of patriotism. It was this that raised America from being the haunt of the savage, and the dwelling-place of the beast, to her present state of civil ization and opulence ; it was this that hath supported her under the severest trials ; it was this that taught her sons to fight, to conquer and to die, in support of freedom and its blessings. And what is it, but this ardent love of liberty, that has induced you, my fellow-citi zens, to attend on this solemn occasion, again to encourage the streams of sensibility, and to hsten with so much attention and candor to one 140 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of the youngest of your fellow-citizens, whose yoiith and inability plead powerfully against him, while the annual tribute is paid to the memory of those departed citizens who fell the first sacrifices to arbi trary power ? Check not such generous feelings. They are the fruits of virtue and humanity ; and, while the obligations you remain under to those unhappy men lead you to shed the sympathetic tear, to dwell with pleasure upon their memories, and execrate the causes of their death, remember that you can never repay them. Ever bear it in your minds, that so implicit was the confidence you Avillingly placed in that country that owed to you her affection, that, notwithstanding the introduction of that inhuman weapon of tyrants into the very heart of your peaceful villages, you still would fain rely on their deceitful asser tions, and paint the deformed monster to your imaginations as the min ister of peace and protection. Men born in the bosom of liberty, living in the exercise of the social affections in their full vigor, having once fixed them upon particular objects, they are not hastily eradi cated. Unaccustomed to sport Avith and wantonly sacrifice these sensi ble overflowings of the heart, to run the career of passion and blinded lust, to be familiar with vice and sneer at virtue, to surprise innocence by deceitful cunning, and assume the shade of friendship to conceal the greater enmity, you could not at once realize the fixed, the delib erate intention of those from whom you expected freedom to load you with slavery and chains ; — and not till insult repeated upon insult, — not till oppression stalked at noonday through every avenue in your cities, — nay, not till the blood of your peaceful brethren flowed through your streets,— was the envenomed serpent to be discovered in the bushes ; — not till a general trespass had been made upon the keenest feehngs of human nature, and the AvidoAved mother Avas sum moned to entomb the cold remains of her affectionate son, the virtuous bosom to resign its tender partner, and social circles their nearest friends, could you possibly convince yourselves that you and Britain Avere to be friends no more. Thrice happy day ! the consequences of Avhich have taught the sons of America that a proper exercise of pub lic spirit and the love of virtue hath been able to surprise and baffle the most formidable and most powerful tyranny on earth." Jonathan Mason was an eminent counsellor at laAv, and a member of the State Legislature. In 1798 he was of the Governor's Council; in 1800 he was elected to the United States Senate, and in 1819 to the House in Congress, when he voted for the Missouri Compromise. In THOMAS DAAVES. 141 his political relations he was a firm adherent of the federal party. He was distinguished for great energy of character and dignity of manners. In stature he was tall and erect. He died at Boston, November 1, 1831. Mr. Mason married Susanna, daughter of William Powell, April 13, 1779. Dr. John C. Warren married their daughter Susan in 1803, and Hon. David Sears married their daughter Miriam C. in 1809. An admirable portrait of Mr. Mason, by Gilbert Stuart, is in the family of Mr. Sears. THOMAS DAWES. MARCH 5, 1781. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. Thomas Dawes was a son of Col. Thomas DaAves, an eminent archi tect, and patriot of the Revolution. He was born at Boston, July 8,1758. He entered the Latin School in 1766, graduated at Harvard College in 1777, early entered the profession of law, and became an eminent counsellor. He married Margaret Greenleaf in 1781, and resided on the paternal estate in Purchase-street, a place famous in the Revolu tion for private caucuses. He ever evinced a lively imagination, and natural thirst for polite literature. His Avitticisms are proverbial, and his patriotic and literary poetic effusions were highly popular. When about thirty years of age, he was appointed one of the associate justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State, which he filled until 1803, Avhen he became judge of the Municipal Court for Boston until 1823. He was appointed judge of Probate for Suffolk county, Avhich station he occupied until his decease, July 22, 1825. Judge Dawes was a delegate to the State Convention of 1820 for revising the con stitution. He was of very small stature, being not five feet in height, but rotund and fleshy round the Avaist. His face was florid and small, with expressive eyes. His hair Avas long and gray. His utterance was of a striking hsp, and his voice was soft and clear. He AVore small-clothes and buckled shoes. When it was announced that Thomas 142 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Dawes was appointed to the Supreme Court, Col. Hichborn, it is related, who was displeased, contemptuously said of him, " I could put him into my pocket." Upon being informed of this. Judge Dawes promptly remarked, with great dignity and good-nature, "If he did pocket me, he would have had more law in his pocket than he ever had in his head." On another occasion, standing among five other guests in a drawing-room, just before dinner was announced, all of whom were tall or stouter than himself, — Gen. Arnold WelleSj Col. Roulstone, Maj. Benjamin Russell, and others, — one of them jocosely asked him how he felt, being so small, and surrounded as he was by so many large men; to Avhom he promptly replied, "Like a silver six penny piece among five copper cents, — much less in size than any one, but of more intrinsic value than all of them together." When the liberty-pole was erected on the spot where the Liberty Tree once flourished, opposite Frog-lane, Judge Dawes wrote as follows : " Of high renown here grew the tree, — The elm so dear to liberty. Your sires, beneath its sacred shade, To Freedom early homage paid ; This day, with filial awe, surround Its root, that sanctifies the ground ; And, by your fathers' spirits, swear The rights they left you '11 not impair." "Do we not see the darkened spring of 1770," said Judge Dawes in his oration at the Old Brick, ' ' like the moon in a thick atmosphere, rising in blood, and ushered in by the figure of Britain plunging her poignard in ihe young bosom of America? 0, our bleeding country ! Avas it for this our hoary sires sought thee through all the elements, and haA'ing found thee sheltering away from the Avestern wave, discon solate, cheered thy sad face, and decked thee out like the garden of God? Time Avas Avhen Ave could all affirm to this gloomy question, — when we Avere ready to cry out that our fathers had done a vain thing. I mean upon that unnatural right Avhich we now commemorate ; Avhen the fire of Brutus was on many a heart, — when the strain of Gracchus Avas on many a tongue. 'Wretch that I am!— whither shall, I retreat ? — whither shall I turn me ? — to the capitol ? The capitol SAvims in my brother's blood. To my family? There must I see a wretched, a mournful and afflicted mother.' Misery loves to brood over its own woes ; and so peculiar were the woes of that night, so THOMAS DAWES. 143 expressive the pictures of despair, so various the face of death, that not all the grand tragedies Avhich have been since acted can croAvd from our minds that era of the human passions, that preface to the general conflict that now rages. May Ave never forget to offer a sac rifice to the manes of our brethren Avho bled so early at the foot of Lib erty. Hitherto Ave have nobly avenged their fall ; but as ages cannot expunge the debt, their melancholy ghosts still rise at a stated season, and Avill forever Avander in the night of this noted anniversary. Let us, then, be frequent pilgrims at their tombs. There let us profit of all our feelings ; and, while the senses are ' struck deep Avith woe,' give wing to the imagination. Hark ! even uoav, in the hollow wind, I hear the voice of the departed : ' 0 ye who listen to Avisdom, and aspire to immortality, as ye have avenged our blood, thrice blessed ! as ye still Avar against the mighty hunters of the earth, your names are recorded in heaven ! ' " Such are the suggestions of fancy; and, haAnng given them their due scope, — having described the memorable Fifth of March as a sea son of disaster, — it Avould be an impiety not to consider it in its other relation ; for the rising honors of these States are distant issues, as it were, from the intricate though all-Avise divinity Avhich presided upon that night. Strike that night out of time, and we quench the first ardor of a resentment Avhich has been ever since increasing, and now accelerates the fall of tyranny. The provocations of that night must be numbered among the master springs Avhich gave the first motion to a vast machinery, a noble and comprehensive system of national independence. ' The independence of America,' says the writer under the signature of ' Common Sense,' ' should have been considered as dating its era from the first musket that was fired against her.' Be it so! but Massachusetts may certainly date many of its blessings from the Boston Massacre, — ¦ a dark hour in itself, but from which a marvellous light has arisen. From that night, revolution became inevitable, and the occasion commenced of the present most beautiful form of government. We often read of the original contract, and of mankind, in the early ages, passing from a state of nature to immediate civilization. But what eye could penetrate through Gothic night and barbarous fable to that remote period ? Such an eye, per haps, was present, when the Deity conceived the universe, and fixed his compass upon the great deep. And yet the people of Massachusetts have reduced to practice the wonderful theory. A numerous people 144 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. have convened in a state of nature, and, hke our ideas of the patriarchs, have deputed a few fathers of the land to draw up for them a glorious covenant. It has been drawn. The people have signed it with rap ture, and have thereby bartered amohg themselves an easy degree of obedience for the highest possible civil happiness. To render that cov enant eternal, patriotism and political virtue must forever blaze, — must blaze at the present day Avith superlative lustre, being Avatched, from different motives, by the eyes of all mankind. Nor must that patriot ism be contracted to a single commonwealth. A combination of the States is requisite to support them individually. ' Unite, or die,' is our indispensable motto." Mr. Robert Patterson presented a petition to the toATO of Boston, on this day, March 5, 1781, setting forth that he received a wound in the right arm, on the 5th of March, 1770, by a shot from Preston's party, Avhereby he has entirely lost the use of it ; and that, since the death of Mr. Monk, he is the only one of the unhappy number, then badly wounded, that survives ; and therefore praying the charity of the town; — "voted, that a collection be made, at the close of this meeting, for the unhappy sufferer." Boxes Avere placed at each door of the Old Brick Meeting-house, to receive the contributions ; and also on the tAvo years succeeding. We cannot resist the insertion of Judge Dawes' patriotic effusion, repeated to the editor from memory, by Thomas Somes, a merchant of Boston, and a nephcAV of the judge, one day in the street, when stand* ing nearly opposite the Athenaeum, and who died suddenly a few days after the recital. It Avas sung June 17, 1786, at the festival on the opening of CharlestOAvn Bridge, after the announcement of this senti ment : " May this anniversary be forever marked with joy, as its birth was with glory." " Now let rich music sound. And all the region round AVith rapttffe fill ; Let the full trump of fame To heaven itself proclaim The everlasting name Of Bunker's Hill. ' ' Beneath his sky- wrapt brow AVhat heroes sleep below, — How dear to Jove ! THOMAS DAWES. 145 Not more beloved were those Who foiled celestial foes AVhen the old giants rose To arms above ! " Now scarce eleven short years Have rolled their rapid spheres Through heaven's high road, Since o'er yon swelling tide Passed all the British pride. And watered Bunker's side AVith foreign blood. " Then Charlestown's gilded spires Felt unrelenting fires. And sunk in night ; But, phoenix-like, they 'U rise From where their ruin lies. And strilce the astonished eyes With glories bright. " Meandering to the deep. Majestic Charles shaU weep Of war no more. Famed as the Appian Way, The world's first bridge, to-day All nations shall convey From shore to shore. " On our blessed mountain's head The festive-board we '11 spread AVith viands high ; Let joy's broad bowl go round, AVith public spirit crowned ; We '11 consecrate the ground To Liberty." When Judge DaAves was a delegate in the State Convention of 1820, he made several speeches. On one occasion he remarked, the constitution was adopted just after he left the laAv office of one of its principal founders, and he had an opportunity of Avitnessing the anxiety of those who raised this bulwark of our liberties. Of the spirit of amity which prevailed in the convention of 1788, he could speak with confidence. He was one of the twelve gentlemen chosen from Boston to that convention, nine of whom have gone to render their account, and he must soon follow. Those gentlemen were obhged to change their minds, as hght beamed upon them on the various subjects dis- 13 no THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. cussed. Even Samuel Adams, who was remarkable for the inflexibil ity of his opinions, after hearing Fisher Ames' speech upon the bien nial election of members of Congress, got up, — not to oppose, as was expected, but to tell us that he was satisfied with the reasons which had been given by Ames. This conduct, in such a man as Mr. Adams, had a great effect upon the other members of the convention. Mr. Dawes opposed a resolution directing the manner in which the votes on the amendments are to be given by the people, where the per sons voting are to express their opinion by annexing to each number the word Yes, or No, or any other words that may signify his opinion of the proposed amendment. He thought this latitude might lead to difficulty. It would permit a man to read a whole sermon. They had often heard whole sermons read in the Assembly, — they might read them in town-meeting, and put them on file, to express their opinion. It was amended. Judge Dawes Avas a member also of the convention for the adoption of a State constitution in 1780. Thomas Dawes always exhibited an honest and friendly feeling, which shone forth in his social intercourse, enlivened by classic and literary taste, undiminished by the assumption of measured manner, rtoo often exercised to supply the place of real merit. GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. MARCH 5, 1782. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. Georse Richards Minot was born at Boston, Dec. 22, 1758, and was the youngest of ten children. He entered the Latin School in 1767, where he was a shining scholar. When the important period drew near in which he was to leave school, he was not only required by Master James Lovell to compose his own oration, but he was also enjoined to aid several of his classmates in the same duty. While at Harvard College he devoted himself with great industry and success to classical and historical studies. He graduated in 1778. His most GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. 147 admired models were Robertson's Charles the Fifth, and the London Annual Register. At his graduation he received the highest honors of the college, without an expression of envy from his classmates ; such is the force of superior merit towards the youth who loved every one, and who veiled his talent in tho garb of modesty. Mr. Minot entered on the study of law under Judge Tudor, toA-yards whom he had a warm veneration. It was in his office that he enjoyed the advantage of being the fellow-student of Fisher Ames, Avhere his own genius caught fire from the flame which burned so intensely in the imagina tion of his companion. Fisher Ames Avas at that time unknoAvn to the world, but Minot never spoke of him without enthusiasm ; and he often predicted the splendid reputation Avhich this powerful orator AAOukl in coming time attain. On the adoption of the State constitution, in 1780, Mr. Minot was elected clerk of the House of Representatives. During this period, the causes Avhich led to the insurrection of Daniel Shays Avere in opera tion, and he had the. opportunity of being familiar Avith the debates, which were of intense public interest. This insurrection Avas a primary cause of the adoption of the constitution of the United States. Mr. IMinot was appointed secretary of the State Convention of 1788, on the discussion of its adoption. Mr. Minot Avas married in March, 1783, to Mary Speakman, of Marlboro', the lady of his early love, whose warmth of affection toAvards him was ardent as that of his towards herself At this period he was a liberal contributor to the Boston Magazine, and was an editor of three early volumes of the Massachusetts Historical Collections, of which society, the Humane, the Charitable, and the American Academy, he was a devoted mem ber. He was appointed judge of Probate in 1792, Avbich office he honored with impartiality and humanity. He became judge of the Municipal Court from 1800, and Avisely sustained its duties until his decease, Jan. 2, 1802. His residence was in Devonshire-street, on the site of the Type and Stereotype Foundery, and no private mansion in Boston was more famous for. a free and generous hospitality. He was remarkable for sprightly sallies of Avit, radiant benignity, and blandness of manners. In 1795 his address for the Massachusetts Charitable Society, of Avhich he Avas president, was published. His impassioned eulogy on the character of Washington, pronounced at the request of the town of Boston, AA'as ready for sale on the day after its dehvery, and was more rapidly sought than even that by Fisher Ames, 148 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. an edition being sold in one day, and two more shortly after being taken up. His intimate friend and pastor. Dr. James Freeman, remarked of this eulogy, that a kindred likeness may be traced in the features of the minds, in Minot's delineations of the character of Washington, so striking as to be obvious to those who best knew them both. Judge Minot had but ten days' notice to prepare the funeral oration,, and thus described the emotions of his mind at this time : "My only refuge Avas in an enthusiastic pursuit of my subject, which stimulated what little poAvers I possessed to their utmost exertion. A candor and mild expectation prevailed through all ranks of people, which encouraged me. A like kind of attentive silence enabled me to deliver myself so as to be heard. I sat doAvn unconscious of the effect, feeling as though the music was at once playing the dirge of Washing ton's memory and my own reputation. I Avas sooU astonished at my good fortune. All praised me ; a whole edition of my eulogy sold in a day; the printers. Manning and Loring, presented me with an addi tional number of copies, on account of their success ; invitations were sent me to dine in respectable companies ; my friends are delighted, and, although nearly exhausted by sickness, I am happy. Such was the successful issue of the most unpropitious undertaking that I was ever engaged in." In 1798, Judge Minot published a Continuation of Hutchinson's History of the Province of Massachusetts Bay,' and the second A'olume in 1803. Our American Sallust is peculiar for veracity, perspicuity and vigor, and Avas the first purely elegant historian of New England. His History of the Insurrection in Massachusetts, and the Rebellion consequent thereon, published by Manning and Loring, in 1798, , is the best record of that perilous period ever prepared. In the polished oration of George Richards Minot, pronounced at the Old Brick, on the Boston Massacre, in 1782, Ave find an appeal to the moral sense of this republic, where he remarks : " Let us not trust to laws. An uncorrupted people can exist Avith out them ; a corrupted people cannot long exist Avith them, or any other human assistance. They are remedies Avhich, at best, ahvays disclose and confess our evils. The body politic once distempered, they may indeed be used as a crutch to support it a Avhile, but they can never heal it. Rome, when her bravery conquered the neighboring nations and united them to her ¦ own empire, Avas free from all danger Avithin, because her armies, being urged on by a love for their country, Avould GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. 149 as readily suppress an internal as an external enemy. In those times she made no scruple to throw out her kings who had abused their power. But when her subjects sought not for the advantage of the commonwealth, — when they thronged to the Asiatic Avars for the spoils they produced, and preferred prostituting the rights of citizenship upon any barbarian that demanded them, to meeting him in the field for their support, — then Rome grew too modest to accept from the hands of a dictator those rights which she ought to have impaled him for daring to invade. No alteration in her laws merely could have effected this. Had she remained virtuous, she might as well have expelled her dictators as her kings. But what laws can save a people who, for the very purpose of enslaving themselves, choose to consider them rather as counsels which they may accept or refuse, than as precepts which they are bound to obey. ? With such a people they must ever want a sanction, and be contemned. Virtue and long life seem to be as intimately alhed in the political as in the moral worid. She is the guard which ProAddence has set at the gate of freedom." Here Ave have the peroration of Minot's oration: "America once guarded against herself, what has she to fear ? Her natural situation may well inspire her with confidence. Her rocks and her mountains are the chosen temples of liberty. The extent of her climate, and the variety of its produce, throAv the means of her greatness into her OAvn hands, and insure her the traffic of the world. Navies shall launch from her forests, and her bosom be found stored Avith the most precious treasures of nature. May the industry of her people be a still surer pledge of her wealth ! The union of her States, too, is founded upon the most durable principles. The similarity of the manners, religion and laAvs, of their inhabitants, must ever support the measure which their common inJAiries originated. Her government, while it is restrained from violating the rights of the subject, is not disarmed against the public foe. Could Junius Brutus and his colleagues have beheld her republic erecting itself on the disjointed neck of tyranny, hoAV would they have wreathed a laurel for her temples as eternal as their OAvn memories ! America ! fairest copy of such great originals ! be virtuous, and thy reign shall be as happy as durable, and as dura ble as the pillars of the Avorld you have enfranchised." The character of Judge Minot Avas thus admirably described by Hon. John Quincy Adams, on the year of his decease : "Aie you an observer of men, and has it been your fortune only 13* 150 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. once to behold George Richards Minot ? You have remarked the ele gance of his person, and the peculiar charm of expression in his coun tenance. Have you witnessed his deportment? It bore the marks of graceful simplicity, of dignified modesty, of unassuming urbanity. Have you listened to his conversation ? It Avas the voice of harmony ; it was the index of a penetrating and accurate mind ; it was the echo to a Avarm and generous heart. Such appeared Mr. Minot on a first and transient acquaintance, from which period to that of the most con fidential intimacy, our own knoAvledge, and the unvaried testimony of indisputable authority, concur in affirming that every trace of pleas ing first impression was proportionably deepened, every anticipation of sterling worth abundantly fulfilled. His character, as the citizen of a free country, was not less exemplary. The profoundest historian of antiquity has adduced the life of Agricola as an extraordinary proof that it is possible to be a great and good man, even under the despot ism of the wor^ of princes. "Minot's example may be alleged as a demonstration equally rare, under a free rejiublic, that, in times of the greatest dissensions, and amidst the most virulent rancor of factions, a man may be great and good, and yet acquire and preserve the esteem and veneration of all. In the bitterness of civil contention he enjoyed the joint applause of minds the most irreconciled to each other. Before the music of his character, the very scorpions dropped from the lash of discord, — the very snakes of faction listened and sunk asleep ! Yet did he not pur chase this unanimous approbation by the sacrifice of any principle at the shrine of popularity. From that double-tongued candor which fashions its doctrines to its company,— from that cowardice, in the garb of good-nature, which assents to all opinions because it dares sup port none, — from that obsequious egotism, ever ready to boAV before the idol of the day, to make man its God, and hold the voice of mortal ity for the voice of Heaven, — he was pure as the crystal streams. Personal invectives and odious imputations against political adversaries he knew to be^ seldom necessary. He kncAV that, Avhen unnecessary, whether exhibited in the disgusting deformity of their nakedness, or tricked out in the gorgeous decorations of philosophy, — Avhether livid with the cadaverous colors of their natural complexion, or flaring with the cosmetic washes of pretended patriotism, — they are ever found among the profligate prostitutes of party, and not among the vestal vir gins of truth. He disdained to use them ; but, as to all great ques- GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. 151 tions upon principle, which are at the bottom of our divisions, there was no more concealment or disguise in his lips than hesitation or wavering in his mind. So far Avas he from courting the prejudices or compromising with the claims of faction, that he published the History of the Insurrection in the commonwealth, at a time Avhen the passions which had produced them Avere still rancorous and flourishing ; and although nothing contributed more than that Avork to consign the rebel lion it recorded to infamy, none of its numerous abettors ever raised a reclamation against the veracity of the history, or the worth of the historian." In Democracy Unveiled, canto 3, on Mobocracy, by Christopher Caustic, appears a happy allusion to George Richards Minot, as fol lows : " But I '11 purloin a little — why not ' From classic history of Minot ; For theft can need no other plea Than this — our government is free ¦ Our Demo's steal each other's trash, AVhile Coleman plies in vain the lash. And prithee, therefore, why can I not Steal my Alobocracy from Minot ? Fas est ab hoste doceri, — If that be true, why then 't is clear I. But, gentle reader, have you read it ? ' Yes,' — then I '11 give my author credit." The nature and operation of the causes which led to the rebellion in Massachusetts, says Caustic, in a note to Mobocracy, are explained in a lucid and masterly manner, in the history of George Richards Minot, the style of which might rank its author as the Sallust of America. According to that writer, the commonwealth of Massachusetts was in debt upAvards of £1,350,000 private State debt, exclusive of the fed eral debt, which amounted to one million and a half of the same money. And, in addition to that, every toAvn Avas embarrassed by advances they had made to comply with repeated requisitions for men and supplies to support the army, and which had been done upon their own credit. The people, Minot informs us, had been laudably employed, during the nine years in Avhich this debt had been accumulating, in the defence of their liberties ; but though their contest had instructed them in the nobler science of mankind, yet it gave them no proportionable insight into the mazes of finance. Their honest prejudices were averse to duties 152 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of impost and excise, which were at that time supposed to be anti-repub- hcan by many judicious and influential characters. The consequences of the public debt did not at first appear among the citizens at large. The bulk of mankind are too much engaged in private concerns to anticipate the operation of national causes. The men of landed inter est soon began to speak plainly against trade, as the source of luxury, and the cause of losing the circulating medium. Commercial men, on the other hand, defended themselves by insisting that the fault was only in the regulations which the trade happened to be under. Minot then proceeds to point out other causes which contributed to lead the people astray ; and his history exhibits abundant proof that the people at large are not always correct judges of what pohtical measures may best subserve their own prosperity. " To paint the ills which power attend, Our men of mind their talents lend ; But overlook the great propriety Of power to guarantee society." The following effusion was addressed to the Hon. George Richards Minot. when he was preparing the History of Massachusetts : " Let jarrmg spirits turn the leaf. And Coke and Littleton explore ; Pleased with the logic of a brief. And wise with metaphysic lore. Let others on the laws decide. And on the Norman records grope ; Lay thou the wrangling bar aside. And give thy genius ampler scope. Thy equal mind, on truth intent. To paltry strife must not descend ; Another task for thee is meant, — Thy country's genius to defend. What though that country's tardy voice Nor urge thy labor nor reward ? The historic Muse approves the choice, And all the wise and good applaud. Ere laurelled science twine the wreath. The bud of genius must unfold ; Our hardy sires, the snow beneath, Grew strong, unmindful of the cold. Mark'st thou yon river's peopled shore. Its wheat-crowned hills, its bleating meads. Taught through delicious banks to pour. Where not a stone its course impedes ? GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. 153 Mark'st thou, too, the industrious sires Who cleared the current, crowned the hills ? AVhat love and gratitude inspires One sweet memorial of thy skill ? Yet more than if the castle told ' Some wily victor ravaged here, Your sires to vassalage he sold. Or scourged, the pyramid to rear.' For where no crowning castles found. No despotism has been known ; The honest peasant reaps the ground By free-born fathers tamed and sown. Short is the tale of tyrant power, — Easy the story of its reign, — AVhose march was destined to devour, AY hose glory, to recount the slain. But the slow progress of a tribe By nature's energies alone Cool reason only can describe. Ere the first principles have flown. Yet, lo ! with careless ease Ave sleep, AVhile rapid sweeps unstable time Disgorgeless to oblivion's deep. The records of a nation's prime. While to hoar winter's snowy Avells, Ridged by eternal frost and hail. When spring the laughing current swells. And cheers, swift Merrimac, thy vale ; Urged as the vernal streams descend. Exciting wonder as they flow. Some ardent minds their source ascend. And meet the untravelled realms of snow ShaU, from a country's wasting page, AA'hich moth and rust and reason maim. Ere darkened by a crowding age. None snatch the unmutilated name ? Yes, ere the fabled tale is wrought, AVhile yet the features are imprest. Shall thy discriminating thought Portray the Pilgrims of the AVest." " The series of events," says AVashington to Minot, " which followed from the con clusion of the war, forms a link of no ordinary magnitude in the chain of the American annals. That portion of domestic history which you have selected for your narrative deserved particularly to be discussed, and set in its proper point of light, while mate rials for the purpose were attainable. Nor was it unbecoming or unimportant to enlighten the Europeans, who seem to have been extremely ignorant with regard to these transactions. While I comprehend fully the difficulty of stating facts on the spot, amidst the living actors and recent animosities, I approve the more cordially that candor with which you appear to have done it." 154 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. THOMAS WELSH, M. D. MARCH 5, 1783. ON THE BOSTON MASSACRE. , Thomas Welsh was born at CharlestoAvn, June 1, 1754, and mar ried Mary Kent, of that town. He was an army-surgeon at Lex ington and Bunker Hill. He Avas in attendance at the latter battle, principally at a house under the western side of the hill, in company with Lieut. Col. Brickett, a physician, who came off with the first of the Avounded, and of whom- Gen. Warren obtained his arms for the battle. Dr. Welsh was afterAvards near Winter Hill, by which route the troops Avho went to Cambridge retreated. Dr. Welsh and Samuel Blodgett assisted in arresting the retreat of the New Hampshire troops. On the morning of the Battle of Lexington, Dr. Warren, at about ten o'clock, rode on horseback through Charlestown, says Frothingham. He had received, by express, intelhgence of the events of the morn ing, and told the citizens of CharlestOAvn that the news of the firing was correct. Among others, he met Dr. Welsh, who said, "Well, they are gone out." " Yes," rephed the doctor, " and Ave will be up with them before night." Dr. Welsh, who was on Prospect Hill when the British were pass ing from Lexington, saw Col. Pickering's regiment on the top of Win ter Hill, near the front of Mr. Adams' house, the enemy being very near in CharlestOAvn road. Washington wrote of this period : "If the retreat had not been as precipitate as it Avas from Lexington, — and God knoAVS it could not well have been more so, — the ministerial. troops must have surrendered, or been totally cut off; for they had not arrived in CharlestOAvn (under cover of their ships) half an hour, before a powerful body of men from Marblehead and Salem were at their heels, and must, if they had happened to be up one hour sooner, inevitably have intercepted their retreat frorn Charlestown." Dr. Welsh was surgeon at Castle Island, 1799. He was the hospital phy sician at Rainsford's Island for many years ; was member of the Bos ton Board of Health, and vice-president of the Massachusetts Medi cal Society, in 1814 ; Avas a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Welsh Avas a decided Whig of the Revolution, an amiable, social, and estimable citizen, and died at Boston, Febru ary, 1831. He graduated at Harvard College in 1772. THOMAS AVELSH, M. D. 155 The patriotic Dr. Welsh, the last of the orators at the Old Brick, on the eventful Boston Massacre, thus remarks in the peroration : " When we consider our own prosperous condition, and view the state of that nation of Avhich we Avere once a part, we even Aveep over our enemy, Avhen Ave reflect that she Avas once great; that her navies rode formidable upon the ocean ; that her commerce was extended to every harbor of the globe; that her name Avas revered wherever it was knoAvn ; that the Avealth of nations Avas deposited in her island ; and that America Avas her friend. But, by means of standing armies, an immense continent is separated from her kingdom. Near eight full years have noAv rolled aAvay since America has been cast off from the bosom and embraces of her pretended parent, and has set up her OAvn name among the empires. The assertions of so young a country Avere at first beheld Avith dubious expectation ; and the Avorld were ready to stamp the name of rashness, or enterprise, according to the event. But a manly and fortunate beginning soon insured the most generous assist ance. The renowned and the ancient Gauls came early to the combat, — wise in council, mighty in battle ! Then with new fury raged the storm of Avar ! The seas Avere crimsoned Avith the richest blood of nations ! America's chosen legions waded to freedom through rivers dyed with the mingled blood of her enemies and her citizens,- — through fields of carnage, and the gates of death ! " At length, independence is ours ! — the halcyon day appears ! Lo ! from the east I see the harbinger, and from the train 't is peace her self, — and, as attendants, all the gentle arts of life. Commerce dis plays her snow-white navies, fraught Avith the Avealth of kingdoms ; Plenty, from her copious horn, pours forth her richest gifts. Heaven commands ! The east and the Avest give up, and the north keeps not back. All nations meet, and beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks, and resolve to learn war no more. Henceforth shall the American Avilderness blossom as the rose, and every man shall sit under his fig-tree, and none shall make him afraid." We may emphasize of Dr. Welsh : " Whoe'er amidst the sons Of reason, valor, liberty and virtue. Displays distinguished merit, is a noble Of nature's own creating. Such have risen, — Sprung from the dust, — or where had been our honors ? " 156 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. JOHN WARREN, M. D. JULY i, 1783. ON THE NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE. The last public act in the career of James Otis, that presiding genius of our colonial Revolution, occurred at a toAvn-meeting of the inhabitants of Boston, March 5, 1783, at Faneuil Hall, Avhen he officiated as moder ator ; and it Avas voted to substitute the celebration of the Declaration of Independence for that of the Boston Massacre, after Dr. Thomas Welsh had pronounced the annual oration on the latter occasion. Otis was struck out of existence by a flash of lightning, at Andover, in Massa chusetts, on the 23d day of May succeeding. Who can tell but what this time-honored festival of liberty originated in his penetrative mind ? It may be said of Otis that his political career Avas as a poem that lights warm hearts with living flame. Hoav cheering Avas it to Avitness the eagle-eyed, round-faced, plump, short-necked, and smooth-skinned Otis, as he has been described by an enemy, at the head of the assem bly in old Faneuil Hall on this glorious occasion ! Wilham Cooper, the town-clerk, made the following motion : "Whereas, the annual celebration of the Boston Massacre, on the 5th of March, 1770, by the institution of a public oration, has been found to be of eminent advantage to the cause of virtue and patriotism among her citizens ; and whereas, the immediate motives which induced the commemoration of that day do now no longer exist in their primi- tiA'e force, while the benefits resulting from the institution may and ought ever to be preserved, by exchanging that anniversary for another, the foundation of Avhich Avill last so long as time endures ;¦ — it is there fore resolved, that the celebration of the 5th of March from henceforth shall cease, and that instead thereof, the anniversary of the Fourth Day of July, 1776, — a day ever memorable in the annals of this country for the Declaration of Independence, — shall be constantly celebrated by the delivery of a public oration, in such place as the town shall determine to be most convenient for the purpose, — in which the orator shall consider the feelings, manners and principles, which led to this great national event, as well as the important and happy effects, Avhether general or domestic, which have afready, and Avill forever continue, to flow from this auspicious epoch." At a town-meeting on May of that date, Hon. Samuel Adams mod- JOHN AVARREN, M. D. 157 erator, the resolve was accepted, and a committee consisting of Perez Morton, Wilham Tudor, Thomas DaAves, Joseph Barrell, and Charles Jarvis, were chosen to consider this matter at large, and report at the adjournment. At a tOAvn-meeting, July 4th inst., Hon. James Sullivan moderator, the committee announced that they had unani mously made choice of Dr. John Warren to deliver an oration on the 4th of July inst. , who had accordingly accepted that service. They also voted that, as Faneuil Hall not being capacious enough to receive the inhabitants that may attend upon that occasion, it should be delivered at Dr. Cooper's church, as soon as the General Court is ended ; and that leave be requested of the committee of said church for the use of that building. According to Edes' Boston Gazette, that mirror of patriotism, the joy of the day Avas announced by the ringing of bells and discharge of cannon. At eleven o'clock, His Honor the Lieutenant-governor, Thomas Cushing, — His Excellency, John Hancock, being absent by reason of sickness, — the Hon. Council, the Senate and Representatives, escorted by the brigade train of artillery, commanded by Maj. Davis, repaired to the church in Brattle-street, Avhere the Rev. Dr. Cooper, after a polite and elegant address to the auditory, returned thanks to Almighty God for his goodness to these American States, and the glory and suc cess Avith which he had crowned their exertions ; then an anthem Avas sung suitable to the occasion, and the solemnity was concluded by a most ingenious and elegant oration, dehvered by Dr. John Warren, at the request of the tOAvn. They Avere conducted back to the Senate- chamber, where an agreeable entertainment was provided. At tAvo o'clock, the brigade train, and the regiment of militia, commanded by Col. Webb, paraded in State-street, where the former saluted with thirteen discharges from the field-pieces, and the militia with thirteen feu-de-joies, in honor of the occasion. The officers of the militia dined together at the Bunch of Grapes and the brigade train at the Exch-ange taverns. Thirteen patriotic toasts Avere drunk by each corps, and tho same number, which were given in the Senate-chamber, appear in the Gazette, one of which was, "May the spirit of union prevail in our country." On the next day the selectmen of the tOAvn, consisting of John Scollay, Harbottle Dorr, Thomas Greenough, Ezekiel Price, Capt. William Mackay, Tuthill Hubbard, Esq., David Jeffries, Esq., requested a copy of the oration for the press. Here we have the modest reply of the author : 14 158 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Gentlemen, — On condition that the honesty of my intentions, and the warmth of my feelings, on the important event which Avas the sub ject of this oration, may be admitted to atone for the imperfection of the performance, I deliver a copy for the press. " I am, with the greatest respect, " Your obedient servant, "John Warren." This was a brilliant production, breathing patriotic ardor and fra ternal warmth, of Avhich we present a specimen : "Transported from a distant clime less friendly to its nurture, you have planted here the stately tree of Liberty, and hved to see it flourish. But whilst you pluck the fruit from the bending branches, remember that its roots were watered with your blood ! Remember the price at which you purchased it, nor barter liberty for gold. Go, search the vaults where lay enshrined the relics of your martyred felloAV-citizens, and from their dust receive a lesson on the value of your freedom ! When virtue fails, — Avhen luxuiy and corruption shall undermine the pillars of the State, and threaten a total loss of liberty and patriotism, — then sol emnly repair to those sacred repositbries of the dead, and, if you can, return and sport away your rights. When you forget the value of your freedom, read over the history that recounts the wounds from which your country bled, — ¦ peruse the picture which brings back to ,your imaginations, in the lively colors of undisguised truth, the Avild, distracted feelings of your hearts ! But if your happy lot has been not to have felt the pangs of convulsive separation from friend or kindred, learn them of those that have." The noble remark of John Adams, the apostle of liberty, in allu sion to this great natal day, should be printed in capitals in every ncAvspaper of our vast republic, on every anniversary of that event : "The 4th day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it Avill be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized Avith pomp and parade, Avith shoAvs, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever- more." The attention of the Bostonians was involuntarily directed to the JOHN WARREN, M. D. 159 brother of the hero of Bunker Hill, as we have seen, as the most suit able person to deliver the first town oration on our national independ ence. John Warren was born at' Roxbury, July 27, 1753, and gradu ated at Harvard College, 1771, where he Avas leader of a College Club for the study of anatomy. He Avas a student in medicine under his brother, Gen. Joseph Warren. In 1773 he established himself at Salem, and Avas associated with the famous Dr. Holyoke. On the 19th of April, 1775, the regiment of that town marched to Lexington, and Dr. Warren acted as their surgeon. Two of his brothers were in that scene of contest. " The life which has been devoted to the public good," said Dr. Warren, in a eulogy on Thomas Russell, " must be an interesting theme of historical narration ; because scarcely any events can take place, in the course of such a life, but Avhat must derive dig nity and importance from the character Avhich it sustains," — and this may be suitably said of John Warren. We will continue his history in the language of his own journal, dated June 17, 1775 : " This day, — a day ever to be remembered by the United American Colonies, ¦ — at about four o'clock in the afternoon, I was alarmed Avith the inces sant report of cannon, which appeared to be at or near Boston. ToAvards sun-setting a very great fire Avas discovered, nearly in a direction from Salem for Boston; at the beginning of the evening, noAvs arrived that a smart engagement had happened in the afternoon on Bunker Hill, in Charlestown, between the king's regular troops and the pro vincials ; and, soon after, we received intelligence our own troops were repulsed Avith great loss, and the enemy had taken possession of the ground Avhich we had broke the night before. I Avas very anxious, as I was informed that great numbers had fallen on both sides, and that my brother Avas in all probability in the engagement. I, hoAvever, went home, Avith a determination to take a few hours' sleep, and then to go immediately for Cambridge Avith my arms. Accordingly, in the morning, at about two o'clock, I prepared myself, and Avent off on horseback ; and when I arrived at Medford, received the melancholy and distressing tidings that my brother Avas missing. Upon the dread ful intelligence, I Avent immediately to Cambridge, and inquired of almost every person I saw Avhether they could give me any informa tion of him. Some told me that he was undoubtedly alive and Avell, others that he was Avounded, and others that he fell on the field. Thus perplexed almost to distraction, I went on, inquiring Avith a solicitude 160 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. which was such a mixture of hope and fear as none but such as have felt it can form any conception. In this manner I passed several days, every day's information diminishing the probabihty of his safety. "0, ye blood-thirsty wretches, who planned this- dreadful scene which you are now forcing your bloodhounds to execute ! Did you but feel the pangs of heartfelt, pungent grief for the cruel wounds you inflicted upon the tenderest part of the public, as well as individuals, you would have execrated those diabolical measures which by your counsels have been adopted, and precipitated us into all the horrors of a civil Avar. Unfeeling wretches ! reflect, a moment, if you have still one feature of humanity which is still unobliterated from your minds, and vicAV the helpless orphan bereft of its fond and only parent, stript of every comfort of life, driven into an inhospitable wild, and exposed to all the misery which are the results of your brutal violence, and forbear, if you can ; but I defy even you to show yourselves so refined in your darling acts of cruelty as to be capable of supporting the shocking reflection. Here stay your hands, ye miscreants ! stay your bloody hands, ^till warmed with the purple fluid, and ask yourseh'es if you are not sated with the inhuman carnage — your hearts long since inured to vieAv these shocking scenes without emotion ! Go on, then, ye dastard butchers ! let desolation and destruction mark your bloody steps wherever your brave opposers are by fortune destitute of proper arms for their defence ; but give up forever your pretensions to honor, justice or humanity, and know that this brave, undaunted and oppressed people, have an arm which Avill soon be exerted to defend themselves, their Avives and children, — an arm Avhich will ere long inflict such vengeance on their haughty, presumptuous foes, as shall convince them they are determined that British .cowards, though their number be as the sands on the sea-shore, shall never subjugate the brave and inno cent inhabitants of the American continent. Cover your heads with shame, ye guilty wretches ! Go home, and tell your blood-thirsty mas ter your pitiful tale ; and tell him, too, that the laurel which once dec orated the soldier has Avithered on the brow, upon the American shore ! Tell him that the British honor and fame have received a mortal stab from the brave conduct of the Americans. Tell him that even your conquests have but served to inspire the sufferers with fresh courage and determined resolution ; and let him know that since that accursed day Avhen first the hostile forces of Britain planted their foot on the American shore, your conduct has been such as has resulted in a con- 161 tinned series of disgraceful incidents, weak councils, and operations replete Avith ignorance and folly. Tell him this, ye contemptible cow ards ! hide yourselves like menial slaves in your master's kitchens, nor dare approach the happy asylum of once extinct liberty, — for if ye dare, ye die ! " It appears that about 2500 men were sent off from the ministerial in Boston to dispossess a number, — about 700 of our troops, — Avho had, in the course of the night, cast up a small breastwork upon the hill. They accordingly attacked them, and, after having retreated three times, carried their point ; upon Avhich our men retreated Avith precipitation, having lost about 200 dead and 300 wounded ; the ene my, according to Gage's account, 1025 killed and wounded, amongst whom were a considerable proportion of officers, Lieut. Col. Abercrom- bie, Maj. Pitcairn, etc., — a dear purchase to them, indeed." ' ' Look back, ye honored veterans few, AA'hose locks are thin, of silver hue, That ran, at war's loud piercing thrill. To Lexington and Bunker's Hill ! AVhen Charlestown's flame in pillars rose, Caused by our cruel British foes, Midst thundering cannon, blood and fire. You saw Lord Percy's host expire ! AVith fiiltering tongue, you yet can tell AA'here some dear friend or brother fell ; AVith palsied limbs, and glimmering eyes. Point fb the place where AVarren lies ! ' ' Dr. John Warren had a portion of the care of administering to the wounded in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and was appointed hospital- surgeon by Washington, during the siege of Boston ; and he was one of the detachment ordered to take possession of Boston, on its evacua tion by the British troops. We Avill present the statement of Dr. War ren regarding the condition of the town on the day of its evacuation, as the relation is too interesting to be dispensed Avith, and the most authentic statement extant : "March 17, 1776. — .This morning, all the soldiers belonging to Bunker Hill Avere seen marching toAvards the ferry ; soon after Ayhich, tAVO men went upon the hill, and finding the posts entirely deserted by the enemy, gave a signal, upon Avhich a body of our forces Avent on and took possession of CharlestOAvn. At the same time, two or three thousand men were paraded at the boats in Cambridge, for the purpose 14* 162 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of going to Boston, if there should appear any probabihty of opposition from the regulars. The boats carried the men to ScAvall's Point, where they landed ; and, upon intelhgence being received, from the selectmen Avho had come out of toAvn, that all the troops had left, only a small body of men, Avho had recovered of the small-pox, were selected from several regiments to take possession of the heights in town. Being one of the party, by permit from the general, I had an opportunity of seeing everything just as it was left, about two hours before, by the enemy. Two redoubts in the neighborhood of Mount Whoredom appeared to me to be considerably strong. There were two or three half moons at the hill, upon the bottom of the Common, for small arms, and there were no ambrosiers at the redoubt above mentioned. Just by the shore, opposite Lechmere's Point, is a bomb-battery lined with plank, and faced with a parapet of horse-dung, being nothing but a simple line ; near it lies a thirteen-inch mortar, a little moved from its bed. This is an exceeding fine piece, being, as I am sure, seven and a half inches thick at the muzzle, and near tAvice that OA'er the chamber, with an iron bed all cast as one piece, the touch-hole all spiked up, and shot drove into the bores ; there was only a simple line, being plank filled with dirt. Upon Beacon Hill Avere scarcely more than the fortifications of nature, — a very insignificant shallow ditch, with a few short pickets, a platform, and one tAventy-four-pounder, Avhich could not be brought to bear upon any part of the hill. This Avas left spiked up, and the bore crammed. On Copp's Hill, at the north, Avas nothing more than a few barrels, filled with dirt, to form parapets. Three twenty-four-pounders, upon a platform, were left spiked and crammed ; all these, as Avell as the others, on carriages. The parapet in this fort and Beacon Hill did not at all cover the men Avho should AVork the cannon. There Avas a small redoubt behind, for small arms, very slender indeed. On Fort Hill were only five lines of barrels filled with earth, — very trifling indeed. Upon the Neck the Avorks Avere strong, consisting of redoubts, number of lines with ambrosier for can non, a few of Avhich Avere left as the others. A very strong work at the old Fortification, and another near the Haymarket. All these were ditched and picketed. On Hatch's Wharf ivas a battery of rafters with dirt, and two twelve-pounders left as the others ; one of these I saw drilled out and cleared for use, Avithout damage. "A great number of other cannon Avere left at the north and south batteries, Avith one or both trunnions beat off. Shot and shells were in 163 divers parts of the toAvn. Some cartridges, great quantities of Avheat, hay, oil, medicine, horses, and other articles to the amount of a great sum. The houses I found to be considerably abused inside, where they had been inhabited by the common soldiery, but the external parts of the houses made a tolerable appearance. The streets Avere clean, and, upon the whole, the tOAvn looks much better than I expected. Sev eral hundreds of houses were pulled doAvn, but these Avere very old ones. The inhabitants in general appeared to rejoice at our success, but a considerable number of Tories have tarried in the town to throAV themselves upon the mercy of the people ; the others are aboard Avith the shipping, all of Avhich noAV lay before the Castle. They appear to have gone off in a hurry. In consequence of our having, the night before, erected a fort upon Nook Hill, which was very near the toAvn, some cannon were fired from their hues, even this morning, to the Point. " We now learn certainly that there was an intention, in consequence of a court-martial held upon the occasion of our taking possession of Dorchester Hills, to make an attack; and three thousand men, under command of Lord Percy, went to the Castle for the purpose. It Avas the intention to have attacked us, at the same time, at Roxbury hues. It appears that Gen. HoAve had been very careful to prevent his men from committing depredations ; that he, Avith other officers, had an high opinion of Gen. Washington, — of the army in general,^ much higher than formerly. Lord Percy said he never knew us do a foolish action yet, and therefore he believed Ave Avould not induce them to burn the town by firing upon their fleet. They say they shall come back again soon. The small-pox is in about ten or a dozen places in town- ^'- March 20. — ^ This evening they burn the Castle, and demohsh, by blowing up, all the fortifications there ; they leave not a building stand ing." Before parting with this treasure, we will give Dr. Warren's visit to Charlestown and Bunker Hill, Avith his reflections on the event, inspiring sensations not less thrilling than a vicAV of the battle-field of Waterloo, where Napoleon met his last great defeat : "March 21. — Our men go upon the Castle, and soon begin to erect new fortresses, as they had begun, a day or two before, on Fort Hill ; and the fleet all fall down into Nantasket Road. The winds have been fair for them to sail, but their not embracing the opportunity favors a suspicion of some intended attack. It seems, indeed, very improbable 164 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. that they Avill be wilhng to leave us in so disgraceful manner as this. It is very surprising that they should not burn the town, when they had it entirely in their power to do it. The soldiers, it appears, Avere much dissatisfied at being obliged to leave the town without glutting their revengeful tempers Avith the blood of the Yankees. " This day I visit CharlestoAvn, and a most melancholy heap of ruins it is. Scarcely the vestiges of those beautiful buildings remain, to dis tinguish them from the mean cottages. The hill Avhich Avas the theatre upon Avhich the bloody tragedy of the 17th of June was acted com mands the most affecting vieAV I CA'cr saw in my life. The walls of magnificent buildings, tottering to the earth, below ; above, a great num ber of rude hillocks, under Avhich are deposited the remains of clusters of those deathless heroes who fell in the field of battle. The scene Avas inexpressibly solemn. When I considered myself as walking over the bones of many of my Avorthy felloAV-countrymen, who jeoparded and sacrificed their lives in these high places, — Avhen I considered that perhaps, Avhilst I Avas musing over the objects around me, I might be standing over the remains of a dear brother, Avhose blood has stained these hallowed walks, — with veneration did this inspire me. Hoav many endearing scenes of fraternal friendship, now past and gone forever, pre sented themselves to my vicAV ! But it is enough ; the blood of the inno cent calls for vengeance on the guilty heads of the A'ile assassins. 0, may our arms be strengthened to fight the battles of our God !, When I came to Bunker Hill, I found it exceeding strong ; the front parapet, about thirteen feet high from the bottom of the trench, composed of earth, oontaining plank supported by huge timber, Avith two look-outs upon the top. In the front of this Avere tAvo bastions, and a semi circular line with A'cry Avide trenches, and very long picket as Avell as trenches. Within, the causcAvay Avas secured Avith a hedge and brush. All that part of the main fort Avhich Avas not inchjded Avithin the high AVorks above-mentioned, — namely, the rear, — Avas secured by another parapet, with a trench picketed inside as Avell as out. "There Avas a half-moon which commanded the river at the side. There was, moreover, a block-house upon Schoolhouse Hill, enclosed by a very strong fence spiked, and a dungeon and block-house upon Breed's Hill, enclosed in a redoubt of earth, with trenches and pickets ; the Avorks which had been . cast up by our forces had been entirely lev elled." In Dr. Warren's manuscript we find a beautiful and. patriotic tribute 165 to Gen. Montgomery: "This brave man was determined either to take Quebec or lose his life. He accordingly died nobly on the field. His course of victory was short, rapid, and uninterrupted, but truly great and glorious. He has, in his conquest, behaved like the hero and like the patriot. 0, America ! thy land is Avatering with the blood of thy richest sons. Every drop calls for vengeance upon the infamous administration Avhich authorized this unnatural butchery. God grant that, in this great man's stead, and for that of every hero Avho perishes in the noble struggle, double the number may rise up ! Peace to his beloved shade ! The tears of a grateful country shall flow copiously Avhilst they lament your death. Ten thousand ministers of glory shall keep vigils around the sleeping dust of the invincible Avar- rior, whilst the precious remains shall be the resort of every true patriot in every future age ; and Avhilst the truly good and great shall approach the place sacred Avith the dust of the hero, they shall point to the little hillock, and say. There rests the great Montgomery, Avho bravely conquered the enemies to freedom in this province ; Avho, Avith utmost rapidity, Avith his all-conquering arms, reduced no less than three strong fortresses, and bravely died in the noble attempt to take possession of the strongest garrison upon the Avhole continent of Amer ica. He died, it is true, and in dying became invincible." Dr. Warren was in the disastrous action on Long Island. He was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and narroAvly escaped captiv ity. In 1777 he was appointed superintending surgeon of the military hospitals in Boston, which he occupied until the peace. Dr. Warren married Abigail, daughter of Gov. John Collins, of Newport, R. I., Nov. 2, 1777, by whom he had five sons and four daughters. His eldest son, John Collins, the Astley Cooper of Ncav England, has long been the most eminent surgeon in Massachusetts, Avhose son, Jonathan Mason, is destined to be as elevated in surgery as his fathers. In the year 1780, according to Thacher, a contemporary. Dr. War ren gave a course of dissections to his colleagues, Avith great success, in connection Avith a series of lectures, in the Military Hospital, situated in a pasture in the rear of the present Massachusetts General Hos pital, at the corner of Milton and Spring streets. They were con ducted with the greatest secrecy, owing to the popular prejudice against dissections. In 1781, his lectures, given at the same place, became pubhc, Avhcn the students of Harvard College Avere permitted to attend; and at this time he performed the amputation at the 166 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. shoulder-joint, A^'ith complete success. The third course was given in the year 1782, at the Molineux House, located on Beacon-street, oppo site the north side of the State-house. This, or a preceding course, Avas deliA'ered at the request of the Boston Medical Society, when Har vard students attended. Dr. Warren Avas fqunder of the medical institution of Harvard Uni versity, arising from these lectures ; and, on the request of President Willard, originated the plan for the present medical institution, which was organized in the year 1783, Avhen three professors were inducted. Dr. Warren Avas at that time appointed Professor of Anatomy and Surgery. and efficiently performed the duties of that station until his decease. In the year 1806, Dr. John C. Warren, his son, was appointed adjunct professor on the same foundation, and continued in the discharge of the office during the period of forty years. Many a student, to the last day of life, has heartily responded to the fervent tribute of Susanna Rowson, to the memory of Dr. John Warren, which may be applied to the son with like effect : " How sweet was the voice that instructed our youth ! What wisdom, what science, that voice could impart ! How bright Avas that face, where the radiance of truth Beamed over each feature direct from the heart ! " In 1784, he estabhshed the small-pox hospital, at Point Shirley. In 1804, he A\'as elected President of the Massachusetts Medical Soci ety, and AA'as ever vicAved as the Magnus Apollo, the life and soul, of that institution. He was president, also, of the Massachusetts Humane, Massachusetts Agricultural, and the Massachusetts Medical societies, of the last of Avhich he Avas an originator, in 1783. Dr. Warren was of middling stature ; an elevated forehead, black eyes, aquihne nose, and hair retreating from the forehead, gave an air of dignity to his pohshed manners, inspired by intercourse with officers from France. As a lecturer, his voice was most harmoniously sono rous, his utterance distinct and full, and his language perspicuous. His perception was quick and acute, his imagination lively and strong, hia actions prompt and decided. The rapidity in all his intellectual oper ations constituted a very striking trait in his character. Dr. Warren died April 4, 1815, at his residence in School-street, of an inflamma tion of the lungs, in connection with an organic disease which had long BENJAMIN HICHBOKN. 167 affected his system. His remains are deposited under St. Paul's Church, beside those of his brother. Gen. Joseph Warren. In 1782, Dr. Warren delivered a Charge to the Masons, on the fes tival of St. John the Baptist ; and, in 1813, he published a View of Mercurial Practice in Febrile Disease. A eulogy on Dr. Warren was pronounced by Dr. James Jackson, April 8, 1815, before the Massa chusetts Medical Society; and another eulogy Avas delivered by Josiah Bartlett, for the ISIassachusetts Grand Lodge. President Quincy, in the History of Harvard University, remarks of Dr. Warren, that he " has just claims to be ranked among the dis tinguished men of our country, for his spirit as a patriot, his virtues as a man, and his preeminent surgical skill. The qualities of his heart, as Avell as of his mind, endeared him to his contemporaries." BENJAMIN HICHBORN. JULY 4, 178i. FOR THE TOAVN AUTHORITIES. The quotation herewith, from this patriotic oration on the union of the States, and the dangers of an increased territory in this republic, comes upon us at this period Avith great power. "The American States." says Hichborn, "seem by nature to have such an intimate connection, that necessity Avill oblige them to bo close friends, or the most inveterate enemies. Friends they may be for ages, but cannot long exist in a state of war Avith each other. Sepa rated only by mathematical or imaginary lines, a very small superiority of force in either must be fatal to the neighborhood. Every acquisi tion Avill render the victorious party more irresistible ; and in propor tion as the conquerors advance, the poAver of opposing them Avill be lessened, till the Avhole are subdued by a rapacious discontented part. But experience having taught us that the force of government is gen erally lessened in proportion to the extent of territory over which it is to be exerted, we must expect, in a country like this, inhabited by men too sensible of their rights to rest easy under a control founded in fraud and supported by oppression, that discontent Avill break out in every quarter, till, by the clashing of various powers, a new division- 168 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of territory will take place, which must soon be succeeded with fresh quarrels, similar to those Avhich disturbed the original tranquillity. Thus this happy land, formed for the seat of freedom and resort of the dis tressed, may, like other countries, in her turn, become a prey to the restless temper of her own inhabitants. But should any of the States, pressed by unequal force, call in the aid of some foreign power, the consequences must be equally ruinous. A demand of foreign aid in one State will produce a similar application from another, till America becomes the common theatre on which all the warlike powers on earth shall be engaged. But since this combined force, without an adequate power somcAvhere to give it a proper direction, can only operate like a mass of unanimated matter to check and destroy the natural activity of the body from whence it originates, it becomes an object of the last importance to form some great continental arrangements." JOHN GARDINER. JULY i, 1785. FOR THE TOWN AUTHORITIES. The nervous and comprehensive oration of John Gardiner, showing a relation of some of the historical causes of the Revolutiouj states that an event occurred in the fifth year of Queen Anne, of vast import ance to this country. "A statute was passed for the union of the two kingdoms of England and Scotland ; by the fourth article of Avhich, it is declared that all the subjects of the United Kingdom shall have full freedom of trade and navigation to any port within the United King dom, and the dominions thereto belonging ; and that there should be a communication of all other rights which belonged to the subjects of either kingdom. By this article, our tender, nursing mother, — as she has most falsely and impudently been called, — without consulting our legislative bodies, or asking the consent of any one individual of our countrymen, — assumed upon herself to convey, as- stock in trade, one full undivided moiety of all the persons, and all the estates and property, of the freemen of America, to an alien, who Avill- prove a Jharsh, cruel, and unrelenting stepmother. Then, too much blinded with foohsh affection for that country whose oppressions had forced our JOHN GARDINER. 169 stern, free-minded progenitors into these remote regions of the world, — into an howling and a savage wilderness, — like children not yet attained to the years of reason and discretion, who inconsiderately sup pose their parent ever in the right, our predecessors sat quiet under the arbitrary disposition, nor once murmured aloud at the unnatural, and to us iniquitous, transaction. " Our ncAV parent, Great Britain, then made our kings, appointed our gOA'ernors, and kindly sent many of her needy sons to live upon the fruits of our toil ; to reap where neither she nor they had soAvn, and to fill the A'arious offices A\-hich she had generally created here, for her and their own emolument. Every tAventieth cousin of tin alehouse- keeper, Avho had a right of voting in the election of a member of Par- h'j.ment, Avas cooked up into a gentleman, and sent out here commis sioned to insult the hand that gave him daily bread. Although greatly displeased with these injurious proceedings, Ave submitted to the harsh "hand of our unfeeling, selfish stepmother, nor once remonstrated against these, her unjust, her cruel usurpations." ' John, son of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, Avas born at Boston, in the year 1731. He Avas in early life sent to England, and entered on the study of law at the Inner Temple. He was admitted to practice in the courts of Westminster Hall, and became an intimate friend of Church ill, the famous poet. Whilst reading laAV in the Temple, he formed an acquaintance Avith Lord Mansfield, with Avhom he became a favorite ; and, haAdng the assurance of his patronage, he commenced legal prac tice, with every prospect of rising in England to considerable emi nence. But, being eccentric in character, fearless and independent in action, he adopted Whig principles, and, to the surprise of Lord Mans field, appeared as junior counsel in the famous case of John Wilkes, the reformer ; and argued with success in the defence of Bcardmore and Meredith, Avho, for Avritings in support of Wilkes, had been impris oned on a general Avarrant. His zeal on this occasion blasted all hope of favor from court or Tory influence. In reference to Mr. Gardiner's efforts in these trials, there uoav remains in the possession of William H. Gardiner, his grandson, and a counsellor-at-law, a valuable and beautiful piece of plate, bearing this inscription : " 'Pro libertate semper strenuus.' " To John Gardiner, Esq., this waiter is presented by Arthur Beard- more, as a .small token of gratitude, for pleading his cause, and that 15 170 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of his clerk, David Meredith, against the Earl of Hahfax, then Sec retary of State, for false imprisonment, under his Avarrant, commonly called a Secretary of State's Avarrant, that canker of English lib erty.— 1766." He practised a period at South Wales, Haverford West, where he mar ried Margaret Harris. Their eldest son, John Sylvester John, Avas born June, 1765, in Haverford West, and educated under the tuition of the celebrated Dr. Samuel Parr, in England. In 1766, Mr. Gardiner was appointed chief-justice of the province of New York, which Avas declined. Mr. Gardiner, having been appointed attorney-general in the island of St. Christopher, removed his family to the West Indies, where he continued until the close of the American Revolution, in 1783, Avhen he removed his family to Boston, where he soon became an eminent barrister-at-laAV, and distinguished himself by the highly learned oration pronounced July 4, 1785. The notes at the end of this production, exceeding in matter the text, are of great historic value. In the next year, Mr. Gardiner settled at Pownalboro', Maine, where he was elected a representative to the Massachusetts Legislature, and was an ardent advocate for the abolition of special pleading, but Avas defeated. He effected, hoAvever, an abolition of the laAV of primogen iture. On Jan. 26, 1792, Mr. Gardiner strenuously vindicated the establishment of the Boston Theatre, in the Legislature, and was decidedly opposed by Samuel Adams and Harrison Gray Otis. His speech Avas published, and Avas entitled ' ' The Expediency of Repealing the Law against Theatrical Exhibitions." This essay elicited from a Roman Catholic priest ^ — one John Thayer- — some strictures on Avhat he v'eAved to be "not solid arguments." Mr. Gardiner rephed, over the signature of Barebones, Avith great A\'armth and bitterness. The controversy continued for some time, and originated the following epigram : " Thayer squibs at Gardiner, — Gardiner bangs at Thayer, — A contest quite beneath the public care ; Each calls the other fool, and rails so long, 'T is hard to say that either 's in the wrong." This production is probably the most scholastic argument in defence of the stage ever Avritten by an American ; and it Avas in this speech that Charles Jarvis was first termed " the towering bald eagle of the Boston seat." " If the door be opened to the repeal of the act against the stage," said Gardiner, "there can be no doubt but that, in time, JOHN G.A.RDINER. 171 this country will produce poets Avho may tower into the sublimest paths of tragedy, and lightly tread along the smiling, fioAvery road of chaste comedy. But if in sullen silence the door is to be forever kept shut, and this Gothic statute is to remain unrepealed, our genius Avill be stifled, and our ears Avill continue to be harassed Avith nothing better than the untuned screechings of the dull votaries of old Sternhold and Hopkins ! " In the same year he published A Dissertation on the Ancient Poetry of the Romans, in which he said, Avhen contrasting the Roman church with the English Established church : " The first of their thirty-nine articles is superstitious, contradictory, and unintel ligible : for, if the first part of that article be true, to a plain, honest mind, the latter part thereof cannot, in my opinion, be also true ; and if' the latter part be true, it is a direct contradiction of the first part, for the second person there mentioned had parts and passions. Their dignified clergy claim an heavenly, or divine, hereditary succession, and to have a certain spiritual something bottled in their carcasses, which they can communicate to whom they please, and Avhich none but themselves, and those Avhom they touch for that purpose, can possess or enjoy. They deny transubstantiation, and yet they cherish con- substantiation, AA'hich differs only in the name. In short, they are in a very small degree removed from the Mother of Harlots." The opin ions of John Gardiner, barrister, are Avide apart from John Sylvester John, his son, the divine, who published a A'ery learned discourse, entitled "A PreserA'ative against Unitarianism," at Boston, in 1810, Avherein he thus contemptuously lashes the Unitarians: "No faction was ever more active in spreading its tenets than the Unitarians. In England they have long conducted the most popular magazines and reA'ieAVS, and here they are eager to seize on every avenue to the pub lic eye and ear. From the slight opposition Avhich they have encoun tered, they really seem to imagine 'that they are the only wise, and that all learning and genius are confined to themselves. But if there be a man of supereminent talents among them, let him be pointed out. I knoAV him not. The pert conceit, the supercihous sneer, the claim to infallibility, the declamation against bigotry and superstition, by Avhich they mean belief in the essential doctrines of Christianity, ma,y excite admiration among the thoughtless and superficial, but Avill gain them little credit with the sensible and reflecting. The Unitarians are for ever harping upon candor and liberality, Avhich they display by ineffa ble contempt for all sects but their OAvn. The candor of a Unitariau 172 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. resembles the humanity of a revolutionary Frenchman. It is entirely confined to words ; and I will venture to affirm that no greater out rages against good manners can be found than in the writings of their leaders, Wakefield, Belsham, and Priestley. But let them measure their OAvn moderate stature with the gigantic dimensions of a Bacon, a Milton, and a Johnson, and perhaps they Avill be candid enough to allow that all genius and knowledge are not confined to Unitarians, and that a man may be a Trinitarian without being necessarily either a blockhead or a hypocrite." In 1785, John Gardiner took an active part in the alteration of the Liturgy in the Common Prayer, being on a committee, Avith Perez Mor ton and others, of King's Chapel church, striking out the doctrine of the Trinity. Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, long a warden of King's Chapel, Avas the father of the subject of this article, of Avhom John Adams said, that "he had a thin, grasshopper voice, and an affected squeak; a meagre visage, and an aAvkward, unnatural complaisance." Barrister Gardiner Avas a ripe scholar, a rare wit, and the most vigorous writer of his day; but highly sarcastic and vituperative toward his opponents. He A^'as a zealous politician, learned in his profession, of tenacious memory, and of nervous eloquence. When on his passage to the General Court of MassachusettSj in the packet Londoner, Avrecked off Cape Ann in a storm, he was drowned, October, 1793, Avhere his chest of clothing floated ashore. JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN. JULY 4, 1786. FOR THE TOWN AUTHORITIES. In the smooth and animated oration of Mr. Austin, gloAving Avith patriotic fervor, it is said : "What country, my friends, can produce so many events, in the course of a few years, as must ever distinguish the American page, — a young continent, contending Avith a nation Avhose establishment had been for ages, and whose armies had con quered the powers of the Avorld ? What spirit, short of an heavenly enthusiasm, could have animated these infant colonies, boldly to JONjVTHAN loring AUSTIN. 173 renounce the arbitrary mandates of a British Parliament, and, instead of fawning like suppliants, to arm themselves for their common defence? You dai'cd to appeal to that God Avho first planted the principles of natural freedom in the human breast, — principles repeatedly impressed on our infant minds by our great and glorious ancestors ; and may yonder sun be shorn of its beams, ere their descendants forget the heavenly admonitions ! " When I behold so many worthy patriots, Avho, during the late glo rious struggle, have shone conspicuous in the cabinet and in the field, — when I read in each smiling face and placid eye the happy occasion for joy andgratulation, — the transporting subject fires my bosom, and, with emotions of pleasure, I congratulate my country on the return of this anniversary. Hail, auspicious day ! an era in the American annals to be ever remembered Avith joy, while, as a sovereign and independent nation, these United States can maintain Avith honor and applause the character they have so gloriously acquired ! Hoav shall we maintain, as a nation, our respectability, should be the grand sub ject of inquiry. This is the object to which Ave must attend ; for the moment America sullies her name, by forfeiting her honor, the fame she has acquired from the heroism of her sons, and the virtues she has disjilayed in the midst of her distress, will only serve, like a train of mourners, to attend the funeral of her glory. But, by a due culti vation of manners, a firm adherence to the faith we have pledged, an union in council, a refinement in sentiment, a liberality and benevo lence of conduct, we shall render ourselves happy at home and respectable abroad ; our constellation will brighten in the political hem isphere, and the radiance of our stars sparkle Avith increasing lustre." Jonathan Loring, son of Hon. Benjamin Austin, was born at Bos ton, -Jan. 2, 1748 : entered the Latin School in 1755 ; graduated at Harvard Colleo'e in 1766, on which occasion he delivered the first Eng- hsh oration ever assigned to a candidate for the bachelor's degree. The recent repeal of the Stamp Act had spread universal joy among the people, and naturally superseded all classical subjects for such an occa sion. The boldness of some of the sentiments Avas not much approved by the faculty, and had Avell-nigh cost the candidate the honors of his class. Mr. Austin's father was of the Council, and a selectman in Bos ton in 1775, whose upright and venerable form, large, white wig, scariet roquelot, and gold-headed cane, were the personification of the man ners and dress of that period. 15* 174 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. After leaving Cambridge, Mr. Austin commenced business as a mer chant, in Portsmouth, N. H. He Avas appointed a major in a volun teer regiment, under the command of the late Gov. Langdon, raised for the protection of that place. On the commencement of hostilities, he became aid-de-camp to Gen. Sullivan ; but being about that period appointed Secretary of the Board of War in Massachusetts, he directly accepted the latter situation, which he sustained until October, 1777. Mr. Austin married Miss Hannah Ivors. When it became probable that Gen. Gates and the northern army would be able by their success to counterbalance the loss of Philadel phia and the gloomy character of the southern campaign, the executive Council of Massachusetts resolved to transmit the intelhgence by a safe and early conveyance to the American Commissioners at Paris. For this purpose a vessel was chartered at Boston, and Mr. Austin was appointed a special messenger. As soon as the official despatches of the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne could be prepared, Mr. Austin sailed from Boston, October, 1777. It would seem that the feeble resources of the State Avere exhausted by the expense of the vessel. Their messenger was alloAved to provide his cabin stores at his OAvn charge, and to trust to the efiect of his intelligence for the means of compensation. The pious habit of New England did not at that time permit a voyage to Europe, without proposing a note at church on the Sunday previous, for the prayers of the congregation. Such was accordingly offered at the Old Brick, where his father's family Avor- shipped. The good Dr. Chauncy, though not gifted like Dr. Cooper in prayer, was on this occasion strongly excited. He thanked the Lord most fervently for the great and glorious event which required the departure of a special messenger. He prayed that it might pull down the haughty spirit of our enemies ; that it might warm and inspirit our friends ; that it might be the means of procuring peace, so anxiously desired by all good men; and he prayed that -no delay might retard the arrival in Europe of the packet Avhich conveyed this great ubaa's. He invoked a blessing, as desired, on the person who was about to expose himself to the dangers of the deep to carry this wonderful intel ligence across the mighty Avaters ; but, said he, good Lord, whatever, in thy Avise providence, thou seest best to do with the young man, we beseech thee most fervently, at all CA'ents, to preserve the packet. The vessel arrived at Nantes, November, 1777. The commissioners had assembled at Dr. Franklin's apartments, on JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN. 175 the rumor that a special messenger had arrived, and were too impatient to suffer a moment's delay. They received him in the court-yard. Before he had time to alight, Dr. Frankhn addressed him, — ' ' Sir, is Philadelphia taken? " " Yes, sir ! " The old gentleman clasped his hands, and went to the hotel. "But, sir, I have greater news than that; General Burgoyne and his Avhole army are prisoners of Avar ! " The effect was electrical. The despatches Avere scarcely read before they were put under copy. Mr. Austin was himself impressed into the serAdce of transcribing them. Communication was, Avithout delay, made to the French ministry. Lord Stormont, the English ambassa dor, left Paris, and. on the 6th of December, official information Avas given to the American commissioners that the king recognized the independence of the United States. Treaties to that effect, and for commerce and alhance, Avere negotiated and signed in sixty days from that date ; and the American commissioners, Avho before Avere obhged almost to keep themselves prisoners, Avere received into favor at court, and into unbounded popularity through all France. Dr. Franklin transferred to Mr. Austin the affection of a father, as if he had been not merely the messenger, but the cause, of this glorious information. He took him directly into his family, constituted him an additional priA'ate secretary, and continued toAvards him the kindest regards during the Avhole period of his abode in France. Often, at breakfast or other occasions of their meeting, the old gentleman Avould break from one of those musings in Avhich it Avas his habit to indulge, and, clasping his hands together, exclaim, " 0 ! Mr. Austin, you brought glorious news ! " He made it a matter of etiquette that Mr. Austin should accompany him wherever he was invited. He held him at his bedside during the intervals of the painful disease with Avkich he was visited ; taught him to play chess, that he might have some con stant cause for the enjoyment of his society, to heap upon him every mark of personal attachment during the period of nearly two years of his residence in France. Dr. Frankhn was from that moment the object of unbounded curi osity and interest. The saloons of Paris Avere incomplete Avithout his presence. There was an enthusiasm excited concerning him, Avhich brought him into all the most beautiful society of that great metropolis, and in which his dress and simplicity of appearance formed a singular contrast to the rich and splendid attire of all others of the company. The young American, it may well be imagined, Avas dehghted Avith the 176 THE. HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. splendor and fascinations of these novel scenes ; and might have found in their allurements a too dangerous occupation, if the cause of all this attraction had not extended to him as well the watchfulness of a father as the kindness of a friend. A rigid etiquette controlled the court dress, of which a sword and bag were indispensable parts. The costume, which was regulated by the season, Avas so strictly enforced, that admission was refused to him Avho AVore lace ruffles when the time required cambric ; but a sword AA'as as inappropriate to Frankhn as it would be in the hands of a Avoman, and he determined to go unarmed. This resolution aston ished the chamberlain of the palace, and delayed, for a time, the presentation of the American commissioners. But Franklin kncAv his ground ; and, although it is not probable he would have sacrificed the advantage of an introduction at court to any vain regard to costume, he determined, if possible, to appear in the simple fashion of his own country. The privilege was accorded to him, and the novelty of his appearance served to increase admiration for his character. Attended by his suite, he had a public audience of the king, and was introduced to the private circle of the queen ; and from that moment, everything Franklin, and eA'erything American, was first in style in the gay coteries of the French capital. Dr. Frankhn's quarters became the point of attraction to all that was distinguished or desirous of being prominent in philosophy or fashion, in politics and taste ; and the duty of receiving and attending to their numerous calls generally devoh'ed on Loring Austin. Ten thousand marks of per sonal kindness AA'hich Avere lavished on Dr. Franklin could not but sometimes excite the good-natured jealousy of the other commissioners, who, though his equals in political rank, seemed to be forgotten entirely by the French people ; and it required some address, certainly, on the part of Franklin, to preserve harmony. Among numberless similar instances of the consideration in which he AA'as held, a large cake was sent, one morning, to the commissioners' apartment, inscribed, " Le digne Franklin," or. For the worthy Frankhn. "We have," said one of the gentlemen, " as usual^ to thank you for our accommodations, and to appropriate your present to our joint use." " Not at all," said Franklin ; " this must be intended for all the commissioners, only these French people cannot write , English. They mean, no doubt, ' Lee, Dean, Franklin.' " "That might answer," said Mr. Lee; " but we know, whenever they remember us at all, they always put you first." JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN. 177 The capture of Burgoyne, and the French alhance, changed wholly the character of the American cause, and it began to be believed in Europe that the independence of the Colonies might be maintained. The members of the English opposition in Parliament maintained a correspondence Avith Dr. Franklin ; and it has been said that he Avas privately visited in Paris by more than one of them. The ministry, it was known, was desirous of keeping the nation in great ignorance of the state of American affairs. Little confidence was placed in their accounts ; and the most intelligent men sought information from other sources, and especially through France. The Americans in England were principally loyalists, and the fairness of their representations Avas hable to suspicion. There was in the conduct and constitution of American affairs a great departure from the usual course of European politics ; — the mode of government, the strength, resources and prospects of the country, were little understood ; — how the war was conducted, when there AA'as none of that machinery Avhich was thought indispensable to raise taxes, support armies, and enforce authority. They were desirous of haAung these matters explained, especially as the enemies of the American cause made this the constant theme for their prophecy of ruin. To communicate this information in an authentic and satisfactory manner, to explain and illustrate the actual state of things in the United States, it was thought could best be done by personal interviews with some intelligent and confidential per son ; and Dr. Franklin proposed a mission for this purpose to Loring; Austin. It may readily be supposed that the young American acceded to this proposal Avith pleasure. The business was in a high degree confidential ; and, as preparatory to it, Franklin required of Austin to burn in his presence every letter which he had brought from his friends in America, — in exchange for which he gave him two letters, Avhich he assured him Avould open an easy communication to Avhatever was an object of interest or curiosity^ either among men or things. One difficulty had, hoAvever, nearly destroyed this plan. Franklin was unwilling that Austin should be known, lest his connection with the commissioners in France might be suspected. But he had many relatives in England of distinction, and was, besides, personally acquainted Avith all the loyalists who had left Boston. Trusting, however, to his prudence, and enjoining on him the most scrupulous attention to preserve from all but the proper per- 178 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. sons the secret of his connection with the commissioners, Franklin furnished him with the means of a passage to England. Probably no American ever visited England under more fortunate circumstances than did Loring Austin. Fcav of our countrymen have the means of associating with the rank and Avealth of that nation. Those who gain this access by means of official station maintain a cold and formal intercourse, limited in its character, and confined to official circles. But the letters of Dr. Franklin, and the desire that was felt by the leaders of the opposition to see and converse Avith an intelligent American, Avho had the confidence of that eminent man, and was from the country of their absorbing interest, brought Loring Austin into familiar personal intercourse with the master spirits of the age. In narrating the progress of his commission, Mr. Austin writes : ¦"My time passes with so little of the appearance of business, that if I was not assured it Avas otherAvise, I should think myself without useful •employment. The mornings I devote to seeing such objects of curi osity or interest as I am advised to, and wholly according to my own inclination. I attend constantly the debates of Parliament, to which I have ready admission ; and have been particularly enjoined to attend, that I may not miss any question on our affairs. Dinner, — or, as it ought to be called, supper, — which folloAVS afterward, is the time allotted to conversation on the affairs of our country. I am invariably detained to parties of this kind, sometimes consisting of seven or eight, and sometimes of the number of twenty. The com pany is ahvays composed of members of Parliament, with very fcAV additions; indeed, I do not knoAV of any ; and no question Avhich you can conceive is omitted, to all which I give such answers as my knowl edge permits. I am sadly puzzled with the various titles which differ ent ranks require. .My small knoAvledge of French prevented this trouble in Paris ; but here I frequently find myself at fault, which subjects me to embarrassment, that is yet forgiven to a stranger." A constant and familiar intercourse with whatever was noble or learned or eminent in the British capital must have made this a most delightful Avinter in London to a young American, educated in the plain habits of Ncav England. Mr. Austin was domesticated in the fiimily of the Earl of Shelburne ; placed under the particular care of his chap lain, the celebrated Dr. Priestley ; introduced to the king, then a youth ; in company with Mr. Fox, present at all the coteries of the opposition, and called upon to explain and defend the cause and character of JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN. 179 his countrymen, in the freedom of colloquial discussion, before the greatest geniuses of the age, against the doubts of some, the ridicule of others, the censure of many, and the inquiries of all. The communications made by Mr. Austin were calculated to explain the condition and circumstances of his countrymen, to give a better conception of their physical and moral strength, to do away the impression of their being at variance among themselves, to explain what might otherwise lead to a belief of their want of harmony ; and, by stating facts which, Avith the minuteness that Avas known to him, his hearers could not be acquainted with, he effected a very useful impression. The object of his visit to England was accomplished to the satisfaction of Dr. Franklin, in Avhose family he continued for some time after his return to Paris. Being charged Avith the despatches of the commis sioners to Congress, he left France, and arrived at Philadelphia, May, 1779. A very liberal compensation was made him by Congress for his services in Europe ; and Mr. Austin again returned to his business in Boston, as an OAvner of a rope-Avalk, and interested in shipping. On the 11th January, 1780, Mr. Austin was appointed by the State of JMassachusetts a commissioner to negotiate in Europe for a loan of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, " and to pledge the faith of the government for the repayment of the same ; " and shortly after embarked for Spain. Such, however, Avas the Ioav credit of the country abroad, or the Avant of information among monied men of its resources and condition, that this small su.m could not be obtained. JNIr. Austin Avas captured on his outAvard passage, and carried a prisoner into England. Personal incivility, inconsistent with the usages of more modern Avarfare, Avas practised toAvards him by the captor, for the purpose of discovering the object of his voyage, the papers concerning it having been thrown overboard during the chase ; and, on the appearance of an American A'essel of force, the master of the English ship actually confined him to the main-mast, and threat ened to keep him there during the action, — a threat which he Avould probably have put in execution, if an engagement had ensued. Mr. Austin, having obtained his hberation in England, by means of friends to Avhom he had formerly been known, passed over to France, and there and in Spain and Holland pursued the object of his mission, with very indifferent success. He was enabled, by adding his own per sonal credit to that of the State, to procure some articles of clothing. 180 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. but far short of the ainount d'esired by the commonwealth. Mr. Austin continued his exertions in Holland until the summer of 1781 ; and, after twenty- two months' absence, returned to the United States. After the close of the Revolutionary War, Mr. Austin engaged again in commercial and manufacturing pursuits, and confined himself chiefly to these occupations. In his native tOAvn he Avas repeatedly honored Avith the confidence of the people. He served for many years on the boards of overseers of the poor and school committee, and in the State Senate, as a member from Suffolk. On removing to Cambridge, where he resided during the period his sons were passing through the uni versity, — one of Avhom prepared the greatest part of this sketch, — Mr. Austin Avas elected a representative from that town to the Legis lature, and was successively elected secretary and treasurer of the commouAvealth. The associations of his early life, and his intercourse Avith educated society in the courts of Europe, had given a refinement and polish to his manners and mode of thinking, that entitled him to the reputation he then universally enjoyed, of being one of the most accomphshed gentlemen of the day. There are those remaining who remember that he, whom for many years we had been accustomed to see bowed down by infirmity and age, was once ' " The glass of fashion and the mould of form. The observed of all observers." Shortly before his death, Mr. Austin interested some young friends, by reciting, memoriter, several of the fine descriptions of Homer and Virgil, which he Avas ever able fiuently to repeat. He died at Boston, May 15, 1826. The Hon. Benjamin Austin, an active and zealous leader of the old Republican party, and a brother of Jonathan Loring Austm, was a frequent writer in the Independent Chronicle, over the signature of Honestus, and author also of a warm political Avork, entitled " Old South," comprising 350 pages, 8vo. His political articles effected a greater sensation than the productions of any writer in liis party, and elicited the following seA-ere effusion from the most satirical poet of Boston : " In vain our literary champions write, — Their satire tickles, and their praises bite. They, by their poor, dull nonsense, clearly own Our depth of anguish to the laughing town. JONATHAN LORING AUSTIN. 181 Their pens inflict not e'en a moment's pain. And Honee scribbles, and his friends, in vain ; Like angry flies that buzz upon the wing. They show the will, but not the power, to sting ; Ambitious with ephemeras to vie. Or moles that thunder into light, and die." Here follows an account of the fruitless efforts of Honestus to make a speech at the Jacobin Club, which met at the Green Dragon Tavern : " Thrice from his seat his form Honestus reared. And thrice in attitude to speak appeared ; His lean left hand he stretched as if to smite. And manfal grasped his breeches with his right. Thrice he essayed to speak, and thrice his tongue In his half-opened mouth suspended hung ; Once more he rose, with mortifying pain, — Once more he rose, — and then sat down again. His disappointed bosom heaved a sigh. And tears of anguish started from his eye. * * 5f * Thrice he essayed, and thrice, in spite of scorn. Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth at last ; AVords, interwove with sighs, found out their way. Of all her sons, none gained so much applause As lank Honestus, with his lanthorn jaws. * * :r. * Once, too, misguided by some adverse power. You aped patrician's airs in evil hour. And Federal Russell, in resentful fit. Thy back belabored, and thy face bespit." in "The Democratiad," a political satire, published at Philadel phia in 1795, Ave find the following allusion to a speech of Benjamin Austin, in Faneuil Hall, on .Ja.y's treaty, and in our sketch'of Joseph Hall are further allusions. The "satirizing priest" of whom the poet says Mr. Austin had such dread was probably Dr. Gardiner : " Now, sage Honestus from his seat arose. Thrice stroked his chops, and thrice surveyed his toes ; Thrice strove his mighty project to declare. Thrice stopped to see if Parson G. Avere there ; — For well he knew the satirizing priest Would hang him up, a scarecrow and a jest. If once he saw his wayward footsteps stray But a small distance in the factious way. 16 182 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. Ah ! timid man, thou nothing hadst to dread, - Among thy Club appeared no honest head ; No Parson G. was there thy steps to trace. And paint the guilty terrors of thy face." THOMAS DAWES. JULY 4, 1787. FOR THE TOAVN AUTHORITIES. Judge Dawes introduced the following felicitous figure, in this pro duction: "One of the late aerostatic navigators," — probably Dr. John Jeffries, — ' ' has intimated that, Avhen sailing in his balloon through the blue chmes of air, over European territories, the eye Avas gratified in the accuracy with which the divisions AVere made between contiguous OAvners of the lands beloAv. The circumstance suggested the idea of firm laws. Had this philosopher made his aerial voyage over the fields of Massachusetts^ he would have enjoyed an additional sentiment, — an idea of equality would have been joined to that of certainty. The senti mentalist would not only have discovered the justness of outlines in the bounds of property, but he would have obserA'cd the equahty of por tions of the respective owners, — a species of equality hoAV exalted above the condition of those countries where the peasant is alienated Avith the soil, and the price of acres is the number of slaves ! Not, indeed, that perfect equality Avhich deadens the motives of industry, and places demerit on a footing Avith virtue ; but that happy mediocrity which soars above bondage, without aspiring to domination. Less favorable to liberty were those agrarian laws which lifted the ancient republics into grandeur." In the peroration of this oration. Judge DaAves says, in a strain of eloquence : " Poverty of genius is not our misfortune. The forms of free and justly balanced politics maintain our title to legislative wis dom. Nor have Ave narroAved the gates of our religious institutions. Liberality is not an exotic that dies on our soil. Independent ground is not watered with the blood of unbelievers. We have not contracted the worship of the Deity to a single estabhshment, but we have opened' an asylum to all people, and kindred, and tongues, and nations. No ! THOMAS DAWES. 183 Mediocrity is not the bane of independent minds. Nature has dealt Avith us not on the minute scale of economy, but the broader principles of bounty. What remains, then, but that Ave improve the gratuities of Providence ? Roused by a sense of past suffering and the dignity of freedom, Ave have once more called on venerable sages of our first Congress, on other immortal characters, to add new strength and beauty to the fair fabric of independence. ' ' A legislation, common in certain cases to all the States, Avill make us a nation in reality, as well as in name. This will permit us to respect our own station, and to treat on equal grounds Avith other poAvers ; will suffer us to be just at home and respectable abroad ; Avill render property secure, and convince us that the payment of debts is our truest policy and highest honor. This Avill encourage husbandry and arts ; Avill settle, Avitli numerous and happy families, the banks of the Ohio and the borders of Kennebec. Huron's neglected waves — Superior's Avilderness of waters, now forlorn and unemployed • — shall bear the countless vessels of internal traffic. Niagara's foaming cataract, crowned with columns of vapor and refracted lines, shall not always bar the intercourse of mighty lakes. The mechanic arts shall find a passage from Erie to Ontario, and Champlain shall be led in triumph to the bosom of the deep. " Hail, glorious age ! Avhen the potent rays of perfect liberty shall burst upon the now benighted desert ; when the tawny natives of America, and the descendants of those Avho fled hither from the old world, shall forget their animosities ; Avhen all parts of this immense continent shall be happy in ceaseless communications, and the mutual exchange of benefits ; Avhen the cornucopia of peace shall be pre ferred to the waste of Avar, as the genial gales of summer to rhe ruf fian blasts of Avinter ; when nations, who noAV hold the samie jealous relation to each other which individuals held before society was formed, shall find some grand principle of combination, like that which rolls the heavenly bodies round a common centre. The distinct fires of American States, Avhich are now blended into one, rising just through broken clouds from the horizon, shall blaze bright in the zenith, — the glory of the universe ! ' ' "You and I," says John Adams to Samuel Adams, "have seen four noble families rise up in Boston, — the Crafts, Gores, DaAves and Austins. These are as really a nobility, in our toAvn, as the Howards, Somersets, Berties, &c., in England. By nobles I mean not pecu liarly an hereditary nobility,' or any particular modification, but the- natural and actual aristocracy among mankind." 184 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. JOHN BROOKS. JULY 4, 1787. FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI. Before the dissolution of the American army, the officers, in their cantonments near Hudson's river, instituted a society. May 10, 1783, which, from similarity in their situation to that of the celebrated Roman, was to be denominated " The Society of the Cincinnati." It was to be designated by a medal of gold, representing the American eagle, bearing on its breast the devices of the order, which was to be suspended by a deep blue ribbon, edged with white, descriptive of the union of America and France. The immutable principles of the society required the members to preserve the rights and privileges of human nature, for which they had fought and bled, and to promote and cherish union and honor between the respective States. Its objects were to perpetuate the remembrance of the American ReA'olution, as well as a cordial affection among the officers, and to extend acts of beneficence to those officers and their families whose situation might require assistance. A common fund was to be created, by the deposit of one month's pay on the part of every officer becoming a member. This institution excited no inconsiderable degree of jealousy and oppo sition. The ablest dissertation against it was entitled "Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati," dated Charleston, S. C, Oct.. 10, 1783, and signed " Cassius." It was the production of Acdamus Burke, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of South Carohna, who undertook to proA'e that the Cincinnati creates two distinct orders among our people : a race of hereditary nobles founded on the military, together with the most influential families and men in the State, — and the people, or plebeians. On about the year 1803, Col. Humphrey Avrote, in reply, that "more than twenty years have elapsed, and not one fact has occurred to countenance these jealous insinuations." This institution is said to have been originated by Maj. Gen. Knox. Its first president was George Washington, who gave his signature at the head of the list of members on its establishment. Gen. Knox was secretary-general. The first officers for the Massachusetts branch of that society Avere as follows : Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, President; Maj. Gen. Henry Knox, Vice President; Col. John Brooks, Secretary; Col. Henry Jackson, Treasurer ; Capt. Benjamin Haywood, Assistant Treasurer. JOHN BROOKS. 185 The first orator for this branch of the institution was Hon. John Brooks, in 1787. After 1790, the delivery of orations for this society ceased ; but annual meetings, and civic feasts, with toasts and senti ments, on the anniversary of independence, are to this day perpetuated. A strong indication of the patriotic motives of this remnant of revo lutionary heroes is evident from the eloquent appeal of Gen. John Brooks, in this oration. " Considering the temper of the times," says Gen. Brooks, " in which you five, the part you have to act is confess edly difficult. For, although, as a society, friendship and benevolence are your great objects, yet apathy in you with regard to the public Avelfare Avould be construed into disaffection, and uncommon sensibility into design. It is impossible for men, Avhose great ambition it has been to deserve the approbation of their felloAV-citizens, to view Avith indifference the reproach Avhich has been cast upon your institution. But there is a degree of respect due from every man to himself, as well as to others ; and there are situations from which one may not recede, Avithout the unavoidable imputation of weakness or of guilt. While, therefore, a consciousness of virtuous and laudable vieAvs Avill prompt you to cherish the benevolent principles which first induced you to associate, you Avill be led to respect that spirit of jealousy Avhich always characterizes a free government, and, Avhen not carried to excess, is useful in its support. Time, which places everything in its true hght, will convince the world that your institution is founded in virtue, and leads to patriotism. " Besides the motives you have, in common Avith others, to seek the public Avclfare, a regard to the consistence of your OAvn character, that sense of honor Avhich has raised you superior to every temptation and to every distress, the reiterated testimonials you have received from your country of their sense of your patriotism and military merit, are ties that must forever bind you most sacredly to her interests. Prosecute, then, with resolution, what you have instituted in sincerity. Make it the gi-eat object of your ambition, as you have shone as soldiers, to excel as citizens. Treat Avith just indifference the insinua tions Avhich envy may be disposed to throw out against you. Silence the tongue of slander, by the rectitude of your conduct and the bril liance of your A'irtues. Suffer not the affected jealousy of individuals to abate the ardor of your patriotism. As you have fought for lib erty, convince the Avorld you know its value. As you have greatly contributed to establish these governments, teach the licentious traitor 16* 186 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. that you will support them ; and as you have particularly fought under the banners of the Union, inculcate, in your several circles, the neces sity of preserving the unity of the national character. Fortify your minds against that foe to integrity, that bane of republicanism, an immoderate thirst for popularity." Hon. John Brooks Avas born at Medford, June 6, 1752, and receiA-ed a town-school education. He was an indented apprentice to Simon Tufts, M. D., at the age of fourteen, until he became of age. He early settled at Reading, in medical practice, and married Lucy Smith, an orphan. While at Reading, he became captain of a company of minute-men, and it being at the period when Boston was in the pos session of the British troops, under pretext of going into tOAvn for medicine to be used in his profession, he engaged a drill-sergeant of the regulars to secretly instruct him in the manual exercise ; and he often remarked, it was of this British soldier that he acquired the rudiments of military tactics. He was not at the battle of Bunker Hill, but Avas engaged in other services on that day and night, at Cambridge. His daughter Lucy was prematurely born, at Reading, on that memorable day ; and, being remarkable for active and ener getic habits, her brother Alexander observed to her, one day, Avhen she was bustling about the house, " Why, Lucy, you was born in a bustle, and I believe you Avill die in a bustle." Mr. Brooks was a schoolmate with the eminent Count Rumford. Hon. Loammi Baldwin, of Woburn, Avas his early friend ; and each was destined for college, but neither of them ever received a literary education, being diverted from their purpose by patriotic ardor. Capt. Brooks was in the battle of Lexington, and, meeting the British force on their return from Concord, he ordered his men to post themselves behind the barns and fences, and fire incessantly upon them. Col. Brooks, in the battle of Saratoga, at the head of his regiment, stormed and carried the intrenchments of the German troops. In the battle of Monmouth, Brooks was acting adjutant-general. After the battle of Saratoga, he thus laconically Avrote to a friend: "We have met the British and Hessians, and have beat them ; and, not content with this victory, we have assaulted their intrenchments, and carried them." Col. Brooks detected a conspiracy of officers at Newburgh, early in 1783. He kept them Avithin quarters, to prevent an attendance on the insurgent meeting. On this occasion, which was probably the JOHN BROOKS. 187 most anxious period in the career of Washington, who rode up to him for counsel on this point. Brooks said, " Sir, I haA^e anticipated your wishes, and my orders are given." Washington, Avith tears in his eyes, extended to him his hand, and said, " Col. Brooks, this is just Avhat I expected from you." What a scene for an artist! In 1780, Col. Brooks delivered a Masonic oration at West Point, in the presence of the noble Washington. He Avas commander of the Ancient and Hon orable. Artillery Company in 1786, and major-general of the Massa chusetts troops in Shays' insurrection. In 1788 he Avas a memlier of the State convention for the adoption of tho federal constitution. Was president of the Massachusetts Medical Society. In 1795 Gen. Brooks published an oration for the Massachusetts Humane Society. In 1800 he published a eulogy on Washington, delivered at Medford. He had, previous to this period, been appointed a U. S. marshal, and supervisor of the direct tax. He was vice-president of the first temperance society in New England, on its institution, in 1813. He was the State adjutant-general under Caleb Strong, and Governor of the State from 1816 to 1823. We well remember the beautiful scene of August 25, 1824, when Lafayette stood on the balcony of the mansion-house at the head of Park-street, attended by Gov. Eustis on the right, and his immediate predecessor. Gov. Brooks, on the left side of him, each in full military dress amid the cheerings of the gathered multitude, and the escort of the Boston regiment, on retiring to their quarters. When Lafayette visited his old companion-in-arms, during this month, one of the arches displayed, on his entrance into Medford, this inscription, " Welcome to our Hills and Brooks." Gov. Brooks died at Medford, March 1, 1825. Lieut. John, a son of Gov. Brooks, of youthful beauty and generous enterprise, fell in the battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, on board Perry's flag-ship LaAvrence. Alexander S., his other son, en tered the U. S. army. Lucy married Rev. Geo. 0. Stuart, of Canada. "In the character of tins estimable man," remarks his pastor, AndrcAV Bigelow, D. D., " there Avas a junction of qualities equally great and good. Great qualities he certainly possessed. The faculties of his mind, naturally of no inferior order, had been unusually strength ened by culture and exercise. Separately, they Avere all entitled to respect on the score of power ; and, had the entire assemblage centred in some one not endued Avith his genuine goodness of heart, or in whose breast a baleful ambition reigned, they ayouH have clearly 188 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. proved the possessor to be a talented man, in the popular sense of the phrase. In the case supposed, they would have stood all naked and open, and have glared upon human observation." The best memoir of John Brooks extant is that written by his pastor. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. JULY 4, 1788. FOR THE TOWN AUTHORITIES. In this spirited and elegant oration of Mr. Otis, it is remarked : " A revieAV of the history of the North American settlements exhibits an early and almost a continual struggle betAveen tyranny and avarice upon one side, and an ardent sense of native liberty upon the other. Those are mistaken who think that the original source of oppression may be traced in the ordinance of the Stamp Act. The first colonial institution established in Virginia Avas subjected to an arbitrary council, dependent upon the capricious pleasure of a king. Patience and enterprise at length had discovered to the inhabitants a staple production at that period peculiar to the colony, Avhen the harsh man date of a tyrant foe had the cultivation of it,- and condemned commerce to defile her infant hands in the fruitless, ignoble drudgery of searching after mines. In other southern colonies, instances are not wanting of inquisitorial writs and of violated charters. " It must, however, be alloAved, that, sheltered by the canopies of their paramounts, they Avere in general less exposed than their sister proA'inces to the scorching rays of supreme majesty. AdA'ancing into New England, the system of oppression becomes more uniform, and the resistance consequently more conspicuous. No affluent proprie tary appeared to protect our hardy ancestors. The immeasurable Avild had yielded to their industry a vacancy barely sufflcient for their household gods. At the same moment, the pestilential breath of a despot blcAv into their country a swarm of locusts, commissioned to corrode their liberties to the root. Even in those early times, not only the freedom, but the use of the press, was prohibited ; neAv taxes were imposed ; old charters Avere abrogated ; citizens were impressed. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 189 The croATO of England restrained emigrations from that country, dis couraged population upon this side of the Atlantic, confiscated estates, suppressed the habitual modes of public AVorship, and precluded the wretched privilege of complaint. Oppressed in a manner so irritating, so unworthy, how did our forefathers sustain these accumulated mis eries? Did they crouch, dismayed, beneath the iron sceptre? Did they commit treason against themselves, by alienating the dearest pre rogatives of humanity ? No ; Ave find them persevering in decent, pathetic remonstrances, in the time of Charles the First, refusing to surrender their patent to CromAvell, and exhibiting a bill of rights at the time of the restoration. After the abdication of James, the tri umph of liberty in Britain became complete. Ministers naturally grcAV fearful lest her pervading influence should extend to the colonies ; and from the era of the Revolution until the gloomy hour of the Stamp Act, the plan of our slavery Avas ahvays resumed in the inter vals of domestic peace. Affairs noAV assumed a more serious aspect. The minds of men became vehemently agitated ; and, after a sad vari ety of disappointment, the citizens of these provinces Avere compelled to di'aw their swords, and to appeal to the God of armies. What, then, may we hence infer, Avere the principles Avhich actuated the high-spir ited Americans, placed in a situation so critical and disastrous ? They were elevated, patriotic, godlike. They induced a voluntary sacrifice of ease and fortune, a contempt for danger, and inspired confidence in leaders chosen by themselves. What were the manners ? These con sisted in honor, temperance, fortitude, religion. What were the feel-, ings ? These, no poAver of language can describe. Had they still continued to animate our bosoms, they might have supplied the want of a new government, Avhich uoav alone can save us from perdition." Harrison Gray Otis was a son of Samuel Alleyne Otis, a native of Barnstable, who married Elizabeth, the only daughter of Harrison Gray, Receiver-general of this province ; and second to Mary, the AvidoAV of Edward Gray, Esq., and daughter of Isaac Smith. His father Avas early in mercantile hfe, settled in Boston, and Avas active in the cause of liberty, but was too youthful to become eminent in the Revolution, like his brother James, the great advocate. He was, however, a rep resentative from Boston in 1776, and member of t'ne State convention of 1780. He Avas a member of the Board of War, and Speaker of the House, 1784. In 1787 he aa'us appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate regarding Shays' insurrection. He was elected a member 190 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. of Congress in 1788, and after the adoption of the federal constitu tion was chosen Secretary of the Senate of the United States, which he filled Avith scrupulous fidelity, blandness and courtesy, — Avithout, it is said, being absent from his post a single day during a period of thirty years, and till his decease, amid the collision of party strife, to the approbation of all parties. He died at Washington, April 22, 1814, aged 73. The grandfather of the subject of this article ^ Harrison Gray, Esq. — adhered to the royal cause, and removed from Boston, March 17, 1776, with the British troops, on their evacuation. John Adams once impulsively said of Harrison Gray, that he has a very tender mind, and is extremely timid. He says, "When he meets a man of the other side, he talks against him; when he meets a man of our side, he opposes him,— -so that he fears he shall be thought against everybody, and so everybody will be against him. ' ' And at another time, Mr. Adams remarked : "I went in to take a pipe with brother Cranch, and there I found Zab Adams. He told me he heard that I had made two very poAverful enemies in this town, and lost two very valuable clients — Treasurer Gray and Ezekiel Goldthwaite ; and that he heard that Gray had been to me for my account, and paid it off, and determined to have nothing more to do with me. 0, the wretched, impotent malice ! They shoAV their teeth, — they are eager to bite, — but they have not strength. I despise their anger, their resentment, and their threats ; but I can tell Mr. Treasurer that I have it in my power to tell the world a tale which Avill infallibly unhorse him, Avhether I am in the house or out. If this province kneAV that the public money had never been counted these tAventy years, and that no bonds were given last year, nor for several years before, there would be so much uneasiness about it that Mr. Treasurer Gray Avould lose his election another year." And Trumbull, in McFingal,' satirically says : " AVhat Puritan could ever pray In godlier tone than Treasurer Gray ? Or at town-meetings, speechifying. Could utter more melodious Avhine, And shut his eyes, and vent his moan. Like owl afflicted in the sun ? " Bold imputations having been declared that Treasurer Gray had appropriated funds of this province to private purposes, the grand son prepared a clear refutation of the unjust accusation, from which we HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 191 select a portion. It may be found entire in Russell's Centinel, June, 1830. Alluding to grandfather Gray, Mr. Otis says : "I was indeed only nine years old Avhen I last saAv him, but my recollections of him and of the circumstances of his exile are associated Avith the most vivid and affectionate impressions of that tender age. My paternal ances tors were, in the phrase of the day, high Whigs. My pateru'al grand father Avas president of the council held in 1774, immediately after the dissolution de facto of the regular government, by Gage ; and in the years next folloAving the departure of the British from Boston, my uncles and father were, some of them, in the General Court, and inti mately connected Avi>h the public transactions of the times. In 1775, my father, with his Avife, the treasurer's only daughter and children, took refuge in my paternal grandfather's mansion in the country. In 1776, immediately after the evacuation, Ave returned taBoston. Though the opposite political attitudes of the two families never interrupted for a moment the tender attachment of my parents for each other, yet the separation of my father from her father, Avhose darling child she Avas, preyed upon her peace of mind, and finally destroyed her health. Thus it may Avell be conceived that the public relation and affairs of Treas urer Gray, from November, 1774, Avhen the people took the reins of government into their own hands, — my paternal grandfather then being, in fact, the presiding officer, — to the time of his leaving the country, and that his departure itself and the circumstances attending it, Avere themes of constant discussion and intense interest in the family circle, in my hearing ; and that, had any suspicion, hint or accusation, of his carrying aAvay the public money, prevailed among the ru.ling party, they could not have been hidden or forgotten by me. Tavo years after this time, at the age of twelve, I began a correspondence Avith the treasurer. After the peace, and before I Avas of age, he employed me in attempting to save and convey to him something from the wreck of his fortune. In 1794, at the advanced age of eighty-four, this excellent and virtuous man sunk to rest. Yet, through the long period of eighteen years of constant correspondence with him, and the longer time of six-and-thirty years, during Avhich his bones have been mouldering in the grave, I solemnly declare that I never ' heard of the suggestion of any defalcation of the public money by him, or of any offence commit ted against his country, but his acceptance of the mandamus commis sion. But I well remember the constant exultation of my mother, in the midst of her troubles, that ' his enemies could say nothing against 192 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. him.' This negative testimony should suffice to put down the idle and unsupported fabrication." Mr. Otis: after going into a detail unequiv ocally proving the financial honor of his maternal grandfather, thus eloquently remarks : " I have never, to the best of my remembrance, written a line in vindication of my own pubhc character, though for years together I have been doomed to run the gauntlet through rank and file of my pohtical opponents. But I have now no choice. Some old resurrectionist, in fumbling over the tomb of a relative recently deceased, disturbs the ashes of another long since dead. It is my duty to protect them. They are the sacred rehcs of my earliest friend and benefactor, whose name I bear, whose blood is in my veins, and whose exile I Avas taught to regard as the heaviest calamity that befell my childhood and youth. He atoned for a solitary political error of judg ment by sacrificing fortune to principle, and left instead of it the leg acy only of a good name. An attempt is nOAV made to conjure up a mist of slander or suspicion over his antiquated tomb. To the name of the dark magician I have no clue. He calls himself Senex, and deals in the gossip by Avhich '' narrative old age ' betrays its approxima tion to dotage. I hope the exceeding absurdity of the statement into which he has been led Avill naturally restrain him hereafter, — the pro pensity natural to old folks of prating about sixty years' since, — and that he Avill remember, when they grow anecdotical, they become obnoxious to the character once given by a lady to an old busy-body, who, inquiring Avhat the Avorld thought of him, was ansAvered, ' All the women think you an old man, and all the men consider you an old Avoman.' " Harrison Gray, in a letter to Rev. Mr. Montague, of Christ Church, Boston, dated London, Aug. 1, 1791, remarks to him, in a spirit of loyalty to the crown of Britain, as folloAvs : " The melancholy state in Avhich you represent religion to be in Boston and Ncav England is con firmed by all Avho come from thence. Is this one of the blessings of your independence, to obtain which you sacrificed so many hves ? I am glad that your federal constitution ' has had a very great and good effect,' but very much question whether you Avill ever be so happy as you Avere under the mild and gentle government and protection of Great Britain ; for, notwithstanding the freedom my countrymen boast of, if, in order to obtain it, they have sacrificed their religion, they have made a poor bargain. They cannot, in a rehgious sense, be called a free people, till the Son of God has made them free. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 193 "It is very surprising, considering the establishment of the Roman Catholic religion at Quebec Avas one of the heavy grievances the Amer ican Congress complained of, that your governor and other great men in your toAvn should attend the Avorship of God in a Roman Catholic church, to hear a Romish bishop, on a Sunday ; and that he should be one of the chaplains who officiated at a public dinner ! I cannot, at present, account for their inconsistency any otherwise than by supposing the part they took in the late unhappy contest lays so heavy upon their consciences that they imagine no one can absolutely absolve them but a Romish priest." Harrison Gray Otis was born in Boston, Oct. 8, 1765, on the estate adjoining the Revere House, and next that of the late Capt. Jonathan Chapman. He remembered standing at the AvindoAV of his birth-place, to see the British regulars, Avhen on the march to Lexington. He entered the public Latin School in 1773. The youthful days of Mr. Otis, at this period, are narrated by himself in his speech at the dedi cation of the Otis School, on Lancaster-street, March 13, 1845 ; and this was his last public address. Mr. Otis said that nothing Avas more reniote from his mind than the idea of making an address upon a sub ject of such importance as education. The day for making addresses had long since passed Avith him. Old men should know Avhen to. retire. They should not, like old ladies, appear in public bedizened with the ornaments of youth. He Avas not competent to ma,ke one now, but^ he could do what all old men could, — tell a story about him self As the school had been named after him, he was vain enough to> suppose that some of the pupils Avould be interested in hearing some thing that related to his school-boy days. He Avas a Boston boy, and he had received all his education at the public schools after he Avas seven years old. He cherished a great affection for those days, and he thought with pleasure on the memory of his schoolmasters, with whom he had always been on good terms, excepting an occasional flogging. The first school he Avent to Avas a cfiasl public school. It Avas kept by Master Griffith, in Hanover-street. His friend. Deacon Grant, who was near him, kncAV exactly Avhere it Avas. Master Griffith Avas a worthy old creature, and had some pretensions to facetiousness. His ideas, as to reAvards, Avere a little peculiar. Every Wednesday after noon, the boys Avho had demeaned themselves Avith propriety expected to receive a prize, Avhich expectation was not disappointed. But Avhat did they think it was ? Shellbarks, thrown out of the Avindow, for 17 194 THE HUNDRED BOSTON ORATORS. which the boys scrambled ! He then went to the Latin School, which was in School-street. The master, Mr. Lovell, was a worthy old gen tleman ; but there had been a sort of rivalry betAveen the Latin and the writing schools, which was the cause of several curious doggerel effusions on the part of the boys, some extracts of which were repeated by Mr. Otis with humorous effect. Forty years ago, continued Mr. Otis, the place where this school was built was a mill-pond. The tide flowed into it to the depth of ten or twelve feet. There Avas then no expectation that a school-house Avould ever be erected on this spot. There Avere "schools" of fishes here, but there was no schoolmaster, except the successor of St. Anthony, who, it was said, could preach to the fishes. Mr. Otis said he was entirely inadequate to describe the great advantages which the children