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DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 



\ 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



SKETCHES 



DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN 



Y S. <:: ARNOLD. 



•' No study can be more useful to liic ingenuous youtli of the United States:, 
than tiiat of their own history, nor any examples more interesting or more Kali"- 
for their contemplation, than tliose of the great founders of the republic." 

Tudors Lift nf Otis. 








IRZNTON, N. i. 
PRE?S OF THE EMPORIUM. 

1845. 



\-\o 



A] 



Entered according to act of Congress, in tlie year 1S45, by S. G. Arnold, in 
the Clerk's office of the District Court of ths District of New Jersey. 



PREFACE. 

The idea of the following sketches was lirst suggested ia a small circle of 
literary friend^ who each a-reed to contribute for the columns of the '• Empo- 
rium & True Ameriean," something towards rescuing from oblivion the names 
of those who have played a distinguished part in the councils of the state, or 
«;ho have, in some way, contributed to its glory or prosperity. These sketches, 
as they appeared in the Emporium, attracted considerable attention, aod the 
publication, in some form more permanent than that of the columns of a news- 
paper, was .0 often suggested, that it has been deemed best to venture on the 
experiment. Should they prove to be the means of extending the knowledge of 
our history among those who are just entering on the stage of life, the writers 
will feel that their labors have not been in vain, and with this hope they 
< ommit these pages to the indulgent attention of the great public. 
Trfnton, July, ISl"). 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 



, 1 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 

To an American, the most important political event of 
modern times, is the Declaration of our National Indepen- 
dence ; and the names which were subscribed to that immor- 
tal paper, have naturally drawn around them an interest 
commensurate with the greatness of that event. The state 
of New Jersey was, at that time, represented in the National 
Assembly by five delegates, one of whom was a minister of 
the gospel, two were members of the bar, and two were cul- 
tivators of the earth. They were not all native Jerseymen, 
but this act has so thoroughly identified them with our state, 
that we claim their reputation as our own. 

Abraham Clark was one of the two farmers. He was born 
in Essex county, about a mile and a half from the village of 
Rahway, on the upper road to Elizabethtown, February 
15, 1726, on the farm which he afterwards inherited, and 
which descended to him by regular succession from his an- 
cestors, who were among the first settlers of the colony. 
His father, Thomas Clark, was an alderman of the borough 
of Elizabeth, a man of respectability and standing, and gave 
his son, what, for the times, was considered as a good edu- 
cation. 

Abraham, at an early age, manifested an inclination for 
study, and devoted considerable attention to mathema- 
tics, of which he was particularly fond. He also turned his 
attention to civil law, and made himself familiar with the 
principles and so much of the details, as he thought neces- 



10 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

i^ary in transacting the ordinary business of life. In 1748, at 
the age of twenty-two years, he married Miss Sarali Hetfield, 
who resided in the borough of Elizabeth, and by whom he 
had a family of children, some of whom were conspicuous 
actors in the war of the Revolution. Several of his sons were 
officers in the American army, and, falling into the hands 
of the enemyj were among those who suffered imprisonment 
in the celebrated prison ship, Jersey, where they experienced 
all the hardships and cruelties which at that time marked 
the policy of the mother country towards her offending off- 
spring. Thomas was a captain of artillery, and his treat- 
ment was particularly barbarous. He was immured in a dun- 
geon, and for a long time had no other food than that which 
was surreptitiously conveyed to him, by his companions in 
suffering, through the keyhole of the door. 

Mr. Clark, the subject of this article, was of a delicate 
constitution and a slender frame, so that, notwithstanding 
his agricultural tastes and education, he was disqualified for 
the laborious pursuits of the field, and was chiefly employ- 
ed, in the early part of his life, in surveying, conveyancing 
and settling estates. He was also a frequent arbiter in dis- 
putes, was very generally consulted by his neighbors in all 
cases of litigation, gave legal advice to all who desired it, 
without fee or reward, and by his generous labors and kindly 
advice, obtained the grateful appellation of the ^^ poor man's 
counsellor. ^^ 

The colonial legislature also manifested their confidence 
in Mr. Clark's integrity, by appointing him a commissioner 
for settling undivided lands, and by electing him to the 
office of clerk of the general assembly, which then held its 
sessions at Amboy. He was also intrusted with the office of 
sheriff, and other stations of minor importance in the county 
of Essex, and appears to have been, in the more tranquil 
times which preceded the revolution, a quiet, pious, respec- 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 11 

table and useful citizen, who enjoyed the general confidence 
of the people. 

When the controv'ersy with Great Britain arose, Mr. Clark 
was ill the full vigor of his intellect and usefulness, and able 
to give weight and strength to the cause which he might 
espouse. All his interests were with the royal party, but his 
feelings and his judgment inclined him at once to the popu- 
lar side, and no one, who knew the probity of his char- 
acter, would expect Abraham Clark to yield his duty to mere 
personal interests. He stood forth at once, and took a promi- 
nent part against the oppressive claims of parliament, and 
threw all the weight of his influence and the energies of his 
mind into the contest. 

Mr. Clark was a busy agitator, and a principal actor in all 
the measures of resistance which preceded the Declaration 
of Independence. He spoke freely on the subject of Ameri- 
can wrongs among his friends, assisted in fermenting the 
j)opular feeling in public assemblies, and was an active and 
working member of the committee of safety. 

This long course of patriotic and disinterested services 
naturally turned towards him the attention of the prominent 
patriots of that day, and, on the 21st of June, 1776, he was 
appointed by the colonial convention, then assembled at 
Burlington, a delegate to the continental congress. 

The colony of New Jersey had taken an early stand 
against the aggressions of the British government. In July, 
1774, the people assembled in township meetings and elect- 
ed delegates to a colonial convention, which had been called 
(or the purpose of choosing delegates to the continental con- 
gress. At these primary meetings, resolutions were very 
generally passed, strongly censuring the tyrannical measures 
of the British government, in taxing the colonies without 
;tllowing them a representation in parliament, and, especi- 
ally, in closing the port of Boston — and a second convention 



12 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

met in Trenton, in 1775, which took measures for raising- 
military companies in the several townships, and imposed 
a tax for their support. 

Gov. Franklin was importuned to call the legislature to- 
gether, in order that the representatives might give these 
measures the sanction of law, and to adopt others for the 
further security of the colony, but he refused ; and the con- 
vention (the Provincial Congress as it was then called) took 
upon itself most of the authorities of the regular legislative 
assembly. Mr. Clark received his appointment as delegate 
to congress from this informal body. His colleagues were 
Richard Stockton, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson and Dr. 
John Witherspoon. 

The august body of which he had now become a member, 
was sitting, at the time. of his election, in the old Carpenter's 
Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, and thither he immediately 
repaired. The subject of declaring the colonies independent of 
Great Britain had already been introduced, and he co-operated 
cordially with those who advocated this important and decisive 
measure, and, a few days after, placed his hand to the instrument 
as one who was willing to pledge life, fortune and honor , in 
sustaining the just rights of his country. 

As a member of the continental congress, Mr, Clark was dis- 
tinguished for his zeal in the cause of American liberty and his 
attention and application to the pubhc business. He was ap- 
pointed on several important committees, and gave to his new and 
more extended duties all the industry, ability and perseverance 
which had marked his conduct in a more humble sphere. In the 
following November, he was re-appointed by the legislature, 
which had, during the interim, been regularly constituted, under 
the state constitution, which was adopted on the 2d of July; and 
he was annually returned until 1783, with the exception of a 
single year. 

Mr. Clark, in assisting to conduct the public business, soon dis- 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 13 

covered that the articles under which the several states Were 
confederated, were grossly defective in many essential particu- 
lars ; and when the army w'as disbanded and the machinery of the 
government was left to depend on its own intrinsic merits, these 
defects exhibited themselves in a still more glaring light, and 
attracted the general attention of our most prominent statesmen, 
Mr. Clark was among the first to advocate a convention whose 
duty it should be to organize a more efficient system of govern- 
ment, and when the convention was finally called, in 1787, he 
was constituted a member, but was prevented by ill health from 
attending its sittings. The other delegates from New Jersey w^ere 
William Livingston, David Brearley, William Patterson, William 
C. Houston, and John Nielson. When the new constitution w^as 
published and presented to the states for their adoption, he oppo- 
sed it, but was fortunately overruled by his state. Subsequently, 
when the amendments were engrafted upon it, he withdrew his 
objections and gave it his hearty sanction. In 1787 he was again 
appointed to a seat in the continental congress, and continued a 
member until that body was dissolved by the new order, under 
the federal constitution. 

Mr. Clark was a candidate for a seat in the first congress under 
the new constitution, but was defeated. In the interim of his 
services in the national council he was generally a member of the 
state legislature. Here he had been conspicuous in procuring the 
passage of a bill, which curtailed, to some extent, the fees of 
lawyers, and which was characterized by the members of the bar 
as "Clark''s law.^' This at once brought against him the influ- 
ence of this active and industrious class of citizens. In congress 
he had also manifested a regard for the most rigid economy, and 
in carrying out his views, had opposed a proposition for commu- 
ting the pay of officers. The officers consequently became his 
decided opponents. He had, besides, opposed the adoption of the 
new constitution, which made him obnoxious to another, and still 
larger class of citizens, and the result was, that for once during 



14 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

his long political life, he was left in the minority and lost his 
election. 

But Mr. Clark had, by no means, forfeited the confidence of his 
native state. In the winter of 1789-'90, he was appointed a 
commissioner to settle the accounts of the state with the general 
governmentj and, at the following election, was returned to the 
second congress, and continued to be re-elected until he volun- 
tarily withdrew from public life, at the expiration of the session 
in June, 1794. 

His health, never very good, had been much impaired by hii» 
application to the public business, and, exhausted by his toils and 
the infirmities incident to his advanced life, he returned to his 
humble home, to spend the remainder of his days in quiet retiro 
ment. His career was, however, drawing to its close. Tn the 
following autumn, while engaged about his farm, he received 
what is commonly called "a stroke of the sun," and in two hours 
after, he breathed his last, being at the time, in the 69th year nt 
his age. 

Mr. Clark, during his life, had bestowed numerous benefactions 
on the church at Rahway, and his remains were carried thither 
for interment, OA^er them is inscribed the following record : 

" In memory of Abraliam Clark, Esq., who died Sept 15th, 1794, in the C^th 
year of liis ago. Firm and decided as a patriot; zealous and faithful as a public 
servant, he loved his country and adhered to her cause in the darkest hours 
of iier struggle against oppression." 

The long public career of Mr. Clark is a sufficient testimony 
to the confidence reposed in him by the people of his native state, 
and his high standing as a patriot and statesman. In private 
life lie w^as reserved and sedate, preferring retirement to company, 
and always absorbed, apparently, in the affairs of the public. 
He was, however, a kind husband and parent, and a devoted 
christian. 

His biographer tells us — and the acts of his life confirm the 
statement — that the distinguishing trait in his character was pa- 
triotism. His integrity, sound judgment and devotion to the great 



ABRAHAM CLARK. 15 

interests of his country, fully justify the high confidence reposed 
in him by his patriotic countiymen. 

It is recorded of him, that although his sons were prisoners, 
and in the hands of an enemy distinguished for injustice, he asked 
no special interference in their favor, and when the barbarous 
treatment which they received, in common with others, came to 
his knowledge, he only proposed the system of retaliation, which 
being adopted, had the effect to mitigate their sufferings until the 
period of regular exchange arrived. 

As a member of the old congress — of the state legislature, and 
a representative of New Jersey under the new constitution, he 
was distinguished more for his usefulness than his brilliancy, 
though he often entered vv-armly into the debates of those exciting 
times. His long career made him perfectly familiar with the 
public business and gave him great prominence and influence. 
In the last congress of which he was a member, he exerted his 
influence and talents in support of Mr. Madison's resolutions rela- 
ting to the commerce of the United States, and was considered 
one of their most powerful advocates, 

Mr. Clark was of a slender form, medium height, grave and 
thoughtful in his bearing, and extremely temperate in his maimer 
of living. In public atiairs he had the reputation of being a 
rigid economist, but in his private relations was liberal and phil- 
anthropic. His circmnstances were limited, his desires moderate, 
and being unambitious of wealth, he devoted himself Math undi- 
vided energy to the good and glory of his country. He was a 
plain, pious, unambitious man, and in public and private life pre- 
sents an example of excellence which the American farmer will 
ever be proud to cherish. G. 



JOHN mXHERSPOON. 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 

Rev. Dr. Witherepoon was appointed a member of the conti- 
nental congress at the same time and under the same circumstan- 
ces as Mr. Clark. He was not a native Jerseyman, and besides, 
was attached to a profession which is frequently thought to exclude 
men from the honors and burdens of state affairs. But the good 
Doctor had taken up the cause of the colonies with so much ardor 
and enthusiasm, and was enabled to bring to it such a weight of 
influence and talent, as to give him, not only the full confidence 
of his adopted state, but to make his selection a matter of 
state policy. 

John Witherspoon, whose name is so thoroughly identified with 
the honor and prosperity of New Jersey, was born in the parish 
of Yester, near Edinburg, Scotland, on the 5th day of February, 
1722. He was lineally descended from the Rev. John Knox, the 
great Scotch reformer, and his father was also a minister of the 
church of Scotland. At an early age he manifested a strong 
inclination for reading and study, and industriously improved the 
liberal advantages which his father gave him. At the age of 
fourteen, he entered the Edinburg University, and through his 
whole course of studies, which were directed with a view to the 
sacred profession, maintained a high standing and gave evi- 
dence of those strong intellectual powers for which he was after- 
wards so much distinguished. 

At the age of twenty-one he left the university, when he was 
licensed to preach the gospel and became the assistant of his fath- 
er at Yester, but soon after accepted an invitation from the parish 



20 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

of Beith, in the west of Scotland, where he w^as ordained and set- 
tled. After residing here a few years, usefully employed in his 
labor of love, his high and increasing reputation as a preacher 
induced the congregation at Paisley, near Glasgow, to ask for his 
removal thither, and, in this wider sphere of usefulness he con- 
tinued until he was called to the "New World." 

During his residence i^t Beith, he was singularly enough, in- 
volved in some of the disagreeable consequences of the war 
which was then raging in Scotland, between the houses of Stuart 
and Hanover. The Pretender, as Charles was called, had made 
hiimself master of the town of Stirhng early in January, 1746, 
and proceeded in his designs against the castle. Gen. Hawley, 
the commander of the English forces in Scotland, was dispatched 
to its relief with a powerful array. The Pretender marched out 
to meet him, and the two armies met on the 16th of January, at 
Falkirk, where the English general was totally routed. 

The curiosity of the young minister induced him to seek a posi- 
tion where he could witness the conflict between the contending 
armies, and in the sweep made by the victors, he was picked up, 
and thrown, with other prisoners, into the castle of Doune. He 
was confined in a large upper room, next below the battlements, 
and had for his companions, five members of the Edinburg compa- 
ny of volimteers and two citizens of Aberdeen, charged with being 
spies. 

The quarters of the captives were not particularly agreeable, 
and as a part of them, at least, had a fair prospect of being hanged, 
there was not wanting a sufficient motive for prompting them to 
effect their escape. The sentinel had allowed them to pass freely 
up to the battlements, which were seventy feet from the ground, 
and their plan was to descend from this terrific height by means 
of a rope constructed of strips torn from the bed blankets which 
had been allowed them by their jailor. 

Mr. Witherspoon assisted them in their preparations, but when 
the plan was about to be carried into effect, had not fully deter- 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 21 

mined whether to avail himself of it or not. The order in which 
they were to descend was decided by lot, he being left, at his own 
request, out of the arrangement. The first four passed down in 
safety. The fifth man was very large and his descent too much 
hurried. Just as he reached the ground the rope broke, some 
thirty feet above him, but he received no injury. The accident 
was immediately communicated to those remaining on the battle- 
ments, but Thomas Barrow, whose turn came next, was so anxious 
to effect his escape, as to be altogether regardless of consequences, 
and throwing himself upon the rope, slid down to the end and 
thence fell to the ground, breaking several ribs and dislocating 
his ankle. His companions bore him away, how^ever, and they 
all succeeded in effecting their escape to the Vulture sloop of war, 
then lying in the Frith of Forth. 

Mr. Witherspoon and one of his companions, named Macvicar, 
w^ere still left on the battlements. They drew up the rope and 
taking it back to their cell, lengthened it and patched it up the 
best way that they were able, and returning, Macvicar attempted 
to follow his companions. He went down very well till he reached 
a part of the rope so large that he could not easily grasp it, when, 
letting go his hold, he fell, and was so much injured that he soon 
after died. These several warnings decided Mr. Witherspoon not 
to make the attempt and, returning to his room, he patiently 
awaited his liberation, which was effected as soon as the circum- 
stances could be investigated. 

Dr. Witherspoon, during his residence at Paisley, continued to 
acquire standing and influence, and obtained a high reputation as 
a scholar and preacher. He was frequently importuned to remove 
to other fields of labor, and was successively invited to Dublin, 
Ireland ; Rotterdam, Holland; and Dundee in his own country, but 
all these calls he steadily resisted. 

At that time there was a strong bond of union between the 
Scottish churches and their sister churches of America, and a 
constant intercourse was kept up between them. Hence it was 



22 DISTINGUISHED JEKSEYMEN. 

that the high reputation of the learned and pious pastor of the 
congregation at Paisley, found its way to the British colonies in 
America. His learning, talents and piety, were so well understood 
and so highly appreciated by the distinguished men of this coun- 
tiy that, on the death of President Finley in 1766, he was unani- 
mously elected by the trustees, President of the College of New 
Jersey, located at Princeton, and Richard Stockton, a member of 
the board then in England, was desired to see him and urge his 
acceptance of the office. 

Mr. Stockton was not able immediately to visit the Doctor, but 
the appointment of the trustees was duly transmitted to him and 
was under consideration for some time. But the reluctance of 
Mrs. Witherspoon to leave the home of her youth and to dissolve 
forever the social and domestic ties which bound her strongly to 
the land of her birth, together with some embarrassments of a 
pecuniary kind, at length determined him to decline the invitar 
tion, and a letter to that effect was communicated to the trustees, 
who thereupon elected to the vacant place. Dr. Samuel Blair, 
the Vice President of the college. 

Subsequently, Mr. Stockton, in his tour to North Britain, visited 
Glasgow and Paisley, and was, for some time, the guest of Dr. 
Witherspoon. Mr. Stockton was in high favor among the distin- 
guished men of Great Britain, and his representations had so 
much weight with the Doctor and his family, that he finally con- 
sented to yield to the solicitations of his American friends. He 
was also visited by the celebrated Dr. Rush, who urged his 
acceptance, and whose friends claim for him the honor of changing 
his determination. Mr. Stockton informed the board of Trustees 
that the difficulties in the way of the Doctor's acceptance were now 
removed, and that, on a re-election, he would immediately pro- 
ceed to New Jersey and take charge of the institution. On the 
receipt of this intelligence, Mr. Blair voluntarily declined to ac- 
cept the office to which he had been elected, and Dr. Witherspoon 
was unanimously chosen. He immediately repaired to Prince- 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 23 

ton, where he arrived, with his family, in the early part of August, 
1768, and on the 17th of the same month was duly inaugurated. 

In resolving to come to America, Dr. Witherspoon not only 
separated himself from all his early associations — his relatives, 
friends and church, but he also forfeited high prospects of wealth 
and distinction. We are told by his biographer, that not long 
before he left Holland, and while in a state of suspense on the 
subject of emigration, a gentleman possessed of a large property, 
a bachelor and a relative, agreed to make him his heir, on the con- 
dition that he should remain in Scotland. But the Doctor, after 
looking over all the ground, was fully persuaded that Providence 
had indicated his course, and like a true christian, he suffered 
neither the allurements of wealth, nor the persuasions of friends, 
nor the ties of blood, to interfere with what seemed to be so plainly 
his duty. 

The college, from its foundation at Elizabethtown in 1746, 
had been struggling with difficulties, and the repeated shocks 
which it had received in the death of five presidents during the 
twenty-two years of its existence, its removal from place to place, 
and the heavy expenses incurred by the erection of the Hall after 
its final location at Princeton, had all contributed still further to 
embarrass its finances, so that the bankruptcy of the institution 
was seriously apprehended. 

The acceptance of Dr. Witherspoon inspired the friends of the 
college with new confidence, and his subsequent administration 
of its affairs, fully justified their hopes. The high reputation which 
he had acquired in his own country, then regarded with peculiar 
veneration by the colonies, enabled him to wield a strong influ- 
ence in its favor, and his personal efforts, which were extended 
from Massachusetts to Virginia, soon placed the institution in a 
flourishing condition. 

Before taking his final departure from Scotland, he had visited 
London and Holland, and had received large presents of books for 
the institution. He had, at the same time, informed himself 



24 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

respecting the latest improvements in education and government, 
by which means he was enabled to introduce many salutary re- 
forms ; and his piety, erudition, discretion and knowledge of the 
world, made him popular both as an instructor and presiding 
officer, and caused the college to rise rapidly in public favor. 

But while thus successfully engaged in the prosecution of his 
important labors, the storm of the revolution broke over the 
country, diverting its energies into other channels and unsettling 
all the business avocations of the people. The number of students 
soon began to fall off, and when New Jersey became the theatre 
of contending armies, the college was completely broken up, its 
shades deserted, and its spacious buildings occupied alternately 
by the British and American forces. 

During the progress of the events which led to the final rupture, 
Dr. Witherspoon had not been a silent or indifferent spectator ; but, 
casting aside his foreign prejudices and embracing with facility 
those republican principles which were so congenial to the frame 
work of his mind, he at once identified himself with the land of 
his adoption, and through all the stages of the contest, maintained 
the views and participated in the councils of those who adhered 
to the rights of British freemen against the aggressions of British 
power. 

The whig citizens of New Jersey who knew his influence and 
were proud of his reputation, sought to secure his services in 
the public councils, and sent him to the state convention 
which convened at Burlington on the 10th of June, 1776, where 
as a member of committees and a scholar who wielded a ready pen, 
he soon gave evidence of the same ability in conducting the pub- 
lic basiness which he had before exhibited as a professor and 
divine. 

On the 21st of the same month he was chosen one of the 
delegates to that august body, the continental congress— the heart 
through which the life blood of the nation pulsated, alid which 
gave union and energy to the efforts of those who were struggling 
in the great cause of human rights. 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 2.0 

The delegates from New Jersey were not unprepared for the 
crisis, which, it was foreseen, was about to arise. The contin- 
gency of a final separation from Great Britain had been discussed 
in the convention by which the delegates were appointed, and 
they were instructed to unite with the delegates from the other 
colonies, in declaring the country independent if a measure so 
strong and decided was found to be necessary for the preservation 
of their rights. 

Dr. Witherspoon took his seat, therefore, with a full knowledge 
of his position, and was one of the most ardent of those who ad- 
vocated a complete and immediate separation from the mother 
country. It is related of him, that when a distinguished member 
pleaded for delay and urged that we were not yet ripe for so bold 
a measure, he replied : " In my opinion, sir, we are not only ripa 
but rotting.^' 

He was annually re-appointed to congress till his final retire- 
ment in 1782, with the exception of the year 1780, when the 
affairs of the college so imperiously demanded his attention, that 
he was induced to decline the appointment. He resumed his 
seat, however, the following year, and continued to devote his 
attention to national affairs with an assiduity and ardor unsur- 
passed by any member in that body of distinguished patriots. 
Although the state appointed supernumerary delegates, with the 
view of relieving the toils and burdens of the regular members, 
yet the Doctor seldom or never availed himself of this relief, but 
steadily continued to perform for himself the arduous duties re- 
quired by his position, and attended in his seat with great punc- 
tuality during the whole period of his annual appointments. He 
was always firm in the most gloomy periods of the war, and 
had that peculiar quality of great minds, which enabled him to 
manifest the greatest power and confidence when surrounded with 
the most embarrassing circumstances. 

But, although, thus earnestly devoted to the service of the 
country, he never forgot that he was a sworn servant to the Most 
4 



26 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

High. He neither laid aside the robes by which his order was 
distinguished, nor the duties of the christian minister, but cordiall) 
embraced every proper opportunity to preach the Word of Life. 
Nor did he forget what he owed to the college over which he 
presided, but continued, even among his nightly vigils and daily 
toils to cherish it " as the apple of his eye," and to advocate its 
interests and advance its prosperity. 

As a member of congress he was remarkable for his diligence 
and attention to the duties of his station, and was constantly em- 
ployed on the most laborious committees. He was a member of 
the secret committee ; a member of the committee appointed to 
confer with Gen. Washington in relation to recruiting the regi- 
ments whose terms of service had expired; he was on the com- 
mittee which prepared the nervous and eloquent appeal to the 
public during the gloom and despondency which preceded the 
battle of Trenton ; he was a member of the board of war ; he 
was on the committee which prepared the manifesto respecting the 
American prisoners ; he was a leading member of the committee 
of finance, and most strenuously opposed the different issues of 
paper money, which caused so much embarrassment and distress, 
and which he characterized as "a great and deliberate breach of 
the public faith ;'-' he was on the committee to devise means for 
procuring supplies for the army, and steadily withstood the ex- 
pensive mode at first adopted, of doing the business by commission 
instead of contract; he was on the committee appointed by con- 
gress for investigating the difficulties on the New Hampshire 
grants, (Vermont,) and which at one time, threatened a civil war ; 
and in all the important movements of congress he appears to 
have borne a conspicuous part. It is remarked of him, that during 
his long political course, whenever he differed from his compeers 
as to the policy to be pursued, or the means most proper to pro- 
duce any desired result, subsequent events have fully vindicated 
the accm-acy of his judgment and the soundness of his views. 

On the subject of the currency, Dr. Witherspoon was -what 



JOHN WITHEKSPOON. 27 

would, in this day, be termed a radical. He strenuously opposed 
the different issues of paper money, and urged the propriety of 
making loans and establishing funds for the payment of the inter- 
est, and enforced his views in several speeches of great clearness 
and power. Afterwards, at the instance, it is said, of some who 
had opposed his views on this question in congress, he published 
his essay on the nature, value and uses of money, which is one of 
the most clear and judicious articles extant on that subject. 

In the deliberations for forming the original articles of confed- 
eration. Dr. Witherspoon took an active part, and steadily main- 
tained the necessity of a compact union, in order to impart vigor 
and success to the measures of the government. He complained 
much of the jealousy and ambition of the individual states, which 
prevented them from entrusting the general government with 
powers adequate to the common interest ; regarded the original 
compact as essentially defective ; remonstrated against its weak- 
ness and inefficiency, and although its adoption was hailed with 
general joy, lived to see his predictions respecting it but too fully 
realized. 

The temporary retirement of Dr. Witherspoon from congress at 
the close of the year 1779, was for the purpose of attempting a 
re-organization of the college. The preliminary steps had been 
taken at the meeting of the board of trustees in April, 1778 ; but 
such was the unsettled state of the country^ and the condition of 
the college buildings, that little appears to have been done. In- 
deed, the college property was little less than a heap of ruins. 
Prior to the battle of Princeton, Nassau Hall was used by the 
British troops as their barracks, and at the time of the battle it 
was siezed upon by two regiments of Hessians, who knocked out 
the windows by way of converting it into a fort for their defence. 
They retreated, however, on the approach of the Americans, but 
one of the balls fired on the occasion shattered the heavy stone- 
work of the hall, and another entered one of the chapel windows, 
and singularly enough, tore from its frame the picture of George 



28 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

IL, since most appropriately replaced by that of the great Wash- 
ington. After the battle the hall was used as a hospital for a 
number of months, and it continued to be occupied in one way or 
another by the government troops up to the year 1781. The 
extent of the devastation can now hardly be realized. The build- 
ing was torn to pieces, stripped of every thing valuable, the floors 
broken up, the fences and every particle of wood that could be cut 
away from the building, removed and burned, the ornaments of 
the prayer hall and library, the philosophical apparatus, the 
orrery, &c., all carried away or destroyed. 

Without credit or funds it was impossible at once to bring this 
chaos to a state of regularity and order. Still it was desira- 
ble that the course of instniction should proceed, and as the atten- 
tion of Dr. Witherspoon was chiefly directed to the concerns of 
the republic, the immediate duty of re-commencing it was com- 
mitted to the Vice President, Dr. Samuel Smith, who had married 
Dr. Witherspoon's daughter, and who afterwards succeeded him 
in the presidency. The college rose slowly from its low estate, 
and met with another disaster in 1782, when all that was left, 
after the plunderings of the troops, was destroyed by fire, leaving 
nothing but the walls of the edifice standing. So late as 1783, 
only the second and third stories had been so far repaired that 
parts of them could be used. The lower and fourth stories were 
sti|l in ruins. 

In Dec. 1779, Dr. W^ resigned his house on the college grounds 
to vice president Smith, and removed to his own residence, which 
he called Tusculum, about a mile from Princeton, where he devoted 
the time which he could spare from public duties to the pursuits 
of agriculture, of which he was particularly fond. His name, 
however, continued to give weight and character to the institution, 
and he lived to see it regain and surpass its former standing and 
prosperity. 

He appears to have suffered considerably from the ravages of 
the war, in common with his neighbors, and in one of his letters. 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 29 

announcing to a friend his removal to Tusculum, says : — " You 
know I was alwaj^s fond of being a scientific farmer. That dis- 
position has not lost, but gathered strength since my being in 
America. In this respect I received a dreadful stroke indeed, 
from the English when they were here, ■ they having seized and 
mostly destroyed my whole stock, and committed such ravages that 
we are not yet fully recovered from it." 

After the commencement in 1783, Drs. Witherspoon, Rodgers 
and Jones, vrere appointed by the board of trustees, to wait on 
Gen. Washington, who was present at the commencement, and 
solicit him to sit for his picture to Mr. C. W. Peale ; and it was 
ordered in the resolution from which they derived their appoint- 
ment, " that his portrait when finished be placed in the hall of 
the college, in the room of the picture of the late king of Great 
Britain, which was torn away by a ball from the American ar- 
tillery in the battle of Princeton." The picture was accordingly 
taken, and in its old, royal frame, still graces the college walls. 

At the time of this commencement, congress was holding its 
sessions in the college hall, having adjourned from Philadelphia 
on account of the mutinous disposition manifested by a part of 
the Pennsylvania forces, which had just been disbanded. That 
august body attended the commencement, which was held on the 
last Wednesday in September, and Gen. Washington, whose 
business with congress called him to Princeton, sat on the stage. 
On that day Rev. Ashbel Green, since one of the presidents 
of the college, graduated, and on him fell the honor of delivering 
the valedictory. At the close of his speech he turned towards 
the commander-in-chief, and congratulated him in a feeling and 
eloquent episode, on the happy termination of his toils, and 
thanked him in behalf of the officers and students of the college, 
for the important services which he had rendered to the country. 
We are told that this incident produced a thrilling ell'ect on 
the audience, and was by no means offensive to the honored and 
successful chief, who before his departure, presented to the trustees, 



30 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

through the committee of which Dr. Witherspoon was chairman, 
the sum of fifty guineas. 

In the year 1781, Dr. Witherspoon resumed his seat in con- 
gress, but it soon became evident that the great contest for liberty 
was drawing to a close, and as age and infirmities were creeping 
on him, he felt himself at liberty to withdraw from the public 
councils of the nation, which he did at the close of 1782. He 
was, however, permitted to enjoy the retired quiet of Tusculum 
for a short period only. In 1783, he was induced, contrary to 
his own judgment, to cross the ocean, and revisit the land of his • 
birth, for the purpose of obtaining funds to advance the interests 
of the college. He embarked in December, and in the sixtieth 
year of his age, braved the dangers of the ocean and the prejudices 
which his public career had engendered against him, to aid 
the cause of education in his adopted country. 

The result fully justified his anticipations. The rebellious con- 
duct of the colonies, the long war which ensued and which had 
ended in severing us forever from the parent country, had so em- 
bittered the feelings of the English against the United States, 
that he was enabled to procure little more than enough to defray 
his necessary expenses. He returned previous to the commence- 
ment in 1784, and, from this time, withdrew in a great measure 
from all public concerns, except those which related to his minis- 
terial oflRce, or the supervisorship of the college. He was, 
however, elected to the state convention which assembled at 
Trenton, Dec. 11, 1787, for the purpose of acting on the new 
federal constitution, and had the honor of being one of the 
signers of that instrmnent on the part of the State of New Jersey. 

" Bodily infirmities began, at length, to fall heavily upon him. 
For more than two years previous to his death, he was afflicted 
with the loss of sight, which contributed to hasten the progress 
of his other disorders. He bore his sufferings with exemplary 
patience, and even cheerfulness; ner would his active mind, and 
unabated desire of usefulness, permit him, even in this situation, 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 31 

to desist from his ministry or his duties in the college, so far as 

health and strength would permit. During his blindness, he was 

frequently led into the pulpit, both at home and abroad, and 

always acquitted himself with his usual accuracy, and not 

unfrequently with more than his usual solemnity and animation." 

He died at Tusculum, in November, 1794, having reached 

the seventy-third year of his age, and went to his eternal reward 

*' full of days and full of honors." His dust reposes in the 

grave yard at Princeton, and over it is a stone, bearing in latin 

the following chronicle of his usefulness, virtues and public 

services : 

" Beneath this marble lie interred, the mortal remains of John Witheespoon, 
D. D., L. L. D., a venerable and beloved President of the College of New 
Jersey. He was born in the parish of Ycster, in Scotland, on the fifth of 
February, 1722, 0. S., and was liberally educated in the University cf 
Edinburg. Invested with holy orders in the year 1743, he faithfully performed 
the duties of his pastoral charge, duiinz five and twenty years, first at Beith, 
and afterwards at Paisley. Elected president ot Nassau Hall, he assumed the 
duties of that otiice on the thirteenth of August, J768, with the elevaled 
expectations of the public. Excellinji in every mental gift, he was a man cf 
pre-eminent piety and virtue, and deeply veised in the various branches of 
literature and the libeial aris. A giave and solemn preacher, his sermons 
abound in the most excellent doctrines and precepts for the conduct of life, 
and in the most luciJ expositions of the Sacred Scriptures. Afl'able. pleasant, 
and courteous, in familiar conversation, he was eminently disiincuished 
ia the concerns and deliberations of the Church, and endowed with the 
greatest prudence in the management and instruction of youth. He exalted 
the reputation of the college among foreigners, and greatly promoted the 
advancement of its literary character and lasie. lie was, for a long time, 
conspicuous among the most brilliant lumiiiaries of learning, and of the 
church. At length universally venerated, beloved and lamented, he depar- 
ted this life on the fiiteenlh of November, 1794, aged 73 years." 

Dr. Witherspoon was married to his first wife. Miss Montgo- 
mery, at an early age, and at the time of his immigration had 
three sons and two daughters. The oldest, James, was a major 
in the Revolutionary army, and fell at the battle of Germantown. 
The two remaining sons were bred to professions, and arose to 
distinction. Ann, the eldest daughter, was married to the Rev. 
Dr. Samuel S. Smith, who succeeded Dr. W. as president of the 
college; and Frances, the second daughter, married Dr. David 
Ramsay, the celebrated historian. After the death of Mrs. 
Witherspoon, the Doctor, at the age of seventy, married a young 



32 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

woman of twenty-three, an alliance which occasioned much 
gossip and noise in the neighborhood and family circle. He 
was an affectionate husband, a tender parent and a cordial friend. 

As a writer he was deservedly celebrated. His principal w^orks 
have been published in a uniform edition of four volumes, and 
will continue to be consulted as long as the English language 
remains. They consist chiefly of sermons and essays. His lectures 
on moral philosophy are, we believe, to this day, used as a text 
book in the college over which he presided. 

His eloquence was simple and grave, but at the same time, 
wanted neither animation nor spirit. His sermons were delivered 
without notes and were often committed. They always com- 
manded the attention of the audience, though not embellished 
with any florid flights of fancy. A lady once walking with 
him through the garden, observed that it was " in excellent 
order, but without flowers." " True," said he, "I cultivate no 
flowers either in my garden or in my discourses." But although 
w^ithout flowers, they certainly were not without fruit. 

He had an original mind and a talent for wit and satire, which, 
however, he took no pains to cultivate, but which often showed 
itself in his epigrammatic style of speaking and writing. Gen. 
Gates, after the capture of Burgoyne, despatched one of his 
aids to lay the joyful tidings before congress. The messenger 
was, however, delayed by so many attentions on the way, 
showered upon him as the bearer of good tidings, that the news 
reached Philadelj^iliia several days in advance of the courier. 
Still it was of too grateful a character to permit the messenger 
which bore the particulars to be overlooked, and some member 
of congress proposed to vote him a sword. Dr. Witherspoon 
arose, and in his quiet way, begged leave to move that instead 
of a sword they should present him with a pair of golden spurs. 

On another occasion, in speaking of the church of Scotland, 
which was divided into factions, and one party of which was 
distinguished as the moderate party, he was asked if a certain 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 33 

tninister was a moderate man. '• Oh yes," he replied, ^^ fierce 
for moderation.''' At another time during the disputes in the 
Scottish churches, deputies were sent to congratulate George III, 
on his accession to the throne, and Dr. W. managed to have 
•such delegates sent as were favorable to the views which his 
party represented. One member who was desired to vote for 
them, observed that " his light" would not suffer him to do so. 
"" Your light," replied the Dr. '• is all darkness." After the 
result was declared, his opponent playfully congratulated him at 
ihis success, but reminded him that although the defeated party 
was in the minority, it was not for lack of tact or management. 
" Certainly not," said the Doctor, in the same playful strain, 
" there is an authority which says that, ' the children of this world 
are always wiser in their generation than the children of light.'" 

His person was large, well formed and finely proportioned. 
He was dignified in his intercourse with the world and it was 
difficult to trifle in his presence. He was exact in his habits, 
punctual to his engagements and unremitting in his observances 
of his christain duties in the closet, in the family and in the pulpif . 
It was his established custom to observe the last day of every 
year with his family as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, 
and he was also accustomed to set apart other days for fasting 
and prayer as the occasion seemed to require. Family religion 
he regarded as an excellent incentive to the cultivation of piety 
in the heart, and he enjoined it, both by precept and example. 

He was attentive to the young, and rendered himself exceed- 
ingly agreeable to them, which was probably the secret of that 
unbounded influence which he swayed over their conduct and 
opinions. A profound theologian, he was perspicuous and simple 
in his manner — a learned and industrious scholar, he was deeply 
versed in the knowledge of human nature — a statesman of high 
intellectual powers, he gave himself up to the service of his 
country, and, in short, employed his time and talents to 
advance the temporal and spiritual interests of mankind. G. ^ 



FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 



FRANCIS HOPKINSON 

Among those who contributed to bring on the crisis of the 
revolution, were to be found men of all classes, conditions and 
grades— men of leisure and of toil, of wealth and poverty, of 
mere physical energy and of high intellectual endowments and 
refined and cultivated tastes. 

In the last mentioned class Francis Hopkinson occupied a 
conspicuous and commanding ])osition. He had a mind highly 
gifted by nature with understanding, wit and genius, and stored 
by assiduous cultivation with the riches of science and the arts 
and the graces nf poetry and masic. With such advantages 
he entered the political arena and used his polished weapons 
against the enemies of liberty. 

He was born of respectable and influential parents, who 
immigrated to this country irom England and settled in 
Philadelphia. His mother, whose name was Johnson, was a niece 
of one of the high dignitaries of the English church, the Bishop 
of Worcester, and was, beside, a woman of superior piety, intellect 
and education. His father, Thomas Hopkinson, was also 
possessed of a good education and a superior mind. He was not 
rich, but having the favor of many of the great men of England, 
lie was enabled to procure from (he British government such 
nnportant and lucrative stations as enabled him not only to 
maintain a most respectable position in society, but also to 
provide handsomely for the wants of a large and increasing 
familv. 



38 DISTINGUISHED JERSEVMEN. 

He was the friend and companion of Franklin and assisted him 
in many of his philosophical experiments. It is said that he 
first communicated to the American philosopher the fact, afterwards 
found to be so important, that the electrical fluid may be drawn 
from a charged body without sparks or explosion, by means of 
metalic points. He was cut off' in the prime of life, leaving 
his excellent and accomplished wife to educate and provide for 
a large family, with an income by no means the most abundant. 

Francis, the eldest son and the subject of this notice, was born 
in Philadelphia in 1737, and was only fourteen years old at 
the time of his father's death. From the unwearied and pious 
instmctions of his mother, he early imbibed a strong attachment 
to a life of purity and virtue, from w^hich he never departed in 
after years. His whole career was unsullied by a blot or stain. 

He was a member of the first graduating class of the college of 
Philadelphia, (afterwards the University of Pennsylvania,) 
which his father had been active in founding and having 
obtained his degree, entered the office of Benjamin Chew, Esq., 
as a student of law and passed through a regular course of 
study under the direction of that distinguished jurist, then 
Attorney General of the state. 

As a lawyer he arose to considerable eminence and had the 
reputation of being a learned and able counsellor. He held an 
appointment for several years in the loan office and was 
appointed to succeed George Ross, Esq., as a judge of the 
admiralty court of Pennsylvania, a place which he held till the 
office was abolished by the new Constitution in 1790, when 
he was appointed by president Washington, judge of the district 
court for the district of Pennsylvania. He was also appointed, 
during his residence in New Jersey, September 4, 1776, an 
associate justice of the supreme court of this state, but declined 
to accept the office. 

It is evident from these important appointments that he 
stood high in the profession to which he belonged, and we may 



FRANCIS HOPKINSOX. 39 

add, that his decisions as judge have been published since 
his death and received by the bench and bar with marks of 
particular favor. Still it was not in the sphere of professional 
learning that he acquired that distinction which entitles him to 
rank among the patriotic fathers of the revolution. 

The duties of an arduous profession had not prevented him 
from following the bent of his inclinations, so far as to cultivate 
his natural taste for painting, poetry, music and the practical 
and useful sciences, in all of which he was a proficient and took 
particular delight. To these he also added a keen sense 
of the ridiculous, a brilliant imagination and a chaste humor, 
which gave him great freshness and vividness as a writer 
and made him the centre of every social circle in which he 
chanced to fall. 

In 1766, at the age of 29, he paid a visit to his relatives in 
England, where he remained about two years. Prior to his 
departure the trustees of the college of Philadelphia testified 
their respect for his character and talents, by recording on their 
minutes a resolution, " that, as Francis Hopkinson, Esq., who 
was the first scholar in this seminary at its opening, and likewise 
one of the first who received a degree, is about to embark 
for England and has done honor to the place of his education 
by his abilities and good morals, as well as rendered it many 
substantial services on public occasions, the thanks of this 
institution ought to be delivered to him in the most affectionate 
and respectful manner." 

During his stay in England, he was mostly the guest of his 
great uncle, the Bishop of Worcester, with whom he became 
a particular favorite, and who held out to him very flattering 
motives to induce him to remain and fix his permanent abode 
in the parent country. His attachments to the land of his birth 
were, however, too strong to be broken and he returned, enriched 
by much additional information and a more intimate and practical 
knowledge of the world and of the feelings and dispositions 



40 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

of the leading men of England towards his country, which 
were of great use to him in the subsequent struggle. 

Soon after his return he married Miss Ann Borden, of Borden- 
town, Burlington county, in this state, and thereupon removed 
to New Jersey and was still a resident of Bordentown when 
the discontents of the people ripened into civil war. He at once 
espoused the cause of the colonies, although his most powerful 
friends were arrayed on the other side, and commenced wielding 
his pen against the preposterous claims of the British 
government. 

In 1774 his pamphlet entitled "A Pretty Story," made its 
appearance and was widely circulated. In it was portrayed in 
the form of an allegory, some of the many grievances under 
which the colonies labored, and in a free and humorous strain 
the author depicted the absurd claims of the British government 
and her high handed attempts to coerce the colonies into a 
compliance therewith. It was a production precisely adapted 
to the state of the times and produced a powerful effect. — 
Subsequently it was followed up by other articles from the same 
polished pen, in which the shafts of his keen wit and dry 
humor were most successfully levelled at the " mother country."' 
at once giving firmness to the public mind and infusing decision 
into the public councils. So great was the eflfect produced by 
his skilfully wrought missives, as to draw out irom Dr. Rush an 
expression, " that the various causes which contributed to the 
establishment of the independence and federal government of 
the United States, will not be fully traced unless much is 
ascribed to the irresistible influence of the i-idicule which 
he poured forth from time to time upon the enemies of 
America." 

By this vigorous and successful use of his pen, Mr. Hopkinson 
soon became extensively known as one of the staunchest whigs 
in the colonies and, at the colonial convention which met at 
Burlington, in June, 1776, he was regarded as eminently fit to 



Fr.ANCIS HOPKINSON. 41 

meet the crisis which was evidently about to arise and was 
hence selected to represent New Jersey in that august congress, 
which declared that " these united colonies are, and of right 

ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES." 

His name stands, along with his noble compeers, firmly 
subscribed to the immortal "declaration," and the acts of his 
life afford the amplest testimony, that there was no faltering iri 
his subsequent career. 

After the close of the congress of 1776, his name does not 
appear on the records as a delegate from New Jersey, and his 
public life was chiefly identified with his native state. 

In 1778, when a marauding party of the enemy ascended the 
Delaware and landed at Bordentown, to pillage, murder and 
burn,*' Mr. Hopkinson and his family w^re absent, but his 
dwelling was honored with a passing visit, though it does not 
appear that any outrages were committed upon it. Miss Mary 
Comely, the house-keeper, was left in charge of the building, 
and provided for the officers a plentiful repast, which, it is saic- 
they ate with a keen relish, notwithstanding it was spread in the 
house of so distinguished a rebel. 

It was in January of this year, that the incident occurred 
which gave rise to " The Battle of the Kegs,'" one of the most 
popular songs of the day. The British army were quartereti 
in Philadelphia, and their ships were moored in the Delaware, 

*At this incursion four men were murdered in cold blood ai'ter they h«d 
surrendered, in the vicinity of what is now Hilton's tan yard, at the foot oi" 
AValnut St. Their names were Gregory, Isdcll, Sutton, and one unlinown. 
Also an old lady by the name of Isdell, who was shot in a dwelling opposite 
the post office, in Main street. The dwelling and store of Mr. Joseph Borden, 
a relative ol Mrs. Hopkinson, were burned and many indignities heaped en 
the dwelling of Mr. Emley, an influential whig. Miss Comely was only ]8 
years of age, but by her sood conduct and heroism she saved the properly of 
her mother and grandmother from plunder, and brought about the restoration 
of many things which had been taken from her neighbors. While tne 
officers were at dinner she went across to the house of her motlier and 
secretly cut a piece from the coat of one who was engaged in carrying off the 
jdunder, and reported his conduct to his superiors, producing the piece from 
his coat as an evidence of his identity, and he was compelled to restore his ill. 
gotten gain. — [See Historical CoUectioneof New Jersey.]. 

6 



42 " DISTINGUISHED JEKSEYMEN, 

opposite the city. Some ingenious Americans up the river formed 
the project of making war on these vessels by means of kegs 
of powder, in which were placed certain machines, so artfully 
constructed that any sudden jar would cause the explosion of the 
powder. These were set afloat in the night, at the flood 
of the tide, in the hope that some of them would strike against 
the ships and produce such an explosion as would injiu-e or 
destroy them. 

It so happened, however, that the vessels were, that very 
evening, hauled into the docks and hence the whole scheme 
failed. But still it was not without some serious and amusing 
results. A letter in the New Jersey Gazette of that day, tells us 
that some men in a barge attempted to pick up one of the kegs, 
when it suddenly exploded, killing four persons and wounding 
others ; and another account mentions that one of the kegs 
exploded in consequence of coming into contact with a dock at 
Philadelphia. But whatever may have been the particular 
mciiient which made known the dangerous character of 
these floating kegs, it is certain that they became the objects 
of very peculiar distrust on the part of the British sailors 
and soldiers. 

The captured city was thrown into a state of great alarm — 
reports of the attempted strategy spread like the wind — the 
wharves were filled with armed troops — the suspicious kegs 
were assailed at a most respectful distance and every stick, 
>.-hip or log of wood that ventured to thrust its unoffending 
head above the sm-face of the water, was the target for a dozen 
British muskets. This valorous war is said to have been carried 
on tor a whole day, but whether it was successful in exploding 
a single keg our chronicles do not inform us. We copy the 
amusing verses which Mr. Hopkinson penned on the occasion, as 
they will serve to illustrate the readiness with which he availed 
himself of the passing incidents of the times and, by means the 
most simple, wielded them in the cause of his country: — 



FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 



43 



THE BATTLE OF THE KEGS. 

BY FRANCIS HOPKINSON, ESQ. 



Gallants, attend, and hear a friend 

Trill forth harmonious ditty : 
Strange things I'll teU, which late befeU 

In Philadelphia city. 

'Twas early day, as poets say, 

Just when the sun was rising, 
A soldier stood on log of wood, 

And saw a thing surprising. 

As in amaze he stood to gaxe, 

(The truth can't be denied, sir,) 
Me spied a score of kegs, or more, 

Come aoating dowa the tide, sir. 

A sailor, too, in jerkin blue. 

The strange appearance viewing, 
First d d his eves, in great surprise, 

Then said, " some mischief's brewing. 

" Thete kegs, I'm told, the rebels hold. 

Packed up like pickled herring; 
And they've come down t'»ttack the town 

!n this new way of ferry'ng." 

The soldier flew, the sailor too. 

And, scar'd ahnost to death, sir. 
Wore out their shoes to spread the news, 

And ran till out of breath, sir. 

Now, up and down, throughout the town. 

Most frantic scenes were acted, 
And some ran here and others there, 

Like men almost distracted. 

Same fire cried, which some denied. 

But said the earth had quake-ed ; 
Ani girls and boys, with hideous noise 

Ran through the streets half naked. 

Sir Williamt he, snug as a flea, 

Lay all this time a snoring ; 
Nor dreamed of harm, as he lay warm 

In bed with Mrs. Loring. 

Now, in a fright, he starts upright, 

Awak'd by such a clatter ; 
He rubs both eyes, and boldly cries, 

" For God's sake, what's the matter?" 

At his bedside, he then espied 

Sir Erskine,t at command, sir; 
Upon one foot he had one boot. 

And t'other in his hand, sir. 

The miscellaneous works of Mr. Hopkinson, prepared by 
himself, were published after his death in three volumes, and are 
still much consulted. There was a variety and versatility 
in his genius which were peculiarly fitted to the stirring times 
cif the revolution and which, added to his biting; satire and 



"Arise, arise!" Sir Erskine cries; 

"The rebels— more's the pity- 
Without a boat are all afloat. 

And ranged before the city. 

" The motley crew, in vessels new, 
With Satan for their guide, sir, 

Pack'd up in bags or wooden kegs. 
Come driving down the tide, sir. 

"Therefore prepare for bloody war— 

These kegs must all be routed, 
Or surely we dispised shall be. 

And British courage doubted." 

The royal band now ready stand 

All rang'd in dread array, sir. 
With stomach stout to see it out, 

And make a bloody day, sir. 

The cannons roar from shore to shore ; 

The small arms loud did rattle ; 
Since wars began, I'm sure no man 

E'er saw so strange a battle. 

The rebel dales, the rebel vales, 

With rebel trees surrounded. 
The distant woods, the hills and floods, 

With rebel echoes sounded. 

The fish below swam to and fro, 

Attacked from every quarter: 
Why sure (thought they,) the devil's to pay, 

'Mongst folks above the water. 

The kegs, 'tis said, though strongly made, 

Of rebel staves and hoops, sir, 
Could not oppose their powerful foes. 

The conqu'ring British troops, sir. 

From morn to night, these men of might 

Display'd amazing courage ; 
And when the sun was fairly down 

Retired to sup their porridge. 

A hundred men, with each a pen. 

Or more, upon my word, sir, 
It is most true, would be too few 

Their valor to record, sir. 

Such feats did they perform that day, 

Against these wicked kegs, sir. 
That, years to come, if they get home, 

They'll make their boasts and brags, sir . 



rSir William Howe. 



: Sir William Erskine. 



44 ElSTINGUiSHED JS&SLYMLN. 

i]i7liumorj made liis writings, in the day of their glory, ahcgethe'- 
irresistible. But, being written generally to accomplish some 
special object, and often containing local allusions not now to 
be appreciated, they were not calculated to give him a leputation 
among critics or literary pretenders. Still, they are not withom. 
interest even at the present day. His "Specimen of a Collegiate 
Examination," and his " Letter on Whitewashing," have been 
plundered by foreigners and published as productions of their 
own distinguished writers. 

Mr. Hopkinson took a deep interest m the formation of. a 
federative union and in remodelling the general government 
and placing it on a basis more worthy of our extended and 
extending empire; and, with Mr. Witherspoon, advocated a 
<:ioser union and a firmer compact than was brought about by 
the original articles of confederation. His " New Roof," was' 
t^he result of his deliberations on this subject, and has been 
( haracterized by a distinguished Pcnnsylvanian as an article 
v;hich " must last as long as the citizens of the United States 
continue to admire and be happy under the present national 
government of the United States." 

He died suddenly and, like his accomplished father, in liic 
meridian of life. He had been subject for many years to periods 
of occasional illness, but for some time had enjoyed a considerable 
respite from, his accustomed attacks. On Sunday evening, May 
8th, 1791, he complained of indisposition, but arose as usual 
on the following morning and breakfasted with his family. 
At seven o'clock he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, which 
m two hours terminated his existence, in the 53d year of his age. 
In person he was below the common size ; he had small 
features, a quick, animated eye, was rapid in his movements and 
in his speech and possessed a muscular activity according 
admirably with the readiness and versatility of his mind. Dr. 
Rush thus sums up the characteristics of this amiable and 
excellent man. 



FKANCIS HOPKINSON. 4o 

- Mr. Hopkuison possessed uncommon talents tor pleasing in 
company. His wit was not of that coarse kind calculated to ' set 
the table in a roar.' It was' mild and elegant and infused 
cheerfulness and a species of delicate joy, rather than hairth, 
into the hearts of all who heard it. His empire over the attention 
and passions of his company was not purchased at the expense 
of innocence. A person who has passed many delightful hours 
in his society, declares that he never had once heard him use a 
profane expression or utter a word that would have made :i 
lady blush, or have clouded her countenance for a moment with 
a look of disapprobation." 

He appears to have been one of those fortunate men, who live 
to enjoy their own fame. His society was courted in every circle 
and his pleasing qualities made him generally loved and admired. 
He left two sons and three daughters. The late Joseph Hopkinson, 
distinguished at the bar and as an orator in the halls of congress 
was his eldest son and author of that favorite national air, 
"Hail Columbia." 



JOHN HAKT. 



JOHN HABT 

In the history of nations, the most prominent figm-es presented 
for the admiration of the world, are kings, generals, orators, 
poets — those who have been in lofty stations, who have dazzled 
by their genius or astonished by their feats of arms. But there 
is a large class of men in every nation, and especially in republics, 
whose patient virtues and conscientious rectitude, give, as it were, 
strength and tone to society, and whose firmness, patriotism and 
unostentatious wisdom, really do much more to advance the good 
and glory of their country than many whose more brilliant quali- 
ties ehcit such frequent bursts of admiration. 

Such was John Hart, one of the two farmers from New Jersey, 
who placed their names to the declaration of our national inde- 
pendence. His paternal inheritance was a few hundred acres of 
wild land in the township of Hopewell, Hunterdon county, where 
he resided during his life, and where his ashes still repose.* 
Being an unobtruse farmer, who devoted himself entirely to the 
cultivation of his acres and deriving his enjoyments chiefly from 
the domestic circle and the unvarying rounds of a quiet country 
life, his habits, tastes and interests were so many pledges to the 
policy of peace, and naturally placed him in that conser\'ative 
party, which preferred submission to resistance. But although 
he had every thing to lose and nothing to gain by a breach with 
the parent country, yet he was one of the earliest and steadiest 
friends of that movement which resulted in our final separation, 
and his patient labors and still more patient sufferings in the 

*The township of Hopewell is now in Mercer county, having been detached 
from Hunteidon by legielativo enactment. 



50 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

cause of human liberty, claim for him the admiration of all who 
prefer virtue and duty above the base and sordid claims of interest. 
John Hart was born at Stonington, Connecticut, but precisely 
at what time is not known. His bible, which contains the family 
record of births and deaths, in his own hand writing, is still in 
the possession of his grandson, Mr. David Ott, but the dates are 
so defaced as not to be legible. His father and mother, Edward 
and Martha Hart, removed from Stonington with their children, 
John, Daniel, Edward and Martha, and settled in Hopewell, 
probably about the year 1720. They were also accompanied by 
the brother of Edward Hart, whose name was Ralph and who 
settled in the township of Ewing. 

In that early day the country was very thinly settled and con- 
sequently good schools could not be maintained. The more opu- 
lent sent their children to the mother country to be educated, 
while the middling classes were content to bestow on their fami- 
lies such advantages as could be provided in the colonies where 
their lots had been cast. The children of Mr. Hart had, there- 
fore, no other advantages than those afforded by the neighboring 
schools, in which were taught only the plainest rudiments of 
learning. 

Mr. John Hart shared in these early disadvantages and his let- 
ters and writings bear abundant testimony to the deficiency in 
his primary instruction. Indeed, Mr. Sedgwick, in his life of 
Livingston, quotes a letter of his, written in 1777, when he was 
speaker of the New Jersey assembly, on account of its bad spell- 
ing, to show the imperfect attainments of some of those who 
composed the celebrated congress, which so boldly proclaimed our 
independence and pledged life^ fortune and honor in its support.* 

• Mr. Sedgwick found this note in the collection of autographs made bj Dr. 
Sprague, of Albany. It is directed to Gov. Livingston and is as follows: 

Sir — The House of Assembly Request that your Exelency Direct Mr. Collings 
(Collins) to print fifty Coppies of the Law for purching Cloathing for the New 
Jersey Redgment, and transmit the same to your Exelency as soon as possible. 
I am Sir Your Humble Sevant, 
JOHN HART. 
To his Exelency, William Liveingston. 
Princetown, November 25th, 1777. 



JOHN HART. 51 

But, although thus deficient in education, he possessed a sound 
understanding, a kind heart, an incorruptible virtue and an un- 
conquerable spirit. His father, Edward Hart, was evidently a 
man of great respectability. He held from " his majesty" the 
commission of justice of the peace, took an active part in the 
military operations of the colonies and was one of the most 
prominent of those brave and loyal subjects, who, in the war 
with France, did so much to advance the military glory of Eng- 
land. He raised a company of volunteers in the county of Hun- 
terdon, to w^hich he gave the name of Jersey Blues and marched 
to Quebec, in Canada, where he participated in the battle of 
September 13, 1759, which ended so gloriously for the arms of 
Great Britain, and in which fell the gallant and lamented Wolf,* 
In these events John took no part. He was at this time about 
44 years of age, and was settled on a farm of 400 acres in 
Hopewell, which he had purchased, and was endeavoring to 
bring into a state of cultivation. In the year 1739 or '40, he 
married Miss Deborah Scudder, a young lady of respectable 
connections and great amiability of character, who was, at the 
time of her marriage, about eighteen years of age; and, engrossed 
in the cares and pleasures of a large family, f he had no ambition 

* This was, I believe, the first military company which bore the name of "Jer- 
sey Blues," since so favorite a militaiy designation. The origin of the name as 
set forth in the Ne^v Jersey iJistorica! Collections is probably erroneous. Tha 
name of "Blues" appears to iiave been adopted from a military regiment in Eng- 
land, and only Americanized by adding the word "Jersey." 

t Mr. Hart had by his wife thirteen children who, according fo a record in 
his own writing, now in the possession of his grandson, Mr, David Ott, wera 
born in the following order : • 

Sarah, (IVIr. WikofI''3 mother) October 16, year illegible. 

Jesse, November 19, 1742. 

Martha (Mrs. Axford's mother) April 10, 1746. • 

Nathaniel, October 29, 1747. ' 

John. October 29, 1748. 

Susannah, August 2, 1750. 

Mary, April V, 1752. 

Abigail, February I'O, 1754. 

Edward, December 20, 1755. 

Scudder, December 30, 1759. 

A Daughter (nameless) March 16, 1761. 

Daniel (lives in Virginia) August 13, 1762. 

Deborah (Mrs. Ott, living) August 21, 1765 



52 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

ioY military fame, and no thought that he was destined to partici- 
pate in a field of enterprise far more glorious than that which 
had crowned the ambition of the gallant commander of the "Jer- 
sey Blues." 

But the neighbors of Mr. Hart did not overlook his quiet and 
unobtrusive virtues. He was often called on in the settlement 
of difficulties about property, was a justice of the peace under 
his majesty's government from an early period of his life, till 
that government was cast off by the colonies, was an active 
member of the Hopewell church and regarded with universal 
respect and esteem. 

His biographer in Sanderson's lives, remarks that this "was a 
period of great simplicity in manners and very general purity of 
life, yet he had so conducted himself in his dealings among the 
people of New Jersey, as to have acquired the familiar designation 
ef HoxEST John Hart, a distinction of which his descendants may 
be more reasonably proud than if his lot had been cast where he 
might have acquired all the stars, crosses and garters that royalty 
could bestow upon its favorites." 

In 1761, about two years after the battle on the Plains of 
Abraham, in which his father had shared, he first took his seat 
in the colonial legislature. To this body he was annually return- 
ed for ten successive years, for the counties of Hunterdon, Sussex 
and Morris, which at that day comprised one district, sending two 
members. 

In his long legislative career he maintained the same charac' 
ter for purity and uprightness, which he had maintained at home, 
and in the spirited conduct of the New Jersey legislature, in 
reference to the stamp tax, he bore an honorable share. He 
does not appear to have been a leading member, but the judg- 
ment and opinion of "Assemblyman Hart" was. always regarded 
by his constituents with the highest respect. 

At length the royal assent was obtained for a change in the 
legislative representation, and in 1772 each county sent members 



JOHN HART. 53 

separately. In that year Mr. Hart was a candidate for Hunter- 
don, where he resided, but was beaten by Samuel Tucker, who 
afterwards presided over the provincial congress, which met at 
Burlington, in 1776. 

It is stated in a note to Sedgwick's life of Livingston, that 
on this occasion Mr. Hart was supported chiefly by the Presbyte- 
rians and Tucker by the Episcopalians. During the first two days 
of the election Hart was ahead, but on the third day Judge Brae 
came up to the polls with a strong reserve of church of England 
men and so successfully turned the tables on him as to secure 
Tucker's election.* Mr. Tucker continued to represent the county 
for several years, during which time Mr. Hart's name does not 
appear on the records. A more important post was, however, 
soon awarded him. 

The discontents which originated in the stamp act, continued 
to deepen and widen as one aggression rapidly followed another. 
The repeal of the stamp act in 1766, which had been hailed with 
such universal joy by the colonies, was soon followed by a brood 
of similar measures, and the contest which had been hushed to 
.sleep for a season, was renewed with increased asperity. 

Step by step were the encroachments of British power resisted ; 
and although New Jersey was not in a position to be the principal 
theatre of disputes arising from questions of commerce, yet she 
sympathized deeply with her sister colonies, sustained them 
promptly in all their measures, and when the port of Boston was 
closed in 1774, responded at once to the call of Massachusetts 
for a Continental Congress. 

When this congress was convened, a separation from the parent 
country was not contemplated and its action was directed only to 
a redress of grievances. The delegates from New Jersey were 
chosen by a provincial congress, which met at New Brunswick 
and of which Mr. Hart was a member. They were James Kin- 

* On this occasion a wag wittily remarked that the Judge was like the Witch 
of Endor. It was clear that he had raised " Samuel." 



54 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

<ey, William Livingston, John De Hart, Stephen Crane and Rich- 
ard Smith. In the following year they were all re-appointed, but 
as the probabilities of a rupture increased and the measures of 
t'ongress became more decided, some of them manifested a dispo- 
sition to falter. Mr. Kinsey refused to take the republican oath of 
allegiance and asked leave to resign. Mr. De Hart also grew 
weary of so hazardous a position and tendered his resignation. 

The delegates returned on the 14th of February, 1776, consisted 
of Livingston, De Hart and Smith, who were members of the for- 
mer delegation, and of John Cooper and Jonathan D. Sergeant, 
new members. 

The great crisis was now approaching and the heavy responsi- 
bilities which devolved on, the congressional delegates, caused 
some of them to shrink from their momentous duties. A resolu- 
tion, reconunending the several colonies to organize governments 
irrespective of the crown, seems to have taken the Jersey mem- 
bers by surprise, and the proposition to declare the colonies en- 
tirely independent, did not tend to reconcile them to their haz- 
ardous position. 

Mr. Cooper did not take his seat at all; Mr. Smith alleged in- 
disposition and resigned on the 12th of May; Mr. De Hart follow- 
ed on the 13th and Mr. Sergeant on the 21st. Mr. Livingston was 
recalled and placed in an important military command. He re- 
tired on the 5th of June in fulfilment of his new duties. 

The convention elected in May, and which met on the 10th 
of June at Burlington, were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of 
Ihe contest and the selection of the new members was probably 
made with more regard to their reliableness and the steadiness of 
their principles ; and, to fortify them to the utmost, they were 
instructed, in terms, to join with the other delegates in declaring 
the colonies independent. 

Mr. Hart had been a prominent member of the committee of 
safety, a member of the different state conventions and his course 
had been such as to inspire the fullest confidence in his wisdom, 



JOHN' HART. 55 

prudence, firmness, patriotism and devotion to the cause. He was, 
therefore, though an uneducated farmer, thought worthy of behig 
placed in the same category with Richard Stockton, John With- 
erspoon, Francis Hopkinson and Abraham Clark.* 

We believe it is now settled that all the New Jersey members 
were present in Congress during the discussions which took place 
on the subject of declaring the colonies independent and fulfilled 
the wishes of the convention by which they were appointed, in 
giving to that great measure their countenance and support. 
They were all among the firmest and most enlightened friends of 
liberty and in their subsequent career, manifested no disposition to 
recede from the high and patriotic stand which they took early 
in the contest. 

Mr. Hart was now over sixty yeai-s old, and his health so 
feeble as to make it desirable that his public services might be 
confined as much as possible to his native state. During his 
attendance at the sittings of Congress, the colony of New Jersey, 
had adopted a republican constitution, taken the name and style 
of a free and independent state, ordered an election under this new 
order of things, and Mr. Hart was returned from the county of 
Hunterdon, to the first Republican " General Assembly." 

The first legislature which convened under the provisions ot 
the new constitution, met at Princeton, on Tuesday, August 27, 
1776, and Mr. Hart was chosen speaker by a unanimous vote.f 
The new legislature a few days after elected William Livingston, 
of Elizabethtown, governor, and the new state administration 
was soon fully organised, and actively engaged in rendering 
every possible assistance to the republican army, acting under 
the authority of Congress. 

Mr. Hart was again returned to the General Assembly in 1777, 
and in 1778, and was chosen speaker in both years by the same 

* In Sanderson's Lives Mr. Hart is represented to have been a member of the 
congressof 1774, and all the subsequent confrresses up to and inciudinj,^ that of 
1776. This is a mistake. He took his scat first in the latter part of June, 177t>. 

t In Sanderson's livcF, lie is set down as Vice President. 



56 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

unanimous vote which characterized his first election ; but before 
the close of 1778, he was taken ill, after which his name does not 
again appear on the state records. 

It was well for the country that New Jersey was, at this criti- 
cal time, represented in the legislative and executive departments, 
by men of the greatest firmness and the truest patriotism. After 
the capture of New York, on the 15th of September, the English 
army moved towards New Jersey, and when Fort Washington 
fell, on the 16th of November, there was nothing to obstruct their 
passing into the state, and it soon became the theatre of the war. 
Governor Livingston proved to be eminently worthy of the 
trust which had been reposed in him, and made every exertion in 
his power to arouse and keep alive the spirit of resistance. He 
was nobly sustained by the legislature, with Mr. Hart at its head, 
which seconded his efforts to the utmost, and did what they couki 
to prevent the state from being crushed beneath the hand of the 
foreign oppressor. 

New Jersey was completely overrun by the enemy, and w^as the 
scene of frightful alarms, rapine and blood. The lawless soldiery, 
who at this period looked on the Americans as rebels and out of 
the pale of regular warfare, burnt, plundered, destroyed and mm-- 
dered with a ruthless hand, and the persons of those who had 
made themselves obnoxious by their prominence in the cause of 
liberty, were in particular danger. No efforts could control the 
panic with which the people were seized. The ragged, half- 
starved army of Washington, was flying before the well-appoint- 
ed cohorts of the British legions — the smoking ruins of plundered 
buildmgs were rising before the distracted eye in every direction 
— cattle and horses were driven off by scores — defenceless women 
and children were often obliged to seek safety in a flight at mid- 
night, or in the face of the persecuting foe, and men, instead of 
holding the shield of protection over their families, were forced 
to take shelter in the fields and woods, to secure their own persons 
against captivity or death. 



JOHN HART. 0/ 

The legislative body over which Mr. Hart presided, attended 
by the governor, wandered about from place to place, first at 
Princeton, then at Burlington, then at Pittstown, and finally at 
Haddonfield, on the utmost verge of the state, where they dissolved 
on the second of December, for the purpose of allowing the mem- 
bers to look after their families, at a moment when all law was 
virtually suspended, save the law of necessity, and when their col- 
lective efforts had ceased to be of any service to the state. 

The country was not only beset with a powerful and open 
enemy, but it was also infested with tories — men who aided the 
royal cause in secret — who had been born and nurtured in the 
state and were familiar with its hills and vallies, its prominent 
men, its strong and weak positions, and who were constantly 
giving infonnation where to find the richest plunder and how 
to capture the boldest patriots of the republican cause. 

The residence of Mr. Hart was in an exposed situation and he 
was extremely solicitous on account of his family. His children 
had just been deprived of the protecting care of their estimable 
mother, who died on the 26th of October, 1776 and, alarmed at 
the approach of the enemy, they did not wait the return of their 
father, but immediately fled and left the farm and stock to be 
plundered by the Hessian invader. 

Subsequently Mr. Hart collected them together, but he soon 
found that his home was a very unsafe retreat ; the dwelling 
was beset with spies and his person was in the most imminent 
<ianger. On several occasions he saved himself from capture only 
by precipitate flights in the darkness of the night, or by the most 
inconvenient and dangerous concealments. He was hunted through 
the woods and among the hills with the most obstinate perseve- 
rance, and was a fugitive, an exile and a wanderer among the 
scenes of his youthful sports, and manly toils. 

When the enemy reached Pennington just prior to the battle 
of Trenton, he crossed over the Delaware into the state of Penn- 
sylvania, leaving his family behind him. He was, however, too 



(^ DISTLNTGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

.;M.\ious about them to remain. On his return his household wa^. 
(fispersed and his aged mother and a daughter-in-law had sought 
j^afety in a miserable log hovel near the mill of J. Moore, on 
Stony Brook. He searched them out and tarried with them for a 
*ngle night only. In the morning he learned that the tories, 
accompanied by a band of soldiers, were in search of him and he 
inade for Sourland Mountain, where he secreted himself during 
t he day. When night came on he went to the house of a neigh- 
boring whig and asked for a place to lay his weary limbs for the 
night. The request was cheerfully granted, but on consultation, 
it was thought to be unsafe for him to sleep in the house and he 
was provided with a temporary bed in one of the out-buildings, 
and had assigned to him for his companion, the family dog. But 
in such times the friendship of a republican dog was not to be 
despised.* 

His biographer in Sanderson's lives very happily observes that, 
•• while the most tempting offers of pardon were held forth to all 
jebels that would give in their adhesion to the royal cause, antl 
while Washington's army was dwindling down to a mere hand- 
ful, was this old man carrying his gray hairs and his infirmities 
about from cottage to cottage, and from cave to cave, leaving 
his farm to be pillaged, his property plundered, his family afflict- 
ed and dispersed; yet, through sorrow, humiliation and suffering, 
wearing out his bodily strength and hastening on decrepitude and 
death, never despairing, never repenting the course he had taken, 
lioping for the best, and upheld by an approving, nay an applaud- 
ing conscience, and by a firm trust that the power of Heaven 
would not be withheld from a righteous cause." 

At length the tide of battle was checked by the brilliant achieve- 
ments at Trenton and Princeton, and the greater part of the state 
was relieved from the presence of the invading foe. Mr. Hart 



* This circumstance is derived from a letter of R. Howe, of Penningrton, to 
Thomas Gordon, of Trenton, wlio liaditfrorn Mrs. Ott, the youngest dau'^hter of 
Mr. Hart, who still survives, being in her 80th year. 



JOHN har: 



59 



'.id, however, but a brief space to gather his scattered household 
<'(id repair the injuries done to his farm. Although his locks 
v.xre whitened with age, and his body bent beneath the weight 
i lis infirmities, yet we find him immediately after the dispersion 
( ; the enemy, calling together the assembly and taking the 
r»:omptest means for repairing, as far as possible, the disasters 
*, hich had befallen the state. 

Mr. Hart employed the intervals which he could spare from his 
public duties in restoring to order his injured estate, and in giving 
/:<ivice and relief to his neighbors, who, in their affliction, natu- 
r , Jly sought his aid and counsel. 

The ruthless devastations of the Hessians, bad as they praved 
■0 be, were, however, much more easily repaired than the injuries 
•■• astained by his shattered constitution. Indeed his frequent ex- 
posures and great anxiety of mind, had seriously underminded his 
health, and although the restoration of comparative quiet, brought 
• ome temporary relief, yet there was not sufficient elasticity in his 
■ onstitution, to bring back the current of life to its original vigor. 
His health continued to sink till, in 1778, he was obliged to resign 
the speakership, vacate his seat in the house, and retire from all 
[lublic duties. In the joint-meeting of that year, another person 
vvjis made chairman, for the reason, as is stated in the minutes, 
that Mr. Hart was sick. He died soon after, but precisely at 
-vvhat time, we have not been able to ascertain.* 

Mr. Hart, as a member of the colonial legislature, the committee 
li safety, the several colonial conventions, the continental con- 
gress and the state legislature, developed a character so unsullied, 
a patriotism so free from selfish ambition, and an integrity so 



* In Sanderson's lives, his deatii is said to have taken place in 17,80. In 
Sedgwick's life of Livingston, it is placed in 1778, at which time we know that 
iie was sick. We learn from Mrs. Ott, his daughter, tliat he was a long time ill 
;!nd suffered njuch from gravel. Slic cannot tell the precise time of his death. 
Another member of the family, Mr. Samuel S. Wyckoff, of New York, writes 
ns that his father, John VVikoff, (now spelled Wyckoff) is the grandson of Mr. 
Hart and resided with him at the time of his death, lie is still living (eighty. 
two years of age) and thinks that Mr. Hart died in 1778. 



60 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

incori-uptible, that he must always be regarded by Jerseyraen with 
peculiar interest. 

He was a patriot in the best sense of that word. He neither 
sought public honors, nor shunned the dangers or difficulties with 
which they were, in his day, so abundantly prolific. He was a 
republican from principle, and through the long preliminary con- 
test, as well as in the war which followed, adhered Avith sin- 
gleness of purpose to the cause which he had espoused, and in 
the midst of doubt and danger, Avhen the American army had 
dwindled to a handful of men, the enemy swarmed on every side, 
and he himself was the object of bitter persecution, and hunted 
from one hiding place to another, he did not despair of the re- 
public — he did not think of submission. 

His personal appearance is said to have been highly prepos- 
sessing. He Avas rather above the common height, straight, and 
with dark hair and a complexion to correspond. He waa distiM- 
quished among his neighbors, and in his family, for the kindness 
of his heart, and the justice which characterized his dealings. 
He was a member of the Baptist church at Hopewell, gave the 
ground on which the present edifice stands, was a sincere and 
devoted Christian, and went to his rest with strong confidence 
and a " well grounded hope." 

A number of anecdotes respecting Mr. Hart, are still told by 
the old people in the neighborhood of Hopewell. One of them 
gives us a very pleasing idea ot the simplicity of the times in 
which he lived. He wished to go to Burlington in pursuance of 
some public duty, probably to attend the sittings of the legisla- 
ture or the convention. There being no public conveyance, he 
went on horseback and having reached the place ol his destina- 
tion and fed his horse, he tied a card to the headstall of the 
bridle, stating that the horse was on his way home and turned 
him loose. He arrived safely at Hopewell. 

Another is mentioned, which shoAvs that he was not entirely 
free from a love of humor. A man by the name of Stout applied 



JOHN HART. 61 

lo him as magistrate, to be defended against a neighbor with 
whom he had had some difficuhy and who had threatened his 
life. Mr. Hart was not disposed to grant his application. " Sure- 
ly," said he, you are not afraid of that fellow. You seem to be 
a smart, strong, Stout man. I rather think you can take care 
of yourself." Stout sprang to his feet, declared that he did not 
fear the face of clay and went away satisfied. 

An aged matron of the Stout family, now ninety-two years of 
age, wdio in her youth was intimate with Mr. Hart's family, rep- 
resents him as a fine looking man, lively and cheerful in his dis- 
position and, to use her own words, "fond of plauging the girls." 

Mr. Hart resided near the Hopewell chmxh, on the farm now 
occupied by William Phillips, Esq. His ashes rest in the old 
burying ground on the farm of John Guild Hunt, but in what 
particular part we cannot ascertain, as no stone has been raised 
to mark the spot. 

He who stood by his country in the hour of her peril — who 
placed his hand to the instrument which declared her free and 
independent, who sacrificed time, and health, and life in her cause, 
is suffered to sleep in neglect, beneath rank weeds and tangled 
under brush, without even a stone to say to the curious stranger, 
" Here lies the body of Honest John Hart." 



EICHAKD STOCKTOIs, 



EICHARD STOCKTON. 



The family to which the subject of this sketch belonged, is 
one of the most ancient and widely extended which the country 
contains. Richard Stockton, the great-grandfather of the patriot, 
who placed his name to the declaration of independence, im- 
migrated to the new world from England, prior to 1670, and 
settled on Long Island, near New York. About ten years later 
he came to New Jersey and purchased six thousand four hun- 
dred acres of wild land, lying in the counties of Somerset and 
Middlesex, and extending from the province line between east 
and west Jersey, to Pvlillstone Creek. Mr. Stockton soon after 
erected a dwelling near the centre of his purchase, and in 1G82, 
about forty-five years after the first Danish colony was planted 
on the Delaware, removed his family to his new abode and 
gathered around him a settlement, which formed the basis of the 
present borough of Princeton, now one of the most delightful 
villages in the state. He died at Princeton in 1705, leaving 
several children. 

His son, Richard, inherited a large portion of the estate and 
the family mansion at Princeton. He died in 1720, leaving a nu- 
merous family, and devising the Princeton estate to his youngest 
son, John, who was an eminent patron of science and one of the 

5 



66 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

founders of the college of New Jersey. He was a man of piety 
and influence, and held from the crown the office of presiding 
judge in the court of common pleas for the county of Somerset. 
His death occurred in 1757. 

Richard Stockton, the subject of this sketch, was his eldest son. 
He was born at the seat of his fathers, in Princeton, on the 1st day 
of October, 1730, and received the best opportunities for education 
which the colonies then afforded. The Rev. Dr. Finley, after- 
wards president of the New Jersey college, for many years con- 
ducted a celebrated academy at Nottingham, P5., and here Mr. 
Stockton received the rudiments of his classical education. He 
entered the college of New Jersey before it was removed from 
Newark, and graduated with the honors of his class, at Nassau 
Hall, in 1748, at the first commencement after the removal of the 
college to Princeton. 

Soon after the completion of his college course, he commenced 
the study of law, in the office of the Hon. David Ogderi, at New- 
ark, and was admitted to the bar in 1754, and to the grade of 
coimsellor in 1758. He then established himself at Princeton, 
and rose rapidly to the first rank in his profession. 

His brilliant talents and high professional acquirements, not 
only brought to him a large and profitable practice in his native 
colony, but they also secured celebrity abroad. He was often 
invited to conduct suits in the neighboring provinces, and en- 
joyed the friendship and esteem of the greatest and best men in 
the new world. In 1763 he received the degree of Sergeant of 
Law. 

At length he resolved to suspend his professional toils for a 
season, and visit the land of his forefathers. He accordingly 
embarked at New York, in the month of June, 1766, and ar- 
rived in safety after a prosperous passage. Although not yet 36 
"years of age, the fame of his high character had preceded him, 
and he was received with flattering attention by the most eminent 
men of the kingdom. 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 67 

He carried with him an address to the king, from the trustees of 
the college, lauding the condescension of his Majesty towards the 
colonies, in granting a repeal of the odious act for imposing 
stamp duties, which he presented in person, having been for- 
mally introduced at court by one of the king's ministers. 

He was consulted on the state of colonial affairs by the Earl 
of Chatham and other distinguished members of parliament^ 
friendly to conciliatory measures, and enjoyed the hospitality of 
the Marquis of Rockingham for several days, at his seat in 
Yorkshire, to whom he frankly communicated the determined 
hostility of his countrymen to the oppressive measures "syhich 
had lately characterized the policy of Great Britain towards her 
colonies. 

In the early part of the year 1767, he extended his visit to 
Scotland, v/here he was met with the same flattering, marks of 
respect and esteem, by the distinguished nobility and gentry 
of that part of the kingdom. The Ea»rl of Levin, who was com- 
mander-in-chief of Edinburg castle, made him a partaker of 
his princely hospitality, and the Lord Provost and City Council 
complimented him with a public dinner, congratulated him on 
his safe arrival in the northern capital, and conferred on him the 
freedom of the city. 

From Edinburg he passed over to Glasgow, and thence to the 
residence of Dr. Witherspoon, at Paisley, to whom he bore a 
message from the trustees of the college, and who was induced 
by his representations to reconsider his determination in regard 
to the presidency of the college, and finally to accept the office 
and remove to Princeton. 

In tbe progress of his tour he visited Ireland, and it is said that 
the want and misery which he witnessed in that fine country, so 
evidently the consequence of its dependent condition, had a pow- 
erful influence on his subsequent political career, by opening 
his eyes to the importance of placing bis country beyond the 



68 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

reach of all foreign control, the effect of which, he clearly saw, 
was to depress and degrade mankind. 

During his subsequent stay in London, Mr. Stockton was a 
frequent attendant at Westminster Hall, which, at this brilliant 
period of British history, was particularly famous for learning 
and ability. " Here," says his biographer, " he listened to the 
arguments of S'ly Fletcher Newton, John Dunning, Chas. Yorke, 
Moreton, Eyre, Wallace, Blacltstonc, and other celebrated ser- 
geants and lawyers, distinguished for their forensic eloquence and 
learning." He also studied the decisions of Mansfield, Camden, 
Yates, Wilmot, Bathurst, &.C., witnessed the eloquence of Chat- 
ham, Burke, Barre, and other celebrated members of the British 
parliament, and so far indidged his curiosity as to see the splen- 
did delineations and great histrionic pov/ers of the inimitable 
Garrick. 

Among those to whom he was introduced, vras the celebrated 
Earl of Chesterfield, connected v.'ith the world of politics, but 
still more extensively known as an accomplished gentleman, 
whose polished and fascinating manners were the admiration of 
his time and the model of English elegance in the world of 
fashion. Mr. Stockton spoke of him as an infirm old man, who 
had lost his teeth and his hearing, and whose person was by no 
means prepossessing, but whose irresistible manner won the 
hearts and charmed the senses of all who fell within tlie circle of 
his extraordinary fascination. 

The biographer of Mr. Stockton, in Sanderson's lives, men- 
tions tv/o instances during his tour, in which his life was placed 
in the most imminent danger. While at Edinburg he was at- 
tacked at night by a desperate robber and a severe contest ensued, 
Mr. Stockton defending himself with a small sword, which, by 
the fashion of the times, he was accustomed to carry, and which 
is still in the possession of the family. The robber was wounded 
in the affray, and fied. Mr. Stockton happily escaped without 
injury. 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 69 

His second escape was not in consequence of any skill or fore- 
sight on his part, and he always regarded it as a providential 
interference. He had engaged his passage in a packet across the 
Irish channel, but, by some accidental detention, his baggage did 
not arrive in time and he was, consequently, obliged to remain 
and suffer the vessel to s^il without him. It was well for his 
country that he was not on- board. The ill-fated ship encoun- 
tered a violent storm soon after leaving port, was totally wrecked 
and every soul perished. Mr. Stockton, a few days after, pro- 
secuted his journey in safety. 

Having now been absent more than a year, his heart, notwith- 
standing the attentions bestowed so profusely upon him in his 
father-land, began to }'earn for the familiar scenes of home — 
for the country of his birth, and the delightful family circle from 
which he had been so long separated. He accordingly embarked 
for New York, in August, 17G7, and arrived safely in the follow- 
ing September. On approaching the vicinity of his ancient 
home he was met by a large body of his neighbors, relatives 
and friends, who assembled to welcome his return and escort him 
to the embraces of his delighted family. 

Mr. Stockton's professional business had been conducted, dur- 
ing his absence, chiefly by his brother-in-lav.^, the late Elias Bou- 
dinot, but on his return, v>'ith a mind invigorated and strength- 
ened by his intercourse with the mightiest intellects of the old 
world, he entered anew on the career of business and was soon, 
again, in the whirl of professional excitement. 

His high character and commanding influence were not long 
in attracting the attention of the Royal government, and in 1768, 
only one year after his return to America, he was elevated to a seat 
in the "supreme royal legislative judiciary and executive council 
of the province," and in 1774, he was appointed one of the 
judges of the supreme court, where he was an associate of his 
distinguished preceptor, the Hon. David Ogden. 

The storm cloud of the revolution was now gathering, and be- 



70 DISTINGUISHED JERSEY?;iEN. 

gan to assume a most portentous and threatening aspect. It 
found Mr. Stockton strong in the confidence of the ministry — 
a recipient of the king's bounty — a member of the executive 
council — a judge of the royal court, and the possessor of a 
princely estate, on which he resided, in the enjoyment of ever}' 
domestic blessing and in constant intercourse with those who 
sustfiined the unrighteous claims of the British King. 

Thus linked in, as it were, with the royal government, he was 
obliged to make great sacrifices of feeling and of interest, in 
connecting himself with the revolutionary movement, which re- 
sulted so happily for his native land. His position was a painful 
one, but his convictions of duty were too strong to admit of hesi- 
tation. He had contributed his best eflforts in the first stages of 
the controversy, to effect a reconciliation between the belligerent 
parties, but now that the councils of Rockingham and Chatham 
were abandoned, he determined to enroll himself among the de- 
fenders of American rights, and at once separated from his fellow 
members of the royal council.* Accordingly he appeared in the 
popular assemblies of the people and exerted himself to procure 
the organization of a well directed opposition to the measures of 
the British ministry. 

His course was viewed with the highest satisfaction by the 
patriots of the colony, and the confidence which they reposed in 
his abilities and firmness was soon manifested by his appoint- 
ment, at a most important crisis, to a seat in the continental con- 
gress. We have elsewhere explained the circumstances under 
which the five delegates from New Jersey, to that congress 
which issued the declaration of independence, were appointed,! 
and they show that, notwithstanding the official favor and per- 
sonal attention which Mr. Stockton had received from the British 
king and many eminent British statesmen, he had not been pre- 



• Lord r^terlins and John Stevens were, I believe, Ihe only numbers of the 
executive cooncil, beside Mr. Stocliton, who espoused the republican cause. 
fSee Life of John Hart. 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 71 

vented from taking a most decided stand against the ministry and 
was prepared to go with the most radical in opposing their- tyran- 
nical measures. 

Immediately after his appointment, on the 21st of June, he re- 
paired to Philadelphia, and took his seat in congress, while the 
debates were still in progress to which the proposed measure of 
declaring the colonies independent had given rise. He and his 
colleagues had been fortified by the instructions of the con- 
vention, presented by Francis Hopkinson, on the 28th of 
June, which empowered them to "join in declaring the united 
colonies independent of Great Britain, entering into a confedera- 
tion for union and common defence, making treaties with foreign 
nations for commerce and assistance, and to take such other mea- 
sures as might appear necessary for these great ends." 

As it regards his course on this great question, his biographer 
says: — " It has been remarked by Ur, Benjamin Rush, who was 
a member of the same congress, that Mr. Stockton was silent dur- 
ing the first stages of this momentous discussion, listening with 
thoughtful and respectful attention to the arguments that were 
offered by the supporters and opponents of the important mea- 
sure then under colisideration. Although it is believed that, in 
the commencement of the debate, he entertained some doubts* as 
to the policy of an immediate ^declaration of independence, yet 
in the progress of the discussion his objections were entirely re- 
moved, particularly by the irresistible and conclusive arguments 
of the Hon. John Adams ; and he fully concurred in the final 
vote in favor of that bold and decisive measure. This concurrence 
he expressed in a short but energetic address, which he delivered 
in congress towards the close of the debate. 



* In a note of Gordon's Hisiory of New Jer.s-y, the author sajs: — «' It may 
bejliuf, but. is not probable, 'hat Mr. Slockion doubled when in consress. 
on ihis m asnre. It is certain thai he was insuucied by the convenlioii which 
appoinu d him, to suDport it, and in so doiiis, performed a delegate I trust 
which he was loo honest to betray. The slate had deckled this question 
beiore she sent him to announce her consent." 



72 DISTINGUISHED JEESEYMEN. 

As a member of Congress, Mr. Stockton sustained the high re- 
putation which he had acquired in his- professional career. He 
was habitually diligent and his acute perception, keen sagacity, 
easy elocution, and great knowledge of men, made him one of the 
most practical and useful members of that distinguished body. 
Endowed by nature, not only with a vigorous intellect, but with 
great personal courage and commanding influence over the opin- 
ions and actions of others, he sustained with strength and bold- 
ness those measures which his judgment sanctioned, and im- 
pressed the energy of his own mind on the great council of the 
nation. 

On the 26th of September he was appointed on a commission 
to inspect the northern army, and immediately set out. for Albany, 
in connection with his colleague and friend, Geo. Clymer, Esq., 
of Pa. Here they met Gen. Schuyler, then in command, who 
received the commissioners cordially, and rendered them every 
assistance in- his power. They w^ere authorized to contract for 
provisions, provide barracks and clothing for the troops, make 
hospital regulations, assist in devising some mode of re-enlisting 
the army, and w-ere- to make a full report to Congress, v.-ith such 
suggestions and regulations as they deemed proper. This im- 
portant conamission was discharged with ability and success, and 
on its completion, Mr. Stockton again resumed his duties in 
Congress. 

The republican constitution which had been adopted by the 
State of New Jersey, while Mr. Stockton was discharging his 
important duties in the high council of the nationj devolved on 
llie state legislature the appointment of the Chief Executive 
officer. The first meeting of this body was convened at Prince- 
ton, on the 27th of August, 1776. John Stevens was chosen 
Vice President of Council, (Senate) and John Hart, Speaker of 
the Assembly. On the 3 1st of the same month, the two Houses 
assembled in joint ballot to elect a governor, and on counting the 
vote, it was found that Richard Stockton and Wm. Livingston, 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 73 

had received an equal number, and that there was no choice, in 
consequence of a tie between them. 

The joint meeting, on ascertaining the result, adjourned to the 
following day, when Mr. Livingston was duly elected. At this 
time, w-e have no other knowledge of the cause which opera- 
ted to produce this result, than the facts themselves. The inci- 
dent related by Dr. Gordon is now universally discarded and is, 
doubtless, entirely devoid of truth.* The fact that Mr. Stockton 
was, on the same day, elected Chief Justice of the state, fur- 
nishes us with the only means of solving the difficulty. 

Both of these men were scholars and patriots — both had been 
bred to the law, and both were eminently qualified to fdl the 
office of Governor and Chancellor v.diich, by the Constitution, 
had been combined in the same person. But there was a man- 
ifest fitness in the course taken by the joint meeting, which is 
honorable alike to themselves and to the patriotic individuals, 



* Dr. Gordon (Hist. rtevoliUion^ vol. IT. page 300) says: "There was an 
erjual number of votes for him and Mr. Stockton, but the latter having just 
i'.t llie moment refused to furnish his team of horses for the service of the pub- 
lic, and tlie legislature ciirain^ to the knov.iedge, the choice of Mr. Living- 
ston took place immediately." 

Mr. Sednv.'iclc, in his life of Livingston, well remarks, that " this accu- 
sation, on it? face not very probable, woull almost appear to benfuted by 
the hereditary character of the family." The biographer of Mr. Stockton, 
in relation to it says : — "Connected with a work so pregnant Vifith tables and 
misrepresentations as the letters ot Dr. Gordon, this passage mi^iit f.ave 
been permitted to pass v/ithout animidversion, but it assumi'S a more important 
characier in relation to the special biography ot Mr. Stockton. It charges him 
with a lukewarrnness in the cause of his country, which he was incapable of 
freiing, and burdens his character with the indirect displeasure of the le^'is- 
kunre, which, it is expressly proved, by the subsequent measures of that body, 
was never eniertuinef'. Th. circumstance which is related by Dr. Gordon 
never occurred; its absurdity is rend red [lalpable by a 'ef( rence to the 
records of the day, which prove the uniinimous election of M-'. Stockton as 
ciiief justice of the state, by the identical legislature which is supp)sed, 
on the preceding iiay, to have so hi?hly disapprivid of bis conduct as to re- 
ject him as governor. When, lo this mark of confid nee, is added his re- 
election to congress on the I.^Olh of i'vovember. about three aionths subsequent 
to this hypoiheiica! occurrence, we are enabled properly to estimate tha 
assertion of Dr. Gordon. 

[There is no ev'dence on record that the vote was unanimous. The min- 
utes only say that he was ■' dulv" eh'Clcd. 1 find, also, by consulting the 
record, that Hlr. Stockton's election was on the same day with that of Mr. 
LivingslO!).] 



74 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

who, in those trying times, had been singled out from among 
their compeers, to guide the destinies of the new state. 

Mr. Livingston was about seven years the senior of Mr. Stock- 
ton — his habits of life had connected him more with the masses 
of the people — he had been a large contributor to the public 
journals, and had held, a high military station. Mr. Stockton, 
on the other hand, had devoted himself very much to his pro- 
fession — he was particularly eminent as a jurist — had been raised 
to the bench of the supreme court under the royal government, 
and in the administration of that office had commanded the respect 
and admiration of the people. 

The election of JMr. Livingston, therefore, probably resulted 
from a compromise between the friends of the two candidates. 
The more active was designated for Governor, and the more stu- 
dious for Chief Justice. The election of Mr. Stockton to the 
first place in the State Judiciary, on the same day, is a strong 
circumstance in proof of this conjecture, and shows also the high 
confidence reposed in his integrity and patriotism by the represen- 
tatives of the people. There was evidently no serious difiisrence 
of opinion between those members of joint meeting who had 
originally divided on this question, and the facts prove that the 
legislature were exceedingly desirous to retain Mr. Stockton in 
the public service. 

He did not accept the appointment thus conferred upon him 
but continued to discharge his duties in Congress, and in the fol- 
lowing November suffered himself to be re-elected. His labors 
in that body were, however, interrupted by the ravages of the 
enemy. 

New Jersey soon became the scene of strife, and Mr. Stock- 
ton's duty to his family required his temporary withdraw^al from 
the public councils. His residence w^as in the direct route of the 
triumphant enemy, and he returned home to convey his wife and 
family to a place of greater safety. 

" After remaining in his dwelling to the latest period that the 



RICHAKD STOCKTON. 75 

safety of his family would admit, in order to afford the remnant of 
our distressed army as it passed, in its retreat, through the village 
of Princeton, such assistance as was in his power, he started 
with his wife and young children for the county of Monmouth, 
and took up his temporary abode with his friend, John Coven- 
hoven, about 30 miles from the supposed route of the British' 
army."* 

But men who had been conspicuous in the public service 
were no where safe. A tory who had become acquainted with 
the place of his abode, gave information to a party of refugee 
royalists who, on the 30th of November, the very day on which 
he was re-elected to the continental congress, surrounded the 
house at night, dragged him from his bed, plundered him of 
all his loose property and carried him, by the way of Amboy, 
prisoner to New York. 

" At Amboy," says his biographer, " he was exposed to the 
severity of extremely cold weather,' in the common jail, which 
barbarity, together with his subsequent treatment in New York, 
laid the foundation of the disease v*hich terminated his existence 
in 1781. On his removal to New York he was ignominiously 
consigned to the common prison, and without the least regard for 
his rank, age and delicate health, for some time treated with 
unusual severity. He was not only deprived of the comforts, 
but the necessaries of life, having been left more than twenty-four 



* This John Covenhoven was taken prifoner at the same time with Mr. 
Stockton, and took a protection from the British authorities. He was a mem- 
ber of the legislature at the tim.-, and on the 4th of March, 1777, was ordered 
before the House to answer for his conduct. The record says; "He was 
called in and heard respecting his bein? taken prisoner by the tones and car- 
ried to New York; and it appearini;, by Mr. Covenhoven's own confession, 
that he bad taken the oath of allegiance to the king of Great Britain, and 
had uiven secmiiy to remain inactive during the contest between Great 
Britain and the United Stales," 

liesoived, Thdl iMr. John Covenhoven has thereby rendered himself unfit 
to take his seat in this House, and that his seat be vacated accordingly. — 
IJournals in the state library.] 



76 DISTINGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

hours without food, and afterwards afforded a very coarse and 
limited supply." 

It is probable that Mr. Stockton remained a prisoner for several 
months, and that he Vv^as ultimately released through the inter- 
position of congress. On the third of January, 1777, that body, 
having heard a report of his capture and cruel treatment, directed 
General Washington " to make immediate inquiry into the truth 
of this report, and if he finds reason to believe it well founded, 
that he send a (lag to General Howe, remonstrating against 
this departure from that humane procedure vrhich has marked the 
conduct of these states to prisoners who have fallen into their 
hands; and to know of Gen. Howe whether he chooses this 
shall be the future rule for treating all such, on both sides, as the 
fortune of war may place in the hands of either party." 

On returning to his estate after his imprisonment, he found 
that, by the wanton depredations of- the British army and the 
depreciation of continental money, his ample fortune was very 
considerably impaired. His large library, one of the richest 
possessed by any private citizen in the new world, had been ruth- 
lessly laid in ashes, his papers had shared the same melancholy 
fate, his farms were laid waste, his fine stock of horses had been 
carried off, and his personal property had nearly all disappeared ; 
indeed he found himself only the proprietor of his devastated 
lands, and was even compelled to have recourse to the temporary 
aid of his friends for the present supply of his pressing wants, 
and for restoring to order the wreck of his estate and what re- 
mained of the mansion of his fathers. 

These depressing circumstances, together with the hardships 
he had suffered during his imprisonment, so materially impaired 
his constitution, that he was never again able to serve in the 
public councils of the nation. He withdrew altogether from con- 
gress, and being attacked in his neck by a cancerous affection, 
he sank gradually, with great suffering, to a premature grave. 
He closed his short, but brilliant career at the family mansion 



RICHARD STOCKTON. / / 

in Princeton, on the 28th of February, 1781, in the fifty-first year 
of his age. 

Had Mr. Stockton lived, he would probably have risen to a 
much higher place in the alFections of the American people. 
His intellect was vigorous and well balanced, and his firmness and 
love of justice commanded the respect of all who knew him. 
For the Christian religion he entertained the most sincere and 
becoming reverence, and strove to regulate his life by its require- 
ments, without yielding to those strong sectarian prejudices which 
too often mar the beauty of the Christian character. 

He was, from his youth, a member and a liberal supporter of the 
Presbyterian church, and evinced, both by his life and death, the 
sincerity of his profession. The Rev. Dr. Smith, in the dis- 
course which he pronounced at his funeral, remarked, that 
" neither the ridicule of licentious wits, nor the example of vice 
in power, could tempt him to disguise the profession of it, or in- 
duce him to decline from the practice of its virtues.'' 

This feature in his character is strongly and beautifully por- 
trayed, in the care v/hich he took to impress religious truth on the 
minds of his children. In the will by which he disposed of his 
large estate, he also left his offspring a ricli h'gacy of good 
counsel. He says: — "As my children will have frequent occa- 
sion of perusing this instrument, and may probably be particu- 
larly impressed with the last words of their father, I think it 
proper here, not only to subscribe to the entire belief of the great 
and leading doctrines of the Christian Religion *** but also in 
the bowels of a father's affection, to charge and exhort them to 
remember that ' the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- 
dom.' " 

On the subject of attachment to particular divisions of the 
Christian Church, he holds the followino- liberal lano;uao;e: " As 
Almighty God has not been pleased in the Holy Scriptures to 
prescribe any precise mode in which he is to be publicly wor- 
shiped, all contention about it ^generally arises from want oi 



78 DISTINGUISEED JERSEYMEN, 

knowledge or want of virtue. I have no particular advice to 
leave to my children upon this subject, save only that they de- 
liberately and conscientiously, in the heginning of life, deter- 
mine for themselves with which denomination of Christians they 
can most devoutly w^orship God, and that, after such deter- 
mination, they steadily adhere to that denomination, -without 
being given to change, and without contending against or judg- 
ing others who may think or act differently, in a matter so imma- 
terial to substantial virtue and piety." 

During the time that he was actively engaged in his profes- 
sion, his reputation was so great, that the first gentlemen of the 
country regarded it as important to the future success of their 
sons that they should pursue their legal studies under his super- 
vision. In passing through the old mansion at Princeton, now 
in possession of Commodore R, F. Stockton, the grandson of 
Richard Stockton, the v/riter was pointed to a room, Vv'hich still 
bears the name of the office, in v/hich he was told that some of 
the brightest ornaments of the bar had taken their initiatory les- 
sons in the legal science. Among ihe number was the Hon. Elias 
Boudinot, Gov. Patterson, Jonathan D. Sergeant, Hon. Jonathan 
Rutherford, Vice President Burr of N. Y., Gov. Reed of Pa., Col 
Wm. Davis, of Virginia, and others. 

His biographer, who appears to have known him w^ell, thus 
suras up his character: 

" He VN^as a profound and erudite lawyer, and his decisions and 
opinions while on the bench, in committees of congress, on 
adtriiraity questions, and in the high court of errors of New 
Jersey, were considered of high authority. His study of the 
great orators of antiquity, w^ith whose writings, in the original 
languages, he was familiar, his acquaintance with the best wri- 
ters of modern times, and his practical opportunities of hearing 
the Ciceros' and Demosthenes' of Great Britain, uniting with 
his native genius, invested him with a superior and powerful 
eloquence, which has rarely been exceeded in this country. He 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 



also possessed a natural inclination towards music, and a refined 
taste for poetry, painting, and the fine arts in general. 

*' Mr. Stockton, when unadorned by the gorgeous robes of judicial 
office that prevailed previous to the revolution, was neat but 
simple in his dress. Before the re v^olutionary contest he lived in 
a state of splendor, frequently adopted by distinguished men 
under the royal government, which the advantages of a country 
residence and the possession of affluence, rendered easy and 
agreeable. Every stranger who visited his mansion was cor- 
dially welcomed in the genuine style of ancient hospitality, and 
it was customary in those days for travellers and visitors to call 
upon men of rank. 

<* Mr, Stockton possessed a generous and intrepid spirit ; he 
was naturally somewhat hasty in his temper, and quickly in- 
flamed by any attempts to deceive or oppress him ; but he was 
placable, and readily pacified by the acknowledgment of error. 
Revenge, or permanent malice or resentment, were never har- 
bored in his breast. He was an affectionate father, a tender hus- 
band, and an indulgent master ; mild and courteous to his equals, 
and just and merciful to his tenants, debtors and dependents. To 
his inferiors, and those who sought his favor and conciliated 
his aflf'ections, he was affable and kind ; but to those who sup- 
posed themselves his superiors, his carriage was stern and lofty, 
and if their self-sufficiency w^as manifested by any want of de- 
corum or personal respect, it was, perhaps, his foible to evince an 
unnecessary portion of haughtiness and resentment. 

" He was a man of great coolness and courage. His bodily 
powers, both in relation 'to strength and agility, were of a very 
superior grade, and he was highly accomplished in all the manly 
exercises peculiar to the period in which he lived ; his skill as a 
horseman and swordsman was particularly great. In person he 
was tall and commanding, approaching nearly to six feet in 
height. His manners were dignified, simple though highly pol- 
ished, and to strangers, at the first interview, apparently reserved ; 



80 DIs,TlNGUISHED JERSEYMEN. 

but as the acquaintance advanced, they were exceedingly fasci- 
nating and accomplished, which appeared particularly conspicu- 
ous towards his friends and companions. 

" His eyes were of a light gray colour, and his physiognomy 
open, agreeable and manly. When silent, or uninterested in 
conversation, there was' nothing remarkably attractive in his 
countenance, but when his mind was excited, his eyes instantly 
assumed a corresponding brilliancy, his whole appearance be- 
came excessively interesting, and every look and action strongly 
expressive of such emotions as he wished to produce. 

" His forensic career was attended with unrivalled reputa- 
tion and success, and he refused to engage in any cause which 
he knew to be unjust, invariably standing forth in the defence of 
the helpless and oppressed. To his superior powers of mind 
and professional learning, he united a flowing and persuasive 
eloquence, and he was a christian who was an honor to the 
church.'-* 

* Biography in Sanderson's Lives, of the signers of the Declaration of In- 
dependence. 



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