Page images
PDF
EPUB

to my school in Boston, and pointed out the bedroom in which Major General Joseph Warren was born. And then, dwelling on the story of Lexington and Bunker Hill, or telling me some moving incident of heroism by field or flood, my good father would fill my eyes with tears and my young heart full of Warren's sentiment :

[blocks in formation]

And it seems to me that Warren, more than any other man, has impressed this sentiment on the heart of America.

When the British General said that Warren's death was worth five hundred men, he forgot that Warren had done his work; that his early death, at thirty-four, had put the seal of glory on it; and that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.

Great Britain would have better sacrificed five thousand men to save his life. For he was at the height of his fame. He had given hostages to fortune. No one could be sure that the heaven-born orator and patriot would also be " a heaven-born general." His glory, already won in the field of eloquence, demanded equal glory in the command of troops, a good fortune, such as no civilian, suddenly placed in command as Major General without passing through grades of actual service, could have expected. Who that stands by Warren's grave would take him from his assured immortality in the nation's heart, and expose him to the chances of defeat in the field, or to the caprices of popular favor? His death was the key-stone to the arch of his labor.

For when the sun went down on the 17th of June, 1775,

revolution was an accepted fact. On the morning that followed that fight the astonished and wounded pride of the English, victors though they were, could not have submitted to any terms which the defeated, but astonished and exultant, colonists, would have accepted. The 17th of June had verified that defiant prophecy of Warren: "These fellows say we won't fight! By Heaven, I hope I shall die up to my knees in blood!"

The battle of Bunker Hill was the irrevocable covenant of successful revolt. And the mission of Warren was to bring the nation up to Bunker Hill.

For this work the intense magnetic nature of the man was adapted. And here comes in the marked Puritan element again conviction at white heat, and inexorable logic, and patient waiting. His words were like a cavalry charge. His personal qualities assured him leadership. But just as the old Puritans would say, and honestly too, "Beloved Brother," while their hearts were on fire-Warren, while concentrating everything on Union and Revolution, and while making officers shudder when he delivered their commissions, could say - and he meant it-"No mobs! No confusion! No tumults!" "Let the persons and property of our most inveterate enemies be safe!"

This old Puritan town may claim in him the best revolutionary example of the old Puritan concentrated force, directed upon the turning-point of our debate, and then entirely expended like a shell in the most effective way to carry it.

The town records of Roxbury are particularly instructive. They offer models of temper, and constantly show the influ

ence of the stern Puritan heart and mind and will and manner. They recall the men who "admonish with love," spend weeks in argument, and slay "for the Gospel's sake."

As early as October 22, 1665, when the town contained 1,487 people, town meeting, "expressing the greatest loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign and our sincere veneration for the British Parliament," instructs its representative, Joseph Williams, who lived down here by Hog bridge, and who commanded a regiment in the French war, ee That you readily join in such dutiful remonstrances and humble petitions." "That you do not give your assent to any act of assembly that shall imply the willingness of your constituents to submit to any internal taxes that are imposed otherwise than by the Great and Generall Court of This Province according to the Constitution of this Government. We also recommend a clear, Explicit and Inspirited Assertion and vindication of our rights and Liberties as inherent in our very natures and confirmed to us by our charter.”

October 22, 1667. Town meeting, called to consider "suitable and prudent measures" to encourage domestic manufactures, adjourns to December 7, 1667; and it is then voted that this town" will take all proper and Legall measures" to lessen the use of imported articles; specifying a list that includes almost everything known among men, from loaf sugar and cordage, to cheese, "chiney ware," fire engines and "Glew." Meeting was then adjourned "to meet after Lecture."

Soon after, the names of importers are published in severe

terms, and ordered to be read at future town meetings, to expose their conduct to posterity.

May, 1669. Town meeting instructs Joseph Williams to proceed in a calm, steady manner." He is reminded that

୧୧

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

overdoing, as well as coming short, hath an ill tendency." After expressing horror at being "painted" as "Factious, Rebellious," the instructions say, "Secondly, Let the invaluable Charter, Rights, Liberties and Privileges ever be near your hearts, privileges which are to us as dear as our lives, therefore we presume you will never consent to give them up. And that neither powers nor flatteries will ever prevail on you to renounce one whit of them." The instructions order him to "avoid everything disrespectful," but suggest some very disrespectful inquiries; “to cultivate harmony," but in spite of every discouragement to continue his "Cries and Petitions."

But after the massacre, writing to Gov. Hutchinson, they "desire to express our astonishment, grief and indignation at the horrid and barbarous action committed there last Monday evening by a party of those troops, by firing with small arms in the most wanton and cowardly manner."

I have given enough for example of the vigor and selfcontrol of Roxbury in the Revolution.

The Sons of Liberty often met at the Greyhound Tavern in Roxbury street, where Graham's block now stands. Its walls rang with wit and patriotic eloquence. John Greaton, the innkeeper, was at Lexington and Bunker Hill. He became a Brigadier General in the army. He was a good officer, and I hold in my hand his commission as Colonel,

lent by Mr. Drake. It bears date 1774, and is signed by Samuel Huntington.

The first "General Order" for the army was signed by General William Heath, a Roxbury man, and the son of a Roxbury farmer. He was at Lexington and Bunker Hill, and commanded a part of the right wing in the siege of Boston. His conspicuous qualities of honesty and patriotism were rewarded by the especial favor of Washington, who appointed him to the command of West Point after the treason of Arnold.

Here, too, lived and died Major General Henry Dearborn, distinguished in the great battles of the war, and having the honor of being on the staff of Washington.

Lemuel Childs, who commanded a company at Lexington, kept the old Peacock Tavern, which stood on Centre street, at the corner of the present Allendale street, once owned by Samuel Adams, and visited by Washington, Knox and the other army officers. Near it the army, in event of disaster, was ordered to reassemble.

Moses Whiting and William Draper, both Roxbury men, commanded companies at Lexington.

Robert Williams, Master of the Latin School when the war broke out, changed his ferule for a sword, and took a commission in the army.

One hundred and forty Roxbury men were at Lexington. Only a few rods from this church was the old fort built by General Knox. The Cochituate stand-pipe marks the place where it stood.

Whether the eye turns backward or forward to survey the distinction of this town, the page is bright with names

« PreviousContinue »