of July, 1776, in conjunction with Doctor Benjamin Rush, James Wilson, George Ross, and George Taylor, Esquires, to succeed those members of the Pennsylvania delegation, who had refused their assent to the declaration of independence, and abandoned their seats in congress. From this circumstance it arose, that the new members who were elected as acknowledged advocates of the measure, were not present when that memorable instrument was agreed upon by congress. Mr. Clymer, however, affixed his signature to the enduring manifesto, as if in the performance of an act which was about to consummate his dearest wishes, and realize those fond prospects of national prosperity which had ever been transcendant in his thoughts. While the feeble bonds which still united the colonies to the mother country were permitted to exist, an almost undefinable species of depression and uncertainty continued to haunt the minds of the American community, and even extended its influence to those who were most zealous and active in the cause. But when the Rubicon was passed;-when the proudest and noblest monument of political wisdom and sagacity was promulgated to the world;when the solemn declaration of our wrongs, and the firm assertion of our rights, had gone forth to be venerated, and admired;-when the declaration

of independence had given us a rank amongst nations, strengthened the wavering, confirmed those principles already established, and overawed the disaffected; when this deed of daring was accomplished,-a new spirit was diffused throughout every ramification of society, the title of rebel was exchanged for a more exalted character, and the self-devotion evinced by the promoters of the measure, was met by a correspondent firmness and en. thusiasm on the part of the people.

On the twenty-sixth of September, 1776, Mr. Clymer was appointed, together with Mr. Stockton, to visit Ticonderoga, to which place he immediately proceeded, to inspect the affairs of the northern army. The continued approbation of congress sufficiently testifies the faithful performance of that confidential service. Having an entire confidence in the commander-in-chief of our armies, he uniformly promoted every measure that was the least calculated to extend the powers, and assist the views, of that great man; a course of conduct, the policy and utility of which was variously manifested during the war.

When congress, on the approach of the British army through New Jersey, considered it necessary to adjourn to Baltimore, in December, 1776, a committee consisting of Robert Morris, George Walton,

and Mr. Clymer, was appointed, with powers to execute such continental business in Philadelphia, as might be considered proper and necessary. A large sum of money was committed to their charge, for such public uses as they should think proper, with powers to call upon the commissioner of the loan office, for such further sums as the continental service might require. At this period, the family of Mr. Clymer resided in Chester county, twentyfive miles distant from Philadelphia; but so strictly did he devote his time to the objects of his appointment, that when he paid them a visit, he left the city late in the afternoon, and returned in the morning.

On the twelfth of March, 1777, he was re-elected to congress, and continued to be an active and efficient member of that body, until the nineteenth of May following, when the effects of his unremitting exertions compelled him to obtain leave of absence for the recovery of his health. His services on committees, the most arduous of congressional duties, were frequent and persevering, and he acted with fidelity as a member of the boards of war, and of the treasury. On the ninth of April, he was appointed, with others, to consider the proper steps to be immediately taken by congress, and recommended to the state of Pennsylvania, for opposing

the enemy, if they should attempt to penetrate through New Jersey, or to attack Philadelphia. On the eleventh of July, 1777, he was appointed, together with Mr. P. Livingston and Mr. Gerry, to proceed to the army under the command of general Washington, to institute a diligent inquiry into the state of that army, particularly as it related to the causes of complaint in the commissary's department; and to make such provision as the exigency or importance of the case required.

At a meeting of the general assembly of Pennsylvania, held on the fourteenth September, 1777, Mr. Clymer was not re-elected to congress, although he served, for a time, after that period. During the fall of this eventful year, when the British army, landing at the Head of Elk, defeating general Washington on the Brandywine, were marching towards Philadelphia, the family of Mr. Clymer resided in Chester county, to which place they had retired for safety, while the British were penetrating through New Jersey. The change of measures adopted by the enemy, however, threw them into the very scene of danger, and at the instigation of certain domestic traitors, their retreat was pointed out, and the house sacked by a band of British marauders. All the furniture, and a large stock of liquors were destroyed, and such casks of

wine as they were unable to consume or convey away, were poured upon the floors of the cellars. Mr. Clymer, however, firm in his devotion to his country, especially at a period which required the exertions of every individual, would not permit his private affairs to interfere with his public duties. Neither the destruction of his property nor the derangement of his family, nor the calls for his attendance upon them during their flight, aggravated as it was by sickness, could allure him from the public cause and councils. Another proud testimonial of the fervent patriotism of Mr. Clymer, and of the peculiarly hostile estimation in which his indefatigable services were held by the enemy, was evinced when the British took possession of Philadelphia. They were so exasperated against him, that they resolved to tear down his house, and assembled for that purpose, at the abode of his aunt, in Cherry street, which they believed to be his property. Being, however, assured of their mistake, they fortunately desisted.

In the year 1777, an inroad was made on the western frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania by some savage tribes of Indians, during which a number of helpless people were barbarously massacred, and the peaceable inhabitants driven from their homes and reduced to great distress. These atro