New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-05-15
REVIEWS OF NEW BOOKS.

history OF THE SIEGE OF BOSTON, AND OF
AND BUNKER HILL BY RICHARD REoraisGa.N'
Jr svo. pp, 40. Boston Lutte & Brown New
York Sod by c. s. Francis ( Co
The author Of this volume deserves the gratitude
every lover Of American history for the diligence
impartiality and critical discrimination with which
he has investigated the abundant materials for his
narrative, furnished by contemporary documents
and for the manly and vigorous simplicity with
which he has here embodied the fruits Of his re-
searches. His work everywhere shows the as.
siduity which he has brought to his laborous task
and the historical sagacity and tact which have
enabled him to wind through masses OF conflicting
testimony, separating the chaf from the wheat
and returning with well siited collection OF facts
on whose authenticity the most scruPulous may
rely without misgiving. Mr.. Frothingham's style
is singularly free from pretension, inspiring con-
fidence in the good faith OF the writer and though
never aiming at artificial ornaments, is by no
means destitute Of certain grace and vlVacity
His admiration Of the subjects Of his history never
seduces him from the rigorous severity OF truth.
He paints the founders OF the Republic with a
genial warmth of coloring, but without any con
cealment of their defects, and with disposition
ity The following condensed description of several
Of the leading patriots Of Boston, upon the break
ing out of the Revolution, is drawn with great
skill, and presents a pleasing specimen of the
blended reserve and enthusiasm with which the
author approaches the personal details Of bis
subject:
THE PATRIOTS OF BOSTON IN us
The foremost Of them, James Otis so vehement
and wild in his support Of liberty that the British
called him mad, Of such pure patriotism and spirit
stirring eloquence that the people hung upon his
words with delight, had accomplished his great
pioneer work and bis fine genius. by a savage
blow from an enemy, had become a wreck
Samuel Adams, the giant reiormer, who best re-
presents the sternness, the energy the Puritansm
of the Revolution, was commencing his career as
a member of the Continental Congress, and had
begun to manage it's factions, by the simple wand
Of integ rty of purpose, with the same success with
which he gathered about him the strong men of
Boston. "All good men," George Clymer writes
in 1913, should erect a statue to him in their
hearts" John Adams, ardent, eloquent, learned
in the law ready with bis tongue or his pen to de-
fend the bodest measure as necessary, whether
the destruction Of the tea the obstruction of a
Court was in the same Congress continuing a |
brilliant service There, too, was John Hancock, |
whose mercantile connections, social position, law
ish hospitality and large wealth, made up an in |
was invaluable. Joseph Warren, skiul as
physician, of chvalrous spirit and of fascinating
social qualities beloved as a friend, and OF iudg
ment beyond his year Q, seeing as clearly as any |
other the great principles of the contest, and re-
presenting as fully as any other the fresh en-
thusiasm of the Revolution, was working lab0rous
ly in the Committee Of Correspondence, in the
Boston Committee of Safety in the Committee on
Donations, in the Provincial Committee of Safety,
and in the Provincial Congress Josiah Quincy, Jr.
the Boston Cicero, devoted 10 the patriot cause,
profound in the conviction that his countrymen
would be required to seal their labors with their
blood, was on q confidential mission to England
being destined, on his return. to yield up his pure
spirit in sight of the native land which he loved so
much, and for which he labored so well. Thomas
Gushing, of high standing as a merchant, OF great
smenity of manner, of large personal influence,
was a delegate to the Continental Congress. so |
widely was his name known in England from its |
being affixed to public documents, that Dr. John |
son remarked, in his ministerial pamphlet, that
object OF the Americans was TO adorn Cushing's |
b. ows with a diedem. James Bowdoin, early |
- 1854 one Of the members of the General Court,
was still Of such fresh public spirit to be of
the leading politicians and though not so ardent as
some OF his associates, yet his sterling character
gave him great influence, while be was none the
less attached TO the Wing cause and none the less
obnoxious to the Royal Governor. Benz. Church,
arespectable physician of genius and taste, VINO
had made one of the best OF the massacre" ora
tons, was working in fall confidence with the
patriots, though bis sun was destined to set in
cloud. Nathaniel Appleton was active various
boards, and his name is affixed to some of the most
patriotic letters that went from the Donation Com
mttee. William Phillips, one of the merchant
princes, irreproachable a man. for 80 years
deacon of the Old South was serving on various
boards, and contributed money in aid Of the cause
with the same liberality with which, subsequently,
he contributed to aid the cause Of educ atom
epdan of horn aiu atin nf
urbanity OF manner and integrity Of character, at
this time in mercantile life, though subsequently
Judge, was one OF the Seectmen and one of the !
Committee oil Correspondence. John Pitts, OF large
wealth and OF large influence, was jealous
patriot, one OF the Provincial Congress, and on
other boards. James Lovel, the schoolmaster, of
fair reputation a scholar was en- efficient patriot
and was destined to severe suffering account OF
his political course. William Cooper, the Town
Clerk 40 years. the brother of DR.. Cooper, who lived
long and useful life, was one of the most fearless
and active of the Wings. William Moineaux a |
distinguished merchant, an ardent friead to the |
country, whose abors had proved too much for his
constitution, had just died Paul Revere, an in |
genous goldsmith, as ready to engrave a lampoon !
as to rally caucus, was the great confidential mes
senger OF the patriots and the great leader of the
mechanics Benjamin Austin, long time in pub /
lie life and in responsible Offices Nathaniel Bar.
Der. an influential citizen; Gibbons Sharpe, dea- |
con Of DR.. Eliots Church, one OF the jealous and |
influential mechanics David Jeffdes, the Town |
Treasurer useful citizen and active patriot |
Henry Hill, wealthy of great kindness OF heart !
and greatly beloved; Henderson Inches, afterward
hlhng offices of high trust with great fidelity |
Jonathan Mason, deacon OF one of the churches
one oil the opulent merchants, OF solid character
and great influence Timothy Newell, one of the
deacons OF the Brastlest Church; William Pow.
Ell. OF large wealth and OF great usefulness; John
Rowe, also rich, enterprising and influential: John
scollay, OF mach public spirit energetic and firm
all these. and others equally deserving were act !
rely employed on various committees, and in i'm /
Portant and hazardous service. They were no, I
the men to engage in q work OF anarchy or Of |
revolution In fact, strictly speaking, their work !