Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1851-05-14
For the Lewisburg Chronicle.
An Item of Revolutionary History

Major JAMES REEs died at Geneva, n.
Y, "a March, 1851, aged S5 years. He
was born in Philadelphia, of Welch fam
ily, and was in early life the confidential
clerk of Robert Morris, the illustrious
Financier of the Revolution. Mr.. Rees
held the office of quartermaster general
under Washington in the time ofthe Whis-
key Insurrection, in 1874, also under Gen
erals Wilkinson and lizard in the war of
1914, was land agent and cashier of the
bank at Geneva, and lastly postmaster
under General Harrison-all which stations
he filled with advantage to all concerned,
and retired with unspottcd honor. With
the best opportunities for becoming rich,
he preferred moderate but sure compe-
tency. The following incident related by
Major Rees-ilustrativ of the real hard
ships and privations of the statesmen and
soldiers who won our Nations Liberty
was communicated to the New York Lite
rary World:
at was in the year 1871, that Mr.. Nor
ris one morning early said Jenny, |
wish the horse and chaise to be ready at
ten, and that you accompany me to meet
Gen Washington on the Square At the
moment appointed l was ready, and pro-
ceeded with Mr. Morris to the junction of
Market and Broad streets, Philadelphia. |
In few moments | saw the General and
his servant approaching on horseback. The
General dismountcd, and saluted Mr..
Morris, with gravity. They both sat down
upon log in that place. Their discourse
at first was upon the miserable state of the
army from the want of bread and clothing,
and the General said, The head Of my
column will soon be in sight, on our way
to the head of Elk The discourse soon
varied to the prospect Of raising funds to
procure supplies for his famishing troops,
and could perceive that tears were in the
eyes of both. Said Mr.. Morris, Dear
General, 1 have made my last effort-my
notes are in the market in sums varying
from five pounds to five thousand dollars,
l have already received twenty thousand
from some Friends, meaning Quakers,]
and have that sum here ready for your
military chest, and will forward to you
other sums as they may come in, with -four
and pork ALSO The General siezed the
hand of Mr. Morris, saying, May an infn-
lite God bless you, my dear Morris, for this
timely relief! 1t will save my men from
starving, and may win US a victory The
tears rolled down their cheeks, and / was
unable to avoid weeping like achild. 1t was
now that l heard the drum and fife, and
soon there advanced the head of a column
Of pale faced, ragged infantry, gaunt and
lean; but their countenances frightened
as they beheld their chief in converse with {
the great 'paymaster.' Multitudes of these
mon were without shoes to their feet
some had one shoe and some one boot-a
part of an old coat or a ragged blanket
MANY of the officers had their garments ,
patched, on the knee and elsewhere, with
cloth of various hues. This column was
on its route to the Bay of Chesapeake,
with the hope and purpose of Washington
to intercept the march of CORVALLIS, with
what success it is we'll known-and that it
ended gloriously at Yorktown, as it ended y
the war; 8