The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1857-07-09
Society of the Cincinnati.

| tue olncefs IN the patriot camp on the Hud
son were not without gloomy feelings al
the thought Of their approaching separation
from each other. Eight years of dangers
aud hardships, shared in common and no.
bly, sustained, had welded their hearts to-
gether, and made it hard to rend them
asunder. Prompted by such feelings, Gen
eral Knox, ever noted for generous impulses,
suggested as mode of perpetuating the
friendships thus formed, aud keeping alive
The brotherhood Of the camp, the formation
oi society composed Of the officers OF the
army. The suggestion ms, with universal
concurrence and the hearty appreciation of
Washington.
Meetings were held, at which the Baron
Sieuben, as senior officer, presided. a plan
was drafted by a committee composed of
Generals Knox and Huntingdon and Cap
tain Shaw; aud the society was organized
at meeting held on the 18th of Nav. at
the Barons quarters, in The old Verplanck
House, near Fishkill
By It's formula, the officers of the Ameri
can army, in the most solemn manner, com
hined themselves into one society Of friends.
to endure as long as they should endure, or
any OF their eldest male pos,erty; and in
failure thereof, the collateral branches who
might be judged worthy Of becoming its
supporters aud members. In memory of
The illustrious Roman, Lucus Quintius
Cincnnatus, who retired from war 10 the
peaceful duties Of the citizen, it was TO be
| called "The Society Of Cincinnati" The
OBJECTS proposed by 1t were, To preserve in
violate the rights and Liberties for which
they had con,cajad; to promote and cherish
national honor and union between the
States; 10 maintain brotherly kindness to-
wards each other, and extend relief to such
| officers and their families as might stand i'm
need of {.
In order TO obtain funds for the purpose,
each officer was 10 contribute one months
pay, the interest only TO be appropriated to
the relief of the unfortunate. The general
society, for the sake OF frequent commu
ncations, was TO be divided into State
societies, aud these again into districts.
The general society was 10 meet annu.
ally on the first Monday in May; the
State societies on each 4th July; the dis
trlcIs as often as should be agreed on by
the State society.
The society was 10 have an insignia, call
ed The Order of the Cincinnati" 1t was
TO be golden American eagle, bearing on
It's breast emblemaIic devices; this was TO
be suspended by deep blue ribbon two
'nches wide, edged with white, in significa
ton OF the union Of America with France
individuals Of the respective States, dis
unguished for patriotism aud talents, might
be admitted as honorary members for life;
Their numbers, never 10 exceed a ratio Of
one to four. The French ministers who
had offciated at Philadelphia, and the
French admirals, generals and colouels, " ho
had served in the United States, were 10 be
presented with the insignia Of the order
and invited to become members.
Washington was chosen unanimously TO
officia,e as President OF il, until tue FIRST
general meeting, 10 be held in May, 1884.
THOMAS SUMTER.-"The prospect Of
such aud from the North reanimaied the
Southern patriots. One of the most emf.
nent of these was Thomas Sumter, whom
the Carolinians had surnamed the Game
Cock lie was between forty and fifty years
OF age, brave, hardy, vigorous, resolu;e. lie
had served against the Indians in his boy
hood during the old French war, and had
been present at the defeat of Braddock. In
the present war lie held the rank Of Lieu
tenant Colonel Of Rflemen in the continen-
tai line"
FRANCIS MARIoN.--"The victory at
Kings Mountain had set the partizan spir.
1t throughout the country IN blaze. Fran
Cts Marion was soon in the field. He bad
been made n brigader general by Governor
RuiIedge, but his brigade, as it was called,
was formed of neighbors and friends, and
was continually tluctuating in numbers.
lie was nearly fifty years of age, and small
of stature, but hardy, healthy and vigorous.
Brave, but not braggan, never avoiding
danger, but never really seeking il. Taci.
turn and abstemous; strict disciplinarian;
careful Of the lives of his meu, but little
mindful Of his own life. Just in his deal.
ingS, free from everything selfish or merce-
-jQlry, and incapable of meauness lie
100 his haunts and stronglo!ds in the NOR
- of the Pee Dee and tile Black Rive,.
lis men we've hardy and abs!emious as him.
sell; they eat their meat without salt, olien
SuOsisted ON potatoes, We're scantily clad,
and almost destitute OF blankets.
Marion was ful Of sualngems aud ex-
pedients. Sallying forth from his morass
es, lac would oveuun the lower districts,
pass the Santee, beat up the small posts in
the vicinity of Charleston, cut up Ire com
mpnicauon between that city aud Camden:
and having struck some signal blow. so as
TO arouse tie vengeance Of the enemy,
would retreat again into his fen6y fastnes
ses. Hence the British gave him the by.
name Of the .Sicamp For, but those of his
countrymeD who knew his courage, his
loitness of spirit and spotess integrity. con
sldered him the Baydrd OF The South"
IrViRg's Washington.
A good book and good women are ex-
cellent things for those who know how to