The Republican journal., 1869-01-07
New Books.

AIunSell.
We are indebted to the author for Il copy OF
this work Its main purpose is the vindication
81 General Sullivan's fame against the unjust
asperSons of The historian Bancroft. In re-
cent volumes OF his History o. the United
States are found ass ertons seriously affecting
lhe reputation not only Of Sullivan, but of
Cen Greene and Of Joseph Reed. The latter
vas President OF the first Provincial Conven-
ton Aide de Camp to Washington, and when
approached by the British with the offer Of
princely bride, made the memorable reply, 81
am poor man, but the king of Great Britain
is not rich enough TO buy me- 1t is gratifying
to know that the good name Of each of these
distinguished men has POUNDS champion among
his descendants, and it is particularly fortunate
that the vinaication of Sullivan has devolyed
upon one SO we'll fitted, by ability and zeal, to
accomplish it.
John Sullivan, born at SomerSwortE, N. H.,
ust across the river from the Maine border, in
l.4,, was one OF four brothers that espoused
the patriot cause, one of whom was Governor
James Sullivan, Of Massachusetts. His father,
who had emigrated from Ireland and was d
man OF liberal culture, gave him the advantages
0l good education. Like all the family, he
was of athletic form, robust constitution, and
active spirit. with q natural aptitude for mill
tafy life He devoted as much time as was
consistent with the practice of his profession,
the law, 10 the affairs Of the militia, in which
he held commission under the king. One of
his first acts, after open hostilites had been
committed, was, together with other ofic ers
TO publicly burn his uniform and commission
on Durham common. He planned and led 4
daring night attack Oh Fort William and Mary
in Portsmouth harbor, which resulted in its
capture, with the stores. The latter were of
@reat service to the patriot cause. He was a
delegate to the Continental Congress, and al
forwards Brigadier under Washington when
Boston was invested, in both of which posi-
tons his services were of great Importance
II was Sullivan who extricated the army from
is dangerous position in Canada, after the re-
pulse at Quebec and death of Montgomery,
conducting the retreat with marked skill and
prudence Al the battle of Long Island, which
proved disastrous to the patriot forces under
Putnam, the exposed position Of Sullivan's
command led to its being surrounded and cap
Tired, with the commander; but Washington
acquitted him of al blame.
We might follow the career Of Sullivan, did
space permit, through the many stirring
events Of the period, with which he was prom
mently connected - the battles of Trenton,
Princeton, BrandyWine, Germantown, Rhode
Island and Newtown, and the sufterngs and
trials Of Vay Forge But our readers are fa-
mliar with all these events.
One of the most important services rendered
by Sullivan was the conducting Of an eXpedi-
ton against the Five Nations, in Central New
ork. These Indians had made considerable
advances toward civilization. They We're well
clothed, lived i'll comfortable houses and in
derabe villages, cultivated crops, and
were well supplied with arms by the British at
Fort Niagara. They were hostile to the patri-
OF cause, and in l119, under the lead of Butler
and Brant, were planning attack on the
frontiers rs soon as their crops should be gath
cred. N 10 time to be lost. war of de-
yastati0n was planned which should render
Them incapable of carrying out this design
ton was that the Indians should be g totally
rooted out" And rooted out they certainly
We're. With great foresight, energy and skill
Sullivan invaded their country, defeated the
Indians, burnt their towns destroyed their
crops and left them poWerlesS. Gen. Sullivan
was thanked by Congress, and day set apart
tor thanksgiving in honor of the victory.
Five years of active and harrassing service
IL the field had seriously impaired the natural
" vigorous constitution of the General, and in
b4 t,a1t Cd tn m
sion, his physician insisting that further ex-
posure would be fatal. On the occasion Wash
ington addressed to him letter, Of which the
following is the concluding paragraph
81 | hatter myself it is unnecessary for he to
repeat to you how high place you hold in my
esteem The confidence you have experienced,
and the manner III which you have been en-
ployed on several important occasions, testify
he value | SET upon your military qualfca-
tions and the regret must feel, that crcuul-
stances have deprived the army of your servi-
ces The pleasure | shall always take in an
interchange of good offices, in whatever station
you may hereafter be placed will be the best
confirmation of the personal regard with which
| have been, and am,
Very sincerely, dear sir, &C.
The charges which are made against Sullivan
by Eancrotts are specifically these-lst, Want
Of discretion III submitting to Congress propo-
sitions of reconciliation from Lord Howe; I'd,
an injudicious descent on Staten Island, in
l777; 80, Transmitting intelligence to Wash
ington which was subsequently found to be in
correct; dlsobedience of orders; and march
ing his troops to the right of Stirling, al
Brandywine, Sept 18th, 1177 4th, Wasting
powder at Germantown Oct. 4th, 1777; 9Th
Recommending Conway as Inspector General
9Th, Keeping on terms of courtesy with Gates
TO each and every one of these Mr. Amory
makes 4 conclusive reply, bringing forward
evidence and citing contemporaneous authority
which overflow the disparagemeuts Of the un.
just historian. The undenably high esteem
IN which Washington neVer ceased to hold Sui
livan is of itself sufficient refutation of all i'm
putatons upon his Judgement, discretion, yea
or honor.
The civil career of Gen. Sullivan, subse
Quent to his retirement from the army was i'm
portant and highly useful to the country. As
Delegate in Congress he took leading po
sition, and inaugurated measures Of public
benefit He filled many honorable positions