Smyrna times., 1897-06-09
MARTIAL DELAWAREANS.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DIAMOND
STATE IN THE REVOLUTION.
An Interesting Historical Address Before
the Sons of Delaware by Francis II.
hOffeCker of Wilmington.


An Interesting Historical Address Before
the Sons of Delaware by Francis II.
HOffecker of Wilmington.
The Sons of Delaware, at their club
rooms in the Betz Building, last even
ing, listened to an address on 'Dela-
ware in the Revolution" by Francis H.
Hoffecker, of Wilmington, who arous-
ed the pride of those who are some
times called the Chickens of the Blue
Hen by describing the military achiev-
ments of many eminent Delawareans.
Mr.. Hoffecker began his address by
speaking of the struggling colonies de-
flying the most powerful government in
the world. 1t was at that period of our
history, he said, that the "three lower
counties on the Delaware" stepped into
the arena as loyal defenders of the new
born cause. He then outlined the
most important historic facts, mention
ing the Delawareans whose names are
connected with the great conflict. A
mOng these were Caesar Rodney, who
rode 100 miles to Philadelphia to sign
the Declaration of Independence; Cap
tain John HaZlet, who raised com
mand for the Colonial army and was
killed at the battle of Princeton; Cap
tain David Hall, who commanded a
battalion of regulars; Captain Kirk
wood, after whom the town Kirkwood,
in Delaware, is named, an officer in
the same regiment, and noted for his
bravery; Captain John Patton, from
whom are descended q number of dis.
tinguished men, including the late
Judge Wales, of the United States Dis
trict Court.
Proceeding with his narrative, Mr..
Hoffecker, described the battle of Bran
dywine, in which the Delaware militia
participated, under the command of
General Rodney, and in which Lafay-
cite was wounded. The soldiers of
the Dimond State also took part in the
campaign in the Southern States in the
spring of 1880, a battalion being en-
gagged under the command of Captain
Kirkwood, numbering less than 500,
but creating an impression as they set
out on their expedition that there were
no better troops in the American Army.
Delaware's representation in the
American Congress was discussed by
the speaker, who mentioned George
Read, who was at one time President
of the body. The action of the dep
uties from the State on one occasion
was approved by the General Assembly
of the State, which publicly thanked
them, Other eminent Delawareans
named by Mr.. Hoffecker were Colonel
Allen McLane, who was highly re-
garded by Washington; Lieutenant
Colonel Charles Pope, who lived al
Smyrna, and commanded a regiment
which was with Washington's S army at
Valley Forge. Commodore Thomas
Read was in command of an American
fleet. In all 3763 soldiers and militia
were enlisted and the Legislature al
the close of the war appropriated
500, 900 for the purpose of paying the
interest on the public bebt.
Mr.. Hoffecker, in connection will
his subject, referred to the duties o.
citizens, saying: obedience to Law
and a wise choice in the slection O
those upon whom will rest the respon
sibility of properly conducting the af
fairs of the State are the elements oi
good citizenship, and that State is,
indeed, secure in the loyalty of hel
citizens whose people are honest anC
upright" In closing, he spoke of tn,
responsibility resting upon the mem
bers of the convention which is fran
ing a new constitution for the State o
Delaware. He said he felt sure tn,
duty would be performed with sount
judgement and mature deliberation
and in brief period of time the rights an,
liberties of the people would be again
protected by a new bulwark of consti
tutional right.
Addresses were also made by Norri
S. Barrett, William Michael Byrne, o
Wilmington, and ex-Judge F. Caro-
Brewster. .-PhiiadelphiG Ledger,