Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1901-06-06


In all great revolutions, whether re-
ligious or political, if such are waged
by combined states or societies, it is
almost invariably the case that one
member of such a body overshadows
the rest in the brilhancy Of her ex-
ploits
Thus it was in the American Revo.
luton. Thirteen colonies bound
themselves together to resist the hand
of tyrant and to gain for themselves
and their posterity the blessings of
freedom. Out of this union there
arose one, who by the endeavors Of
her citizens, both in the battlefield
and state house, gained the admiration
of all her sister colonies. The one to
which l refer is Virginia, and, as
readers of history know, she played a
very important part in this memora-
bic struggle.
Th. part this colony played may be
divided into two sections: That which
she bore in relation to battle-ground,
and the part her citizens and patriots
performed. Of the first little can be
said until the close of tn. war and is
confined within her own border. But
the deeds Of her heroes and patriots
extend throughout the length and
breadth of the Thirteen Colonies.
1t was in Virginia the Revolution
may be said to have begun, and here
the relentless and tyrannical power of
George III found its grave. The sPir-
it of independence was first fostered il
the "Old Dominion, and here this
spirit first assumed a definite shape.
Virginia had struggled for a long
time to rid herself of this oppression.
Having accomplished this in a meas
ure, she joined the Union, then pro-
posed, and earnestly strove to drive
the tyrant from the shores of the New
World
1t has been said that the Revolution
was fought by Massachusetts, and Vir-
ginia, and it is doubtful if these colo
MES could have gained their inde
peudence as soon as they did if it had
not been for the Jealous efforts Of the
latter State. At the outset, the COM
mand Of the Continental armies was
entrusted to one of her sons, George
Washington, and if her soldiers were
not present on every battlefield, at
least the spirit of her heroes was pres
snt, and, without doubt, inspired
those engaged in the struggle.
1t is true that Virginia was the first
to engage in open revolt against the
arbitrary governors, appointed by the
king. When war wa, declared she
did not halt in her course but heroic
ally placed her son. and resources at
the disposal Of the Continental gov
ernment. Urged on by the impas-
stoned sloquence of Patrick Henry,
by the pens of Mason and Jefferson,
and by the matchle,' generalship of
George Washington, Virginia per-
formed such feats Of vslor and patrio-
tism as to leave no stone unturned
that might shadow one particle of
royal tyranny.
As the war progressed the British
generals realized that the heart Of the
struggle was in the South. There
fore, they directed their movements
to this section Of the country. But
the gallant Virginians were not to be
intimidated by any such proceeding.
It only seemed to stimulate them to
greater action.
Shortly before this the French had
recognized the independence Of the
Colonies and promised them aid. Now
that the aid had arrived, the Colonies,
more united than ever, closely pur-
sued CORVALLIS and held him beseiged
within the lines Of Yorktown, Virgin
ia. The besieging Of this place was the
most important event in Virginia dur
ing the Revolution, and was the clos
ing point in this great struggle. For
General CORVALLIS, having tried in
vain to break through the American
lines, surrendered bis whole command.
On October 10, 1881, the conquered
British walked sullenly forth from
their garrisons and delivered their
arms over to the victorious Americans.
A VirCinian was thera to receive