The Washington herald., 1909-06-27
July 4 an Excellent Date
To Recall Our Heroes

land he Is said to have become a classical
scholar. adding 70 this knowledge q
Gealic. During the French and Indian
wars It Is said Lewis was given over 3
prisoner into the hands Of the Indians TO
be dealt with as the Indians wished. and
bis gift OF tongue made it possible for him
70 understand the chief of the tribe.
which 50 pleased ths latter that instead
OF killing Lewis, TIE chief iatereeded for
his exchange
Robert Morris was the most brilliant
light among the foreign contingent. but
his career is too well remembered 10 need
comment. save 70 note the irony OF fate
that he who put his country on a sound
financial basis and of whom Z was said
Americans owe as much acknOWledg-
ment 70 the financial operaJons Of Rob-
ert Morris. as 10 the negotiations OF
BENJAMIN Franklin or even the arms %
Washington he passed the closing years
OF his life IN prison victim o. his own
lavish hospitality.
Dr.. Bartlett had the honor Of aflXing
his name first after the President: as he
was present On the memorable occasion
of taking the vote on the question Of a
declaration Of Independence On putting
the question. Z was agreed 70 begin with
the nOrrhernrOsr colony. and Dr. Bart
lert, being the Representative OF New
Hampshire had the honor OF not only
being the first 20 vote for. but the
frst 10 sign the Declaration
Won His state over
One OF the most stirring stories OF these
stirring times. Is the wild rlde OF Samuel
Chase. Of Maryland. 20 be IN time 10 take
part in the discussion OF 70 vote or not 70
vote. Maryland had warned her delega-
ton expressly against voting for a Decla-
ration OF Independence. and these gentle
men. though caught by the prevailing
spirit OF throwing or the royal yoke.
thought u dish0norsble 70 disregard the
wishes OF their constituents. for having
accepted their appointments under this
restriction. they must stand By the pro-
nibition- NJ. Chase could not quietly en-
dure this state OF things. so slipping away
from Congress and returning 70 Mary
lard. he rapidly traversed tAe province
with the assistance Of his colleagues. 50
stirred the people 70 sense Of patriotism
as 70 persuade them 70 send an address
70 the convention, sitting al Annapolis,
in favor Of independence. The appeal was
50 spirited that the convention could not
resist and gave a vote unanimously for
independence. With this vote Mr.. Chase
fastened 10 Philadelphia. riding 80 miles
n two days; reaching the hall Just In
time 90 take part IN voting the resolution
IL faycr OF independence.
Six Famous Brothers.
Of the famous brothers Lee. so much Il
remembered. and al honorable that they
have no fitting place IN this list ot the
little known signers. save for the Pc
culiarity Of two In one family appearing
on the document; there we're four other
brothers Of fame n their fathers house.
al leaving an eradicable stamp on the
pages OF history. II was 2 strange turn
OF fate which gave Thomas Jefferson the
ehsirmsnship % the committee selected 20
prepare the declaration. for as the mover
of the original resolution for independ-
ence. according 10 parliamentary usage.
the chairmalship would have devolved On
9Ir- Lee. the father OF the motion. but IL
ness IN MS family IN Virginia called him
home and 9Ir- Jefferson was chosen IN
his place.
IN The Lees OF Virginia. 3Ir. Read de-
clares that Gov. Johnson. % Maryland
told Nr. Lees grandson that shortly
after the war of the Revolution he, Gov
Johnson. heard an Elglishman say, one
who had great opportunities OF knowing
the intentions OF the British ministry
that II the event or TIE recIccion OF DhS
colonies the intention was 20 demand the
delivery of Gen Washington and Richard
Henry Lee. OF Virginia, as principal
rebels"
Every one of the hfty-six members has
left records well worth reviewing. had
one the tine. and i Is comforting 20 feel
assured thar lacking that tine for study
OF these men who were willing 70 Gle Tor
our freedom. We are quite safe IN cher
ishing their names and remembering
them with a lasting gratitude. sor they
{ are every one worthy OF our highest ven
Grafton