Evening star., 1932-04-03


seldom passed unohserVed. while
worthy and quietly performed
deeds Of the heroine are allowed
to remain in obscurity."
Such Is the comment of one hist Jrian, who
three-euarters of a century ago was moved to
place on permanent record true story OF the
character and deeds OF one OF the heroines OF
the American Revolution. That women played
an active part and exterted a tremendous in
f1uence in the War for Independence is now
becoming generaI-y recognized for as a
matter of historical justice and importance
various patriotic and historical societies are
endeayoring to make available to present and
future generations authentic information con-
cerning the great feminine characters of that
period.
Through the story of the Midnight Ride Of
Paul Revere to Lexington the 18th OF
April ITS, vividly portrayed by the Poet
Longfellow in his Tales of WaySide Inn
the name Of Revere is known the world over.
While deed of woman OF that period
appears to have been SO picturesque and
thrilling as this event the of the Battle
of Lexington and it is not believed that one
figured actively in so important an episode m
the struggle for American freedom, 1T is,
however, q fact that womans part was OF
far greater importance than that Of merely
furnishing inspiration and sympathy, and weep
ing and suffering in silence at home.
Their almost universal remuneration Of the
of tea and other imported luxuries, their
ingenuity in the weaving and knitting Of
clothing for themselves and their families, the
supplying whenever possible Of quantities OF
food to the hungry soldiers and the donation
of their ornaments and tableware Of pewter
one Of the precious and much-valued metals OF
the tine-to be nodded into bullets are only
few of the contributions of women in the inter-
ests Of the infant republic.
Many times women served the cause by re-
laying important information to the patriot
Army, and IN at least one case woman, by
her timely revelation of a British plan, was IN
strumental IN saving the Army of Washington
from capture by the opposing forces. In several
instances 1t appears that women demonstrated
greater courage than their men, who are said
to have been ready to retreat when their wives
actually leveled their guns in their stead. Even
the burial of men slain in battle often fefl TO
the hands of the women.
When the women Of Pennsylvania and New
jersey by their heroic sacrifices and exertions
succeeded in providing relief to the suffering
troops, at time when the resources OF the
country were at low ebb and the British
cruisers cut off every hope OF aid from mer-
chant vessels, Gen. Washington penned the
following to the committee of ladies;
THE Army ought not to regret its sacr1-
fees or its sufferings, when they meet with
50 fattering a reward. as in/the sympathy
of your sex; nor can it fear that its inter-
ests will be neglected when espoused by
advocates as powerful they are amiable.
An ofrcer of the American Army in June
178O wrote that "Burgoyne who on his frst
coming to America. boasted that he would
dance with the ladies, and coax the men to
submission must now have better understand
ing of the good sense and public spirit Of our
females as he has already heard of the forti-
tude and inf1exible temper of our men"
ONE OF the most interesting and influential
~ feminine figures of the Revolutionary
period is undoubtedly Mercy Warren, who is
noted chiefly for her satrical poems and
dramas, introducing leading Tories in hUmor-
Gus fashion which. with other compositions
were later collected and dedicated to Gen.
washington her history Of the war, and her
correspondence with leaders in the patriot
cause.
Among her correspondents were John Adams,
Alexander Hamilton, Samuel Adams, Thomas
jefferson Gen Knox, Dickinson, Gerry and
others Her opinion regarding political matters
was sought, and there is every evidence that
her judgment greatly relied upon by the
leaders of her time. Gen. Knox in one letter
to Mrs. Warren wrote: Il should be happy,
Madam, to receive your communications from
time to time particularly the subject en-
larged on in this letter. Your sentiments shall
remain with me-"
A communication from Mrs Warren herself
to John Adams contains the following: Though
you have condescended to ask my sentiments,
in conjunction with those of a gentleman
qualified both by his judgment and integrity as
well his attachment to the interest of his
country to advise at this important crisis yet
shall not be so presumptuous as to offer any
thing but nv fervent u'isI--T that the enemies
of America may hefes Iter forerer tremble at
the wt'dom and frmness, the prudence and