The chaplains and clergy of the Revolution

Front matter

£it

PRINCETON ■ NEW JERSEY

PURCHASED BY THE

Preface

In writing the biographies of the chaplains and clergymen who bore a prominent .part in our revolutionary struggle, I have thought proper to devote a few pages at the outset to the influence of the 2^ul2>it as an institution. In New England especially, which inaugurated the rebellion, and on which fell so heavily the burden of carrying it forward, the pulpit was a recognized power in the State, and its aid formally and earnestly invoked.

It was necessary to do this to carry out the entire object I had in view, which was not merely to give a series of biographical sketches, but to exhibit the religious element— in other words, present the religious phase of the Revolution. Individual clergymen might have been devoted patriots, and rendered efficient service to their country, and yet the pulpit as such deserve no more prominent place in the struggle than the profession of law or medicine because many of its members bore a distinguished part in it. The clergy, however, wielded a twofold power — as individuals and as rcjirescntatives

IV PREFACE.

of a profession which in Xew England dominated the State.

In writing the biographical sketches, I have restricted myself almost exclusively to events and actions embraced by the revolutionary period. This was necessary, not only to give definiteness and unity to the work, but because full biographies of some of the distinguished chaplains would make separate volumes in themselves. Hence I have not professed to write the life of any one individual, but as far as I could obtain the facts, the revolutionary history of all.

The details and incidents necessary to carry out this design not being found in public documents, it will readily occur to the reader that the most serious difficulties had to be surmounted in obtaining them. I have had to rely chiefly of course on family papers and traditions, with such additional items as I could pick up in my researches among old pamphlets, letters, etc, found in antiquarian societies. I mention this to explain the absence of all references to authorities in the body of the work. To have given the multifarious sources, such as individuals, letters, pamphlets, magazines, historical collections, etc., would have burdened the work with a vast amount of useless matter. For some of the fuller sketches, such as Allen, Avery, Cotton Smith, Gano, Champion and Ker, I have been indebted almost exclusively to the kindness of the immediate descendants of these men. In others, in part

PREFACE. V

to family relatives of the chaplains, and in part to various miscellaneous sources. For many of the shorter biographies I am greatly indebted to Dr. Sprague's admirable work, " The American Pulpit." Without this I should not have been able to give the birth, nativity, and date of death of a large portion of those whose names will be entirely new to the reader. Of course many who ought to be embraced in this collection are omitted, because I could not obtain the facts necessary to make a biography. In some cases the personal diaries, which would have furnished these, have been lost by the families who once had them in their possession — in others they having lived only in tradition, have passed away with time, or are so dimly remembered as to be comparatively valueless.

I have regretted especially that I could obtain nothing satisfactory respecting the Lutheran Church, which rendered the country good service.

But notwithstanding the necessary incompleteness of the work, I feel I have done something towards giving the clergy and the pulpit the place which they ought to have in the history of the Revolution, and furnished a book which will benefit the generation now rising into manhood, by directing the mind not only to religious influences, but to the great source of all national blessings, as well as to battle fields and the strong legions.

This diversion of the mind from armies to the God of armies is especially needed in our present crisis. Enthu-

VI PREFACE.

siasm and numbers will not deliver us from the troubles that now overwhelm us. Penitence and humility will go farther than either, and whether the State turns as it did in the Revolution to the Church as its strongest support or not, we may rest assured, if its prayers do not save us, whatever success we may achieve will in the end prove a sad failure.

Chapter I. Pa0k

Religious Element of the Revolution. — Not sufficiently dwelt on by Historians. — Influence and Action of Pastors. — Example in Stockbridge, Mass. — Interesting Scene 13

Chapter II

Systematic Influence of the Clergy. — Election Sermons before the Revolution. — Election Sermons a part of the Proceedings of the Provincial Legislature.— Samuel Cook's Sermon's, 1770.— Mr. Tucker's, in 1771.— Charles Turner's, in 1773. — Gad. Hitchcock's, in 1774. — "The Tea Overboard.'"— President Langdon's, in 1775. — "Hunker Hill, Monitions of the Coming Storm.1' — These Sermons the Political Pamphlets of the Times 21

Chapter III

Election Sermon?, Preached after the Assembling of the Continental Congress and Organization of Colonial Government. — Rev. Wit Gordon. — Rev. Samuel West, of Dartmouth, in 177G. — Bold Appeal. 35

CHAPTER IY.

Sermons during the War. — Sermon of Samuel Webster, in 1777. — Bold and Patriotic Prayer. — Discourse of Phillip Payson, of Chelsea, 177S. — Eloquent Appeal. — Prophetic Vision 4S

CHAPTER Y.

Personal Influence of the Clergy. — Appointments of Chaplains. — Correspondence between the Ministers of Connecticut and Massachusetts.— Thaxter, Foster and Payson fighting at Lexington and Concord. — Washington asks Congress for Chaplains. — 2su.mijf.rand Names of, in the Army at Cambridge. — Washington's Second Lettejk to Congress on the Subject. — His Order remtciing Chaplains. — David Ely. — Joseph Fish. — Jonah Stearns. — John Mills — David Caldwell. — Thomas Read. — Robert Davidson. — Elizur Goodrich. — Wm. Goeiiam. — John Bteele. — Francis Cummings.— Azel Roe. — Hezekiah Bai.cii. — Charles NcKnigiit. — Manasseii Cutlee. — Nathan Strong. — Nathaniel Porter. — Annie Robins. — John Cleveland. — Samuel McClintock. — Hezekiah Ripley. — Isaac Lewis. — Dr. Latta.— Dr. Armstrong 56

CHAPTER VI.

Jonas Clark. — TnE Pastor of Lexington.— TIis Ministerial Life. — Early Teachings. — Patriotic Conduct and Ability as a State-man. — Hancock and Adams find Refuge in his House.— News of the Approach of the Enemy. — i I is Account of it.— Summoning of the Militia. — S< eni: on the Green. — Approach of the Enemy. — The Slaughter. — Mu. Clark

AMONG HIS SLAIN PaRISHO.N ERS. — IIlS FllELlNGS AND PREDICTION 74

CHAPTER VII.

Jacob Duche. — Opens the first Continental Congress with Peayf.r. — John Adams's Description of the Scene. — His Patriotic Sermons. — Gives his Pay as Chaplain to the Families oe those 8l mn in Battle. — Becomes alaemeb, and ruins against his Country. — His Insulting Letter TO Washington. — Peeks the Country. — II is Return to Philadelphia.— His Death. — His Character S3

VUl CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIII. PAQB

Samuel Spring, T).D. — TIis Eakly Life. — Becomes Chaplain in the Army.—

TllK ONLY ClIAPLAIN IN ARNOLD'S E X PEDITK )N ACROSS TIIK NORTHERN WlLDER.NF.SS. — IIlN DESCRIPTION OF ITS FORMATION.— PBBAOHES AT Ni:\V-

bfrypoetto the Ahmy.— Visits the Tome of "Whitfield. — Description

OF TIIK MARCH TBBOUOfl HI WlLDEBNESS.— UlS BUFFERINGS AM) LaBOBS.

— Famine. — His Description Of Siiooit.no a Moose. — His La. BOB! at Point ai:x TSBMBLBS. — Stormino of QUBBBO. — He leads AbrolD oit of the Fight. — Leaves the Army. — Settled at NewbubtPOBT. — His Interview with Aaron Blue. — His Death 89

CHAPTER IX.

Euenezer Prime. — TIis Patriotism. — Driven fkom his Church. — TIis Libraky Destroyed. — His Death. — Insult to his Grave 107

CHAPTER X.

Samuel Eaton. — Is settled in Harpsrprg, Maine. — Practices three Professions.— Attends a Political Meeting. — His Stirring Address. — NaBBOW ESCAPE of an Officer of the King. — Recruiting Officer BBBBJ ins Aid. — Eaton addresses the People on Sahhath Evening. — Thrilling Scene. — Soldiers Obtained. — His Death 110

CHAPTER XI.

"William Tennent. — TIis Birth and Education. — Settled at Norwalk, Conn. — Removes to Charleston, S. C. — His Personal Appearance. — His Eloquence. — His Boldness and Zeal in the Cause of the Colonies.— Makes Patriotic Appeals on the Saijbatii. — Is ELECTED Member of the Provincial Congress of South Carolinia. — Sent with Henuy Drayton to Back Settlements to Baffle Tobies. — Letters to Henry Laurens and Congress. — Again sent to Congress. — His Character... 115

CHAPTER XII.

Peter Gabriel MniLENBURG. — Fighting Clergymen. — Hsu H LEW BUBOES BfBTM

and EDUCATION. — Goes to England. — Settees in Virginia.— Takes a prominent Part in Political Movements. — BECOME! IfEMBBB Off the House of Burgesses. — Raises a Regiment, Off which he i^ OHOSI ■ Colonel. — Preaches his Farewell Bebmob. — Orders the Dp.cm to BEAT for Recrcits at the Church Door. — Marches to Charleston. — Camps at Valley Forge.— -Fights bravely at Urandywine.— At M<>\- MOUT1I.— Commands TUB Reserve at Stony Point.— Makes a despei:ate ASSAULT AT Voiiktown. — Is made Major General. — Political Cap.eer

AFTER THE WAR. DEFENCE Off GOUBSB IN ABANDONING PROFESSION 121

CHAPTER XIII.

Thomas Allen.— His Birth and Education. — Settles in Pittsfiei.d. — Tabes decided Part with thi Colonise. — Is made Cbateman optba

COMMITTEB OP 8 AffBTX and Coerespo.n dence. — His L A BOBS. — His Intki:-

est ib tub Conquest or Ticondebooa. — New and [btebsstinb Lbttbb

TO Gen. BETII POMBOT. -.Joins THE Army as Chaplain. — His Diary at THE B \ PI i.e. Off Wnn k Plains. — Goes TO TlOONDBBOBA. Address 10 tiik BOLDIBBS 'Aiii-N BXPECTINB an Attack— Hh DbsBUST ST TUB Ueii:e\t. — B ALLIES mm: M i i ,] 1 1 \ TO TBI LlD Off Starke, at Bbe BINGTON. — Scmmons

TUB l.M\n ro BuEEENDEB, and is Fired at. — Fioins in THB Panes. — First ovi.i: TBI Bbi vst-woek.— II is Care POB the Wounded.— Kktirns TO his Parish. — DIALOGUE with a Parishioner.— Voyage to : \m> AFTER an Infant Grandchild. — Prays with and Addee—es •hie CBBW in Expectation Off an Attack.- Hi> CONDUCT in the Shay's El hellion.— His Statesmanship.— His Death 123

CHAPTER XIV.

John Uossiu-Rf.n. — \n Irishman BY Birth. — His Kim-cation. — Is Settled ATiiir." Forks of the Del * ware."— His Patriotism.— Joins \ Company formed in his own Parish as a Soldier.— His painful Parting with

CONTENTS. ix

PAGE

nis "Wife.— Makes ms Will.— Chaplain or a Regiment.— Marches

AGAINST THE ENEMY. — Is TAKEN PRISONER, AM) MURDERED WHILE PeaY-

ing roi His Enemies. — The mutilated Corpse btralthilt Buried. — His

Letters TO IUS WlFE JUST BEFORE A SKIRMISH. — His CHARACTER 153

CHAPTER XV.

Abner Benedict. — ITis Birth and Education. — Settled at Middletown. — Becomes Chaplain in tub Army at Nbw 5Tobk. — Description oka teb-

rific Thunder-storm. — The Battle of Long [bland.— His Feelings. — The Last to leave the BltOBB IN Tin: Betreat. — Inventions im Sue- MABINB Navigation. — MANUFACTURES Saltpbtbb Fob Powder. — Elected Professor in Yale College. — His Character and Death 1G1

CHAPTER XVI.

"William White, D.D. — ITis Bibth and early Sti-dtfs. — Goes to England. — Friend of Goldsmith and .Johnson. — Sk.ttt.ed in PHILADELPHIA. — Takes the Oath of Allegiance. — Noblb Determination. — Elected ^ Chaplain of Congress. — His Conduct after the Revolution. — Is made Bishop.— His Character and Death..* 171

CHAPTER XVII.

Timothy DwicnT. — Patriotism of our Colleges. — D wight's Birth.— ITis early Life. — Tutor of Yale College. — Is Licensed to Preach.— His Patriotism.— Becomes Chaplain. — Advocates complete Independence.—Desolate Appearance of Westchester County. — Sermon after the Victory at Saratoga. — Anecdote of Putnam. — Composes the Ode to Columbia. — Dedicates a Poem to Washington. — Shares the Suffeeings of the Soldiers at West Point in the Winter, of 1T7S. — His Faith. — Dkad L'n buried at Fort Montgomery. — Death of his Father. — Leavestiik Army. — Settles at Northampton. — Goes to Legislature. — Publishes several Poems. — Elected President of Yale College. — A Federalist in 1S12. — Eminence as a Theologian. — His Death 175

CHAPTER XVIII.

NAPnTiiALi Dagget. — Professor of Divinity in Yale College. — The College broken up. — Invasion of Tryon. — Terror of the Inhabitants. — A Company of a Hundred Touno Men raised to resist IIim. — Dr. Dagget and his Black Mare.— Advances alone to Eeconnoitee. — The Fight. — The Betreat. — Dr. Dagget refuses to run. — Interview with the British Officer. — Forced to guide the Column. — Brutal Treatment. — Rescued by a Tory. — His Sickness. — Death 199

CHAPTER XIX.

Ezra Styles. — His Prophecy respecting the Colonies, in 1760. — President of Yale College. — Chancellor Kent's Eulogy of him. — His Patriotism.— Keeps a Diary of REVOLUTIONARY Events. — His Death.. 205

CHAPTER XX.

Joel Barlow.— Early Education. — A Friend of Dwtgiit.— ITis Poem, "The Prospect of Peace." — Becomes Chaplain. — Writes Patriotic Ballads. — "Hymns for Yankee Rebels." — The Burning of Charlestown."— Occupation in the Army. — Friend of Washington.— Sermon on Arnold's Treason. — Becomes Lawyer and Editor at Hartford, Connecticut. — Revises Watt's Psalms and Hymns— Agent of Scioto Land Company.— Visits England and France— In French Revolution.— Occupations in Europe.— Consul at Algiers — MakesaFoetunein FRANCE. — RETURNS TO AMEBIC A. — Remarkable Prophecies ib his Columbiad. — Minister to France. — Charge of Religious Afostacy... 20T

CHAPTER XXL

James Caldwell.— His BlRTH and Ancestry. — Personal Appearance. — Power of his Voice.— His Character. — His Congregation at Eli/.abethtown.— Made Chaplun.— His Toast on the Reception of the Declaration of Independence.— His Activity.— Rewards offered

X CONTENTS.

PAGE FOR HIS CAPTURE. — BkMOYES TO CONNECTICUT FARMS.— GOES ARMED. — His Seryici.-. — Lmil TO Lee. — As-i>tant CoMMISSABT 6 ENSEAL.— Last Interview wiiii ms Wire — ilu Murder. — Fight at SpsiSO-

kield.— '■ Give 'r.M WATTS." — Mn:Di:r. or Caldwell. — His Funeral. —

CHAPTER XXII.

Benjamin TRUMBULL, — IIh Dunn and EDUCATION. — Takes BlDES with the

COLONIES — ENTERS Till A KM Y AS CllAPLAlN. — FloHlS IK TIIK KaNK-. — CuiUoUS In TKRVlE.Y will W A6UINOTON. — FlGHTS AT WllITEPLAU ANECDOTIC. — FlOHTS at Nkh' II wen. — Betiens TO ins PARISH. — WRITES the UlSTOBYOf Connecticut. — IDs Death— His PUBLICATIONS 233

CHAPTER XXIII.

Samuel Kiekland. — TT13 Birth and Education. — A Teacher in Dr. Whbblook's School. — Goes a Missionary to tiik Indians ok New Ton State.— His LABORS and Perils. — His Mission BROKEN UT BT the REVOLUTION. — Employed Bl ConGBBSSTO BBBP tiik Indians PBOM JOIN- ING THE BRITISH. — PREVENTED BT BllANDT. — A CHAPLAIN IN S U I.LI V AN*3

Bbig IDS. — Accompanies lit to Genesee Flats. — IDs Services rewarded

HY CoftOBKSS — SKTTLKS A.M()N(i TIIK O.NEIDAS AFTER TIIK \VaR. FOUNDS

Hamilton College. — Is thrown from his Horsk. — His Death 239

CHAPTER XXIV.'

James Hall.— Hi- Birth and Education. — Skttlkd in North CAROLINA. — Bouses ms People TO oppose thi; Mothkk Country. — Is MADS Captain Of a Company or Cavalry. — Acts also as Chaplain. — MARCHES to South Carolina. — Ofkkkkd tiik Commission of Bbioadibb Genkral ey Grkknk.— Dkclinks. — His after Life 235

CHAPTER XXV.

John Oano. — The Baptists of Virginia. — Gano's Early Life.— Visits the South and Pbbaohes. — Arraignkd for it, rut is Acquitted and Li- < ensbd. — Anecdotes 01 ms Coolness and Courage. — Settled in Nur.ru Cvrolina. — Offered a CAPTAIN'S Commission in tiik Army AG 1 INST THI Ciikrokkks. — Dkclinks. — Returns North. — Finally SETTLES in New York. — His COHGBRGATIOB BBQKBN UP. — .Joins THE Ai:my as ClIAPLAIN. — LTndeb In:!: AT White Plains. — At Trenton.— Chaplain UNDBB CLIN- TON at Port bContoombbt. — His Dbbobhtion or the taking or tun I 'op.t. — With (Clinton's Brigade at Alrany.— Its Chaplain.— in TUB Expedition aoainbt nra Indians. — Annbodotbb or bin in this Campaign.—Sebmon ON tiik Fourth of July. — His Faithfui.ni>-.— 0 South with tiik Army. — ADVANCING AGAINST CoBNWALLIS. — Kkturns to his Church at tiik Close of the "War. — REMOVES TO Kentucky. — His Death 2^0

CHAPTER XXVI

Charles CoMMINGS. — An Irishman BT BlBIMj -OriilES in Virginia. — Ent BBS tiik BflNBH BT. — Fights thi; Indians. — Goes armkd TO HIS CHURCH. —

Takes tub Lead in toe political Movements of the People.— Chaplain TO Tin: Army in THE EXPEDITION AGAINST THE Cherokee-. — IDs Death 273

CHAPTER XXVII.

Daniel M< ( ' \i.la.— His Birth. — G r vdu vtis at PRINCETON when Eighteen

Teai "ii'uils 1 01: tub Mini-iky. Settles in Pennsylvania*

— A pp.. in 1 id Chaplain under Genbbal Thomson.— Is taken Pbisoneb

IB TBI ATVACB ON "Three River-.'" — ThbOWN in .0 a Prison Ship.—

Fin - ; code.— ^Released on Pabolk -Flees to

VIRGINIA.- -hi CAROLINA. Bit DEATH 27G

CHAPTER XXVIIL John Wituebspoon, D.D.— Tnb Clebgt as Btatesmbn.— WrrnERSPOos a

n HMANBT BlBTIt.— II is l\ \ e- y Lite.— N LICENSED TO PSI \.<n.— JOINS tub Army Of the Pretender. — Taken Prisoner at THE Battle of Fal-

CONTENTS. xi

PAGE KIRK.-— EMINENCE AS A TlTEOLOGIAN.— ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON

Colleoe. — Flattering Reception in this Country. — Takes Bides

WITH TUK COLONIES.— Kl.l'i I'ED MEMBER OF THE NbW JERSEY LeGIS- I.ATlT.K. — SCATHING Attack ON Governor Franklin. — ELECTED Mk.\I- RBB OF CONGBBSS. — II IS SPEECH ON TUP. DECLARATION OF 1.N DEPENDENCE.

His Great Services in Congress. — il;s Death 230

CHAPTER XXIX.

David Avery. — TIis Birth and Character. — Converted under Whitfield. — Leaves his Trade to Study fur the Ministry. — Enters Dr. Wheelock's Charity School. — Graduates at Yale College. — Studies Divinity.— a Missionary AMONG SOW Indians. — Settled at Gaysboro, Yeemost. — 1 1 is Patriotism. — Raisks A Company and Marches to Boston.— Made ( 11 v plain. — Noddle's Island. — Present at the Battle of Bunkee Hill. — 1'raving foi*. Victory. — Accompanies Washington through the Jerseys. — Wounded at Trenton. — At Valley Forge. — At Ticonderoga.— At Bennington.— His Death 287

CHAPTER XXX.

Israel Evans. — TTis Character. — Ordained Chaplain in the Army. — Remains with the New IIampshiue Brigade through the War. — Stands reside Washington at Yorktown. — Anecdote of Him and Washington.— His Sermon on the Field of Battle. — Settled at Concord, New Hampshire.— His Death 300

CHAPTER XXXI.

Cotton Mather Smith. — His Birth and Parentage. — A Teacher among the Indians.— Studies Theology. — Is Settled at Sharon, Conn. — Influence of the Clergy of Connecticut in bringing about the Revolution.— His views of the Struggle between the Colonies and Mother Country. — The Part he took in it. — Patriotism of his CONgregation.— is made chaplain, and marches to tlconderoga. — iils Devotion to the Sick. — Seized with the Camp Fever. — Returns Home. — Invasion of Burgoyne. — His Sermon JU6T before the Final Victory at Saratoga. — Thrilling Scene. — His Character. — His Death 305

CHAPTER XXXII.

JuDAn Champion, TnE Pastor of Litchfield, Connecticut. — Hrs Prayers for his Country. — Extraordinary Scene in Church on the Arrival of News from the Army. — Women "Working on the Sabbath to prepare Garments for the Soldiers. — The Pastor on the Field of Battle 31S

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Alexander McWhorter. — His Early Life. — Zeal in the Cause of Liberty.— Sent South by Congress to rouse the Inhabitants. — Accompanies Washington IN His Retreat through New Jersey. — Made Chaplain of Knox's Brigade. — Leaves the Army. — Settles in North Carolina. — His Library and Furniture destroyed BY the British.— Flees to Pennsylvania — Sent to England to raise Funds for Princeton College.— Revisits his Native Place.— His Death 327

CHAPTER XXXIY.

Moses Allen. — His Early Life.— A Friend of Madison. — Settles in Midway. Georgia. — His Patriotic Efforts. — Chaplain in the Army. — His Hoube and Church Burned. — In the Battle before Savannah. — Is taken Prisoner. — CONFINED ON BOARD a Prison Ship.— His SUFFER- INGS.— Brutality of his Captors. — Attempts to Escape. — Is Druwned. —Denied Decent Burial 331

CHAPTER XXXV.

Benjamin Pomeroy.— His Early Life. — Becomes a " New Light." — Is Persecuted by the State, and Finally Deprived of his Salary. — B comes Chaplain in tub French War. — His Lrtteb to his Wifh

XII CONTENTS.

PAGE

FILING Till: EXECUTION OF A CRIMINAL. — At SEVENTY BKfOMW

Chaplain in the Revolutionary Akmy. — li is Venerable Appearance. — Touching Appeals. — His Death 341

CHAPTER XXXVI.

John Rogers— Ha Reputation Abroad.— His Patriotism. — Introduction to Washington. — Chaplain in Heath's Brigade. — Resigns and com to Georgia. — On his Uki urn made Chaplain to the New York Provincial ASSEMBLY. — Becomes Memker Of the Legislature. — Ch \n- < ellor of the Regents uf the University 347

CHAPTER XXXVII.

George Dutfield. — Descended from the Huguenots. — Studies for mn Ministry. — Is Settled in Carlisle. — His Parishioners go armed to Church. — 1 1 is Patriotism. — Settles in Philadelphia. — King's Magistrate attempts to Stop his Preaching. — Is brought up before the Mayor on Charge of Riot. — Excitement of the People. — His Popularity with Members of Congress. — Stirring Address. — Bkcomes Chaplain in the Army. — Preaches to the Soldiehs from the Fours of a Trek. — Buries a Brother Chaplain who has been Murdered. — Narrow Escape. — Example of his Faith. — His Death 350

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

David Sandford.— His Patriotism. — His Personal Appearance.— His Eloquence.— Gives his Salary to the Cause of Liberty. — Becomes Chaplain.— Expressive Countenance. — Anecdote Illustrating It. — Stern- Rebukes.— His Piety. — His Death CC1

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Nathan Ker.— His BiRTn and Ancestry. — Anecdote of his Grandfather. — His PATRIOTISM —Abjures all Allegiance to Great Britain.— -Tories and Indians. — Massacre at Minisink. — Slaughter of Mr. Kee's Gov- '.legation. — Anecdote of Him and Lafayette. — A Friend of Washton. — Loans the Government Eight Thousand Dollars, poi WHICH Hi received Nothing but " Old Liberty.'" — Celebration at the Close of the War 3C5

CHAPTER XL.

JonN Hurst.— His Patriotism.— Sermon to the Soldiers 372

CHAPTER XLI.

William McKay Tennent.— Uncertainty as to his Identity WWII the BCB- .ii., r or the Following Sketch.— Patriotic Bebmon delivered bepori

the Troops at Ticonderoga. — His Career after the War.— His Death. 376

CHAPTER XLIL

Ml, Boardman.— Chaplain to Durkee's Regiment.— His Diary 881

CHAPTER XLIII.

Mr. Magoon. — Extracts from his Address to Haslett s Battalion GsQ

CHAPTER XLIV.

Thomas Coombs.— Sermon on Fast-day and Patriotic Sentiments 302

CHAPTER XLV.

Dl m I t .)n.v Address 39-4

CHAPTER XLVI.

A Chaplain at Buandywine.— Address before the Battle 3'JS

Chapter I

Religious Element of the Revolution. — Not sufficiently dwelt on by Historians.— Influence and Action of Pastors. — Example of in Stockbridge, Mass.— Interesting Scene.

Notwithstanding the numberless books that have been written on the American Revolution, there is one feature of it which has been sadly overlooked. I mean the religious element. In this respect there is not a single history of that great struggle which is not so radically defective as to render the charge against it of incompleteness a valid one. This omission on the part of historians, seems the more remarkable from the fact that common belief, the universal imj)ression, is against it. There has scarcely been a celebration of the day on which our independence was declared, in which this religious element is not referred to as constituting one of the chief features of the Revolution, yet it receives a subordinate place in history. One reason of this, doubtless, is, that it did not enter into the machinery of political or military life. It was not an organized force that could be numerically calculated or physically disposed of in making outward achievements.

To omit Religion in a history of the Crusades, would be like building a structure without laying a foundation, for that great movement was begun and carried forward by religious feeling alone. The banner that moved at the head of crowding millions was the Cross

14 11 E L I G I O U B K L I M EXT

of Christ, and he that bore it a priest, while the great object to be accomplished was the rescue of the Sepulchre of the Saviour from infidel hands.

So of the English Revolution under Cromwell: no one would dream of writing its history without making religion and religious men a prominent and perpetual force. In short, a history that should ignore them, would be false and worthless. The reason is, that here, too, they formed a part of the physical machinery by which the revolution was carried on. The camp was a prayer-meeting — its passwords Scriptural phrases, and the dread slogan of the army the language of the sanctuary. Freedom and equal rights, was not the war-cry of the Invincible Ironsides ; but when they, with their helmets on, and their eyes bent in wrath on their enemies, swept like a thunder-cloud to battle, the charge-cry that rolled so terribly over the field was 61 Eeligiox \"

In our Ke volution the religious element was not paramount, and hence did not give shape and character to the whole physical structure and organization. It kept more within its appropriate sphere, and stood behind an 1 sustained the political and military organizations of the land, rather than formed a part of them. But it is not on that account to be overlooked. He who forgets or under-estimates the moral forces that uphold or bear on a great struggle, lacks the chief qualities of a historian.

It is unquestionably true that, if the clergy of New England had from the outset taken the decided and determined stand against the cause of the colonies, which

OF THE REVOLUTION. 15

they did for it, the result xoould have been totally different. Why then should not they and their sermons, addresses, and prayers, have as prominent a place it the history of the Revolution, as town committees of safety, and local petitions, and resolutions, and remonstrances, which the historian thinks so necessary to the completeness of his narrative ? That omission in our histories I design in these pages as far as possible to fill up.

There is some excuse for the historian in not giving a greater prominence to the religious element of the Revolution, for its development, force, and the efforts it caused to be put forth, did not take the shape of town meetings, and form part of the political and military records of the times. It is impossible, therefore, to collect together the unreported harangues, and sermons, and unorganized efforts that lay at the bottom of its power. I have had this difficulty to contend with an every step.

It is difficult in these days, when chaplains in the army arc looked upon simply as a necessary part of its methodical organization, a set of half officers, half civilians who are not allowed to fight, and often can not preach, to get a proper conception of those times when their appeals thrilled the ranks, and made each hand clutch its weapon with a firmer grasp, and when their prayers filled each heart with a lofty enthusiasm. Then the people composed the army ; and when the man of God addressed the crowding battalions, he addressed the young men and old men of his flock, who looked up to him with love and reverence, and

16 RELIGIOUS I LEMENT

believed him almost as they did the Bible. Could the history of each volunteer band, as it left its native valley — the enthusiasm kindled by the pastor's address, the courage imparted by his solemn parting blessing, and assurance that God smiled on them — be given, wc should have a revolutionary page that would thrill the heart.

The religious sentiment was stronger in New England than in the other colonies, from the fact that the original settlers were driven there by religious persecution. Having fled across the ocean to secure religious freedom, it was natural they should consider it to be the chief end and purpose of all government. Hence all rules, regulations, and laws for their government, were, figuratively speaking, first baptized before they were allowed to become a part of the civil system. Hence, too, in the early wars of the colonies, chaplains became a necessary part of the army. Men who had been in the conventicles of Cromwell's troops, and heard Baxter preach and pray, would not be apt to forget a chaplain when organizing an expedition. The office at that time was no sinecure, nor unattended with danger, and men of nerve and force, as well as piety, were sought after.

Those who were chaplains during the French and Indian war became at its close pastors of churches, and although most of those who were alive at the breaking out of the Revolution were too old to become chaplains once more, they still held to their former belief in the right of resistance, and taught it in their congregations. The same was true of the entire clergy

OF THE REVOLUTION. 17

throughout the New England Colonies, and though some were not so positive and aggressive in their action as others, yet they were equally decided, and exerted though a quiet, a deep influence on the Revolution. They were humble pastors, from whose flocks were drawn the numberless little companies of minute-men, who formed the first army against which the tides of British valor rolled in vain on the heights of Bunker Hill. In every quiet little valley and sequestered nook in New England, the pastor had taught the doctrines of freedom, and preached the duty of resistance to oppression.