The life, speeches and public services of Gen. James A. Garfield of Ohio

Front matter

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Preface

It is a delicate and difficult task to write the record of any man's life under any circumstances, and the work is the more arduous and perplexing when he of whom we write is still in active fields of labor and engaged in Political contests. To measure a man's success and pa»s an unbiased judgment upon his career, while the events of a single day may mar the picture, and while great political parties have much to gain by misrepresentafioQ or falsehood concerning the subject of the biography, is an undertaking full of perplexity and anxiety. Such a task was this when the writer entered upon it. There was a sudden and unusual interest taken in the History of General Garfield owing to his nominntion for the Presidency of the United States by a strong political party, and a great demand created for a trustworthy account of his life. That fact coupled with the probable benefit which the biography would be to the thousands of young men in America who need the encouragement which the success of General Garfield gives, led to the preparation of this work. The writer asks the indulgence of the reader in view of thQ diffi-

PREFACE.

culties and the haste in which this volume was written, but assures all who read it, however, that the facts herein stated have been collated with much care, and the conclusions herein drawn have been inserted without political or social bias. It is the earnest hope of the writer that the biography of General Garfield in some form may find its way into every library and that the interest in it may long outlive any political excitement concerning it ; for the lessons it teaches, the courage it imparts, the love of honor and truth it awakens, and the sweet pictures of domestic affection, filial devotion, patriotic heroism and religious faith which it reveals in our American life, cannot be valued too highly in the education of future generations. Of such a life it is a duty and a pleasure to write, and of such, he believes it will be a duty and a pleasure to read.

Introduction

Williams' College, July 14, 1880.

Dear Sir:- — You ask some account of the college life of General Garfield. I remember no incidents worthy of note, but some characteristics may be given. Any thing that may aid the people in forming a judgment of his fitness for the office to which he is nominated, they have a right to.

My first remark then is, that General Garfield was not sent to college. He cafue. This often makes a distinction between college students. To some, college is chiefly a place of aimless transition through the perilous period between boyhood and manhood. Without fixed principles, and with no definite aim, with an aversion to study, rather than a love of it, they seek to get along with the least possible effort. Between the whole attitude and bearing of such, and of one who comes, the contrast is like that between mechanical and vital force. In what General Garfield did, there was nothing mechanical. He not

8 INTRODUCTION.

only came, but made sacrifices to come. His work was from a vital force, and so was without fret or worry. He came with a high aim, and pursued it steadily.

A second remark is, that the studies of General Garfield had breadth. As every student should, he made it his first business to master the studies of the class-room. This he did ; but the college furnishes facilities, and is intended — especially in the latter part of its course — to furnish opportunity, for gaining general knowledge, and for self-directed culture. To many, the most valuable result of their college course is from these. What they have affinity for, they find, and often make most valuable acquisitions in general literature, in history, in natural science and in politics. Of these facilities, and of this opportunity, General Garfield availed himself largely. Of his tendency towards politics in those days, we have an illustration in a poem, entitled " Sam," which he delivered while in college, and in which he satirized the Know-nothing party. He manifested, while in college, the same tendency towards breadth which he has since ; for it is well known that he has been a general scholar and a statesman, rather than a mere politician.

And as General Garfield was broad in his scholarship, so was he in his sympathies. No one thought of him as a recluse, or as bookish. Not given to athletic sports, he was fond of them. His mind was .open to the impressions of natural scenery, and as his constitution was vigorous, he knew well the fine

INTRODUCTION. 9

points on the mountains around us. He was also social in his disposition, both giving and inspiring, confidence. So true is this of his intercourse with the officers of the college, as well as with others, that he was never even suspected of any thing low or trickish ; and hence, in part, the confidence I have always felt in his integrity. He had a quick eye for any thing that turned up with a ludicrous side to it, and celebrated a trick the Freshmen played on the Sophomores, by a clever parody, of Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade," published in the Williams Quarterly. Respecting always the individuality of others, and commanding, without exacting, their respect, he was a general favorite with his associates.

A further point in General Garfield's course of study, worthy of remark, was its evenness. There was nothing startling at any one time, and no special preference for any one study. There was a large, general capacity, applicable to any subject, and sound sense. As he was more mature than most, he naturally had a readier and firmer grasp of the higher studies. Hence, his appointment to the metaphysical oration, then one of the high honors of the class. What he did was done with facility, but by honest and avowed work. There was no pretence of genius, or alternation of spasmodic effort and of rest, but a satisfactory accomplishment, in all directions, of what was undertaken. Hence, there was a steady, healthful, onward and upward progress, such as has characterized his course since his graduation. If lO INTRODUCTION.

that course should still be upward, it would add another to the grand illustrations we have already of the spirit of our free institutions.

The above views were substantially held by me, as far back as 1864.

Truly yours,

Mark Hopkins.

Chapter I

Gksnealogy of the Garfield Family. — Earliest Mention of them in England. —Associated with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, favorite of Queen Elizabeth. —The Family in Wales. —The Home of Edward Garfield in Chester, England. —The First oi the Family in America. — The Coat of Arms. —History of Captain Benjamin Garfield. — Abraham Garfield at the Concord Fight, in 1775. — Emigration of Solomon to New York State. — Death of Thomas at Worcester, N. Y. — Birth of Abraham Garfield. — His removal to Ohio. — His Marriasre with Eliza Ballon. — Brothers marry Sisters. —Their Remarkable Characteristics. — Early Married Life along the New Canal. — Birth of the first Children. — Selection of a Home in the Woods, ........ 25

CHAPTER 11.

THE OLD HOMESTEAD.

The Opening of Ohio to Settlers.— The Early Habitations. — The Primitive Forests. — Wild Beasts. — Appearance of Cleveland. — Fertility of the Soil. — Abram Garfield and his Wife. — Excursion of the Brothers into the Woods. — Selection of a Home. — The first Clearing. — Small Quarters.— Arrival of the Boynton Family. —The first Cabin. — The Removal of the Garfield Family. — The Forest Road. — Two Families in One. — Joy of the Sisters. — No Place like One's own Home. — The Garfield Log Cabin. — Settlements opened about Them. — Clearing their Farm. —The School- House, 38

CHAPTER HI.

BIRTH OF JAMES AND DEATH OF HIS FATHER.

Birth of James. —The Fourth Child of the Family. —Rejoicings. — Humble Surroundings. — Named after his Uncle and his Father. — Effect of that Calamity. — Sympathy of the Neighbors. — In Debt. —Widow advised to'^give away her Children. —Attempting to save the Home. -Finishing the Rail Fence. —Industry of Thomas. — His Self-sacrifice. — Occupation of the Widow. — Her Love for Reading. — Teaching Little James 46

12 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

H.\BITS AND INCIDENTS OF HIS BOYHOOD.

Not precocious. — His Plays. — A petted youngest Child. — His early Tasks. — Absence of a Father's Discipline. — His absolute Truthfulness. — Could not lie to his Mother. — Ashamed to be called a Coward. — His Uncle Amos. — Wholesome Fear. — Love of Poetry. — Names the Trees and Rocks after Heroes and Heroines. — Reading at home. — Country Lyceum. — Mother's Watch-care, 55

• CHAPTER V.

YOUTHFUL OCCUPATIONS.

Early Maturity. — Boiling Salts. —A Man's Work at Harvesting.— Ambition to be a Carpenter. — New Frame House at Orange. — Learning tbe Trade. — Out of Work. — Chopping Wood. — Wishes to be a Sailor. — Visits a Ship at Cleveland. — Abandons the Idea of being a Sailor. — Finds Employment on the Ohio Canal.

— A Driver Boy. — Fever and Ague. — A Quarrel. — An Accident. — Goes Home to his Mother, 07

CHAPTER VI.

EFFORTS TO OBTAIN AN EDUCATION.

Slow Recovery. — Meeting with Mr. Bates. — A Private Tutor. — Determined Beginning. — The Geauga Seminary. — Estimates the Cost of a Term at School. — Earns a small Sum to start with. — His Mother's Help. — Boarding himself at Chester. — Puddhig and Molasses. — Advantages or a healthy Body. — Teaching School. — Vacation Work. — Interest in Religion. — Disciples of Christ. — Religious Persecution. — Trustworthy Work. — A Good Name, 78

CHAPTER VII.

SCHOLAR AND TEACHER AT HIRAM.

Leaving Chester. — Description of Hiram. — The Crown of Ohio. — The Eclectic Institute. — Course of Study. — A Leader among the Students. — Janitor of the Building. — Urged to become a Preacher. — Determined to attend College. — The Debating Club. — A Revolt. — Outside Studies. — Work" as a teacher. — Works on alone into the College Text-books. — Borrows money of his Uncle Thomas. — Starts for Williamstown College, . . . .91

CHAPTER VIII.

LIFE AT WILLIAMS COLLEGE.

His Health. — Appearance of the Hoosac Valley. — Scenery about Williams College. — The Great Natural Amphitheatre. — The Mountains in October. — Character of the Students. — Garfield's Habits as a Student. — Enters the Junior Class. — His Modesty.

— Friendship of President Hopkins and Professor Chadbourne. — His Truthfulness at College. — His Graduation.— Classmates, 102

CONTENTS. 1 3

CHAPTER IX.

A PREACHER AND PROFESSOR.

A Preacher in the Church of the Disciples. — Estimation of his Abilities among his old Neighbors. — Rise of Infidelity at Chagrm Falls. — Spiritualism and Christianity. - Exciting public Discussion. — Professor Denton vs. Professor Garfield. — How the Victory was won. —Mr. Garfield's Popularity as a Teacher — lestimonyof Students.— Marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolph.— His Speech at Hiram,

CHAPTER X.

POLITICIAN AND LAWYER.

Political Sympathies. — Hope of making the Law a Profession. — Enters his Name as a Student. -Years of hard Study. -Profitable Use of all his Time. -His Legal Research. - Interest in Local Politics. — A Stump-speaker's Challenge. — h irst Speech. - domination for the State Senate. -In the Service of the State. - Leaving the Gospel for Politics. - Mrs. Garfield's Love of Domestic Life ^"^^

CHAPTER XI.

THE EVENTFUL YEAR OF 1861.

Admission to the Bar. - Withdraws from ^J^^f t^^'^^^^^'^^-^T.T^^pX sition to Slavery. - Leadership in the State Senate. - The Governor's Assistant. -Providing for the Troops. -The Regiment of Hiram Students. -Depletion of the Classes. -Appointment as Lieutenant-Colonel.- Promotion. -Departure for the Field - Consultation with General Buel.-Planof a Campaign. -Mardi against Marshall. - Battle of Prestonburgh. -The Account of F. H. Mason. — Promotion, • • ^'^

CHAPTER XII.

CAMPAIGNS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE.

Lack of Provisions. -The Great Flood. — Dangerous Situation of the Troops -^General Garfield goes to the Ohio lliver. "Perilous Vovacre un the Big Sandy. - Reception by the Hungry Troops — E?ped?tX agaTnft the -Enemy at'pound ^ap- -Geiieral 0,d^^^^^ connected with his Campaign. — His Transfer to LouisMlle. -His New Command. -Forced Marches. -The Battle of Corinth - Re'f^sal toTe^urn Slaves to their Masters. - Election to Congress Aonointment as Chief of General Rosecraiis Staff. - Battle ot CWckamauga. -Promotion to Major-General.- Resignation. 157

14 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIIL

REVIEW OF HIS MILITARY CAREER.

Fitness for Military Affairs. — How he became familiar with Infantry- Tactics. — Carries the chief Characteristics of his Boyhood into Army Life. — His Knowledge of Law. — Military Trials. — The Tullahoma Campaign. — His Ability as an Engineer. — His great Plan for an onward Movement from Murfreesboro.' — His Official Report. — Compliment from General Rosecrans. — His Resignation 175

CHAPTER XIV.

SERVICE AS A LEGISLATOR.

A new Field. — The highest Test of human Greatness. — The American Congress. — Freqiient Failures of noted Men. —The Trials of that Crisis. — Placed on the Military Committee. — The Style of his Speeches. — His Industry. — His Reply to Mr. Long. — An impromptu Speech. — The Compliments ot Old Members, . 187

CHAPTER XV.

EARLY SPEECHES.

His Position concerning the Draft for the Army. — Differs with his own Party. — Contends for Frankness and Truth. —Hopeful View of the Nation's Success. — National Conscience and slavery.— Emancipation the Remedy for National Evils. — Detense of General Rosecrans. — Tribute to General Thomas. —His Account of the Battle of Chickamauga. — The Doctrine of State Riglits. — Camden and Amboy Railroad vs. the United States. — What is the Power and Prerogative of the Nation, . ... 202

CHAPTER XVI.

EULOGIES OF NOTED MEN.

To Abraham Lincoln. —The Anniversary of Mr. Lincoln's Death. — Cause of the Assassination. — Effect of his Death — A Beautiful Tribute. — Oration on Carpenter's Painting. — Signing the Emancipation Proclamation. —Its Place in History. —John Winthrcp and Samuel Adams. — The Gift of Massachusetts. — General Garfield's Tribute to New England. — The Lesson of Self-restraint. — Remarks upon the Death of Senator Morton, .... 216

CHAPTER XVII.

PERIOD OF UNPOPULARITY.

His Practice of Law. —His first Case in the Supreme Court. — His success as a Lawyer. — Unpopularity of his Defense of Rebels in Court. — His Connection with a Matter called the De Golyor

CONTENTS. 13

Pavement Case. — ^How he was maligned. — Persistency of Enemies. — The great Credit Mobilier Case. —Vindication of General Garfield. — His Story of his Dealings with Cakes Ames.— His Opposition to the Increase of Salaries in Congress. — The Censure of his Constituents. — His Explanation. — Restoration to Public Favor, 244

CHAPTER XVIII.

LABORS IN CONGRESS.

Appointment on Committees. — Variety of "Work. — His Leadership. List of Speeches. — The Electoral Commission. — Speech in Wall Street. —His Views on Finances. — Resumption of Specie Payments 318

CHAPTER XIX.

HIS PRESENT POSITION.

Election as Senator. — A Scholar. — An Orator. — A poor Man. — Wins the Respect of the Democratic Party. — Speech before the Ohio Legislature. — The Chicago Convention. — General Garfield's Speech. — His Nomination. — Letter of Acceptance, . 324

LIFE OF GEN. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Birth in Vermont, — Son of a Baptist Clergyman. — His Father's Literary Work. — Difficulties encountere(i in his early Life. — General Arthur's Childhood. — His Studies. — His Sports. — Preparation for College. — Entering College very Young. — Teaching School. — Studying Law. — Searching for a Place to Practice. — Settlement in New York. — The Celebrated Slave Case. — Champion of the Oppressed. — His Public Service. — Present Business and Position, — His Letter of Acceptajice, . , . 337 itigJF ep iLLU^T^TiTiej^g

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL GARFIELD, — Steel,

Frontispiece.

EARLY HOME OF GENERAL GARFIELD, Opposite page 44

TOW-BOY, " "74

HIRAM COLLEGE, " "93

CAPITOL AT COLUMBUS, OHIO, . • . . "136

"GIVE 'EM HAIL COLUMBIA," . . . Opposite " 140

PLAN OF CHICK AM AUG A BATTLE-FIELD, " "171

CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON, "191

RESIDENCE AT MENTOR, .... Opposite " 325

WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON "328

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL ARTHUR, - Steel, Opposite " 337

THE LIFE,

OF

GEN. JAMES A. GARFIELD

CHAPTER I.

GENEALOGY OF THE GARFIELD FAMILY. — EARLIEST MENTION OF THEM IN ENGLAND. — ASSOCIATED WITH ROBERT DUDLEY, EARL OF LEI- CESTER, FAVORITE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. —THE FAMILY IN WALES. — THE HOME OF EDWARD GARFIELD IN CHESTER, ENGLAND. — THE FIRST OF THE FAMILY IN AMERICA. — THE COAT OF ARMS. —HIS- TORY OF CAPTAIN BENJAMIN GARFIELD. — ABRAHAIVI GARFIELD AT THE CONCORD FIGHT, IN 1775. — EMIGRATION OF SOLOMON TO NEW YORK STATE. — DEATH OF THOMAS AT WORCESTER, N. Y. — BIRTH OF ABKAM GARFIELD. — HIS REMOVAL TO OHIO. — HIS MARRIAGE WrrH ELIZA BALLOU. — BROTHERS MARRY SISTERS. — THEIR RE- MARKABLE CHARACTERISTICS. — EARLY MARRIED LIFE ALONG THE NEW CANAL. — BIRTH OF THB FIRST CHILDREN. — SELECTION OF A HOME IN THE WOODS.

Should the time ever come when it shall be proven by scientific investigators that man, as a being, is but *' the aggregation of minute developments and of varied experiences," the genealogical history of his ancestors will be shown to be of the first importance in forming an estimate of his ability and character. If it be true, as now claimed by scientific leaders of modern thought, that the child is born with all the experiences and mental accumulations ol his progenitors, paternal and maternal, latent in his brain and system ; then, to gain a knowledge of his physical mould and of his mental peculiarities, the student of biography would need to secure impossible information about the lives of the generations past in order to measure the physical power and mental capabilities of the man whose life he studies. Whether the writers and scholars who devote so much of their time to genealogical studies take this scientific view of the matter or not,it is certain that, for some reason, the study of genealogy is taking a prominent place in the pursuits of scholarly men. Having, however, no faith in the theory that the men of to-day are but the aggregations of experiences and developments in the past, and giving but little credit to the aristocratic claim that ancestry makes the nobleman, we give the line of the Garfield family for the benefit of such as may deem it important. The tendency of this record is to show that all the individuals of the different races are born into the world with very similar characteristics and with much greater equality in mental endowments than aristocracy is willing to admit. It shows, too, that it is not what our fathers were so much as what we make of ourselves, that determines our right to nobihty or praise. Ancestry and health wield a perceptible and sometimes a strong influence ; but the capital we are born with may be increased a hundred fold by our own exertions. It is this increase which constitutes the noblest claim to human greatness.

The earliest known mention of the Garfield family is in 1587, when it appears that one James Garfield (or Gearfeldt), was given a tract of land on the borders of Wales, near Chester, England, through the influence of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. A natural inference would be that he had performed some military service on the Continent, under that celebrated favorite of Royalty, or was of some special service to Robert at Kenilworth or London. The estate thus conferred is said to be situated near Oswestry, and not far from the most beautiful and celebrated vale of Llangollen, on the border of Wales. What was the nationality of James Garfield, whether Welch or English, German or Dutch, does not appear. The most probable conjecture is that he was Welch, and was a warrior of some note, perhaps a descendant of the old Knights of Gaerfili Castle, The estate conferred upon him was either released by him, taken from him, or for some reason his children did not inherit it, and no mention of them appears, so far as is now known, in any record of the Garfield family until 1630, when Edward Gearfield, of Chester, England, came to America, in a company of colonists, who embarked with his family under the auspices of Governor John Winthrop.

The name appears again at Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1635, and is probably the same man. He was born in 1575. Of this Edward Garfield (or Gearfield) quite full accounts come down to us, and curious searchers into the family history claim to have discovered his Coat of Arms. If the following description of the family escutcheon be correct, as claimed by those who have given the matter study, it goes far to confirm the previous conclusion that the Garfields were a martial family of wealth and influence in the days of Queen Elizabeth, and perhaps in the Crusades. It had three horizontal bars of red on a field, or background, of gold in the center of the shield, and a red Maltese cross on an ermine canton or corner piece. The crest consisted of a helmet with the visor raised, and an uplifted arm holding a drawn sword. For a motto were the words : *' In cruce vinco," (by the cross I conquer).

This Edward Garfield, from whom the present large Garfield family in America has descended, appears to have taken no great pride in his lineage or lordly titles, for he took a personal and laborious share in the manual labor connected with the clearing of his land in Watertown, and left but a meager trace of his armorial badge. His house was built on a beautiful spot in Watertown, overlooking the Charles River, and the site is still pointed out to visitors. near the railroad station of the Fitchburg railroad. In this house he lived but a few years before he was able to purchase a much larger estate in the western part of Watertown, near the present location of the Waltham town line. On this land he erected a capacious mansion, and surrounded himself with all the comforts and elegance of the *' gentleman " of that period; and the estate now known as the ** Gov. Gore place," Still holds its position as one of the most beautiful and valuable estates in Massachusetts. Edward Garfield, Sr., had two sons, viz., Edward, Jr., and Samuel. The latter lived a bachelor's life, but Edward, Jr., was a selectman three years, and married a lady of Newton, Massachusetts, who died April 16, 1661. She had, however, before her death, given birth to three sons and two daughters, viz., Samuel, the date of whose birth we cannot ascertain, but who died November 20, 1684; Joseph, who was born August 14, 163 1 ; Rebecca, who was born March 10, 1640; Benjamin, who was born in 1643, and died November 28, 171 7; and Abigail, who was born June 29, 1646.

Benjamin Garfield, Edward, Jr.'s fourth child, remained at home in the old mansion, and married Mehitable Hawkins, in 1673. After the birth of two children, viz., Benjamin and Benoni, she died December 9, 1675, and her gravestone is still standing in the cemetery at Watertown. Benjamin married Elizabeth Bridge, of Watertown, for his second wife, January 17, 1677. By this second marriage there were born to him Elizabeth, whose birth was June 30, 1679; Thomas, born December 12, 1680, and who died in Weston, Mass., February, 1752; Anne, who was born June 2, 1683 ; Abigail, who was born July 13, 1685 ; Mehitable, whose birth was December 7, 1687; Samuel, whose birth was September 3, 1690; and Mary, who was born October 2, 1695.

Captain Benjamin Garfield, the father, was a distinguished citizen of Watertown, and was given a captain's commission by the Governor, in the Colonial Militia. He held numerous town offices, and was elected nine times to the Colonial Legislature. He was a stout, broad-shouldered man, with an open, cheerful countenance, and most affable and kind in his manners. His light complexion, and especially the light hair, appear to have descended to the present generation.

It appears, from the old records, that Captain Garfield's house and barn were burned on the night oi March 29, 168-, by his negro servant, Joshua, and on the night of April 9th, Joshua was discovered with his throat cut, a knife clasped in his hand. He had, perhaps, committed suicide out of remorse. In 1684 the captain's fence was burned by Christopher Thompson, who was ordered to be sold into a neighboring colony. Both of these were probably slaves.

His eldest son by his second wife, Lieut. Thomas Garfield, was married to Mercy Bigelow, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Flagg) Bigelow, January 2, 1706, and he also made his home at the old homestead. At his death, the estate passed out of the family. He appears to have inherited many of his father's natural qualities, and to have won for himself the esteem and friendship of the people of his town. He was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Militia, and saw active service in a campaign against the Indians. His wife died February 28, 1744. He died February 4, 1752. They had twelve children, viz,, Elizabeth, born August 10, 1708; Eunice, born August 23, 1710; Thomas, Jr., March, 1713, and who died January 3, 1774; Thankful, born February 15, 1715 ; Isaac, born February 19, 1716; John, born December 3, 1718; Samuel, born April 11, 1720; Mercy, born June 17, 1722 ; Ann, born June i. 1724; Lucy, October 5, 1725 ; Elisha, November 11, 1728; and Enoch, June 23, 1730.

Thomas Garfield, Jr., married Rebecca Johnson, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Johnson, of Lunenburg, Mass., and moved to Weston, and afterwards to Lincoln, Mass., where he owned a large farm, and where he died, January 3, 1774. Their children were born as follows, viz., Solomon, July 18, 1743; Rebecca, September 23, 1745; Abraham, April 3, 1748; Hannah, August 15, 1750; Lucy, March 3,

Solomon Garfield, the eldest son of Thomas, Jr., married Sarah Stimson, of Sudbury, May 20, 1766, and soon after his marriage they moved to Worcester, Otsego County, N. Y., where he purchased a farm. He was accidentally killed by falling from a beam in his barn, in 1806. His children were Thomas, Solomon, Rebecca, Hannah, and Lucy.

Solomon's brother Abraham was an earnest devotee of American independence, and lived at Lincoln, Massachusetts, when the Revolutionary war began. He was^one of the first volunteers who enlisted in defense of the Colonies, and was in the fight at Concord, and was side by side with the ancestors of many illustrious Americans, including Judge E. Rockwood Hoar of Massachusetts. The signature of Judge Hoar's great-grandfather, John Hoar, and Abraham

Garfield are still preserved, and the curious document they signed was an important matter in its time.

At the beginning of the revolution, separation from England was not generally meditated, and it was deemed important to endeavor to fix the responsibiUty for the beginning of the conflict, showing which side struck the first blow, in the event of a settlement of the troubles. Therefore the affidavits of many persons concerned were secured and preserved. Their deposition, showing how the attack on Concord Bridge began, was as follows : —

Lexington, April 23, 1775.

We, John Hoar, John Whithead, Abraham Garfield, Benjamin Munroe, Isaac Parker, William Hosmer, John Adams, Gregory Stone, all of Lincoln, in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay, all of lawful age, do testify and say that, on Wednesday last, we were assembled at Concord, in the morning of said day, in consequence of information received that a brigade of regular troops were on their march to the said town of Concord, who had killed six men at the town of Lexington ; about an hour afterwards we saw them approaching, to the number, as we apprehended, of about 1200, on which we retreated to a hill about 80 rods back, and the said troops then took possession of the hill where we were first posted ; presently after this, we saw the troops moving toward the north bridge, about one mile from the said Concord meeting-house ; we then immediately went before them and passed the bridge, just before a party of them, to the number of about 200, arrived ; they then left about one-half of their 200 at the bridge, and proceeded, with the rest, toward Col. Barrett's, about two miles from the said bridge ; and the troops that were stationed there, observing our approach, marched back over the bridge and then took up some of the planks ; we then hastened our march toward the bridge, and when we had got near the bridge, they fired on our men, first, three guns, one after the other, and then a considerable number more ; and then, and not before (having orders from our commanding officer not to fire till we were fired upon), we fired upon the regulars and they retreated, On their retreat through the town of Lexington to Charlestown they ravaged and destroyed private property and burnt three houses, one barn, and one shop.

Signed by each of the above deponents.

Solomon was also a strong advocate of American Independence, and met with a company on trainingday, but for some reason was not called into the militia.