Page:Tupper family records - 1835.djvu/187

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

made use of these words : ' He thanked me for my judicious ar- rangements in the plan of operations, and for my intrepidity and valour in the execution.'

" From the conclusion of the revolutionary war I have lived with the respect of my countrymen, and have enjoyed repeated marks of their confidence in the olfices which have been bestowed upon me. When I found that the independence, for which I had so often fought, was assailed, — that again my country must appeal to arms to aA r enge her wrongs, and to protect her rights, — I felt that I might yet do her some service. For though many years had passed since I had fought under her standard, and though my own arm might not have had its wonted strength, yet my spirit was un- broken, and my devotion to her unimpaired. I thought in the field, where there could be but few who had any military expe- rience, what I had learned in the most active scenes of a seven years' war, might be useful. I fondly hoped that in my age, as well as in my youth, I might render services that should deserve the gratitude of my country. That if I fell by the sword of her enemies, my grave would be moistened with the tears of my coun- trymen ; that my descendants would be proud of my name and fame. But how vain is anticipation ! I am now accused of crimes which would blast my former honors, and transmit my memory with infamy to posterity. And in that hideous catalogue, there is none from the imputation of which my nature and my feelings have more recoiled than from that of cowardice, to which I am to answer."

"The appearance of General Hull was venerable and prepossessing. Beneath snowy locks, of sixty winters' bleaching, he exhibited a counte- nance as fresh and blooming as a youth of eighteen. His eloquence was perspicuous and graceful." — American History.

No. 3. Letter from. Captain Wool to Colonel Van Rensselaer.

"Buffaloe, Oct. 23, 1812.

" Dear Sir, — I have the honour to communicate to you the circumstances attending the storming of Queenstown battery, on the 13th instant 5 with those which happened previously you are already well acquainted.

" In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the

�� �