Silas Wright’s Humble Origins and the Unexpected Turns That Fashioned His Future

 

The article recounts an anecdote about the late Hon. Silas Wright, shared by an old acquaintance. Silas Wright embarked on a journey with his possessions, including money, when he encountered an emigrant family with a beautiful daughter. The father asked Silas to switch places with him to reach a bank in time, and Silas agreed, only to realize later that the father had disappeared with his horse and money. Silas frantically searched for them, fearing the worst, but eventually, the father returned with the money intact, as it was not counterfeit as suspected. Silas later married the beautiful daughter. The story highlights Silas Wright's adventurous and fortunate encounter on his journey.

Silas Wright’s Humble Origins

This article paints a detailed picture of Silas Wright in his early days. Wright was an American attorney and Democratic politician, who served as a key figure in both New York State and national politics from the 1820s until his sudden death in 1847. However, the readers must remember that this account is a second-hand anecdote and may, therefore, contain elements of unreliability or romantic embellishments.

The source begins by praising the young man's adventurous spirit when writing, "Mr. Wright left his home at an early age to ‘seek fortune,’" a characteristic that appears appropriate for a man who would go on to hold considerable roles in state and national government.

Part of the anecdote details an apparent mistake in identifying counterfeit bills, as the piece says: "he (the old man) proposed that young Wright should take his seat beside the beautiful daughter, and allow him to mount W.'s horse and hasten forward.". This encounter emphasizes Wright's honesty and rectitude - he did not initially question the old man's integrity despite having every right to do so seeing as his earthly possessions were at risk.

The writer states, "On arriving at Geneva, Mr. Wright drove to the principal tavern, left the lady, but then for the first time, a shade of anxiety crossed his mind for the safety of his fine horse and his money," revealing that young Wright had an astute acumen beneath his adventurous spirit. This trait would no doubt serve him well in his political career.

Pointing to the theme of resilience and patience, the writer declares, "He was at his wits’ end, and had just concluded to make the best of a bad bargain, when the old man made his appearance with horse and money all safe." This incident serves as a prelude to Silas Wright's political career where resilience, patience, and an ability to 'make the best out of a bad bargain' were not only valuable but necessary attributes.

Lastly, the romantic angle concludes the article with the line, "In the sequel, the beautiful daughter became afterwards the wife of the future statesman." This adds a touch of personal detail to the story, humanizing Wright and adding a dimension of love and family to his early life and journey.

Overall, the anecdote on Silas Wright's early life offers an entertaining and likely embellished look into the formative years of a significant figure in American politics. It illustrates his adventurous spirit, resilience, perceptiveness, integrity, and patience, and possibly foreshadows the man he would grow to become. It provides a context for understanding his later success in the political arena.

Narrative Exposition:

Venturing into the treasure troves of history, one often discovers enthralling tales of crucial events and complex elements that construct timeless legacies. These intriguing narratives, woven from the intimate tapestry of the past, often yield vital insights about personal character and instigate significant societal shifts – a viewpoint often overlooked in grander retellings. One such entrancing tale spotlights the Honorable Silas Wright, a noteworthy American statesman of the early 19th century. The chronicle of Wright—his relentless ambition and his chance encounters—detailed in the Detroit Advertiser’s feature, "Early Days of Silas Wright", offers valuable insights into destiny’s unpredictable journey.

Born into the year of 1795 in Massachusetts, Silas Wright embarked on his odyssey, possessing little more than a horse, modest finances, and an unyielding resolve to mold his own future. This was a common pilgrimage during the era of young men setting off on solitary westward voyages fueled by dreams of fortune, adventure, and personal illumination. It paints a vivid picture of a nation expanding its frontiers, underpinned by the daring spirit of its inhabitants, thereby establishing the fledgling Republic's cultural bedrock. Yet, life has a knack of contradicting the carefully plotted course at the herald of a journey. The Detroit Advertiser poignantly articulates this, suggesting not only the unforeseen turn of Wright’s life journey but also underscoring the unpredictable storyline of life itself.

The article narrates a serendipitous encounter that significantly altered Wright's trajectory. Lured by the charm of a lively and captivating young woman, Wright relinquished control of his prized possessions to a stranger—a risky gesture, though quite common in those times—imparting a sense of unassuming optimism and abiding trust. This decision unmistakably echoes the ethos of the era.

However, the initial thrill of this chance meeting rapidly transformed into a trembling unease when Wright's horse and money mysteriously disappeared. One can only imagine the degree of distress in this young wanderer, whose future was flimsily balanced on the unreliable hands of a stranger. The original account captures the gist of this event, subtly alluding to an undercurrent of vulnerability and Wright’s awareness of his predicament, thus offering us a poignant glimpse into this formative phase.

In an intriguing twist, this seemingly unfortunate episode pivoted into a game-changing circumstance in Wright’s destiny. The stranger made a triumphant return with Wright’s horse and money intact. Meanwhile, the enchanting woman, originally a fleeting diversion, emerged as his lifelong companion, adding a touch of serendipity to the otherwise austere backdrop of frontier life.

In essence, Silas Wright's tale serves as a riveting testament to the unpredictable turmoil and the transformative potential nestled within life's journey. With themes revolving around trust, chance, unintended trials, and love, the story encapsulates the quintessential spirit of 19th-century American frontier existence. It compellingly demonstrates how the smallest decisions or happenings can unknowingly chart a course towards monumental personal and societal transformations—altering the course of history. In sum, the captivating narrative of Silas Wright's early years underscore an age-old adage: life happens while we’re busy making plans. The unplanned detours and surprise encounters don’t derail us but exhilaratingly steer us towards our preordained journey, shaping us into the people we were destined to be.

Key Phrases:

1. 'Silas Wright' - An American statesman from the 19th century. For more information about his life and political career, check out this comprehensive biography of Silas Wright from the [Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery](https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.89.141).
2. 'Early 19th century American frontier existence' - A period of significant expansion and societal shifts in American history. Additional information on the experiences and challenges of early frontier life can be found on [The West: Encounters and Transformations](https://www.learner.org/series/the-west-encounters-and-transformations/) by PBS.
3. 'Detroit Advertiser’s feature, "Early Days of Silas Wright"' - A specific newspaper article about Silas Wright. If accessible, the original article would provide first-hand information and insights. Unfortunately, a link to this exact resource could not be found, but related newspapers from the time can be browsed on [Chronicling America](https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/), a resource from the Library of Congress.
4. 'Serendipitous encounter' - The influence of chance or fortune in personal histories. Reading [The Role of Chance and Luck in Scientific Discovery](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4683891/) from the Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience may provide a broader understanding of the concept.
5. '19th century westward voyages' - The westward expansion in the 19th century, also known as Manifest Destiny. To learn more, visit the [Westward Expansion](https://www.history.com/topics/westward-expansion) resource from HISTORY.com.

**Citation**: Trinity Journal
- Early Days of Silas Wright., 1855-02-10
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ University of California Riverside Digital Newspaper Archive

Original Article:

A friend, who was an old acquaintance of the late Hon. Silas Wright, related to us an anecdote ot that distinguished man, which he received from his own lips. As we have never seen it in print, although it may have been, we give it to our readers: Mr. Wright left his home at an early age to ‘seek fortune, ’ having, by way of worldly possessions, a fine horse, saddle and bridle, a pair of saddle bags, a small stock of clothing and five hundred dollars in money, which was in bills and was deposited in his saddlebags. He took a westward course, and in traveling one day, he overtook a man with a wagon and furniture, and an old span of horses, apparently emigrating. There was nothing particularly attractive at first view, in the person or equipage, but upon a closer inspection, Mr. Wright discovered the daughter of the emmigrnnt, a most beautiful young lady, evidently refined and intelligent. They journeyed onward toward Geneva, chatting cosily together, when suddenly the old gentleman recollected that he wished to get his money changed at the Geneva Bank, and to enable him to reach that place before the close of banking hours, he proposed that young Wright should take his seat beside the beautiful daughter, and allow him to mount W.’s horse and hasten forward. Ardent and half smitten with the charms of the young lady, Silas gladly accepted the proposition, and leaping from his horse, allowed the old man to mount and make off with all Ins earthly possessions, money included, without a thought. Rapidly the hours of Thalaba went by, while these two young and gifted beings pursued their course, quite leisurely, it may be surmised, toward their journey’s destination. On arriving at Geneva, Mr. Wright drove to the principal tavern, left the lady, but then for the first time, a shade of anxiety crossed his mind for the safety of his fine horse and his money. He went to all the other public places, but could hear of no such man as he described; he beat up to the quarters of the cashier of the bank, and learned to his additional concern, that such a man had called at the bank and endeavored to get some money changed, which he declined doing, as the notes he presented were counterfeit! Our future statesman then came to the conclusion that he had made a crooked start in life.— About fifty dollars worth of old furniture, a dilapidated wagon and a span of worn out horses, for a new wardrobe, the horse, and five hundred dollars! Aye, but there was the pretty daughter—but her he could not keep as personal property without her own consent, and without money he hardly wanted a wife. He was at his wits’ end, and had just concluded to make the best of a bad bargain, when the old man made his appearance with horse and money all safe. It turned out that the money which the cashier thought to be counterfeit was not so, and the mistake had given the old man the trouble to go some distance to find an acquaintance who might voueh for his respectability in case of trouble and this occasioned his mysterious absence. In the sequel, the beautiful daughter became afterwards the wife of the future statesman. Detroit Advertiser.

A Glimpse Into the Harsh Realities of the Old West

The article reports an attack on a California Stage Company stagecoach by Indians at Lost Cabin, approximately sixty miles from Shasta. The driver was shot with three bullets and an arrow but managed to cut the traces of one horse and escape. As a result of the attack, the California Stage Company has withdrawn their stages from the route and made arrangements with Greathouse & Co. at Shasta for a safer route for travelers heading north. The article praises the Greathouse brothers as kind and clever gentlemen and wishes them success in their new venture.

A Glimpse Into the Harsh Realities of the Old West

This historical article describes the increasingly volatile conditions on the transport routes in California during the period of Westward Expansion and consistent skirmishes between Native American tribes and European settlers, which typically occurred in the mid-to-late 19th century. The article’s title, "More Depredations by the Indians," presents the narrative from the perspective of settlers, as often was the case in historical articles of this period.

The article starts with "One of California Stage Company's Stage*, while on the up trip, to Yreka, was attacked by the Indian* at Lost Cabin, about sixty miles from Shasta, on Thursday morning last." This hints at the geographical context - Yreka and Shasta are located in the northern region of California, which experienced frequent Native American resistance to the intrusion of settlers and miners during the Gold Rush era.

The context also illustrates the nature of travel during this specific era, with this quote: "The Company we understand have withdrawn their Stages from the route, and entered into arrangements with Greathouse A Co. at Shasta, by which persons traveling up North, can now find, a safe and secure route." This change of travel arrangements depicts how companies were forced to reassess travel routes due to safety concerns due to conflict.

Lastly, the article demonstrates the business measures taken to adapt to the tumultuous conditions by quoting, "The Greathouse’s are kind aud clever gentlemen, and we wish them success." This statement serves as an endorsement for an alternative service under the duress of violent conditions, showing the stark realities faced by these frontier businesses and travelers.

In conclusion, this article provides an important lens into the dangerous frontier conditions during America's westward expansion. While it does reflect the prevalent bias in historical discourses during this period against indigenous people by labeling them as depredators, it highlights the key role that individual businesses played in navigating this volatile period.

Narrative Exposition:

Our collective memory of America's Wild West is a unique blend of rugged charm and golden legacy; a period characterized by boundless exploration and indomitable spirits. The intriguing saga of outlaws and law-abiding citizens echoes through the corridors of time. One such harrowing tale is encapsulated in an article aptly titled, "More Depredations by the Indians." This somber narrative offers us an unflinchingly honest glimpse into the harsh realities of life during these fascinating yet turbulent times.

This narrative begins with an account of one of the California Stage Company's drivers. He experiences a violent altercation with local Native Americans, highlighting a chilling conflict that left the driver severely injured and the northern pathway potentially treacherous. According to the article, "The driver was shot, with three balls, and an arrow, but succeeded in cutting the traces of one of the horses and making his escape."

This quote succinctly illustrates more than just a singular historical event from the era. It skillfully unveils the terrifying predicament of an individual, which mirrors the broader societal chasm between European settlers and Native Americans.

The story of the California Stage Company is an integral part of America's growth narrative, facilitating trade and communication across the nation's budding settlement towns. The driver's ordeal at Lost Cabin provides a stark window into the personal and societal consequences of these violent encounters, painting a vivid picture of the era's economic, societal, and diplomatic complexities.

Echoing the aura of constant uncertainty, the California Stage Company made the strategic decision to withdraw its stages from the dangerous route. This significant move led to a restructuring of the company's operations, culminating in a partnership with Greathouse & Co. in Shasta. The article's seemingly casual deduction, "by which persons traveling up North, can now find a safe and secure route," is a testament to the grit and tenacity displayed by the inhabitants of this treacherous landscape.

The article's concluding accolade to the Greathouses, "kind and clever gentlemen," subtly hints at the heavy reliance on enterprising individuals in this tumultuous era. These gentlemen could arguably be considered the "debonair sheriffs of commerce."

This tale provides a somewhat dark, yet enlightening, snapshot of history. It helps us comprehend the enduring effects of regional conflict on both interstate commerce and broader societal dynamics. Such insights are vital in understanding the significant contribution of these historical encounters to the development of modern trade, communication, and cooperation frameworks.

Events such as this accentuate the dichotomy of our shared history - the resilience of the human spirit versus the grim realities of societal disparity and violent confrontation. They inspire us to examine our past as an intricate interplay of interconnected events and their repercussions, rather than viewing them as isolated instances.

Personal stories from individuals like the stagecoach driver and the Greathouses help shed light on the overarching narrative of our shared history. They remind us that historical narratives aren't merely about the rise and fall of empires but also about everyday people who grappled with life's challenges amid an evolving landscape.

As we delve into the pages of history, it's crucial to appreciate how these narratives have profoundly influenced our present. In their tenacity and adaptability, we see a reflection of our contemporary hyper-connected society. Identifying these unseen threads linking historical events like the Lost Cabin incident to our present circumstances, provide a vantage point to understand the complex influences that have shaped our world. Recognizing these continuity threads is fundamental to devising a thoughtful path towards our future.

Key Phrases:

1. 'America's Wild West' - For further reading and research, refer to this article 'The True Wild West – A Heritage of Guns, Struggle, Revolution and Hope' from [HistoryNet](https://www.historynet.com/identifying-and-preserving-history.htm).

2. 'Depredations by the Indians' - Understanding the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans is crucial. Refer to this section on 'American - Indian Relations in the 19th Century' from [Oxford Research Encyclopedias](https://oxfordre.com/americanhistory/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.001.0001/acrefore-9780199329175-e-3).

3. 'California Stage Company' - This company played a big role in the Old West. Further information can be found in 'Stagecoach Kings (Transportation)' from [Legends of America](https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-stagecoachkings/).

4. 'Lost Cabin' - While there's not much information available about specific incidences, this article 'The Cabin Fights' from [Wild West Magazine - HistoryNet](https://www.historynet.com/the-cabin-fights.htm), provides the understanding of such encounters during those times.

5. 'Stagecoach driver and the Greathouses' - For greater understanding, you may check this article 'Stagecoach Travel – Brutal, Slow & Expensive' from [Legends of America](https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-stagecoach/). Also, this text 'A Coach Ride Through Nineteenth-Century America' from [Reading Design](https://www.readingdesign.org/coach-ride-through).

6. 'Development of modern trade, communication, and cooperation frameworks' - Can be supplemented by this piece 'Communication in the Real World: The History of Communication' from [University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing](https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/1-1-history-of-communication/).

7. 'Continuity threads' - Further understanding of how past influences present and future can be gained from this piece 'Historical Influences on Contemporary Behavior: Thinking and Rethinking Psychological Present and Future with Historical Context Awareness' from [Frontiers in Psychology](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01255/full).

**Citation**: Trinity Journal
- More Depredations by the Indians., 1856-08-30
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ University of California Riverside Digital Newspaper Archive

Original Article:

One of California Stage Company's Stage*, while on the up trip, to Yreka, was attacked hy the Indian* at Lost Cabin, about sixty miles from Shasta. on Thursday morning last. The driver was shot, with three hulls, and an arrow, hut succeed” ed in cutting the truces of one of the horses and making his escape. The Company we understand have withdrawn their Htages from the route, and entered into arrangements with Greathouse A Co. at Shasta, by which persons traveling up North, can now find, a safe and secure route. The Greathouse’s are kind aud clever gentlemen, and we wish them success.

 

The Hidden Chronicles of Revolutionary Blacksmiths

The article recounts the heroic actions of a blacksmith during the American Revolution. Despite being severely wounded, the blacksmith bravely defended his country by shooting at British soldiers, dedicating each shot to a different figure of importance. The blacksmith ultimately succumbed to his injuries, but his bravery and sacrifice were remembered as emblematic of the courage displayed by common people during the war. The article also briefly mentions two duels involving individuals of high social standing, highlighting the contrast between the heroism of the blacksmith and the tragic outcomes of the duels.

The Hidden Chronicles of Revolutionary Blacksmiths and Beyond

In analyzing the narrative of "The Heroic Blacksmith," this historical recount presents a microcosmic view of the hardships experienced by the common working men during the revolutionary war. The piece fits into the larger context of how such tales have been recounted throughout history, glorifying personal sacrifice in times of war and painting vivid pictures of bravery and heroic deeds. In this story, the blacksmith is portrayed as a simple but noble character, who refused to be cowed by the tyrannical British regime.

The excerpt presents an anecdotal event from the American Revolutionary War, "It was in full tide of the retreat that a follower of the American camp...was dragging a baggage wagon from the field of battle, while some short distance behind, a body of continentals were pushing forward with a body of British in pursuit." This provides a realistic tableau of the chaotic scenes typical of 18th-century warfare, suggesting the overwhelming odds these men were up against.

Another notable feature in this tale is the embodied representation of a humble participant in the American Revolutionary War: 'A stout blacksmith, ... his stout frame, hardened with toil, throbbed as generous an impulse of freedom as ever beat in the bosom of La Fayette...' Here, the comparison of the blacksmith's dedication to the cause of freedom to the passion of celebrated generals such as La Fayette and Mad Anthony Wayne highlights the shared sense of patriotism among the soldiers, whether or not they held any ranked position.

Towards the end of the blacksmith's tale, we are presented with his unyielding bravery in the face of certain death, 'His face was to the advancing troopers, and while his shattered leg hung over the bank, the wagoner rushed on his way, when the doomed blacksmith proceeded coolly to load his rifle.' His courage and determination might stress the unbreakable spirit that has been associated with the American struggle for independence.

However, this narrative, while compelling, lends itself to scrutiny in several ways: was this blacksmith a real individual or a fictional character designed to exemplify bravery and elicit national pride? The document does not provide enough concrete detail to ascertain the factuality of the story.

The latter portion of the article covers apparent duel accounts from the 19th century, such as "In 1800, a very singular duel took place in Hyde Park, between a Lieut. W., of the Navy, and a Captain T., of the Army." Although unrelated to the Revolutionary war or the blacksmith tale, they convey a sense of the volatile social norms of the time, where personal honor was often defended through such life-risking encounters.

In summary, "The Heroic Blacksmith" and the subsequent accounts offer glimpses of the pulse of the times from both a military and social perspective, drawing attention to themes of heroism, sacrifice, and notions of honor that were prevalent during those periods.

Narrative Exposition:

Within the rich tapestry of history, countless tales abound, populated with characters that are larger than life, who have epitomized the essence of heroism, valor, and sacrifice. Yet amidst these well-chronicled narratives, there emerges the often-neglected account of an unsung hero, a humble individual who, against all odds, epitomizes extraordinary courage. Today, we take a detour off the traditional path to illuminate the uncompromising bravery of one such character – a steadfast blacksmith.

The epic saga of the American War of Independence is well known to us all - a courageous band of revolutionaries resisting British rule, championing the cause of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Noteworthy names like George Washington and Anthony Wayne are splendidly imprinted in our collective memory about this pivotal era, yet this same period is peppered with unsung heroes. These unheralded champions, amongst them common folk, mechanics, artisans, and peasants, etched their narratives into the very backbone of the revolution. Their names might not grace the majestic memorials yet their indomitable spirit, resilience, and sheer tenacity form undeniable pieces of the revolution’s grand mosaic.

Venturing into the heart of such untold tales, we uncover an incisive dramatization dubbed ‘The Heroic Blacksmith.' Herein, we are introduced to an isolated yet resilient figure: a humble blacksmith. This stalwart individual, calloused by unyielding labor, exhibits an awe-inspiring display of resolve and valor: “...his stout frame, hardened with toil, throbbed as generous an impulse of freedom as ever beat in the bosom of La Fayette or around the heart of mad Anthony Wayne.” Faced with the intimidating assault of looming death, this man holds his ground, fervently defending his brethren till his final breath: “The blacksmith greeted them with a shout, raising his rifle to his shoulder he picked the foremost from his spirited steed…”

Showcasing stories such as those of our heroic blacksmith serves as an evocative reminder that great historical events are an intricate collage of personal stories. Beyond the grandeur of the Revolution, there is also a ubiquitous presence: the sprits of "the thousand brave mechanic heroes of the Revolution; brave in the hour of battle, undaunted in the hour of retreat, undismayed in the moment of death.”

Intriguingly, these marginalized, yet profoundly daring figures are not confined to the American Revolution alone. Moving across the pond to England, we uncover a crucial tale of a volatile rivalry and fatal duel between two military stalwarts: Colonel Fitzgerald and Colonel King.

This engrossing tale swerves towards drama with a deadly duel sparked by a clash of egos and a battle for honor. The narrative takes an unexpected twist when a frightened Lord Kingston, fearing for his son’s life, intervenes and "instantly shot Fitzgerald dead on the spot. In 1800, a very singular duel took place in Hyde Park…”

Unveiling narratives framed around blacksmiths or militaristic figures who dared to shatter societal norms speaks volumes about the charm of untold stories, where human passion, valor, fear, and resilience are laced just underneath the surface of grand historical stages.

History unfolds as a convoluted web of intertwined tales, where personal narratives merge seamlessly with larger events, shaping and scripting our present and future. While history's dramatic heroism is often illustrated through grand battles and strategic maneuvers, the unrelenting courage of individuals, including our heroic blacksmith or the feuding military figures, showcases timeless human qualities that persist regardless of time, place, or circumstance.

In the final analysis, shedding light on these delicately crafted character studies offers us a broader canvas of historical perspectives. It gently reminds us that history is not just the saga of kings and generals, but also a tribute to the blacksmiths, mechanics, and the nameless many whose contributions are intricately woven into the fabric of our shared heritage.

Key Phrases:

1. 'American War of Independence' - This relates to the war between the American colonies and the British government in the 18th century. For further reading and research, see [The American Revolution | History](https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution).

2. 'George Washington and Anthony Wayne' - These are important figures in the American Revolution. Learn more about George Washington from [Mount Vernon](https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/) and Anthony Wayne from [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/people/anthony-wayne.htm).

3. 'The Heroic Blacksmith' - This seems to be a fictional character representative of common folk involved in the American Revolution. For more on the role of common people in the Revolution, refer to [Role of Common People in the American Revolution | Houston Chronicle](https://classroom.synonym.com/role-common-people-american-revolution-10888.html).

4. 'Colonel Fitzgerald and Colonel King' - These appear to be military figures involved in a duel in England around the turn of the 19th century. More information may be found in historical accounts. Unfortunately, without more specific details, it's difficult to provide a source.

5. 'Duel in Hyde Park in 1800' - This refers to a specific event in Hyde Park, London. For more about the history of duels in Britain, consider [The history of duelling | UK Parliament](http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/houseoflords/house-of-lords-reform/overview/a-challenge-to-duel/).

6. 'Role of Mechanics in the American Revolution' - This relates to the part played by mechanics and other working-class individuals during the American Revolution. Further readings about their impact may be found in [The Mechanics in New York City: 1763-1821 | Journal of Social History](https://academic.oup.com/jsh/article-abstract/5/2/160/877125?redirectedFrom=PDF) and [Mechanics and artisans in the American Revolution | Exploring the American Revolutionary War](https://allthingsliberty.com/2014/09/mechanics-and-artisans-in-the-american-revolutionary-war/).

Remember that the accuracy of information related to some phrases may vary based on context and historical interpretation.

**Citation**: Trinity Journal
- The Heroic Blacksmith., 1857-02-14
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ 

California Digital Newspaper Collection

Original Article:

The hero of the following thrilling story Was embodied in the person of a stout blacksmith, aye, an humble blacksmith, but his stout frame, hardened with toil, throbbed as generous an impulse of freedom as ever beat iu the bosom of La Fayette, or arouud the heart of mad Anthony Wayne : ‘ It was in full tide of the retreat that a follower of the American camp, who had at least shouldered a cart-whip in his country’s service, was dragging a baggage wagon from the field of battle, while some short distance behind, a body of continentals were pushing forward with a body of British in pursuit. The wagon had arrived at a narrow point of the by-road leading to the south, where two high banks of rocks and craigs, arising on cither side, afforded just space sufficient for the passage of the baggage wagons, and cot an inch more. His eyes were arrested by the sight of a stout, muscular man, apparently some forty years of age, extended at the foot of a tree at the very opening of the pass. lie was clad in the coarse attire of a mechanic. His coat had been flung aside, and his shirt sleeves rolled up from his muscular arm, he lay extended on the turf with his rifle in his grasp, while tiie blood poured in a torrent from his right leg, which was broken at the knee by a cannon ball. The wagoner’s sympathies were arrested by the sight. He would have paused in the very instance of Ills flight, and placed the wounded blacksmith in his wagon, but the stout-hearted man refused. ‘I’ll net go into your wagon,’ said lie, in his rough way, ‘ but I’ll tell you wlint 1 will do. Do you sec yonder cherry tree on the top of that rock that hangs over the road ? Do you think you can lift a man of my build up there ? For you see neighbor,’ he continued, while the blood flowed down from his wound, 4 1 never meddled with the Britishers until they came trampling over the valley and burned my house down. And now 1 am ail riddled to pieces, and haiu’t got more than fifteen minutes in me ; but I’ve got three buiia in my cartridge-box, and so just prop me up against that tree, ami l''l g:ve the whole three shots, and then,’ exclaimed the blacksmith, 4 I'll die.’ The wagoner started his horses ahead, and tlieu with a sudden effort dragged the wounded man along the sod to the foot of the tree. IDs face was to the advancing troopers, nud while his shattered leg hung over the bank, the wagoner rushed on his way, when the doomed blacksmith proceeded coolly to load his rifle. It was not long before a body of American soldiers rushed by with the British in pursuit. The blacksmith greeted them with a shout, and, raising his rifle to iiis shoulder he picked the foremost from his spirited steed, with the exclamation—- ' That's for General Washington !’ In a moment the rifle was reloaded, and again it was fired, and the pursuidg British rode over another of their fallen officers. 4 That’s lor myself,’ cried the blacksmith, and then, with u hand strong with the feeling of approaching deutli, again loaded, raised his rifle—fired his last shot and another soldier kissed tiie sod ! A tear quivered in the eye of the dying blacksmith. 4 And that,’ he said, with a husky voice, which strengthened almost into a shout, 4 is for mad Anthony Wayne !’ Long alter the battle of the Brandywine was past, the body was discovered against the tree, with the features frozen in death, smiling grimly, while his right hand still grasped the never failing rifle. And thus died one of the thousand brave mechanic heroes of the Revolution; brave in the hour of battle, undaunted in the hour of retreat, and undismayed in the moment of death. Tvf.markari.e Exgi.isii Dieis.—Tu IT.iT, Colonel Fitzgerald, a married man, eloped from Windsor with his cousin, the daughter of Lord Kingston, Colonel King, the broth er, fought Colonel Fitzgerald in Hyde Bark. They fired six shots each, without effect—and tiie powder being exhausted, Colonel King called his opponent a vnilluin, and they resolved to fight next day. They were, however, put under arrest, when Col. Fitzgerald had the audacity to follow Lord Kingston’s family to Ireland, to obtain the object of his seduction from her parents.— Col. King hearing of this, repaired to the inn where Col. Fitzgerald put up. Colonel Fitzgerald had locked himself in his room, mid refused admision to Colonel King, who broke open the door ; and, running to a case of pistols, seized one, and desired Col. Fitzgerald to take the other. The parties grappled, ami were fighting when Lord Kingston entered the room ; and perceiving from the position of the parties, that his son must lose iiis life, instantly shot Fitzgerald dead on the spot. Iu 1800, a very singular duel took place in Hyde Park, between a Lieut. W., of the iN'avy, and u Captain T., of the Army. Capt.’ T., had carried off the Lieutenant’s sister. Lieut. W. seemed impressed with a deep sense of melaneholly—he insisted that the distance should be only six paces. At this distance they fired, and the shot of Capt. T. struck the guard of Lieut. W.’s pistol, nud tore off two fingers of ids right hand. The Lieut., deliberately wrapt Ids handkerchief round the wound, and looking solemnly to heaven, exclaimed, 4 i have a left hand," that never failed me.’ They again took their ground. Lieut. W. looked steadfastly at Capt. T, and easting his eyes up to lien veil, was heard to utter ‘forgive me.’ They fired. • ml both fell. Capt, T. received the ball iu ids head, ami died instantly, the Lieut, was shot in iii the breast. He inquired if Capt. T.’s wound was mortal. Being told that it was, lie thanked heaven. He took Ids mourning ring from his linger, ami said to his seccond, 4 Give this to my sister, and tell her it is the happiest moment I ever knew.’- - He hud scarcely uttered the last word, when a quantity of blood gushed from ids wound, and he instatly expired. A tau. slab-sided Yankee, wiio wasmnkiug his appearance at Cane May, last summer, strolled down to the beach during bathing time. On seeing the bevy of beauties disporting in tlie waves, lie burst out into a fit of enthusiasm. 4 Je ru sa lem ! it that don’t just remind me of something good we have to liugi.’ ’What is that ?’ remarked a friend who had heard him. . ‘Lotsn and voter !' replied Jonathan.