But perhaps the best known of all, at least in this country, was M. Dupretit-Thouars, or as he was generally called by the Americans, the Admiral. Wrecked while on a voyage in search of La Perouse, he reached Asylum destitute of everything but an unfaltering courage, a genial temper and the chivalrous pride of a Frenchman.
Disdaining to be a pensioner on the bounty of his countrymen he obtained a grant of four hundred acres in the dense wilderness of what is now Sullivan County, and went out literally single-handed, having lost an arm in the French naval service, commenced a clearing, built himself a house, returning to Asylum once a week for necessary food and change of apparel.
He returned to his native country, obtained a position in the navy, saying he had yet another arm to give to France. He was placed in command of the ship Le Tonnant and was killed in the battle of the Nile.
The borough of Dushore, which includes the clearings of this indomitable Frenchman, was named in honor of him this being nearly the Anglicised pronunciation of his name.
During the continuance of the settlement, it was visited by many very distinguished personages who since obtained a world-wide reputation.
Louis Philippe, a future King of France, spent several weeks at Asylum enjoying the hospitality of M. Antoine Talon. In 1795 Talleyrand spent some time there and Count de la Rochefoucauld de Laincourt was several days at Asylum while on his journey through the States in 1795–6. Another notable visitor was Mrs. Blennerhassett the charming woman who figured in Aaron Burr’s conspiracy.
General Thomas Mifflin Inaugurated First
Governor of Pennsylvania December
21, 1790
The inauguration of the first Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took place December 21, 1790, when Hon. Thomas Mifflin was inducted into office amid all the splendor of that now distant day.