He was a little above the middle height—rather slender but a good figure. His mouth and chin were well formed—his nose aquiline—his eyes blue and animated—his forehead high and prominent. The diameter of his head from back to front was unusually large. His combined features were commanding and prepossessing, his physiognomy indicating a gigantic intellect.
When attacked by the disease which terminated his life he was aware a rapid dissolution awaited him. He was fully prepared to enter upon the untried scenes of the other and brighter world. He could look back upon a life well spent. He had run a noble race—was ready to finish his course—resign his tabernacle of clay to its mother dust—his immortal soul to Him who gave it.
In the history of this great and good man we see nothing to censure but much to admire. To be useful and do all the good in his power was his constant aim. No blanks appear on the record for the apologist to fill up. But few men have performed as much—no one performed more in the same time. If such examples as his, spread out in bold relievo on the historic page, will not exercise a salutary influence on the reader—if his devotion to his country—benevolence and unsurpassed virtues do not mellow your heart—you cannot be a patriot or a philanthropist—you do not realize the priceless value of our UNION.
EDWARD RUTLEDGE.
The name of every patriot, sage and hero who aided in gaining the Liberty we now enjoy, is repeated with veneration and respect. But a few of those noble spirits who breasted the storm of the Revolution are lingering on earth. All who were prominent leaders have paid the debt of nature and gone to their permanent and final home. A particular veneration is felt for those whose names are enrolled on that bold and soul-stirring production—the Declaration of Independence. Their names, with many others, will glide down the stream of time on the peaceful waves of admiration and gratitude until merged in the consummation of this whirling planet—"the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds." Among the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is that of Edward Rutledge, born in Charleston S. C. in November 1749. He was the son of Dr. Rutledge, a native of Ireland, who married Sarah West, a lady of refined accomplishments, piety and good sense.
Edward lost his father at an early age and like those of many great and good men, his mind was happily moulded by his accomplished mother. After passing through the usual routine of an education he commenced the study of law with an elder brother who stood high at the Charleston bar. As a relaxation from Coke and Bacon he occasionally entered the bowers of elocution. In 1769 he went to England, became a student at the temple—made himself familiar with the courts, rules of parliament, the policy, designs and feelings of the British ministry and cultivated an acquaintance with the celebrated orators and statesmen—Chatham, Mansfield and others. He returned in 1773, richly laden with stock for future use.
He commenced a successful practice—uniting an expressive countenance, a good voice, a rich imagination, elegance of action, an honorable mind and a good heart—with strong native talent improved by superior advantages and great industry. He soon acquired a well earned eminence as a bold, discreet and able advocate. He was ever ready—the spur of the moment made him shine most conspicuously. His lamp was always trimmed and burning. With true Irish zeal he was always ready to enter the arena where duty called—especially if it was to defend the weak—aid the oppressed or relieve the distressed.
It was self-evident that with a soul and talents like his, he could not remain an idle spectator of the elements of revolution that were in motion. He was the kind of man to rouse the popular fury when circumstances would justify and required it. Warm-hearted, zealous, bold and daring—he was a necessary part in the political machine of that time to put the more sluggish parts in motion. He was an admirable fireman, a safe engineer, a good pilot and a popular captain. Liberal in his views, republican in his principles, a stickler for equal rights—he was among the first to strike for Liberty.
He was elected a member of the first Congress in 1774. None but men of superior merit, known fortitude and pure patriotism were selected to represent their country's rights and repel the wrongs of monarchy. Such a man was Mr. Rutledge. His open frankness and bold exposure of the corruptions of the British ministry—preying upon the Colonies like canker worms, rendered him obnoxious to the adherents of the crown—the very thing to rouse such a man to determined action. Opposition seemed to kindle in his manly bosom a brighter flame of patriotic fire which he imparted to the friends of freedom without stint or measure.