Judge Walton was a close student during his whole life. He added to his large experience a general knowledge of the sciences and became an ornament to the judiciary of his state. He was a ready writer and very satirical upon vice and folly. He was of a warm temperament, resenting every indignity but honorable and just, moving within the orbit of consistency under all circumstances showing clearly that the wildest passions may be controlled by wise discretion. He was a stranger to disguise, ardent in his attachments, firm in his purposes, stern and reserved in his manners in general intercourse but free and familiar in the private circle with his friends. He was an open and manly opponent. He was fond of brevity in all things, systematic in his public and private arrangements and remarkable for punctuality.
Taken as a whole Judge Walton was one of the most useful men of his day and generation. His examples are worthy the imitation of the apprentice, the student, lawyer, judge and statesman. By the force of industry he rose from the humblest walks of life to the most dignified stations within the gift of his constituents. Youth and young men of America—ponder well the history of George Walton. Let it stimulate you to embrace every opportunity for improvement—drink often and freely at the crystal fountain of useful knowledge now open to all. Remember, O! remember that you are the architects of your own fortunes. Soon the affairs of a mighty nation, the destiny of increasing millions will devolve upon you. Prepare yourselves to assume the high stations you must fill—for weal or for wo will depend upon the fitness you acquire. Enter upon the great theatre of action free from every vice—armed with every virtue. Then and then only will you be prepared to guard the dearest interest of our expanding republic and counteract the fearful evils that are put in motion by wild ambition, sordid selfishness and base intrigue. Upon you will soon depend the happiness of moving millions and of millions yet unborn. Nothing but death can relieve you from this high responsibility—when death calls you, be found at the post of duty.
JOSEPH WARREN.
The popularity of a measure depends much upon the character of those who engage in it. Its justice is inferred from its ardent and unwavering advocacy by men of high moral and religious worth. For righteous cause and consistency in its prosecution—the American Revolution has no parallel on the pages of history. It commanded the noblest exertions of the best and most talented men of that eventful era. Their conduct elicited the admiration of a gazing world. Pure patriotism pervaded their bosoms—self was banished to its original Pandora box. Truckling politicians were despised—demagogues frowned down—disorganizers silenced—the general good of the whole country was the prime object of deep solicitude. On that bright picture the patriot and philanthropist can feast their eyes with increasing delight. The artists have passed away and left to us the priceless gem of republican Freedom. In lines of living light they traced the path of duty in which we must tread to insure safety and preserve our priceless UNION. In language solemn as eternity they said to us—Walk ye therein. People of America! is this injunction of the venerated dead implicitly obeyed by all? A fearful negative must be responded by every thinking, observing, intelligent, honest man. The alluvion of political corruption has submerged this path of duty and safety. Reckless party spirit has broken down its landmarks. Disorganizes trample under foot the precious blood that cemented its pavement—the blood of the covenant of Liberty. They treat it as an unholy thing and put our country and themselves to open shame. People of America! will you, can you hear the portentous thunders of disorganization—disunion and stand motionless—speechless—until the crash of our Liberty—the wreck of our Freedom shall unveil to you the wild horrors of chaotic ruin? You are the conservators of our Republic—nobly perform your duty.
Among the lofty patriots who were sacrificed at the shrine of American Liberty was Joseph Warren, born in Roxbury, Mass. in 1740. He entered Harvard college at the age of fifteen with a maturity of mind and a manly bearing seldom equalled by one of his years. On the completion of his classical education he studied medicine and acquired a high reputation and a lucrative practice in the city of Boston. He look an early and decided stand in favor of emancipation from mother Britain. He was an able writer and an eloquent public speaker. His pen and voice were warmly enlisted in the cause of equal rights. He was in favor of resisting every species of taxation for the support of England. He believed the people were prepared for self-government and could best manage their own affairs free from foreign interference. He was one of the first members of the secret committee in Boston that put the revolutionary ball in motion. He had a large and happy influence on those around him. He was bold and energetic, but prudent and discreet. It was him who sent an express late at night to Lexington to advise Messrs. Hancock and Adams of their contemplated capture. At the battle of Lexington he took an active part and had a portion of his ear lock shot off. In consequence of his high standing and zeal he received the commission of Major General on the 13th of June 1775. Over the army at Cambridge he had a salutary influence. He aided greatly in its first organization—bringing order out of confusion. On the 17th of June he engaged in the battle at Bunker's Hill as a volunteer where he received a ball in his head and died in the entrenchment. Thus prematurely fell one of the brightest ornaments of his day and generation. He was the first American General whose life was sacrificed in the cause of Liberty. He was favorably known as an efficient correspondent to the friends of freedom throughout the colonies and as widely mourned by every patriot. The nation deeply deplored his fall.
The battle of Bunker's Hill was of vast importance. It convinced the British that they had widely mistaken Yankee prowess and our own people that the enemy was not invincible. A defence of only a few hours' labor was thrown up—the whole force of the Americans was but 1200. This was furiously attacked by a superior number of veteran troops. So closely were they permitted to advance that they supposed the idea of resistance was abandoned. At the dread moment when they were on the point of entering the works a stream of liquid fire sent into their ranks a storm of lead and iron hail that caused the survivors to retreat with terror and confusion. Again and again were they repulsed with dreadful slaughter until the ammunition of the Americans failed and compelled them to retreat. The returns of Gen. Gage show 1054 of the British killed. The patriots had 139 killed. In prisoners, wounded and missing 314. They also lost five pieces of artillery.
Eulogy cannot add to the lustre of the name of Warren. Nature had lavished upon him all the noble qualities that adorn a man. In the spring of 1776 his remains were removed to Boston. Having been Grand Master of the Masonic institution of the State, he was buried under the forms of that time-honored order in presence of a large concourse of mourning friends. His memory is perpetuated by a monument erected by his fellow citizens.