The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution

by L. Carroll Judson

"Dark and designing knaves—murderous parricides! how dare you tread upon the earth which has drunk the blood of slaughtered innocence shed by your hands! How dare you breathe that air which wafted to the ear of Heaven the groans of those who fell a sacrifice to your accursed ambition!! But if the laboring earth doth not expand her jaws—if the air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister of death—yet hear it and tremble! the eye of Heaven penetrates the darkest chambers of the soul and you, though screened from human observation, must be arraigned—must lift up your hands, red with the blood of those whose death you have procured, at the tremendous bar of God."

So bold had Mr. Hancock become that the adherents of the crown put every plan and artifice in operation that could be devised to injure him. His worst enemy, the governor, nominated him to the Council, knowing that his acceptance would turn the populace against him. The plan was just as feasible as to think of baking griddle cakes on the moon. By a prompt refusal he put his enemies to shame and increased the confidence the patriots reposed in him. He was at this time Captain of the Governor's Guard and was immediately removed. His company was composed of the first citizens of Boston. As a testimony of respect to him the members promptly dissolved.

The dread crisis finally came. The war car was put in motion on the heights of Lexington. American blood was again shed by British soldiers. The people heard the dread clarion of Revolution—multitudes rushed to the conflict—the hireling troops fled in confusion—messengers of death met them on the whole route—retribution pressed on them at every corner—the trees and fences were illuminated with streams of fire from the rusty muskets of the native yoemanry and many of Briton's proud sons slumbered in their gore on that eventful day. The watchword was then fixed—Liberty or Death.

On the reception of this news the governor issued his proclamation in the name of his most Christian Majesty, George the III. declaring the Province in a state of rebellion but graciously offering a pardon to all returning penitents—excepting John Hancock and Samuel Adams. A secret attempt was made to arrest them but was foiled by information sent by Gen. Warren. They were preserved to aid in the glorious cause they had boldly and nobly espoused and to become shining lights in the blue canopy of freedom—bright examples of patriotism for future generations. Their proscription by the royal governor endeared them still more to the people and their personal friends. They asked no pardon—desired no royal favor.

In 1774 Mr. Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and in 1775 he was called to preside over the Continental Congress. It was with great diffidence he accepted this high mark of esteem, many of its members possessing towering talents and were much his seniors in age. He discharged the duties of his station with fidelity, great ability and to the satisfaction of the members and the country. His was the only name affixed to the Declaration of Independence when first published and stands, in bold relievo, at the head of the list of that noble band of fearless patriots who bearded the British Lion in his den and drove him from Columbia's soil—whose names are enrolled on the historic sunbeams of unfading light, there to remain in living brightness to the remotest ages of time.

Impaired in health and worn down by fatigue, Mr. Hancock resigned his responsible station in Congress in October 1777, having presided over that body for two and a half years with a credit highly gratifying to his numerous friends and advantageous to the cause of human rights.

Soon after his return he was elected to the convention of his native state to form a constitution for its government. His talents and experience were of great service in aiding to produce a truly republican instrument. In 1780 he was elected the first governor under the new constitution and continued to fill the gubernatorial chair five years when he resigned. At the expiration of two years he was again elected to that office and continued to fill that important station during the remainder of his life.

During his administration there were many difficulties to overcome—many evils to suppress. The devastation of the war had paralyzed every kind of business—reduced thousands from affluence to poverty—polluted the morals of society and left a heavy debt to be liquidated. Conflicting interests were to be reconciled—restless spirits subdued and visionary theories exploded. A faction of 12,000 men threatened to annihilate the new government. Riots were of frequent occurrence—the civil authority was disregarded and it became necessary to call out the military to enforce order. By the prudence, decision and wise conduct of the Governor and those acting under him, all difficulties were adjusted—the clamor of the people hushed—order restored and but few lives sacrificed at the shrine of treason.

By his firm and determined course the Governor incurred the displeasure of many prominent men for a time—but when reason resumed her station and prosperity alleviated the burdens that had been so strongly felt, their better judgment gained the ascendency, the sour feelings of party spirit lost their rancor—admiration and esteem for his sterling virtues and useful talents—the long and arduous services he had rendered his State and country—disarmed his enemies of their resentment and produced uniform love and respect. None but those who then lived can fully appreciate the Alpine barriers the patriots had to surmount to preserve the Independence they achieved and reduce to practice the long nursed vision of a Republican government. To recount them would require a volume. Let them slumber in the shades of oblivion.

Gov. Hancock was strongly in favor of the adoption of the Federal Constitution and left his sick bed in the last week of the session of the Assembly and did much by his advice and influence to induce his State to sanction that important instrument of confederation which has thus far withstood the assaults of demagogues—the thunder gusts of party spirit and held us in the bonds of Union, strength and power. Paralyzed be that arm that would cut the smallest fibre of the—cord of our UNION. Silenced be that voice that would whisper the word dissolution even to a zephyr. If we are true to ourselves we are destined to become the greatest nation known to history. We are appointed by the sages and heroes of the Revolution executors in perpetual succession of the richest estate ever bequeathed to a nation—Liberty in its pristine purity. Let us see well to its preservation that when we meet the testators in the realms of bliss, we may find our account approved and passed in the high court of heaven.