American Military Biography: Containing the Lives, Characters, and Aneccotes of the Officers of the Revolution, who Were Most Distinguished in Achieving Our National Independence. Also, the Life of Gilbert Motier La Fayette

Front Cover
Subscribers, 1825 - United States - 184 pages
Collection of short biographical sketches of the major figures of the Revolutionary War on both sides of the conflict. Includes an overview of the root causes of the American Revolution, from the American viewpoint, as well as a longer biography of Revolutionary War General Lafayette.

From inside the book

Selected pages

Common terms and phrases

Popular passages

Page 207 - Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
Page 136 - I profess myself a citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the little, mean distinctions of climate or of country, which diminish the benevolence of the heart and set bounds to philanthropy. Before this war was begun, I had, at an early time of life, withdrawn from sea service, in favor of calm contemplation and poetic ease.
Page xx - I now propose to advance before you, and in person conduct you through the wicketgate ; for we must this morning either quit our pretensions to valor or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt which none but the bravest of men dare undertake, I do not urge it on any contrary to his will. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your firelocks.
Page 208 - Resolved, That a committee, in conjunction with one from the Senate, be appointed to consider on the most suitable manner of paying honor to the memory of the man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his fellow-citizens.
Page 84 - I feel a sense of obligation towards my creditors; who in case of accident to me, by the forced sale of my property, may be in some degree sufferers. I did not think myself at liberty as a man of probity, lightly to expose them to this hazard.
Page 67 - I take the liberty of writing this private letter to your majesty, being persuaded that my motives will also be my apology for it. "In common with the people of this country, I retain a strong and cordial sense of the services rendered to them by the Marquis de Lafayette ; and my friendship for him has been constant and sincere.
Page 66 - The second party was not for the abolition of the State governments, nor for the introduction of a monarchical government under any form ; but they wished to establish such a system as could give their own States undue power and influence, in the government, over the other States.
Page 143 - ... the only combustible material which he could obtain, that would afford light in this deep and darksome cave, prepared for his descent.
Page 205 - Welcome, mighty chief, once more Welcome to this grateful shore : • Now no mercenary foe Aims again the fatal blow ; Aims at thee the fatal blow. " Virgins fair and matrons grave, Those thy conquering arms did save, Build for thee triumphal bowers. Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers ; Strew your Hero's way with flowers.
Page 90 - ... to you cordial congratulations upon the occasion of your recent arrival in the United States, in compliance with the wishes of Congress, and to assure you of the very high satisfaction which your presence affords on this early theatre of your glory and renown. Although but...

Bibliographic information