Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

and was appointed aid-de-camp to general Charles Lee, with whom he went to the south, and had an opportunity to shew his bravery at the gallant defence of fort Moultrie, and in many subsequent actions.

The third, whose name was William, was very young, but being tall enough for a soldier, he entered the corps of artillery as a lieutenant, and served with reputation to the close of the war.

Mr. Morris relinquished his seat in Congress to his half brother, Gouverneur, who was elected in his stead early in the year 1777, on which occasion the convention passed a resolution of thanks to him and his colleagues," for their long and faithful services rendered to the colony of New York and the said state."

After this time, New York being in a greater or less degree the seat of war, he remained within the state, serving as a member of the legislature and an officer of the militia. In the legislature his high character, undaunted spirit and untiring zeal, were of the most important value to the cause of independence, which still, for some years of difficulty and bloodshed, was suspended in doubtful prospect. As an officer of the militia he rose to the rank of a major general, and contributed essentially to the effective organization and equipment of the militia of New York.

He lived to see peace restored to his country, her independence acknowledged, and her prosperity

placed on the firmest basis, and secured by the wisest political constitution that has ever yet been framed.

The latter part of his life was passed at Morrisania, the elegant seat of his ancestors, when turning his sword again into a scythe, he resumed the practice of agriculture, and in the delightful retirement of his farm, he met the advances of old age with serenity and happiness. Of his numerous offspring one only, the eldest son, preceded him to the tomb, the rest he had the satisfaction to see respectably settled in life and supporting the high character of the family.

He died in January, 1798, in the seventy-second year of his age, and his remains were interred with military and civic honours, in the family vault at Morrisania.

VOL. IX.-U

1

[graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« ПредишнаНапред »