with laurels and flowers, and supported by thirteen pillars, each entwined with wreaths of evergreens. On the front arch was incribed in large gilt letters, 66 6 THE DEFENDER OF THE MOTHERS WILL BE THE PROTECTOR OF THE DAUGHTERS.' "On the center of the arch above the incription was a dome or cupola of flowers and evergreens, encircling the dates of two memorable events, which were peculiarly interesting to New Jersey. The first was the battle of Trenton, and the second the bold and judicious stand made by the American troops at the same creek, by which the progress of the British army was arrested on the evening preceding the battle of Princeton. "At this place he was met by a party of matrons leading their daughters dressed in white, who carried baskets of flowers in their hands, and sang with exquisite sweetness an ode of two stanzas composed for the occasion: The following communication was made to the ladies immediately afterward in writing: "General Washington cannot leave this place without expressing his acknowledgments to the matron and young ladies, who received him in so novel and grateful a manner at the triumphal arch in Trenton, for the exquisite sensations he experienced in that affecting moment. "The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at the same spot, the elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occasion, and the innocent appearance of the white-robed choir, who met him with the gratu latory song, have made such impressions on his remembrance, as, he assures them, will never be effaced." The following lines, written but a few months after the death of Chief Justice Marshall, were intended as an inscription for a cenotaph. They were written by Judge Story. This is perhaps the most generous and affecting tribute of that devoted associate, who mourned his loss, not as a friend only, but as a brother, a tribute less to be valued on account of any poetic beauty than as evidence of that warm affection. and that undying and reverential admiration which Story never ceased to entertain for Marshall. "To Marshall reared the great, the good, the wise, Gentle in age, and beautiful in youth. These were his bright possessions. These had power CHAPTER II THE LETTERS OF JOHN MARSHALL THE place where each of these letters was found, or where it is to be seen in print, is given except in the cases of those that were copied from the originals in the Archives of the Congressional Library. If no reference is given as to the place where the original, or the copy, can be found, then it is in the Congressional Library at Washington. JOHN MARSHALL, ATTORNEY FOR S. B. CUNNINGHAM. A document in "The Calendar of Virginia State Papers," Vol. VII, pp. April 8, 1794. 101-102. I release two shillings per hundred on the tobacco for which Samuel Baron Cunningham has obtained a judgment against the Commonwealth, if no appeal be prosecuted thereon, but if the appeal be prosecuted, then this release is to be of no effect. JOHN MARSHALL, Att'y for S. B. Cunningham. The judgment obtained by Samuel Baron Cunningham against the Commonwealth is only exceptionable in that part of it which allows eighteen shillings per centum for the Tobacco lost; in every other respect it appears to be founded on the Decree of Court of the Appeals. JAS. INNES, pro republica. LETTER FROM J. MARSHALL TO JAMES WOOD, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Applies for Arms for Richmond Militia RICHMOND, April 25, 1794. SIR: I am requested by several of the militia officers of 1 "The Calendar of Virginia State Papers," Vol. VII, p. 120. this city to aid them in an application to the Executive for arms for their several companies. In support of this application, I beg leave to observe that the possession of arms conduces exceedingly to the improvement of troops in the usual evolutions, and that it is hoped and believed that the public could sustain neither inconvenience or loss from placing muskets in the hands of the militia of this place, as they can with great ease be re-collected should the occasion require it, and as there is every reason to believe that they would be kept safe and in good order. I have, &c. J. MARSHALL. LETTER OF J. MARSHALL TO THE GOVERNOR RICHMOND, May 20th, 1794. It is stated to me by Captain Quarrier that the field pieces in his possession could be kept with great convenience and safety was he permitted to erect a small house on or near the parade ground which might protect them from the injuries they would be exposed to if uncovered. As the ground has been fixed on for the parade some distance out of town for general convenience to the citizens, it will be difficult to remove the pieces on every occasion from town to the place of meeting, and it is hoped that the small expense (for it would not exceed sixty dollars) of a house to cover the pieces might be usefully incurred, the more especially as it might protect all the artillery at this place. I am, &c. J. MARSHALL. LETTER FROM J. MARSHALL TO THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA Relating to Arrest of the Ship Unicorn SMITHFIELD, July 23d, 1794. The troop reached this place yesterday morning, between six & seven o'clock. The ship Unicorn (the supposed privateer), was in possession of a company of the Isle of Wight Militia, and the revenue cutter lay below her with a detach2 Ibid., p. 148. ment of militia from Norfolk, commanded by Capt. Woodside. Every idea of resisting with violence the execution of the laws, seems to have been abandoned. Immediately on my arrival, the Marshal made a peacable request on Capt. Sinclair to allow his house to be searched for arms supposed to be contained in it, which he did not hesitate to permit. The search was made, and thirteen pieces of cannon, with some ball, grape shot, and powder was found. There were three pieces lying on the shore. A fatigue party is now employed in getting them on board the Unicorn, after which the cutter will conduct her to Bermuda hundred, or to Brodway. I despatched a boat yesterday morning, to stop the vessel which was proceeding down James River with the companies of artillery & Infantry from Richmond, and directed their return. I also ordered Capt. Weisiger to return with the infantry of Prince George, but as the marshal entertains some apprehensions of an attempt to rescue the vessel in the river, I thought it advisable to countermand the orders I had given, & direct Capt. Weisiger to continue his march to this place, with a view to his return in the Unicorn. The situation both of Major Taylor & of the Marshal has been arduous & unpleasant. The Marshal has received personal insult, and seems not to have been free from personal danger. Major Taylor has used great and proper exertions to complete the business he was upon. He at first, experienced great difficulty in procuring aid of any kind, but that difficulty is now removed. Since the arrival of distant militia, those of the country are as prompt as could be wished in rendering any service required from them. Indeed, I am disposed to believe that the original difficulty rested not with the men. The privates (except those residing in Smithfield) have manifested no disaffection to the Government, or reluctance to support the laws. But of this, & of every circumstance which has occurred, Major Taylor & the Marshal have taken memoranda, & an ample report will be made to you as soon as they shall return to Petersburg. Captain Sinclair declares that he never designed to violate the laws; that the arms found in the house were not intended for the Unicorn, but were purchased for a gentleman to the |
