The
company started off with the regulation toasts
of the day, and it was only when they reached the
eighth toast that their real feelings show themselves;
the ninth was stronger in its sentiment, the tenth
rings out; quite vigorously for America's rights,
but the toast-master evidently thought that it
was now time to tone down the enthusiasm, so the
eleventh toast sounds well but is perfectly harmless.
Then follows a series of toasts to provincial dignitaries
until we reach the twentieth, when the real sentiment
of those participating crops out in the toast to
the Pennsylvania farmer whose letters were then
challenging the attention of the world.
In
the last toast is the call to unite all parties
in a common cause to defend the rights of America
against oppression.
After
the seventeenth toast we find an asterisk, and
the note below says,— "The kind genius
that presides over American Freedom forbade it
and the Sons of King Tammany appeared as averse
to drink it as they would have been to swallow
the 5 mile stone."
The
person occupying the office of Speaker at this
time was Joseph Galloway, and it must be remembered
that the newspaper (Pennsylvania Chronicle)
in which this account appears was owned by Goddard,
so we quote a short biographical sketch of Galloway
as follows:
"He
was first a Whig then a Loyalist; in 1776 abandoned
the Whigs and became one of the most virulent and
proscriptive Loyalists of the time.
"In
1766 he connected himself with Goddard and Wharton
in publishing a newspaper called the Pennsylvania
Chronicle . . . the three partners quarreled, separated
on the worst possible terms, and Goddard and Galloway
filled the public prints with the vilest mutual
abuse.
"They
dissolved partnership in 1770."
From another source we quote the following:
"Fright
our poor Philadelphia Galloway
Your Congress, when the loyal ribald
Belied berated and bescribbled?
What ropes and halters did you send
Terrific emblems of his end.
Till least he'd hang in more than effigy
Fled in a fog the trembling refugee.
"Galloway
began by being a flaming patriot, but being disgusted
at his own want of influence and the greater popularity
of others, he turned Tory, wrote against the measures
of Congress and absconded. Just before his escape
a trunk was put on board a vessel in the Delaware
to be delivered to Joseph Galloway Esquire. On
opening it he found it contained only, as Shakespeare
says, ‘A halter gratis and leave to hang himself."
The
Pennsylvania Chronicle was the only newspaper
that gave any notice of this meeting, and we have
given the notice in full.
The
names of those participating, the hour of the dinner,
and the bill of fare are all wanting; but, judging
from the entries in the diary of a man about town
of those times (Hiltzheimer), we should say that
the beverage drunk in the toasts was rum punch.
The
next record we find is from the pen of a lady,
Miss Sarah Eve, and noted in her journal, under
date of May 1, 1773, is the following: "A
May morning indeed. . . . This morning was ushered
in by the ringing of bells in memory of King Tammany,
as he was used to be called, but now I think they
have got him canonized, for he is now celebrated
as Saint Tammany." (PENNA. MAG., Vol. V. p.
29.)
If
this May day that our fair diarist notes had been
the first one on which the bells were rung in honor
of King Tammany, she would most certainly have
noted it; so it is fair to presume that it was
a custom of long standing or she would have put
a query upon her page as to why they were ringing.
In
Westcott's "History of Philadelphia"
we find the following circular, dated April 28,
1778.
"SIR.—As
all nations have for seven centuries past adopted
some great personage remarkable for his virtues
and loved for civil and religious liberty as their
tutelar saint, and annually assembled at a fixed
day to commemorate him, the natives of this nourishing
Province, determined to follow so laudable example,
for some years past have adopted a great warrior
sachem and chief named Tammany, a fast friend to
our fore fathers, to be the tutelar Saint of this
Province, and have hitherto on the 1st. of May
done the accustomed honors to the memory of so
great and celebrated a personage. And for this
purpose you are requested to meet the children
and associate Sons of Saint Tammany at the house
of Mr. James Byrnes to dine together and form such
useful charitable plans for the relief of all in
distress as shall then be agreed upon."
The
names of one hundred and twenty-one gentlemen who
intended to participate were also given, and they
comprised the most eminent and influential persons
in the city, among them Chief-Justice Chew, Rev.
Jacob Duché, Rev. Thomas Coombe, Rev. William
White, John Dickinson, James Allen and Andrew Allen,
Governor William Franklin (of New Jersey), Tench
Francis, Joseph Galloway, Governor James Hamilton
and his brothers Andrew and William, Dr. Adam Kuhn,
John Lawrence, Thomas Lawrence, William and James
Logan, Samuel Mifflin and Thomas Muffin (afterwards
major-general and Governor of the State), John
Cadwalader (afterwards colonel in the Revolutionary
army) with his brother Lambert (afterwards colonel),
Lieutenant-Governor Richard Penn, Richard Peters,
Jr. (afterwards United States District Judge),
John Ross, Joseph Reed (afterwards President of
the State), David Rittenhouse (the astronomer),
Dr. Benjamin Rush, Edward Shippen, James Tilghman,
Thomas Willing, Thomas Wharton, Jr. (afterwards
President of the State), and others. It may be
interesting here to follow the political course
of the gentlemen mentioned above, for it shows
that at the beginning of our differences with the
mother country it was not only popular but also
considered fashionable to espouse the American
side of the controversy, at least until the actual
conflict took place.
Chief-Justice
Benjamin Chew.—His course was doubtful
in the early part of the controversy, and he was
claimed by both parties. In 1774, when Washington
dined with him, he was Chief-Justice of Pennsylvania.
On account of his having held a high office under
the crown, and all such having fallen under suspicion,
in 1777 he was arrested, but paroled in 1778, and
later returned to Philadelphia, but took no active
part in affairs.
Rev.
Jacob Duché.—He acted with the
Whigs until 1777, and then wrote an extraordinary
letter to Washington, after which he quitted America
for England. In April, 1788, he solicited Washington's
influence to effect a repeal of the act that kept
him in banishment.
Rev.
Thomas Coombe.—Assistant to Duché,
supported the Colonies until the Declaration of
Independence, but felt that his ordination oath
did not permit him to follow the same course after
that event. In 1778 he obtained permission to go
to New York, from whence he sailed to England.
William
White.—Afterwards Bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in America. He remained most loyal
to the American cause to the end.
John
Dickinson.—Author of the "Farmer's
Letters," whose devotion to the American cause
is well known.
James
Allen.—A son of Chief-Justice Allen, and
the only one of them who did not join the royal
army. He remained at home, wholly inactive, though
his sympathies were supposed to be loyal. He was
in declining health in 1776, and died before the
close of the following year.
Andrew
Allen, a brother of James, was first a Whig,
and was one of the founders of the First City Troop.
In April, 1776, he resigned from it, and, while
a member of Congress, did not attend its meetings
after June, 1776. After the Declaration of Independence
he attached himself to the British army, and was
with it when it entered Philadelphia.
Governor
William Franklin, of New Jersey.—The disgust
in which the royal governor was held "arose
in part probably from the illegitimacy of his birth,
but principally from his time-serving conduct and
courtier-like propensities. He was originally a
Whig, but became ex virtute officii a Tory."
Tench
Francis.—He was true to the American side
of the controversy, and is said to have contributed
five thousand pounds for the support of the Revolutionary
army.
Joseph
Galloway.—As we have given an account
of this gentleman, we will omit any further mention
here.
Governor
James Hamilton.—As President of the Council,
was chief magistrate a fourth term from July 19,
1773, to August 30, 1773. A few years later he
was obliged to witness the destruction of regal
and proprietary authority in America, and, forbidden
by his years and his loyalty to embark in the Revolution
and share the popularity of its leaders, saw in
its success the vanishing of his family's claim
to office and influence. In August, 1777, he was
made prisoner on parole.
William
Hamilton.—He graduated at the College
of Philadelphia in 1762, and took some part in
the resistance to Great Britain at the beginning
of the Revolutionary War, becoming chairman of
the Committee of Inspection and Observation for
the City and Liberties; but after the Declaration
of Independence and overthrow of the proprietary
government he was one of the "disaffected."
Dr.
Adam Kuhn.—Was professor in the College
of Philadelphia, and remained true to the American
cause throughout the conflict.
John
Lawrence.—On September 14, 1767, he was
appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. He remained
on that bench until the Revolution. On the approach
of the British towards Philadelphia he was put
under arrest and gave his parole. He was subsequently
allowed to go anywhere within Pennsylvania, and
was discharged on June 30, 1778.
Thomas
Lawrence.—Sometime mayor of the city;
died in 1775.
William
Logan.—Took no active part in the times,
and died October 28, 1776.
James
Logan.—Trustee of Loganian Library. Born
1728, died 1803. Took no active part in the struggle,
on account of his years.
Thomas
Mifflin.—At the appointment of the first
delegates to Congress, Muffin was one of those
chosen, and was the most determined Whig of them
all. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 1774,
and was sent also to the Congress which met on
May 10, 1775. On hearing of the battle of Lexington
he urged the people of Philadelphia at a town meeting
to persevere in the cause. "Let us not,"
said he, "be bold in declarations and afterward
cold in action."
Samuel
Mifflin.—Was loyal to the Americans to
the end of the conflict.
John
and Lambert Cadwalader, both colonels in the
Revolutionary army, fought with great bravery for
the cause of independence.
Lieutenant-Governor
Richard Penn.—Having no official motives
(his brother John being in office at the beginning
of hostilities) for reserve, he was even upon terms
of familiarity with some of the most thorough-going
Whigs. An evidence of this was the pleasantry ascribed
to him on the occasion of a member of Congress
one day observing to his compatriots that at all
events "they must all hang together."
"If you do not, gentlemen," said Mr.
Penn, "I can tell you that you will be very
apt to hang separately."
Richard
Peters, Jr.—His military career was short.
Congress placed him in the Board of War, where
his services were acknowledged by a vote of thanks
by that body.
John
Ross.—Loved ease and Madeira much better
than liberty and strife; declared for neutrality,
saying that, "let who would be king, he well
knew that should be subject."
Joseph
Reed (afterwards President of the State).—He
was one of the Committee of Correspondence in 1774.
He accompanied Washington to Cambridge in July,
1775, and as his aide and secretary remained with
him during most of the campaign. He remained in
the army until 1777, then became a member of Congress
and afterwards President of the Council.
David
Rittenhouse.—The distinguished astronomer
and member of Congress.
Dr.
Benjamin Rush.—He was united in sentiments
and affections with nearly all the distinguished
patriots of the Revolution, and mixed in the most
important councils of the nation.
Edward
Shippen.—The breaking out of the Revolution
was to Judge Shippen a matter of most serious moment.
He was deprived of all his offices under the crown.
He was in 1784 appointed judge, and gave entire
satisfaction to the people.
James
Tilghman.—At the commencement of the Revolutionary
struggle his views were liberal, like those of
nearly every public man. He desired a repeal of
the acts of Parliament generally complained of;
he thought the Boston Port Bill an outrage, but
condemned the "Boston Tea Party." As
the struggle proceeded he shared the loyalist views
of his colleagues in office.
Thomas
Willing.—Though voting against the Declaration
of Independence because he thought America unequal
at the time for the struggle, after it was passed
supported it loyally to the end.
Thomas
Wharton (afterwards President of the State)
was a supporter of the American cause until his
death, May 23, 1778.
There
also appeared in the Pennsylvania Chronicle
of May 8, 1773, the following: "Permit a few
unfortunate natives of England, who are here confined
for debt, to return thro' the channel of your paper,
their grateful acknowledgment to the benevolent
Society of the Sons of St. George, established
in this city, for their late charitable and generous
donation to us, and which was judiciously expended
by one of their faithful stewards. At the same
time, a considerable number of the most indigent
of the confined debtors, deeply impressed with
the warmest sense of gratitude, beg leave in this
manner, to return their sincere and hearty thanks
to the very respectable society of the Sons of
St. Tammany, who were assembled the first instant
at Mr. Bryn's Tavern to celebrate the day, for
the plentiful gift of victuals and beer, which
they were pleased to send, and which was faithfully
distributed among them."
In
carefully scanning the records of the foregoing
gentlemen, we find that they were very evenly divided
on the issues of the times, which became much more
emphasized as the date arrived for the next dinner.
May 1, 1774, fell on Sunday, which it is well to
note, for that might account for their not having
a dinner on that day.
(To
be continued.)
THE
SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF SAINT TAMMANY OF PHILADELPHIA.
BY FRANCIS VON A. CABEEN.
VOL.
XXVI, No. 2,
pp. 7-24
The
newspapers of the time had long accounts of "The
Bull Baiting in Parliament," as the attack
of Wedderburn upon Franklin before the Privy Council
was called.
On
Tuesday, May 8, a very exciting event took place
in Philadelphia in consequence of the publication
of the above facts, and as it shows the feelings
of the populace, we give a very full account taken
from a newspaper of the day following:
"Yesterday
about four o'clock in the afternoon the effigies
of Alexander Wedderburn, Esq., convicted of traducing
the American Colonies and insulting their Agent
before his Majesty's Privy Council for doing his
duty, and of Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Governor
of Massachusetts Bay convicted of an attempt to
incense Great Britain against her Colonies, were
put into a cart and conducted through the streets
of the City. On the breast of Wedderburn the following
label was fixed:
"'THE
INFAMOUS WEDDERBURNE.
A
pert prime Prater of a scabby Race
Guilt in his Heart and Famine in his Face! (CHURCHILL
altered)
Similis Proteo mutet—et fallacior Catalina
Hunc vos Bratanni cavete!'
"He
availed himself of the license of the bar to insult
the venerable Dr. Franklin, whose knowledge in
philosophy, universal benevolence, just sentiments
of liberty and indefatigable labors to promote
harmony between Britain and her Colonies entitle
him to the esteem of the learned of every nation,
the love of all good men and sincere affection
of every honest Briton and American.
"But
the base born sollicitor who attempted to turn
his learning, benevolence and patriotism into ridicule
is (like Hutchinson) a parricide of the first rank,
who would sacrifice his country, his liberty and
his God and delight in the carnage of the most
faithful British subjects in America to gain promotion
at court. Such horrid monsters are a disgrace to
human nature and justly merit our utmost detestation
and the gallows to which they are assigned and
then burnt with electric Fire. With several others
and the following lines from Hudibras.
"'So
a wild Tartar, when he spies
A man that's handsome, valiant, wise
If he can kill him thinks t'inherit
His wit, his beauty, and his spirit,
As if just so much he enjoy'd
As in an other is destroy'd.'
"On
Governor Hutchinson's heart was fixed the following
label. ‘Governor Hutchinson, whom we now consign
to the gallows and flames as the only proper reward
for double dealing and treachery to his native
country.'
"After
being exposed for several hours they were hung
and burnt in the evening amidst a vast concourse
of people who testified their resentment against
the originals with the loudest acclamations."
(Penna. Gazette, May 4, 1774.)
As
our Society was yet but an infant in comparison
with some of the others that met at regular stated
intervals during the year, and as the aims of its
members were, as we believe, very pro-American,
as against the mother country, the exciting times
upon which they were just entering may, along with
desertions from their ranks, have prevented their
holding a meeting as usual. Or it may be that,
owing to their previous chronicler, Goddard, having
left the city early in the year, no one took the
trouble to send an account of their proceedings
to the papers. Certain it is that we have searched
in vain in the prints of this year for any notice
of them. ("ANXIOUS INQUIRIES OF THE SUNDAY
DISPATCH, p. 34.—Subscriber wishes to know
the origin of Tammany Society? "It was originally
instituted as a benevolent, society on the commencement
of our Government in order to protect our red brethren
and induce them to enter into treaties of peace
with us and give up a savage border warfare. They
were originally called Sons of Liberty and Friends
to the Constitution and Union of the States.")
Graydon,
in his Memoirs, speaking of the winter of 1774—75,
says, "But a period was now approaching which
tended equally to interrupt the pursuits of pleasure
and of business. . . . The ministry seemed resolved
upon enforcing their assumed right of taxing the
colonies, and there was an equal determination
on the part of America to resist the pretension.
. . . But waving analogies, that may be fitter
for illustrations than arguments, the merits of
the question were, I think, on the side of the
colonies; and the inference that the authority
contended for by Britain would ultimately reduce
them to vassalage was by no means chimerical.
"This
being generally perceived and assented to, a great
proportion and perhaps a great majority of the
most wealthy and respectable in each of the provinces
was arrayed in opposition to the Ministerial claim.
I speak of the early stages of the contest. In
Pennsylvania this was certainly the case, though
as to the extent to which the opposition should
be carried, there was doubtless a great diversity
of opinion; Many sincere Whigs considering a separation
from the Mother country as the greatest evil that
could befall us. The Merchants were on the Whig
side with few exceptions; and the lawyers who,
from the bent of their studies, as well as their
habit of speaking in public were best qualified
to take a lead in the various assemblies that became
necessary, were little less unanimous in the same
cause."
That
the Tammany Society was in existence in 1775 we
can infer from the following poem that was addressed
to it, and we must frankly add that this is the
only record we can find of it in this year.
"The
Address of Liberty, to the Buckskins of Pennsylvania,
on hearing of the intended Provincial Congress.
Fair
Liberty, dear Goddess Bright—
Wishing to set the Pennites right—
Thus from her Throne, in candid Strains,
Addressed her Pennsylvan Swain.
Can public Virtue by me stand,
See Faction stalking through the Land ?—
Faction that Fiend, begat in Hell—
In Boston nurs' d—here brought to dwell
By Congress, who, in airy Freak,
Conven'd to plan a Republic?
Will Helmsmen let the Ship of State,
Meet with so dire, shipwreck'd a Fate?
Can Judges, fam'd for Probity
Sit tame Spectators by, and see
The Laws oppugn'd by Committee—
Who Laugh at Courts, and Loyalty?
Can peaceful Quakers, honest Church,
See Congress leave them in the Lurch,
And o'er their Heads such Vermin perch!
Stop Independents! Stop, I say !
You mean to fight—to run away;
The British Thunder you defy,
And right of Parliament deny;.
Revile the kind Peace making Gage,*
"Who with great Prudence would assuage
The fires lit up by H—k's Rage,**
Which unto civil Wars must tend,
Unless the Olive Branch we send
To gen'rous Britain your best Friend.
Stop, Independents, stop, I say!
Attend to my instructive Lay!
Fysham must swing on yonder Tree***
—Dear Friends, an Englishman you'll see,
Traytor to his King and Country!
With Rope adorn'd on gallows high,
He'll kick in Air, in Company
With the Pennsylvan Farmer John,****
And Charley T—, a Rebel Son,*****
For Crime by Statute called Treason,
Which they committed without Reason
Well read in Law John seem'd—Oh, Shame!
Not so was it with poor Fysham!
For ignorant, alas, was he,
Ignorant as e'er Man could be!
(Ignorance, know ye, in Law's no Plea)
But Farmer John inveigled him,
And Charles united in the Scheme;
But Peace the Wight enjoyed_dying_
Both were by his side a crying,
When Rope about his Neck was fix't,--
He clearly saw they would be next
Tuck't up aloft on self-same Tree,
That he, alas, must hanged be!
View, Friends, this sad Catastrophe,
Three Rebels hanging on one Tree—
Dead as Door Nails—hung for Treason,
Which they committed out of Season,—
Lives lost—Estates confiscated—
Their Fam' lies left discomfited,—
A horrid Scene, a dismal ditty—
Good lack-a-day--what a Pity!
Poor Fysham formly, we' re told,
Sold goods to France for Sake of gold,
‘Tis true be did, in Time of War,
Yet he escaped from Rope or Tar;
But he's o'ertak' n, Hemp has reach' d him—
For old sin his, weight has stretch'd him.—
View, my Readers, this sad Picture!
Hang they will your Gen'ral Stricture.
Unnat' ral Deaths some Folks must dye,
Sic transit gloria mundi.
Ah, me! Deluded, hoodwink'd Cits,
Rouse from your Sleep, resume your Wits!
Honor the King, obey my Laws!
Don't forfeit Life and Lands for Straws!
Had those mad Bandits been discreet,
They ne'er had stretch'd in hempen Sheet.
("From the Temple of Liberty "January
7th, 1775.")
*General
Gage, commander of the British forces in America.
**John Hancock.
***Captain William Heysham, member of Fort Saint
David Society (State in Schuylkill, page 402);
also Hiltzheimer, page 26; also Directory, signed
Non-Importation Resolutions, member of the City
Committee of Correspondence.
****John Dickinson, author of the "Farmer's
Letters."
*****Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress.
It
may not be out of place here to give a short account
of the temper of the times at this period. (May,
1775.) The news of the battles of Lexington and
Concord had been given to the public in an extra
edition of the newspapers on April 27. (Postscript
Penna. Gazette.) The feelings of the people of
the city were so much inflamed by the news of the
conflicts in Massachusetts that a self-exiled Tory
from this Colony, arriving in the city on May 4,
found great difficulty in securing lodgings when
he made himself known to the people from whom he
sought shelter. His friend, on receiving him, remarked,
"We will protect you, though a Tory."
(Ward's Diary, p. 26.)
We
find in a newspaper dated Tuesday, May 2, 1775,
(Penna. Evening Post.) that on the Saturday previous
the Military Associators met and determined that
each ward of the city should form one or more companies
of soldiers. Then follows a list of those already
formed, and the article closes as follows: "In
short Mars has established his empire in this populous
city, and it is not doubted but we shall have in
a few weeks from this date 4000 men well equipped
for our defense or for the assistance of our neighbors.
Several gentlemen who measured the ground on which
the people stood at the meeting on Saturday are
of the opinion that their number amounted to eight
thousand."
On
the next page is the following advertisement: "All
persons who have Fire Arms by them are desired
to give public notice thereof and dispose of them
at a moderate price to those who want them. It
is supposed that there are considerable numbers
in this city which were used on board vessels during
the War."
We
can see that it was hardly a time for dinners and
jollifications, but rather for action; so, for
the time being at least, our members were the followers
of King Tammany as against King George. The warlike
conditions of the times urged them to remember
that when their liberties were attacked they must,
like their patron, be prepared to defend them.
The
next record we find is the following poem, which
seems to us to prove that at the time of its publication
our Society was still in existence or the newspapers
would hardly have thought it worth while to print
it, for in those days they were not much given
to taking up space with matter of local interest.
It is also interesting to note the fact that in
the introduction its members are referred to as
Sons of Liberty. This may have been merely a generic
term for all lovers of the American cause, but
we rather think not, and that the editor knew what
was most likely known to the majority of the people
of the time, that the moving spirits in the Tammany
Society were those who were either members of the
Sons of Liberty or at least held their pronounced
views. That the followers of Tammany were the ones
for whom the poem was published is shown first,
by the sentence "and thinking it will suit
extremely well for the first of May," which
day was the one always celebrated by this Society.
Secondly, in the last line the poet says, "And
hail ev'ry first of Sweet May, my brave boys."
"The
following humorous song was solely intended for
the American Tragi-comedy entitled The Fall of
British Tyranny, or American Liberty Triumphant,
of five acts which is now in the press, and will
be published speedily. Having been favored with
a sight of the manuscript and thinking it will
suit extremely well for the first of May, the printer
has prevailed upon the author to let him insert
it in the Evening Post on the eve of that day for
the entertainment of his jovial readers, and Sons
of Liberty.(Penna. Evening Post, Tuesday, April
30, 1776.)
"The
First of May, A new Song in Praise of
St. Tammany, the American Saint—
"Tune, The hounds are all out &c.
"Of
St. George or St. Bute, let the poet
laureat sing,
Of Pharaoh or Pluto of old,
While he rimes forth their praise, in
false flattering lays,
I'll sing of St. Tamm'ny the bold, my
brave boys.
Let Hibernia's sons boast, make Patrick
their toast,
And Scots Andrew's fame spread abroad,
Potatoes and oates and Welch Leeks, for
Welch goats,
Was never St. Tammany's food, my brave
boys.
In freedom's bright cause, Tammany pled
with applause,
And reason'd most justly from nature;
For this, this was his song, all, all
the day long,
Liberty's the right of each creature,
brave boys.
Whilst under an oak his great parliament
sat,
His throne was the crotch of the tree,
With Solomon's look, without statutes
or book,
He wisely sent forth his decree, my brave
boys.
His subjects stood round, not the least
noise or sound,
Whilst freedom blaz'd full in each face;
So plain were the laws, and each pleaded
his cause,
That might Bute, North and Mansfield
disgrace, my brave boys.
No duties nor stamps, their blest liberty
cramps,
A King, tho' no tyrant was he;
He did oft' times declare, nay sometimes
would swear,
The least of his subjects were free,
my brave boys.
He, as King of the woods, of the rivers
and floods,
Had a right all beasts to control;
Yet content with a few, to give nature
her due,
So gen'rous was Tammany's soul! my brave
boys.
In the morn he arose, and a hunting he
goes,
Bold Nimrod his second, was he;
For his breakfast he'd take a large venison
stake,
And dispis'd your flip-flops and tea,
my brave boys.
While all in a row, with squaw, dog and
b__,
Vermilion adorning his face;
With feathery head he rang' d the woods
wide,
Sure St. George had never such grace,
my brave boys:
His jetty black hair, such as Buckskin
saints wear,
Perfumed with bear's grease well smear'd,
Which illum'd the saint's face, and ran
down apace,
Like the oil from off Aaron's beard,
my brave boys.
The strong nervous deer, with amazing
career,
In swiftness he'd fairly run down,
And, like Sampson, wou'd tear wolf, lion
or bear;
Ne'er was such a saint as our own, my
brave boys.
When he'd run down a stag, he behind
him wou'd lag,
For so noble a soul had he!
H'd stop, tho' he lost it, tradition
reports it,
To give him fresh chance to get free,
my brave boys.
From his quiver he drew forth an arrow
so keen,
And seiz'd fast his imperial bow;
It flew straight to the heart, like an
Israelite dart;
Could St. Andrew ever do so, my brave
boys?
With a mighty strong aim, and a masculine
bow,
His arrow he drew to the head,
And as sure as he shot, it was ever his
lot,
His prey it fell instantly dead, my brave
boys.
His table he spread, where the venison
bled;
Be thankful, he used to say;
He'd laugh and he'd sing, tho' a saint
and a king,
And sumptuously dine on his prey, my
brave boys.
Then over the hills, o'er the mountains
and rills,
He'd caper, such was his delight;
And ne'er in his days, Indian history
says,
Did lack a good Supper at night, my brave
boys.
On an old stump he sat, without cap or
hat,
When Supper was ready to eat;
Snap his dog, he stood by, and cast a
sheep's eye,
For venison's the king of all meat, my
brave boys.
Like Isaac of old, and both cast in one
mould,
Tho' a wigwam was Tamm'ny's cottage,
He lov'd sav'ry meat, such that patriarch
eat;
Of ven'son and squirrel made pottage,
my brave boys.
*
* * *
As
old age came on, he grew blind, deaf
and dumb,
Tho' his sport ‘twere hard to keep
from it,
Quite tired of life, bid adieu to his
wife,
And blaz' d like the tail of a comit,
my brave boys.
What country on earth, then did ever
give birth,
To such a magnanimous saint?
His acts far excel all that history tell,
And language too feeble to paint, my
brave boys.
Now to finish my song, a full flowing
bowl;
I'll quaff' and sing the long day,
And with punch and wine paint my cheeks
for my saint,
And hail ev'ry first of Sweet May, my
brave boys."
Further,
in looking at the play ("The Fall of British
Tyranny, or American Liberty Triumphant.")
itself, which was published later in this year,
we find that the prologue was spoken by a character
called Mr. Peter Buckstail (Ibid., p. 7.) (another
name for a Son of Saint Tammany). The remarks spoken
just before the song by a player called Roger are
as follows: "Roger—With all my heart!
Most delightful harmony! This is the First of May!
Our shepherds and Nymphs are celebrating our glorious
St. Tammany's day: we'll hear the song out and
then join in the frolick, and chorus it o'er and
o'er again. This day shall be devoted to joy and
festivity."(Ibid., p. 35.) The above facts,
taken together, we think make good our claim that
our Society existed at this time. The times were
becoming more exciting, for on May 1 a very hotly
contested election was held in Philadelphia, (Marshall's
Remembrances, p. 77.) and the Committee of Safety
passed a stringent resolution concerning paroled
prisoners; at the same meeting they passed the
following: "The Sisterhood of Bethlehem having
presented this Board with a quantity of linen rags
for the benefit of such as may be wounded in the
service of this country. Resolved: That this instance
of their humanity be thankfully acknowledged."
(Penna. Evening Poet, May 4, 1776.)
While,
as we have said, we have no doubt of the existence
of the Sons of Saint Tammany at this period, it
may have seemed to them that the times would hardly
justify their meeting in a festive manner, and
the papers, on their part, hardly thought it necessary,
after publishing the above poem, to take up further
room when their space was needed for more stirring
items of news.
It
may be well to see what other societies were doing
in the years 1775 and 1776, and by referring to
their records we find that "The Sons of St.
George did not meet after April 23rd. 1776 for
seven years and they began to feel the effects
of the times in 1774, few joining the Society."
(Historical Sketch of the Society of the Sons of
Saint George, p. 11.)
Saint
Andrew's Society had only seven present at their
meeting in 1776.
The
Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick continued to hold
their meetings until December, 1775, though their
records show that they held a meeting in 1776 and
expelled Thomas Bats for taking an active part
against the liberties of America.
These
societies were organized for benevolent purposes,
held monthly meetings, and were not instituted,
as the Tammany Society was, for patriotic and social
ends with charity as a side issue; hence we can
understand that if the troublesome times interfered
with the above societies, they were more than likely
to prevent the social feature of Tammany being
recognized, while the patriotic organization still
existed even if its numbers had been reduced by
desertions from its ranks caused by the approach
of hostilities.
Under
date of April 14, 1777, we read in the newspapers
of that date a resolution of Congress concerning
the threatened invasion of Pennsylvania. On April
22 an order from the Committee for the removal
of stores from the Delaware for fear of their falling
into the hands of the British. On April 26 people
bringing provisions into Philadelphia are allowed
to take them out again if the place they take them
to is one of safety. Instead of an account of a
meeting of the Saint Tammany Society on May 1 of
this year, we find in the papers of the day following
an order from the Pennsylvania War Office for an
assessment of blankets upon the people.
"PENNA. WAR OFFICE—May 2nd., 1777.
"To THE PUBLIC.
"The
Hon. Maj. Gen'l. Schuyler having informed this
board that a considerable body of Continental Troops
by the want of blankets, are retarded from joining
His Excellency, Gen'l. Washington, and requested
our aid in collecting a quantity from the inhabitants
immediately. We cannot doubt but every loyal subject
of the United States that are well attached to
the cause of America will spare all blankets (receiving
the value of the same) for the use of the Troops
which they conveniently can. And as the making
an assessment of blankets has been recommended
by Congress as a measure that would be more just
and equal to the inhabitants in general than to
oppress the generous and benevolent only, by voluntary
contributions. This Board have, therefore, by virtue
of the authority given them by Congress and the
emergency of the case ordered such assessment to
be made, and they earnestly request the aid of
all friends to their country in carrying the said
assessment into execution, as the health of the
Army, a consideration deserving the utmost attention,
depends upon it."
As
the above measure affected every one and brought
home to all a very keen sense of the war times
they were living in, we thought it well to insert
it here, so as to make it clear why our Sons of
Saint Tammany did not meet. Many citizens had left
the city for other places considered less likely
to be attacked, such as Lancaster, and more were
preparing to follow. We know that some of those
who dined with the Society at Byrn's Tavern in
1773 were now with Washington at Morristown, New
Jersey, waiting and watching for the next move
of the British, fearing that at any moment they
would be called to defend not only the sentiments
they toasted at their last dinner, but their very
firesides.
To
show that this fear of invasion was pretty generally
felt, we give the following card that appeared
in the papers in the early part of May of this
year:
"To
THE PEOPLE OP PENNA.
"As you seem to be apprehensive that the enemy
will come into the State, if you wish to prevent
such an evil prepare with the utmost spirit and
vigor to fight them and you will preserve your
peace and safety.
"Be
assured that the infamous Torries are spies upon
all your conduct and give information thereof to
the enemy who will determine to come or not to
come as you are prepared or not prepared to fight
them.
"Your
path of duty is plain and easy—act as becometh
men with spirit and vigor, and your City and Country
will remain in safety.
"A SOLDIER." (Penna. Evening Post, May
8, 1777.)
In
the winter and spring of the year 1778 our members
who had espoused the cause of their country were
compelled to follow the example of their patron
and live in huts at Valley Forge, with hardly any
more protection from the weather than he and his
warriors had and certainly with less food, while
their late brethren who had cast their lot with
the invaders were assisting them in preparing,
not for the feast of Saint Tammany, but for that
remarkable performance the Meschianza. It is true
that on May 1 news had reached head-quarters at
camp of the treaty between France and the United
States, and of course the news was whispered around
among the most prominent of the army. So on this
feast day of their saint his followers had to be
satisfied with a repast that filled their hearts
with hope, while their stomachs had to be satisfied
with flour and water baked over their camp-fires.
On June 18 of this year the British army evacuated
Philadelphia, never to return, and soon the refugees
returned to their more or less damaged homes, resuming
as best they could the interrupted thread of their
lives.
On
May 1, 1779, we find by the public prints that
Saint Tammany had once more resumed his sway, and
that his broad spirit had animated his votaries
to invite the followers of foreign saints who were
loyal to the American cause to dine with his sons
at his feast; and while we have no detailed account
of the dinner, there is no doubt that his saintly
influence inspired them all to put forth more active
exertions in behalf of his beloved country, America.
The
following is the notice of the dinner: (Penna.
Packet, May 1, 1779.)
"The
sons of St. Tammany and their adopted brethren
of St. Patrick, St. Andrew and St. George, are
desired to meet this day being the first of May
at the Theatre in Southwark (Situated at South
and Apollo Streets.) at two o'clock. Dinner on
the table at three o'clock. N. B. The dining at
the late Proprietors (Evidently Springettsbury
is meant, and must have been used as a house of
entertainment after it had been confiscated.) being
inconvenient the Theatre is preferred to any other
place."
How
tantalizingly short the notice is! no account of
the toasts, songs, or speeches, or even the names
of those present, all of which information would
have given us a slight glimpse of the real feeling
of the times as held by the true lovers of their
country.
One
thing, however, it shows,—namely, that the
organization had survived desertion from its ranks
as well as temporary expulsion from its home.
Like
the followers of the saints of old, treason in
their midst might divide them, war might scatter
them, but at the first favorable opportunity they
would gather together to worship at the shrine
of their patron, who stood for freedom, liberty,
and independence.
The
selection of the Southwark Theatre as the place
for holding this dinner seems to us to have been
dictated by a wish on the part of the members of
the Society to enter a protest against the extravagances
of the times, for they abandoned a place having
at one time some reputation, (Westcott's Historic
Mansions, pp. 415, 423. Situated on the north aide
of Buttonwood Street, between Seventeenth and Eighteenth
Streets.) and selected one for their dinner that
had little or none. This seems to have been their
first step in democracy, while in later years their
distinguishing characteristic was democratic freedom
or simplicity.
Search
as we may in this year (1780), the only mention
we can find of the name Tammany or Buckskin is
the noting of the arrival at Philadelphia of the
schooner "Buckskin," from Havana, after
a long and tedious passage owing to severe gales
of wind. (Penna. Packet, February 22, 1780. Ibid.,
1780.) Adverse weather was certainly pursuing the
cherished desires of our Whigs, whether members
of the Saint Tammany Society or not. The Continental
currency had depreciated to such an extent that
General Washington, writing from his head-quarters
at Morristown, New Jersey, to a friend, says that
"he doubted if a wagon load of Continental
money would now buy a wagon load of food."
The situation of the country was considered so
serious by the authorities of Pennsylvania that
they thought an appeal to heaven a necessity to
assist the country in its troubles, so they appointed
April 25 as a fast day. In view of the above state
of affairs, it may not have seemed to the followers
of Saint Tammany that it would be proper to have
a public celebration and jollification when they
all felt that their hopes and expectations were
in such jeopardy. Three years later our Society
was spoken of as the Constitutional Sons of Saint
Tammany, and its members then assembled at the
country-seat of Mr. Pole. In view of this, it is
well to note that there appeared in the newspapers
(Ibid., 1780.) of this year an account of the meetings
of "The Constitutional Society." The
notice of its second meeting this year, under date
of February 8, is as follows: "The Constitutional
Society meet on Saturday evening next, the 5th.
inst. at six o'clock precisely at the Dutch Lutheran
School House in Cherry Alley. Edward Pole, Secretary.
N. B. The room will be accommodated with a good
fire in the stove." The members of the society
continued to meet every ten days or two weeks at
the same hour and place until March 18, when the
place was changed to "Mr. Kidd's School House
in Vidells Alley near the Golden Fleece in Second
St. a few doors below Chestnut St." Then,
on April 1, they met at the Court House at the
same hour "on particular business," and
on April 22 at the State-House, "when a question
of considerable importance will be debated."
On May 20, the last notice of them, (In the United
States Magazine of 1779, p. 99, is a notice of
this society "Resolved by the Constitutional
Society of Philadelphia that two persons be appointed
to prepare and deliver on the 4th of June next,
the anniversary of our glorious Independence, the
one an oration on the advantages of that Independence;
the other an Eulogium in memory of those brave
men who have fallen in defense of our rights and
privileges.") they met as above. From the
foregoing we are led to think that this society
was either our Sons of Saint Tammany under another
name, or that it was the nucleus around which the
Saint Tammany Society gathered on great occasions.
Most likely the members of the Constitutional Society
were the real active political workers of the larger
Tammany organization. Certainly it is a curious
coincidence that their secretary's country-seat
should be taken within three years as the meeting-place
of the followers of our saint, and we hardly think
that this meeting-place would have been chosen
without it being very well understood by all that
the two societies were to all intents and purposes
one and the same. The lines between Whigs and Tories
were very strictly drawn at this time, as is shown
by the following:, "Dec. 12th. A Hint—It
is expected that no man who has not taken a decisive
part in favour of American Independence will
in future intrude on the dancing assembly of
the city, such characters are either too detestable
or too insignificant for Whig Society. The company
of those who were so insensible of the rights of
mankind and of personal honour, as to join the
enemies of their country on the most gloomy moment
of the revolution cannot be admitted. The subscription
paper thro' accident has been handed to some characters
of this description."(Penna. Packet, December
12, 1780.) The spirits of our Whig friends had
evidently been cheered by the hopeful news from
the Southern army, and they were therefore more
ready to yield to a little recreation at this time
than during the darker days of the past spring.
While
the British captured the city of Philadelphia in
1777 and held it until June of the year following,
our French allies certainly had possession of the
hearts and minds of the citizens of this city during
the year 1781. The principal social events were
either given by or to the French officers, and
"the most Christian Monarch Louis XVI."
held as high a place in the estimation of all lovers
of American independence as did the Commander-in-Chief
of the Continental army. Notices of the Constitutional
Society now disappear from the newspapers and contemporaneous
prints, and there is no mention of the followers
of Saint Tammany. All the social functions noticed,
with the exception of a dinner given by citizens
on February 8 to the officers of the army and navy,2
were in honor of the French alliance. Where, we
would expect to find an account of (Ibid., February
3, 1781.) dinner given in honor of our saint, there
appears instead the following account: "Friday
last, May 4th., the Chevalier De La Touche, Captain
of the Herminious frigate, gave on board his vessel
an elegant entertainment to his excellency the
President, and the honourabe members of Congress
to his excellency the President, and the honourable
Vice President and council of the State: in presence
of his excellency the Chevalier De La Luzerne,
Monsiur De Marbois M. Holker and a great number
of military and civil officers and gentlemen of
both nations. On his arrival and departure, the
President of congress was saluted by thirteen guns.
The frigate was elegantly decorated, and all her
colours flying afforded a pleasing sight to several
thousand people standing on the shore. After dinner
the following toasts were drunk: (Penna. Packet,
May 8, 1781.)
|
I.
|
The
United States of America |
Guns
fired 21
|
|
II.
|
The
King of France |
21
|
|
III.
|
The
King of Spain |
21
|
|
IV.
|
The
Queen of France |
21
|
|
V.
|
The
United Provinces of Holland |
13
|
|
VI.
|
The
State of Pennsylvania |
13
|
|
VII.
|
Gen.
Washington & the Army |
13
|
|
VIII.
|
Gen.
Rochambeau & French Army |
9
|
|
IX.
|
Gen's
Green, Lafayette, Steuben & their Troops |
9
|
|
X.
|
Admiral
Destouches & the French Fleet |
9
|
|
XI.
|
The
American Ministers in Europe |
9
|
|
XII.
|
Success
of the Campaign |
9
|
|
XIII.
|
Eternity
of the Alliance |
9
|
"The
elegancy of the entertainment was universally admired,
and the novelty of a ball on ship board was commented
on." (Freeman's Journal, May 16, 1781.)
Next
Page
Proctor
Table of Contents.
