The Old Bell of Independence; Or, Philadelphia in 1776 by Henry C. Watson
page 31 of 154 (20%)
page 31 of 154 (20%)
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"Yes; and he prayed in the presence of as good a set of men as was ever
assembled together," added Smith. "Them was men--those Congressmen. They didn't get eight dollars a day for making speeches." "No," put in Higgins, "but they earned a great deal more. Some of 'em lost all the property they had, during the war." "The spirit which animated our countrymen at that period was the noblest which could prompt the deeds of men," said young Harmar, growing quite eloquent. "From the men who emptied the tea into Boston harbor, to the statesman of the Continental Congress, all were filled with patriotism, and that's the most unselfish of human motives." STORY OF LYDIA DARRAGH. "Mrs. Harmar, your sex nobly maintained their reputation for devotion and patriotism during the Revolution," said Wilson. "Did you ever hear how a Quaker lady, named Lydia Darragh, saved the army under Washington from being surprised?" "No, never," replied Mrs. Harmar. "No! Then, as a Philadelphia lady, you should know about it," said Wilson. "The superior officers of the British army were accustomed to hold their consultations on all subjects of importance at the house of William and Lydia Darragh, members of the Society of Friends, immediately opposite to the quarters of the commander-in-chief, in Second street. It was |
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