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48 MAY | JUNE 2012 THE GAZETTE THE

Francis Hopkinson signed the Declaration of Independence, designed the American flag, wrote some Rebel biting satire, composed the nation’s first secular music, and got some props for his scientific ingenuity. Not a bad career for the

College’s first alumnus. BY SAMUEL HUGHES

December 16, 1776. War has come to the University of Pennsylvania. Most of the rebellious American colonies. The the mechanical instruments had been lent Hessian Jäger Corps has marched into to him by the College’s founder, Benjamin Bordentown, , a small town Franklin, who would later bequeath them on the Delaware River just northeast of all to Hopkinson and make him an execu- . Captain Johann Ewald, the tor of his will. regiment’s commander, enters a hand- Being described as “one of the greatest some brick house known to belong to a Rebels” must have been quite the compli- prominent rebel. Its library is filled with ment to the diminutive, delicate-featured numerous pieces of “scientific apparatus”— Hopkinson. Consider the description of and, of course, lots of books. One, titled him by four months earlier Discourses on Public Occasions in America, in a letter to his wife, Abigail. Having just by the Rev. William Smith—the provost of met Hopkinson at Charles Willson Peale’s the College of Philadelphia and a staunch, art studio, Adams described him as a though nuanced, Loyalist—catches Ewald’s “painter and a poet” who had been “liber- eye, and he plucks it from the shelf. After ally educated,” adding: riffling through the pages he takes a pen and writes, in German and beneath the I have a curiosity to penetrate a little bookplate of the book’s owner: deeper into the bosom of this curious “This man was one of the greatest gentleman, and may possibly give you Rebels, nevertheless, if we dare to con- some more particulars about him. He is clude from the library and mechanical one of your pretty, little, curious, inge- and mathematical instruments, he must nious men. His head is not bigger than a have been a very learned Man also.” large apple … I have not met with any- The learned rebel was thing in natural history more amusing C1757 G1760 Hon1790, a member of the and entertaining than his personal first graduating class of the College of appearance; yet he is genteel and well- Philadelphia, which would soon become bred, and is very social.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID HOLLENBACH THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE MAY | JUNE 2012 49 Adams harrumphed a bit about not the occupying British that went viral, at Hopkinson was apparently one of having the “leisure and tranquility of least by 18th-century standards. Provost Smith’s star pupils, and mind to amuse myself with these elegant “I have not the abilities to assist our became, along with Duché, part of a and ingenious arts of painting, sculp- righteous Cause by personal Prowess & poetic group that called themselves the ture, architecture, and music,” though he Force of Arms,” he would write in a letter Swains of the Schuylkill. In November acknowledged that a “taste in all of them to , “but I have done it 1754 he gave a public address titled “On is an agreeable accomplishment.” All in all the Service I could with my Pen— Education in General,” noting that all, his tone seems a bit condescending, throwing in my Mite at Times in Prose & “whether the Design be to preserve a perhaps, and a bit unfair. Hopkinson Verse, serious and satirical Essays, etc.” good Constitution … or to mend a bad would serve his country ingeniously and This was no small contribution. Dr. One, and secure it against all Dangers bravely in the coming years, even if he , the “father of American from without, it is only to be done effec- didn’t carry a musket. Having already psychiatry” who taught chemistry at tively by the slow, but sure Means of a signed the Declaration of Independence the College and practiced medicine at proper education of youth.” as a member of the New Jersey delegation , put it this way: A bad constitution in need of mending to the , Hopkinson “the various causes which contributed to might seem to suggest the stirrings of a would serve as the de facto secretary of the establishment of the Independence young , but Hopkinson, like the Treasury and the de facto secretary of and federal government of the United most people affiliated with the College in the Navy (neither of those positions offi- States, will not be fully traced, unless those days, was still quite loyal to the cially existed yet) and as a judge of the much is ascribed to the irresistible influ- British Crown. He contributed an essay Admiralty (a position from which he was ence of the ridicule which [Hopkinson] to a book published by Smith titled The impeached and then completely exoner- poured forth, from time to time, upon the Reciprocal Advantages Arising From ated). He would later be appointed to the enemies of those great political events.” Between Great Britain federal bench by President George and Her American Colonies, and at the Washington; be called a “man of genius, opkinson was just 14 when his Commencement of 1762 delivered an “Ode gentility, & great merit” by Thomas father died in November 1751. on the Accession of His Present Gracious Jefferson; and be praised by Robert Morris, HThomas Hopkinson had been a Majesty, George III,” which might charita- the new nation’s financier-general, as a founder and trustee of the Academy of bly be described as blandiloquent. “Gentleman of unblemished Honour & Philadelphia (the secondary-school Less than a year later, he published Integrity, a faithful and attentive Servant precursor of the College), and earlier some caustic verses ridiculing a Latin of the Public and steadily attached to the that year he had enrolled Francis as its grammar that had been written by his American cause.” first student. The senior Hopkinson former Latin professor, John Beveridge. While Adams’ suggestion that Hopkinson’s had been a good friend of Franklin, To make things worse, the printing of talents were essentially artful is on-target, who mourned his passing in The the grammar had been overseen by Vice- those artistic contributions were fired by a Pennsylvania Gazette and looked after Provost Francis Alison. “Errata, or the very real patriotism. His talent for graphic his family for many years. He took a Art of Printing Incorrectly” included the design resulted in such iconic images as particular interest in Francis, and following lines: “When Mr. Beveridge the American flag (see p. 53) and (though he despite the age difference, the two took his Pen in hand/ What for to write wasn’t the main designer) the Great Seal of would be friends until the end of their he did not understand/ He then invok’d the —not to mention the lives. (In congratulating Hopkinson on his Muse in plaintive strain,/ His Muse Orrery Seal for his alma mater. his appointment as treasurer of loans obey’d & fill’d his plodding Brain/ The Hopkinson was also the first American- during the Revolution, Franklin wrote: Time of Labor comes—but then alas!/ born composer of secular music. His “Our I think the Congress judge’d rightly in The filthy Offspring proves to be an Days Are Most Wond’rous Free,” written their choice, as Exactness in accounts Ass/.” When Beveridge wrote a satirical in 1759, is believed to be the first secular and scrupulous fidelity in matters of reply in Latin; Hopkinson fired off composition in the country (or at least the Trust are Qualities in which your father another poetic salvo. first written down), while his “The Temple was eminent, and which I was persuad- The offending verses, noted Thomas of Minerva,” celebrating the alliance ed was inherited by his Son …) Haviland in The Pennsylvania Magazine between France and the United States, is Two of Hopkinson’s classmates in of History and Biography, “directly resulted considered, in the words of one critic, that first College class would become in action by the vice-provost and the Latin America’s “first attempt at grand opera.” his brothers-in-law. One sister married professor which prevented Hopkinson—a Famous in his day for his literary wit, Jacob Duché (class valedictorian, profes- steady contributor of music and odes Hopkinson churned out satirical poems sor of oratory, Anglican minister, and for some time after his graduation— and parables like “A Pretty Story” (a sort eventual turncoat—see p. 54); another from taking part in the Commencement of colonial American precursor to Animal married John Morgan, who organized of 1763, to the consequent impoverish- Farm); “A Prophecy: Written in 1776” (an the medical department of the College ment of those festivities.” allegorical response to the Loyalist warn- and served as director general and phy- But the College soon relented. In May ings of Provost Smith); and “The Battle sician-in-chief to the general hospital 1765 the trustees wrote that “as the first of the Kegs,” a puckish nose-thumbing at of the Continental Army. scholar in this seminary at its opening,

50 MAY | JUNE 2012 THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE and likewise one of the first who received Hopkinson C1786 G1789, attended the the First Continental Congress a degree, [Hopkinson] has done honor to College, served as a trustee, became a was opening its first session the place of his education by his abili- federal judge and a US Congressman, AS in August 1774, a Philadelphia ties and good morals, as well as ren- and wrote the lyrics to “Hail Columbia.”) printer named Peter Dunlop published dered it many substantial services on all In 1764 Hopkinson and several other gal- a 76-page allegory by “Peter Grievous, public occasions.” Therefore, they added, lant fellows helped a young woman Esq., A. B. C. D. E.” Titled “A Pretty “the thanks of this institution ought to named Betty Shewell escape from the Story,” it told the tale of a “certain be delivered to him in the most affec- Philadelphia room where her brother had Nobleman, who had long possessed a tionate and respectful manner.” locked her up for accepting a marriage very valuable Farm” and who was mar- Throughout his life Hopkinson had a proposal from the painter , ried to a succession of wives (think keen interest in scientific matters, and who was then living in . After Parliament) chosen by his children and in 1762 he dedicated his lengthy poem descending by rope ladder, she was taken grandchildren. The old nobleman had “Science” to the trustees, provost, and by a waiting carriage to Chester, where she “obtained a Right to an immense Tract faculty of the College. He would later boarded a ship for London. Hopkinson’s of wild uncultivated Country at a vast collaborate with on co-conspirators, incidentally, were an Distance from his Mansion House,” “An Account of the Effects of a Stroke of unlikely group: Benjamin Franklin, the and there some of his “more stout and Lightning on a House Furnished with future Bishop William White (then 18), enterprising” children had settled. Two Conductors,” and receive the first and—according to some accounts—Provost Eventually, problems arose: “the Magellanic Prize from the American Smith, who later complained that West Nobleman’s Wife began to cast an avari- Philosophical Society for his invention had never thanked him or acknowledged cious Eye upon the new Settlers” and of a “spring-block designed to assist a his role in the escapade. passed a series of odious acts, including vessel in sailing.” When Hopkinson traveled to Britain a tax on “Water Gruel,” which the set- “I have your Gimcrack Instruments in two years later, he stayed with West (a tlers refused to unload and otherwise let safe Preservation, & they afford me great friend since his College days) and his spoil. Finally a settler named Jack “stove Amusement,” Hopkinson told Franklin in bride. That trip prompted the first hint to Pieces the Casks of Gruel … and 1781. “I have many new Ideas floating in my of a social consciousness in Hopkinson, utterly demolished the whole Cargoe.” Brain, in Consequence of the Experiments who was shocked by the appalling con- The old nobleman “fell into great Wrath,” I make; but have not Time, or what is more ditions of the Irish peasantry: “All and his wife “tore the Padlocks from her likely, not Genius sufficient to form them along the road are built the most mis- Lips, and raved and stormed like a into a System for your Amusement.” erable huts you can imagine of mud & Billingsgate,” while the Steward swore For all his interest in Gimcrackery and straw, much worse than Indian wig- “most profanely” that he would humble the arts, Hopkinson needed a day job, wams, & the miserable inhabitants go the settlers. A “very large Padlock” was and for most of his life that would involve scarce decently covered with rags—the fastened upon Jack’s gate, which could not the law. (That he had no illusions about poor are numerous & very indigent be opened “until he had paid for the Gruel the profession is clear from a couplet he indeed.” While no one among the “lower he had spilt, and resigned all Claim to the dashed off in Chester: “Attorneys and class in Pennsylvania” lacks the com- Privileges of the Great Paper” (aka the clients here lovingly meet,/ The one to be forts of life “who hath health & indus- Magna Carta). To drive the point home, a cheated, the other to cheat.”) After study- try,” he added, “many of the poor here “large Gallows was erected before the ing under Benjamin Chew, Pennsylvania’s cannot obtain the necessities of it.” Mansion House in the old Farm.” attorney general, Hopkinson hung out Hopkinson was unable to secure a When the other settlers supported Jack his shingle in 1761. That year he was sinecure in England despite a glowing and his family, sneaking food to them appointed to a new Indian Commission letter to the Bishop of Worcester from and advising them “to be firm and steady charged with making a treaty with eight Franklin, who described him as a “very in the Cause of Liberty and Justice,” the tribes of Native Americans. He trans- ingenious young man” and praised his steward responded with a “thundering muted his experiences at the treaty con- “good Morals & obliging Disposition.” Prohibition” declaring any meetings to ference in Easton, Pennsylvania into When he returned to Philadelphia he be “treasonable, traitorous and rebel- “The Treaty,” a long poem that sounds opened up a dry-goods business that lious.” The tale ended on the following like something out of The Sot-Weed also offered “choice Port wine,” and in note: “These harsh and unconstitutional Factor. (“See from the throng a painted 1772 Lord North appointed him Proceedings irritated Jack and the other warrior rise,/ A savage Cicero, erect he Collector of the Customs for New inhabitants of the new Farm to such a stands,/ Awful, he throws around his Castle, Delaware. (Hopkinson already Degree that *****”—followed by the Latin piercing eyes,/ Whilst native dignity had a similar post for Salem, New words Cetera desunt. (“The rest is want- respect commands.”) Jersey.) That patronage did not stop ing.”) In other words, Stay Tuned. Hopkinson’s romantic streak showed him from penning increasingly pointed Hopkinson’s wit “flashes upon every itself before he started writing rhapsodic anti-Tory essays and allegories, how- legal question then at issue,” wrote Moses love poems to Ann Borden, whom he would ever. Eventually, despite the need to Coit Tyler, author of The Literary History marry in 1768, and with whom he would provide for his young family, he would of the , and “A Pretty have five children. (One of his sons, Joseph resign from those jobs. Story” established him as “one of the

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE MAY | JUNE 2012 51 three leading satirists on the Whig side shall strive to persuade the people to put Philadelphia. (The plan was conceived and of the American Revolution.” (Unlike the their trust in the rotten tree, and not to executed by David Bushnell, the inventor other two, John Trumbull and Philip dig it up, or remove it from its place. And of the first American submarine and other Freneau, Hopkinson “accomplished his he shall harangue with great vehemence, aquatic weapons, though Hopkinson— effects without bitterness or violence.”) and shall tell them that a rotten tree is then chairman of the Continental Navy Some in Philadelphia knew that Peter better than a found one; and that it is Board’s Middle Department—and his Grievous was Francis Hopkinson. “But for the benefit of the people that the father-in-law, Joseph Borden, probably had to the members of the First Continental North wind should blow upon it, and a hand in the operation.) The kegs didn’t Congress, who did not know of this local that the branches thereof should be bro- hit any of the British ships anchored in wit and satirist, the story simply was an ken and fall upon and crush them. the Delaware on account of all the ice, but amazing allegorical account of England And he shall receive from the king of the they did explode—apparently killing at and the colonies,” noted George Nichols islands, fetters of gold and chains of silver; least one curious boy—and drew fire from Marshall in Patriot with a Pen. “Many and he shall have hopes of great reward if some of the British troops. delegates at the Congress bought copies he will fasten them on the necks of the Shortly after the event, a suspiciously to mail home, and soon editor after edi- people, and chain them to the trunk of the tongue-in-cheek prose account of the tor began publishing it as a serial in rotten tree … And his words shall be sweet episode appeared in local newspapers: local newspapers.” in the mouth, but very bitter in the belly. “Some reported that these kegs were filled with armed rebels, who were to ong before the Revolution, Benjamin In case the point wasn’t clear, Hopkinson issue forth in the dead of night, as did Franklin and William Smith, the concluded: the Grecians of old from their wooden Lfounder of the College and his horse at the siege of Troy, and take the hand-picked provost, had fallen out [“Your And Cato and his works shall be no more city by surprise,” the author claimed, Most Obedient Servant: The Provost remembered amongst them. For Cato shall “whilst others asserted they … would, Smith Papers,” April 1997]. For some years die, and his works shall follow him. of themselves, ascend the wharves in after his graduation, Hopkinson was able the night-time, and roll all flaming to stay friends with both. But when it the winter of 1777-78, things through the streets of the city, destroy- came time to take a stand, Hopkinson were looking pretty grim for ing every thing in their way.” emphatically sided with Franklin. BY the American cause. General From the British warships, “whole broad- In “A Prophecy: Written in 1776” William Howe’s British troops occupied sides were poured into the Delaware,” Hopkinson used a Biblical style to tell his Philadelphia, and ’s and “not a wandering chip, stick, or drift story about a “new people” in a “far coun- soldiers were freezing and dying at log, but felt the vigor of the British arms.” try,” who will soon be given a tree by the Valley Forge. The rebellious spirits badly That day, the writer concluded, “must “king of islands.” But a certain “North needed a lift. ever be distinguished in history for the wind” will arise and “blast the tree, so that On January 5, a flotilla of kegs, filled memorable battle of the kegs.” it shall no longer yield its fruit, or afford with gunpowder and designed to explode The anonymous writer was almost cer- shelter to the people, but it shall become on contact with anything they bumped tainly Hopkinson, who used the final rotten at the heart …” Then, he wrote: into, was pushed into the Delaware River phrase as the title of the 88-line satiri- from a point several miles north of cal poem that would be published in The a prophet shall arise from amongst this people, and he shall exhort them, and instruct them in all manner of wisdom, and many shall believe in him; and he shall wear spectacles upon his nose; and reverence and esteem shall rest upon his brow.

Just how much Franklin influenced Hopkinson’s opinion of Smith is impos- sible to say, but the bottom line is that Hopkinson had no qualms about pen- ning some harsh words about his old provost—whose series of letters signed Cato had warned Pennsylvanians that they had “much to lose in this contest.” (Those letters were themselves a response to Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.”) In Hopkinson’s “Prophecy,” the man who called himself Cato UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

52 MAY | JUNE 2012 THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE Pennsylvania Packet on March 4. (To “I have suffered much by the Invasion of a festive evening near Passaic Falls in hear it read aloud, visit our website, the Goths & Vandals,” Hopkinson wrote to New Jersey: “Our drums and fifes afford- www.upenn.edu/gazette.) Franklin, then in France. “The Savages ed us a favorite music till evening, when “The Battle of the Kegs,” which even ref- plundered me to their Hearts’ content— we were delighted with the song com- erenced Howe’s married Philadelphia mis- but I do not repine, as I really esteem it an posed by Mr. Hopkinson, called, the tress, “soon was read in papers all over the honour to have suffered in my Country’s ‘Battle of the Kegs,’ sung in the best colonies, memorized by regimental bards Cause in Support of the Rights of human style by a number of gentlemen.” and barroom buffoons,” noted George nature and of civil Society.” Marshall. “The account of the ridiculous Hopkinson enclosed the “The Battle of On December 11, 1781, less than two British navy fighting an unseen enemy in the Kegs” and another satirical piece titled months after the decisive Battle of York- the Delaware burst the seams and tickled “Date Obolum Belesario,” to which Franklin town, a musical work titled “The Temple the funny bones of the colonists.” replied: “I thank you for the political Squibs; of Minerva, An Oratorial Entertainment” Hopkinson’s merriment was only tem- they are well made. I am glad to find such was performed in Philadelphia. Among porary, as in May of that year, another plenty of good powder.” those in attendance were Anne-César De troop of British soldiers marched into The poem became even more popular la Luzerne, the French Ambassador to the Bordentown, and this time they pillaged once it was set to music. By July 10, United States; General and Martha Wash- his house and burned that of his father- 1780, Continental Army Surgeon James ington and General Nathanael Greene; in-law. Thacher was writing in his journal about and Hopkinson, the composer of the work. Designs for Wine and Country On May 25, 1780, Francis Hopkinson submitted a request for the family crest he brought back from a visit to England—not the payment for certain “labours of fancy” to the Continental Marine five-pointed stars that were eventually used in the flag sewn by Committee and Board of Admiralty with the following comments: . But that’s a pretty minor adjustment. “Of all candidates, he is the most likely designer of the stars It is with great pleasure that I understand that my last Device and stripes,” says Edward W. Richardson in Standards and Colors of a Seal for the Board of Admiralty has met with your Honours’ of the American Revolution, while A History of the United States Approbation. I have with great Readiness, upon several Occasions Flag, published by the Smithsonian Institution, states: “The jour- exerted my small Abilities in this Way for the public Service; &, as I nals of the Continental Congress clearly show that [Hopkinson] flatter myself, to the Satisfaction of those I wish’d to please, viz designed the flag,” adding that the authors of that volume had “no question that he designed the flag of the United States.” The Flag of the United States of America And even though his enemies blocked all attempts to have him 7 Devices for the Continental Currency paid for his services, “they never denied that he made the designs.” A Seal for the Board of Treasury Hopkinson never did get his quarter-cask of wine, even though Ornaments, Devices & Checks for the new Bills of Exchange it seems, from this vantage point, a pretty reasonable recom- in Spain & Holland pense for the time and graphic-design talent required—not A Seal for the Ship Papers of the United States to mention the enduring quality of some of the designs. The A Seal for the Board of Admiralty Commissioners of the Chamber of Accounts concluded that the The Borders, Ornaments & Checks for the new Continental charge was “reasonable and ought to be paid.” But he ran afoul Currency now in the Press,—a Work of considerable Length of bureaucratic nitpicking and some personal animosity from his A great Seal for the United States of America, with a Reverse.— enemies in the Board of Treasury, who said that he had neglected to submit any vouchers supporting his requests. When he resub- For these Services I have as yet made no Charge, nor received mitted the bill, this time for money ($7,200, which sounds like a any Recompense. I now submit to your Honour’s Consideration, lot but wasn’t, given the weak state of the dollar), the Board of whether a Quarter Cask of the public Wine will be a proper & a Treasury again postponed the matter, sniping that he “was not reasonable Reward for these Labours of Fancy and a suitable the only person consulted on these exhibitions of fancy” and thus Encouragement to future Exertions of a like Nature. “wasn’t entitled to the full sum charged.” When he went to its offices in person, the door was literally slammed in his face. His claim to have designed the American flag—which he some- Congress appointed a committee to investigate the quarrel times referred to as the “Naval flag of the United States”—isn’t and, when the Board of Treasury refused to appear before it, doubted by those who have studied the matter. (Even the US issued a report that lambasted the behavior of its secretary and Postal Service, which tries hard to avoid stepping into unsettled two commissioners as “very reprehensible, extremely disgust- historical debates, honored Hopkinson as “Father of the Stars ing, and has destroyed all friendly communication of Counsels, and Stripes” on 20 years ago.) One of his designs and harmony in the execution of Public Affairs.” It recommend- placed the stars in symmetrical rows, while another had them in ed the dismissal of all three men, but that too got bogged down a circle. True, they were six-pointed stars—probably taken from in bureaucratic torpor. All this while a war was going on. —S.H.

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE MAY | JUNE 2012 53 Originally titled “America Independent,” the victorious generals. But while a review had to tailor his lines around their works. the work was a “dramatic allegorical can- in The Freeman’s Journal the following “In short, the Musician crampt the Poet.” tata,” in the words of musical historian week said that the performance “afforded Whatever the critical assessments of Oscar Sonneck, who called Hopkinson the most sensible pleasure,” the Tory Hopkinson’s music, we know that it “America’s first poet-composer.” response can be gleaned from a parody sometimes had a strong effect on listen- Set in front of the Temple of Minerva published in the January 5, 1782 issue of ers. When he sent a collection of his (the goddess of wisdom), the cantata’s the Royal Gazette: “The Temple of popular songs to , then three male figures—the Genius of Cloacina: An Ora-whig-ial Entertainment.” the US Ambassador to France, Jefferson France, the Genius of America, and the In that version—which consisted of a responded that “while my elder daugh- High Priest of Minerva—prayed for the severely pencil-edited copy of the origi- ter was playing [one song] on the harpsi- goddess to appear and make a predic- nal—the temple was an outhouse. In a chord, I happened to look toward the tion about the new nation of Columbia. lengthy 1976 article for the Proceedings of fire, & saw the younger one all in tears. I When she made her entrance in Act II, the American Philosophical Society, musi- asked her if she were sick? She said, ‘No; Minerva predicted that a happy state cologist Gillian B. Anderson described the but the tune was so mournful.’” would repay all of Columbia’s grief, and entire parody as shockingly obscene. Hopkinson later sent a copy of his that if her sons would stand united, Hopkinson himself told Benjamin song book to Washington, with the fol- “great and glorious shall she be.” Franklin that “The Temple of Minerva” lowing comment: The outcome of the war was still very was “not very elegant Poetry, but the much in doubt when Hopkinson com- Entertainment consisted in the Music & However small the Reputation may be that posed “The Temple of Minerva,” which went off very well.” Since the music con- I shall derive from this Work, I cannot, I gave its cautiously optimistic words an sisted of works by Handel and other com- believe, be refused the Credit of being the even sweeter ring when performed before posers as well as his own, he explained, he first Native of the United States who has

A year of war apparently changed his mind. When General From Bluecoat to William Howe’s troops marched into Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, Duché prayed aloud for the king at Christ Church. He Redcoat, a Turncoat was promptly arrested and thrown into jail, though quickly released. Three weeks later he would resign as chaplain to Congress, citing On September 7, 1774, Jacob Duché C1757 G1760 was asked the pressure of work and poor health. to give the opening prayer for the First Continental Congress at But by then he had already written a letter to General George Carpenters Hall. Having served as professor of oratory for the Washington that would change his reputation in the eyes of his- past 15 years at the College of Philadelphia, where he was a tory forever. Given the incendiary contents, it’s worth quoting at trustee and a former valedictorian of his class, he knew how some length. to move people with words. And as rector of Christ Church, the After saying that “all the world” knew that Washington’s most prestigious Anglican church in Philadelphia, his words car- motives for serving his country were “perfectly disinterested,” ried considerable weight. Duché expressed shocked disbelief at the cause to which he Duché gave Congress what it wanted that day, and then some. had committed himself and his country: “What then can be the He began by imploring the Almighty to “look down in mercy” on consequence of this rash and violent measure and degeneracy of “these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod representation, confusion of councils, blunders without number?” of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protec- He pooh-poohed the Pennsylvania faction for “the weakness of tion, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee.” He also their understandings, and the violence of their tempers,” and dis- prayed for the Americans to “defeat the malicious designs of our missed the other states’ Congressmen as a bunch of “Bankrupts, cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their attorneys,—and men of desperate fortunes,” adding: “Long Cause and … constrain them to drop the weapons of war from before they left Philadelphia, their dignity and consequence was their unnerved hands in the day of battle!” gone; what must it be now since their precipitate retreat?” (His The effect of his words was electric. one unnamed exception was presumably his brother-in-law and “I must confess I never heard a better prayer … with such fer- former classmate, Francis Hopkinson: “a man of virtue, dragged vor, such ardor, earnestness and pathos, and in a language so reluctantly into their measures, and restrained, by some false elegant and sublime for America [and] for the Congress,” wrote ideas of honour, from retreating, after having gone too far.”) John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail. More to the point, “I After heaping contempt on the American military effort—“your never saw a greater effect upon an audience.” harbours are blocked up, your cities fall one after another; Duché was still aboard the Revolutionary bandwagon in fortress after fortress, battle after battle is lost … How unequal July 1776 when the Second Continental Congress signed the the contest! How fruitless the expence of blood?”—Duché Declaration of Independence. He and the vestry of Christ Church then made his pitch: “represent to Congress the indispensible passed a resolution removing all references to King George III, and necessity of rescinding the hasty and ill-advised declaration five days later Congress voted to make him its first official chaplain. of Independency,” and recommend “an immediate cessation

54 MAY | JUNE 2012 THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE produced a Musical Composition. If this he’s probably best known for “The New which would shrink and swell in the attempt should not be too severely treated, Roof,” the allegorical essay and poem sun and rain—causing the shingles to others may be encouraged to venture on a he wrote about replacing the Articles become “so loose that many of them path, yet untrodden in America, and the of Confederation with a new constitu- had been blown away by the winds.” Arts in succession will take root and flour- tion. (The poem was originally titled Finally, the roof was “so flat as to admit ish amongst us. “The Raising: A New Song for Federal the most idle servants in the family, Mechanics.”) their playmates and acquaintances, to Washington’s answer was both gener- The gist of the prose version goes trample upon and abuse it.” ous and diplomatic. While he himself like this: Despite being only 12 years In order to build a new and better roof, could “neither sing one of the songs, nor old, the “roof of a certain mansion the architects “consulted the most cele- raise a single note on any instrument to house” had decayed so badly that it brated authors in ancient and modern convince the unbelieving,” he wrote, he could no longer provide protection architecture” and tried to “proportion could offer “one argument which will from the weather. When a group of the whole to the size of the building and prevail with persons of true taste (at “skillful architects” examined it, they strength of the walls.” (The validity of least in America)—I can tell them that it found that the “whole frame was too his imagery is still debated; in a recent is the production of Mr. Hopkinson.” weak”; that its 13 rafters were “not con- essay titled “A Roof without Walls: The nected by any braces or ties so as to Dilemma of an American National opkinson’s contributions to the form a union of strength”; that “some Identity,” historian John Murrin wrote: American cause didn’t end with of these rafters were thick and heavy, “Francis Hopkinson to the contrary, Hthe Revolution. By the crucial and others very slight”; that the “lath- Americans had erected their constitu- year of 1787, he had become a firm ing and shingling had not been secured tional roof before they put up the nation- Federalist. In that arena, true to form, with iron nails but only wooden pegs,” al walls.” But that’s another story.) of hostilities.” Then appoint some “men of clear and impartial illiberal Abuse and sentiments unworthy of a Man of Character? characters, in or out of Congress … to confer with his Majesty’s … I could go thro’ this extraordinary letter, and point out to you commissioners” with some “some well-digested constitutional the Truth distorted in every leading part. But the World will plan.” And since “millions will bless the hero that left the field of doubtless do this with a Severity that must be Daggers to the war, to decide this most important contest with the weapons of Sensibilities of your Heart.” wisdom and humanity,” he added: “Oh! Sir, let no false ideas of Apart from the moral failure, Hopkinson warned: “You will find worldly honour deter you from engaging in so glorious a task …” that you have drawn upon you the Resentment of Congress, Finally, if Washington couldn’t persuade Congress to negoti- the resentment of the Army, the resentment of many worthy ate a surrender, Duché suggested that he still had “an infal- and noble characters in England whom you know not, and the lible recourse” at his disposal: “negociate for your country at resentment of your insulted Country … the head of your army.” In other words, sell out your country in “You presumptuously advise our worthy General, on whom secret and save your own hide. Millions depend with implicit Confidence, to abandon their dear- Washington promptly turned the letter over to Congress. He est Hopes, and with or without the Consent of his Constituents then wrote a letter to Hopkinson, who was serving the patriot to negotiate for America at the head of his Army. Would not the cause in a number of capacities. (See main story.) Had “any acci- Blood of the Slain in Battle rise against such Perfidy? … dent have happened to the army entrusted to my command, and “I am perfectly disposed to attribute this unfortunate step to had it ever afterwards have appeared that such a letter had been the Timidity of your Temper, the weakness of your Nerves, and … received by me,” Washington explained, “might it not have the undue Influence of those about you,” Hopkinson told his been said that I had, in consequence of it, betrayed my country?” old friend and brother-in-law. “But will the World hold you so Washington was clearly appalled at having received “so excused? Will the Individuals whom you so freely censured and extraordinary a letter” from Duché, “of whom I had entertained characterized with Contempt have this tenderness for you? I the most favorable opinion, and I am still willing to suppose, fear not … I pray God to inspire you with some Means of extri- that it was rather dictated by his fears than by his real senti- cating yourself from this embarrassing Difficulty.” ments.” But, he told Hopkinson, “I very much doubt whether the For his own part, Hopkinson said, “I have well considered the great numbers of respectable characters, in the state and army, Principles on which I took part with my Country and am deter- on whom he has bestowed the most unprovoked and unmerited mined to abide by them to the last Extremity.” Asking Duché to abuse, will ever … forgive the man, who has artfully endeavored send his love to his mother and sisters in Philadelphia, he con- to engage me to sacrifice them to purchase my own safety.” cluded: “May God preserve them and you in this Time of Trial.” If Washington was appalled, Hopkinson was apoplectic. Duché fled to England the following year, and when the “Words cannot express the Grief and Consternation that American army re-entered Philadelphia, his property was confis- wounded my Soul at the Sight of this fatal Performance,” he cated. Hopkinson interceded on behalf of his sister and her children wrote to Duché. “What Infatuation could influence you to offer to recoup enough money to pay their passage to London. to his Excellency an Address fill’d with gross Misrepresentations, The two classmates never saw each other again. —S.H.

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE MAY | JUNE 2012 55 “The New Roof” was widely read and opkinson had the last laugh, though. On July 4, well received in its day—though again 1788, Philadelphia—which had waited until 10 true to form, Hopkinson’s potshots at Hstates had ratified the Constitution—celebrated the Anti-Federalist camp (too compli- with a “Grand Federal Procession” that was both wildly pro- cated to go into here) sparked some pagandistic and a spectacular success. Hopkinson himself, return fire. One opponent called him a the Grand Marshal, planned and directed the whole event. “base parasite and tool of the wealthy Its 87 divisions consisted of floats, allegorical figures, and and great, at the expense of truth, honor, groups; bands and military organizations; state, national, friendship,” and added: “Little Francis and foreign officials; delegations from various societies; should have been cautious in giving and representatives of trades and professions ranging from provocation, for insignificance alone stone-cutters and farmers (motto: “Venerate the Plough”) to could have preserved him the smallest gun-smiths and sugar refiners (“Double Refined”). remnant of character.” “The rising sun was saluted with a full peal from Christ Church steeple,” wrote Hopkinson, followed by a “dis- charge of cannon from the ship, Rising Sun … anchored off Market Street, and superbly decorated with the flags of nations in alliance with America.” About 5,000 people

56 MAY | JUNE 2012 THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE marched or rode in horse-pulled floats in At Union Green, James Wilson [“Flawed On the morning of May 9, 1791, the procession itself, which started at Founder,” May|June 2011] climbed onto Hopkinson was “seized with an apoplec- Third and South streets and arrived at the Grand Federal Edifice and deliv- tic fit,” in the words of Benjamin Rush, Union Green, part of the Bush Hill estate ered a speech to an audience of about “which in two hours put a period to his north and west of 12th and Market. Frank- 17,000 people. existence, in the 53d year of his age.” He lin, then president of the Supreme Execu- “A people, free and enlightened, estab- was buried in the Christ Church grave- tive Council of Pennsylvania, was “too lishing and ratifying a system of gov- yard, not far from Franklin, who had much indisposed” to attend, but Hopkin- ernment which they have previously died the previous year. Among the provi- son marched in a division representing considered, examined, and approved!” he sions in Hopkinson’s will was one that the state’s Court of Admiralty, which he told them. “This is the spectacle which would free his two “Negro Slaves Dan knew would be made obsolete by the Con- we are assembled to celebrate; and it is and Violet,” though only after the death stitution. The chief justice of Pennsylva- the most dignified one that has yet of his wife. An anonymous contempo- nia’s Supreme Court rode in a 13-foot-tall appeared on our globe.” rary of Hopkinson’s wrote: bald eagle, its breast emblazoned with 13 After the address, the assembled mul- silver stars and its talons clutching an titudes had dinner, where they were “And be this truth upon his marble writ— olive branch and 13 silver arrows. (Eat served locally made porter, beer, and He shone in virtue, science, taste, and wit.” your heart out, Stephen Colbert.) “Stu- cider, and drank toasts to, well, pretty dents of the university, headed by the much everybody. Over the decades, his gravestone vice-provost,” marched with representa- A year later, the newly elected deteriorated to the point that no one tives of the city’s other schools, holding a President Washington sent Hopkinson knew for certain where his remains small flag inscribed The Rising Genera- a letter informing him that the Senate were buried. Finally, in the 1930s, a tion, Hopkinson noted, while at the end had confirmed his appointment as a plot believed to be Hopkinson’s was of the procession marched lawyers, phy- federal judge for the US District Court dug up. The skeletal remains were sent sicians, and “the clergy of the different for Pennsylvania. In congratulating to Penn Anatomy Professor Oscar V. Christian denominations, with the rabbi him, Washington wrote: “I have endea- Batson, who concluded that they were of the Jews, walking arm in arm.” voured to bring into the offices … such indeed Hopkinson’s. And the most imposing float in the Characters as will give stability and After his old bones were re-buried, a procession was the “New Roof, or Grand dignity to our national Government.” new headstone was placed over them, Federal Edifice,” designed by Charles In November 1790, Hopkinson was this time with a plaque listing his most Willson Peale: a 30-foot-tall circular awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law significant accomplishments. It’s a temple with 10 Corinthian columns (and degree by the penultimate incarnation of pretty impressive list. But it doesn’t spaces for the columns representing the his alma mater, the University of the State begin to tell the whole story.◆ three still-unratified states) and a roof of Pennsylvania. A year later it would merge whose cupola was crowned by the figure with the briefly resuscitated College of of Plenty, holding her cornucopia. The Philadelphia (which had been closed dur- words In Union the Fabric Stands Firm ing most of the Revolution for its overly were carved into the base. Tory ways) into a single institution: the University of Pennsylvania.

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