JOHN CADWALADER,

BRIGADIER GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN ARMY.

THIS Zealous and inflexible friend of America was born in Philadelphia, 1742. He was distinguished for his intrepidity as a soldier, in upholding the cause of freedom during the most discouraging periods of danger and misfortune that America ever beheld.

At the dawn of the revolution, he commanded a corps of volunteers, designated as "The silk stocking company," of which nearly all the members were appointed to commissions in the line of the army. He afterwards was appointed colonel of one of the city battalions, and being thence promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, was intrusted with the command of the Pennsylvania troops, in the important operations of the winter campaign of 1776 and 1777. He acted with this command, as a volunteer, in the actions of Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, and on other occasions, and received the thanks of General Washington, whose confidence and regard he uniformly enjoyed.

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The merits and services of General Cadwalader, induced Congress, early in 1778, to compliment him, by a unanimous vote, with the appointment of general of cavalry; which appointment he declined, under an impression that he could be more useful to his country in the sphere in which he had been acting.

He was strongly and ardently attached to General Washington, and his celebrated duel with General Conway arose from his spirited opposition to the intrigues of that officer to undermine the standing of the commander-inchief. The following anecdote of the rencounter is related in the "Anecdotes of the Revolutionary War."

"The particulars of this duel, originating in the honourable feelings of General Cadwalader, indignant at the attempt of his adversary to injure the reputation of the commander-inchief, by representing him as unqualified for the exalted station which he held, appears worthy of record. Nor ought the coolness observed on the occasion by the parties to be forgotten, as it evinces very strongly, that though imperious circumstances may compel men of nice feeling to meet, the dictates of honour may be satisfied without the smallest

deviation from the most rigid rules of politeness. When arrived at the appointed `rendezvous, General Cadwalader, accompanied by General Dickenson, of Pennsylvania, General Conway by Colonel Morgan, of Princeton, it was agreed upon by the seconds, that on the word being given, the principals might fire in their own time, and at discretion, either by an off-hand shot, or by taking a deliberate aim.

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parties having declared themselves ready, the word was given to proceed. General Conway immediately raised his pistol, and fired with great composure, but without effect. General Cadwalader was about to do so, when a sudden gust of wind occurring, he kept his pistol down and remained tranquil. Why do you not fire, General Cadwalader? exclaimed Conway. 'Because,' replied General Cadwalader, 'we came not here to trifle. Let the gale pass and I shall act my part.' 'You shall have a fair chance of performing it well,' rejoined Conway, and immediately presented a full front. General Cadwalader fired, and his ball entering the mouth of his antagonist, he fell directly forward on his face. Colonel Morgan running to his assistance, found the blood spouting from behind his neck, and lifting up the club of his

hair, saw the ball drop from it. It had passed through his head, greatly to the derangement of his tongue and teeth, but did not inflict a mortal wound. As soon as the blood was sufficiently washed away to allow him to speak, General Conway, turning to his opponent, said, good humouredly, 'You fire, general, with much deliberation, and certainly with a great deal of effect.' The parties then parted, free from all resentment."

This patriotic and exemplary man died February 10th, 1786. In his private life he exemplified all the virtues that ennoble the character of man. His conduct was not marked with the least degree of malevolence or party spirit. Those who honestly differed from him in opinion, he always treated with singular tenderness. In sociability and cheerfulness of temper, honesty and goodness of heart, independence of spirit, and warmth of friendship, he had no superior. Never did any man die more lamented by his friends and neighbours; to his family and relations his death was a stroke still more severe.

THOMAS CONWAY,

MAJOR GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN ARMY.

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"THIS gentleman was born in Ireland, and went with his parents to France at the age six years, and was, from his youth, educated to the profession of arms. He had obtained considerable reputation as a military officer, and as a man of sound understanding and judgment. He arrived from France with ample recommendations, and Congress appointed him a brigadier-general in May, 1777. He soon became conspicuously inimical to General Washington, and sought occasions to traduce his character. In this he found support from a faction in Congress, who were desirous that the commander-in-chief should be superseded. The Congress not long after elected General Conway to the office of inspector-general to our army, with the rank of Major-general, though he had insulted the commander-in-chief, and justified himself in doing so. This gave umbrage to the brigadiers over whom he was promoted, and they remonstrated to Congress against the proceeding, as implicating their