pleased. The fresh bloom of health
sported on her cheek, and innocence dwelt in the rich curls of her
dark hair, that waved over a pure and stainless neck. In every
motion of her sylph-like form was gayety and unaffected grace. She
was reared with tender care, and educated not to shine in a
ball-room, or flirt at a "rout," but to make a frugal housewife....]

CHAPTER XV.

Come, Contemplation, with thy boundless gaze,
Inspire my song, while I his merits praise,
A true description of his greatness name,
And fame's bright annals, shall record the same.

Many were at this time risking their lives in defence of American
liberty, and privileges;--nor were there at present any prospects of
conciliatory measures between the contending powers. It became necessary
for the people in the meantime, to call forth all their energies and
patriotism, with the utmost exertion on their parts--in support of their
country, in order to maintain the burden of the arduous conflict in
which it was engaged, and sustain the present contest with honour to
themselves, and with the hope that its final settlement might be to the
satisfaction of America, and the future prosperity of the nation.

Many heroes ventured forth to the field of battle, with the ardent
endeavour, still to preserve their independence; while at the same time
the hearts of many were failing them with fear. It was a time for the
patriot to use his influence to animate others anew to bravery, and
persuade them to be zealous, in a just cause; at this season of general
excitement, in which the feelings of the whole community had become
strongly interested. Party spirit, and the conflicting interests of the
different states were found to operate injuriously on many in their
commercial transactions. The people were impoverished by the expenses of
the war. Some were in debt. Creditors resorted to legal measures to
enforce a collection of their demands, which involved many families in
deep embarrassment. Peace was sighed for by the multitude, but there
were yet no signs of its realization.

[_Lives of Signers_: Bartlett of New Hampshire (quotation marks in
original):

"when every face gathered blackness, and the stoutest men's hearts
were failing them for fear;"]

[_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts:

Seasons of much excitement, in which the feelings of a whole
community are strongly interested ...
...
Conflicting i