by Janet Crain
Francis Lewis, Signer
Not all of the Revolutionary Patriots were soldiers or commanders of soldiers. Some were statesmen who cast their lot with a new country at considerable risk to their person, families and fortune. Francis Lewis was one of these men.
FRANCIS LEWIS was born in Llandaff, Wales on March 21, 1713. He lost both of his parents at the age of four or five and was raised by a maiden aunt – an intelligent, compassionate woman of more than modest means. He was sent to school in Scotland and later to the prestigious Westminster School in London. Afterward he served an aprentice in the London Mercantile.
Upon reaching age 21, he inherited his father's estate. He then acquired a great deal of merchandise and sailed with it to the Colonies. He was very successful there. He married his partner's sister and begain a family.
But as a uniform supplier, business required him to travel to where the British Army was encamped. The fort of Oswego was captured by the French and the English comander Colonel Mersey was shot dead by Lewis's side. The French then captured him and promised kind treatment. However after the surrender, Lewis was handed over to the Indian allies of the French. He fully expected to be killed immediately but soon found himself able to converse with the Indians, due, he said, to the similarity of the Welsh and Indian language.
The Indians treated him kindly and returned him to Montreal where they asked the French that he be sent home. The French however took him to France as a prisoner. Some time later he was exchanged for a French prisoner and allowed to rejoin his family. He prospered in his business and retired at age 52 as one of the wealthiest men in New York.
He then entered politics and soon became known as a radical. He was among the first to join the "Sons of Liberty". He was also selected as a delegate to the Second Continental congress, as he was known for his independent and patriotic character, his integrity and his intellectual powers.
He became convinced that separation from England was necessary. He moved his family to Long Island. This proved to be an unfortunate step. Soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a party of British light horsemen destroyed his home in Whitestone, New York. His extensive library and valuable papers were destroyed.
Not content with this wanton act, the English took his wife prisoner and confined her in deplorable conditions. Mrs.Lewis was never again a well woman and died a year or two after her release.
Francis Lewis's daughter turned against him, whether for political or personal reasons it is not known. His latter days were spent in greatly reduced circumstances having lost his fortune in the Revolutionary War. Lewis died in New York City on December 31, 1802 at the age of eighty-nine.
© Janet Crain
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3 comments:
IT CAME FROM THE 60S, THE SEEDS OF CAP & TRADE.
The New Left we call them Progressives Today the movement was born in the 60s and 70s it included the failure of the school system to teach children an intentional movement. I highly recommend everyone read "The Return of The Primitive" previously titled the New Left, the Anti Industrialist. The Green Movement wants to drag us all kicking and screaming back into the Dark Ages.
http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-left-seeds-of-cap-trade.html
Robert Reich stated that Unemployment is actually at 14% because some people have stopped looking for work so they are off the unemployment rolls. 9.5% the highest unemployment in 26 years seems to me the REAL NEWS, our Industrial Base is under attack. Real people need real jobs. So far the Stimulus has protected Government jobs as in bureaucrats jobs. That isn't how the Stimulus was SOLD to us.
Those who don't learn from History are doomed to repeat it.
And California schools were the worst from the 1950's on.
The school in Texas where I worked was very good. And it still is.
Phonics was used to teach reading.
The chapter on the comprachinos will take you for a psychological tour of what makes a man develop as a thinking individual, or not, from the time of birth through adolescence. Rand takes you on a virtual tour of a childs life, showing you which points are critical to the development of individuality: the ability to perceive objectively. If you are concerned about what, if any, detrimental effects day care centers may have on the development of your child, you can find guidance here with Rand's writings.
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