The Marquis de Lafeyette
Just finished the book by David Clary, Adopted Son, which beautifully portrays the relationship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. If I was a Hollywood producer, no doubt I would make a movie of the Marquis’ life. It is one of the grandest and most exciting stories of a brave, noble man who always fought for right principles that ever existed. At 19 he sailed from France to America in search of glory, he found his cause to be that of self representative democracy and freedom. He immediately latched on to George Washington as a father (both were orphans and Washington childless) and by being with him side by side he discovered Washington to be the most noble, wisest man he had ever met. He spent the rest of his life dedicated to him and their friendship and trying to emulate his principles to his death. He fought for democracy in France, because of this he was imprisoned and banished to Austria. Through trials and tribulations he remained steadfastly loyal to democratic principles on both a governmental level (although he allowed for constitutional and superficial monarchies, much like the one that still exists in England) and on a human level. He was an ardent abolitionist, even convincing George Washington to free his slaves upon death. Not only did he advocate abolition, he bought a huge plantation in French Guyana to send his freed slaves so that they and others could make a life. When he was imprisoned in Austria because of his Democratic beliefs, Washington took in his son George Washington Lafayette who managed to escape death and the guillotine (all wealthy nobles were being beheaded during the Reign of Terror). Every time Washington and Lafayette would see eachother (Lafayette made numerous transatlantic voyages) they would run to eachother, embrace, kiss and cry. The letters they wrote to eachother are some of the most touching literary demonstrations of love between friends ever reduced to writing. When they were apart, both ached to see one another. The Marquis became the most popular leader in France during his lifetime, but like Washington, he demured from taking any leadership position for life unlike Napoleon Bonaparte who only became powerful due to the Marquis’ rejection of accepting the head of a military dictatorship on more than one occasion. In short, among some of the amazing accomplishments of the Marquis, he is the military leader Washington trusted most to lead Cornwallis into a trap into Yorktown (although the Marquis did not know the plans as he was doing it lest detailed instructions be intercepted by the British) that led to the siege and battle victory of the American Revolution. He convinced the British not to restart the war with America by sailing a gigantic fleet of over 66,0000 men to the British Channel en route for America. This French show of strength was the final straw and they signed the peace agreement. He was a part of the peace delegation negotiations (although he could not be formally designated due to some objections he was not American although he was made an honorary citizen by many American locations even receiving and honorary phD from Harvard and recognized as one of America's favorite heroes during his lifetime). He lobbied the French government to lift tariffs on American made goods so our fledgling country could trade and make money (very needed in our infant Republic when we had no credit). He was instrumental in forcing Spain to recognize the US as a country when they refused due to their desires to claim the Mississippi (and where US minister John Jay could not accomplish such). The list of his contributions to America, its independence, its economy and its peaceful relations with other European countries goes on and on. As a person, he was magnanimous, charming, generous (he spent the bulk of his independent wealth funding the American Revolution equipping ships, buying food and uniforms, paying for spies against the British, etc.), and of the greatest character. After capturing British General Cornwallis, he treated him with dignity so much that in his later travels to England, Cornwallis welcomed him and treated him as a friend. Lafayette was never one to make enemies on any level. Before making political moves, he would always write Washington and when the answers (which could take 6 weeks to months) did not arrive fast enough, he always tried to do as Washington would. He was a man for all ages, a hero that took his present life circumstances and lifted all mankind to higher levels. I for one believe that men like him are the greatest heroes of all time. I highly recommend to anyone interested in studying good character a serious introspection of the life of the Marquis de Lafayette and as an added bonus his relationship with another great: George Washington.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Why History ?
Anyone that knows me understands that my true passion as a hobby is reading books on Founding Fathers. Why ? Of course, understanding the framers of the Consitution helps one (particularly an attorney) understand the basis or true intent of our laws. Amazing to see how brilliant men 200 years ago are still more progressive than the American population as a whole. As the world one day goes toward a world government these enlightened views of our Framers will look commonplace rather than novel. Why is it that despite constitutional restrictions against cruel and unusual punishment and double jeopardy, we still have the death penalty and enact exorbitant "surcharges" on crimes like DWI and no insurance once those cases have been handled in court ?
Well, I came across a brilliant quote today by Sir Walter Scott that I find particularly revealing.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect."
Well, I came across a brilliant quote today by Sir Walter Scott that I find particularly revealing.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect."
Monday, April 27, 2009
Matthew Lyon and Andrew Jackson
Tom Campbell wrote a great book entitled "Two Fighters and Two Fines: the Lives of Matthew Lyon and Andrew Jackson." This is not my first book to read on either one of those mighty founders, however one that I highly recommend. Here are just a few of the things that moved me. When we focus on great people, it raises our ambitions and strenthens us in a common pursuit of doing great things for others. Here are some of my insights:
Matthew Lyon. He came to America as an indentured slave gaining passage on a transatlantic voyage from Ireland. He was smart. He gave the ship captain some money and the captain sold him as 18 opposed to 16 years old. This shortened his servitude by two years. He worked for one of the wealthiest colonists and learned business. He bought his way out of the last 2 years of slavery by buying 2 bulls and selling them to his owner. Brilliant stroke. He payed the bullowner back and he is the middleman who wins his freedom. He built the town of Fairhaven, Vermont creating its saw mill, iron foundry, and building the town homes and buildings among other basic infrastructure. When he moved to Kentucky he did the same thing with the town of Eddyville. He was the first person in America to create a printing press using paper (opposed to rags). He served in Congress representing 2 states and later was an Ambassador to the Indians in Arkansas.
He was jailed and fined for free speech under the Sedition Act. Later history realizing its mistake, posthumously redacted the fine. He was brave. Even in the face of jail, he stood up for what he knew was right in order for our country to be free. (He served 4 months in the dead of a Vermont winter in a jail cell with an open window and most of it without a stove). If we all had the courage of Matthew Lyon this country would remain the world's most respected. We must strive to live lives of courage that would make Matthew Lyon proud. Industry, bravery (he fought as a green mountain boy of Vermont in keeping Vermont free from the British), and passion for what is right where others feared represents this giant of a man.
Much is known about Andrew Jackson but a few things many Americans did not know was that on top of his fiery spirit in the pursuit of justice he was very kindhearted. The last Christmas of his White House years he invited all the orphans of the DC area to White House and bought them presents (Jackson being orphaned at 14 with his father dying before he was born and never really celebrated Christmas with generous presents). He adopted an Indian baby he found alone and parentless on the battlefield. Literallly his family was America. His mother died from a disease she caught in a hospital tending for wounded soldiers of the American Revolution. When Andrew was 14, he and his brother were captured by the British as prisoners of war. He refused to shine the British officer's shoes and was scarred in the head for life from the officer's beating. His mother rode horseback 300 miles with another woman across dangerous Indian territory and obtained their release in exchange for some British hostages. His mother, a great example, taught him courage. Because of Jackson our country spans from "sea to shining sea." He destroyed the 2nd bank of the United States because it was abusing its power in making loans to wealthy Congressmen just to buy their votes and influence in Washington. When New Orleans and Florida needed defending, he rose to the challenge without flinching (the first battle against great odds). He sacrificed a wealthy merchant and lawyer's life because when the need arose to serve his country in office or by the sword he never refused. May we all carry the intrepidness of this valiant fighter and leader.
America is a blessed country due to the sacrifices and tremendous spirit of those before us like Andrew Jackson and Matthew Lyon. Like these men, may we only wish to live so that America remains the home of the free with opportunity for all. May we all do our own part in standing up for justice where we see others wrongfully accused or taken advantage of. Nobility in integrity, compassion, and justice are the highest reasons for being.
Matthew Lyon. He came to America as an indentured slave gaining passage on a transatlantic voyage from Ireland. He was smart. He gave the ship captain some money and the captain sold him as 18 opposed to 16 years old. This shortened his servitude by two years. He worked for one of the wealthiest colonists and learned business. He bought his way out of the last 2 years of slavery by buying 2 bulls and selling them to his owner. Brilliant stroke. He payed the bullowner back and he is the middleman who wins his freedom. He built the town of Fairhaven, Vermont creating its saw mill, iron foundry, and building the town homes and buildings among other basic infrastructure. When he moved to Kentucky he did the same thing with the town of Eddyville. He was the first person in America to create a printing press using paper (opposed to rags). He served in Congress representing 2 states and later was an Ambassador to the Indians in Arkansas.
He was jailed and fined for free speech under the Sedition Act. Later history realizing its mistake, posthumously redacted the fine. He was brave. Even in the face of jail, he stood up for what he knew was right in order for our country to be free. (He served 4 months in the dead of a Vermont winter in a jail cell with an open window and most of it without a stove). If we all had the courage of Matthew Lyon this country would remain the world's most respected. We must strive to live lives of courage that would make Matthew Lyon proud. Industry, bravery (he fought as a green mountain boy of Vermont in keeping Vermont free from the British), and passion for what is right where others feared represents this giant of a man.
Much is known about Andrew Jackson but a few things many Americans did not know was that on top of his fiery spirit in the pursuit of justice he was very kindhearted. The last Christmas of his White House years he invited all the orphans of the DC area to White House and bought them presents (Jackson being orphaned at 14 with his father dying before he was born and never really celebrated Christmas with generous presents). He adopted an Indian baby he found alone and parentless on the battlefield. Literallly his family was America. His mother died from a disease she caught in a hospital tending for wounded soldiers of the American Revolution. When Andrew was 14, he and his brother were captured by the British as prisoners of war. He refused to shine the British officer's shoes and was scarred in the head for life from the officer's beating. His mother rode horseback 300 miles with another woman across dangerous Indian territory and obtained their release in exchange for some British hostages. His mother, a great example, taught him courage. Because of Jackson our country spans from "sea to shining sea." He destroyed the 2nd bank of the United States because it was abusing its power in making loans to wealthy Congressmen just to buy their votes and influence in Washington. When New Orleans and Florida needed defending, he rose to the challenge without flinching (the first battle against great odds). He sacrificed a wealthy merchant and lawyer's life because when the need arose to serve his country in office or by the sword he never refused. May we all carry the intrepidness of this valiant fighter and leader.
America is a blessed country due to the sacrifices and tremendous spirit of those before us like Andrew Jackson and Matthew Lyon. Like these men, may we only wish to live so that America remains the home of the free with opportunity for all. May we all do our own part in standing up for justice where we see others wrongfully accused or taken advantage of. Nobility in integrity, compassion, and justice are the highest reasons for being.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Alexander Hamilton, A Man of Many Hats
Founding Fathers Fervor
What makes so many of the Founding Fathers of this country so great ? One of the common characteristics of so many of them is that they had an intellectual ability in so many pursuits. For example, Alexander Hamilton was a military hero (successfully battled the British so that Washington could get his forces out of New York City when the British took over), was a brilliant lawyer (wrote a great majority of the Federalist Papers to convince states to adopt the Constitution of the United States because the Articles of Confederation paralyzed any form of national government), and was a financial genius that created our First National Bank of the US as well as the US Mint who understood the importance at the time of building Manufactures (wrote 3 significant works on economics including: The Importance of a US Mint, The Importance of Manufactures, and A Report of the US Economy that detailed out why a national bank was necessary). He understood that for our infant, fledgling country to be successful we had to have a robust, healthy economy. When our first national financial crisis hit in 1791, as Secretary of the Treasury he injected large capital into the banking system that reached small businesses and consumers and turned around the recession in less than a year. In the midst of our country’s present economic depression, I can’t help but think of him. It is most unfortunate that our bankers don’t feel as patriotic as the bankers of the 1790s. Now it seems Wall Street is consumed by greed. Great giants like Hamilton acted not just out of ideological passion but necessity. Ours was a country back then that lacked what we take for granted now; however, in order for our country to remain prosperous we must all do our part to stay feverishly productive. We must all create, work, and toil to produce goods or services that have value. The worst thing for our fellow man is that we sit back like kings: usurp and lose our passions and needs because we have ruined ourselves with intellectual starvation and physical gluttony. Now; like the great men before us, is our time to rise up to new challenges.
What makes so many of the Founding Fathers of this country so great ? One of the common characteristics of so many of them is that they had an intellectual ability in so many pursuits. For example, Alexander Hamilton was a military hero (successfully battled the British so that Washington could get his forces out of New York City when the British took over), was a brilliant lawyer (wrote a great majority of the Federalist Papers to convince states to adopt the Constitution of the United States because the Articles of Confederation paralyzed any form of national government), and was a financial genius that created our First National Bank of the US as well as the US Mint who understood the importance at the time of building Manufactures (wrote 3 significant works on economics including: The Importance of a US Mint, The Importance of Manufactures, and A Report of the US Economy that detailed out why a national bank was necessary). He understood that for our infant, fledgling country to be successful we had to have a robust, healthy economy. When our first national financial crisis hit in 1791, as Secretary of the Treasury he injected large capital into the banking system that reached small businesses and consumers and turned around the recession in less than a year. In the midst of our country’s present economic depression, I can’t help but think of him. It is most unfortunate that our bankers don’t feel as patriotic as the bankers of the 1790s. Now it seems Wall Street is consumed by greed. Great giants like Hamilton acted not just out of ideological passion but necessity. Ours was a country back then that lacked what we take for granted now; however, in order for our country to remain prosperous we must all do our part to stay feverishly productive. We must all create, work, and toil to produce goods or services that have value. The worst thing for our fellow man is that we sit back like kings: usurp and lose our passions and needs because we have ruined ourselves with intellectual starvation and physical gluttony. Now; like the great men before us, is our time to rise up to new challenges.
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