Lessons in Leadership: The Courage of Davy Crockett

David Crockett

David Crockett, or "Davy" Crockett as most know him, is a personified lesson in courage. Although not educated (he could not read or write), he helped change the world for the better by his strong principles coupled with courage. Many people have a good heart, but having a good heart is of little use to society unless it eases the burdens of others. As a small boy, his father farmed him out in servitude to pay off a debt. David not only did this, but discovering another huge debt of his poor father's, he worked it off as well to the astonishment of his unsuspecting father. This last bout of servitude would take him six months. A great deal of success is defined by perseverance. Determined to marry, he told the father of his bride to be that he would marry his daughter whether he approved or not (the mother did not approve, but was later won over). He explained to the future father in law to be, that he had already secured the necessary minister before the bride's father caved in.  It is not surprising that he volunteered to serve in the militia. With the respect of his men, he was elected colonel. He served under General Andrew Jackson, namely Jackson's right hand man, Brigadier General John Coffee. Not being one to ever scare of a fight, he decided to run for the Tennessee legislature despite formidable erudite and educated opponents. Being a careful student of people, he would beat his political opponents by giving short stump speeches (knowing the populace tired of long winded political siloloquoys) filled with relatable humor and common sense anecdotes. He was elected to Congress and bravely fought against the principles of President Andrew Jackson, despite it being what others considered political suicide. He strongly believed there was unaccoutability in how the nation's money was spent and he deeply opposed Jackson's Indian Removal Act. This cost him his last congressional election. Not one to wallow in defeat or remain unproductive, he headed to Texas in the name of freedom to help American settlers defend their land against Mexico. He bravely died at the Alamo. The key is that he loved people. He always fought for the little man (with legislation to help poor settlers secure their land titles) in the Tennessee State House and in Congress. In his autobiography republished in 1923 by Charles Scribner's Sons, some of his life mantras are laid out for posterity:

1. "If a man is only determined to go ahead, the more kicks he receives in his breech the faster he will get on his journey."  (Davy lost his life savings when a flood took out his grist mill as he went off to serve in the legislature. This did not stop him from performing his duties or remaining committed to his constituents, despite his state of being destitute.)

2. His patience with politics: "No man who has not tried it can imagine what dreadful hard work it is to listen. Splitting gum logs in the dog days is child's play to it. I've tried both and give preference to the gum logs." (For a man who lived to hunt bears, and had killed over 500 of them, it was quite a sacrifice for him to trade this in for the tedious job of governing.)

3. His bone chilling thoughts on the Declaration of Independence: "That the sacred instrument may never be trampled on by the children of those who have freely shed their blood to establish it, is the sincere wish of David Crockett." (May we all, who benefit from the blood shed by those brave heroes like Davy Crockett, always do our best to defend the Constitution and the rights and protections it affords all men.)

It is well known that Davy Crockett inspired others by his principles. For him, it was always a matter of doing what was right, no matter the cost. He once said, "I will be no man's man, and no party's man, other than to be the people's faithful representative."  It is good to celebrate and remember the life of David Crockett. He did not limit his bravery to the wild frontier. He exercised his limitless courage to do as much good as he could for others.

Character Lesson in Negativity: The Story of Hamilton

With the success of the Broadway musical there has been much hoopla over Alexander Hamilton as of late. Yet, the mere mention Aaron Burr to a high school history teacher and the reaction is quite different. It is time to set the record straight. Two of the most powerful politicians in our nation's founding made it their life mission to destroy the political career of Aaron Burr. Here is some clarifying insight that sheds light on motive and truth. This blog focuses on Alexander Hamilton's foibles. (The other is Thomas Jefferson who used a paid spy of Spain James Wilkinson to trump up fake treason charges that resulted in Not Guilty.)

It is said that after becoming a successful attorney Aaron Burr never lost a case that he personally handled as first chair. Burr was a master wordsmith. He made reasoned, short and to the point cogent arguments impressing both judges and juries alike. Nathan Schachner described Burr's legal abilities in his 1937 biography, 

"More important, he prepared his cases thoroughly....His argument was prepared to the last detail before he entered the courtroom...Burr's mind was agile and active; he seized the essential points of an argument with unerring insight, and possessed the faculty of reducing an elaborate, difficult discussion to a single luminous point. He was always a strict practitioner, addicted to every legal technicality, never soliciting his opponent's favor nor indulgent in overlooking the errors of others, but courteous to his adversary and eminently polite."

Burr was truly a prodigy trial lawyer. Hamilton on the other hand waxed eloquently and long. His legal work, although first rate, did not compare. 

The same for lobbying. The Holland Company, a group of European land investors, hired Hamilton to change the New York laws so that foreigners could own land outright. Hamilton was not successful. Burr accomplished this amazing legislative feat. By doing so, he stripped Hamilton of a $250k loan for his father in law's canal business which was a deal Hamilton had with The Holland Land Company had he been successful.  

As for military affairs, the same can be said. Although a close aide de camp to George Washington, Hamilton was not the daring, military mastermind as Burr. When Washington determined the brigade trapped at Brooklyn Heights could not be saved from the British, Aaron Burr proposed to do just that (with Washington's reluctant permission). He swooped in saving the brigade by safely leading them out of the reach of capture by the British to safety at Harlem Heights. When Burr arrived to lead the escape, the commanding American officer defied Burr and ordered his brigade to remain. Burr persuaded the fearful men anyway and spared all their lives, including Hamilton's. This marked the first time Aaron Burr spared Hamilton's life.  

Burr made it a practice his whole  life to live as a gentleman. He adhered to the principles for gentlemen as practiced and published in"Letters Written by Lord Chesterfield to his Son." He made it a practice to never reduce negative aspersions of someone's character in writing. Upon his last wishes, he requested that his biographer Matthew Davis destroy any papers whose contents could possibly injure anyone's character. Hamilton was the opposite. He resorted to the pen fast and furious. His pieces were acerbic and vitriolic attacks on his political enemies. Among those included was a diatribe against John Adams which caused his Federalist party leaders to lose faith in him. He launched a secret letter writing campaign against Burr, which helped Jefferson defeat Burr in the election of 1800. During one of Hamilton's angry escapades, he challenged James Monroe to a duel. It was Burr who acted as Monroe's second, diplomatically stopping the duel and saving Hamilton's life. 

Hamilton held office one time. He was elected to the Congress of the Confederation from New York, Hamilton depended on his power from the influence of other leaders. He managed to successfully turn Washington against Burr and thereby deprive Burr of a military appointment when war was about to break out against France. Adams as President preferred Burr over the intrigues of Hamilton. Burr held numerous offices from assemblyman in New York to the Vice Presidency. Burr created his own power and proved this when he was able to outpolitic New Yorks' ruling families: the Clintons and the Livingstons. He depended on no one for power. He is credited with creating the power of political parties through his novel electioneering methods. His political influence was so great he put the Republicans in power in 1800, shocking the Federalists. Hamilton held no such colossal powers. Burr defeated Hamilton's father in law, Philip Schuyler for a bid in the New York Senate. Hamilton was outraged. Hamilton made sure  Burr would be defeated as New York governor by strong negative campaigning. Hamilton also made sure Burr would not be elected President in the election of 1800 by a smear campaign. This took much doing on Hamilton's part as the election of 1800 is the most contested Presidential campaign in history, not decided until the 36th vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

When Hamilton was caught red handed in the smear campaign that cost Burr the Governor's office after he had narrowly missed being elected President, this was Burr's final straw. He gave Hamilton a chance to make amends. Rather than honestly fall on the sword by admit wrongdoing or attempting amends, Hamilton acted the aggrieved party even falsely writing in his will that he would throw away his first shot in the duel (witnesses prove otherwise). 

So in the hoopla over Hamilton, one must not fall into the trap of thinking that the lurking devil that cost Hamilton his life was Burr.  It was quite the opposite. Had Hamilton survived the duel, it is very unlikely that he would have changed his ways. His was an all consuming jealous passion against Burr's success. Burr was happy to live his life focusing on his own objectives and accomplishments. Hamilton, on the other hand, had to actively pursue measures that attacked not just his bitter rival's character but livelihood. Although Hamilton has much to admire in his short life (his economic measures that put this young country on a strong footing), one would benefit from learning the moral of the story. Focus on creating greatness. It does not pay to focus on tearing others apart.

The Sacred Constitution

It is truly noteworthy that the United States of America is not the continent of North America filled with contiguous independent state countries with no national oversight.  We forget that the Constitution was nothing short of a miracle. After the Revolution, the bankrupt states were less than forthcoming in paying revolutionary debts and not exactly harmonious in interstate trade and commerce, creating obstacles that disadvantaged those from out of state. Powerful patriots such as Patrick Henry ("Give me Liberty, or Give me Death") and George Mason (who wrote the Bill of Rights for Virginia's Constitution) fought ardently against what was to become the Constitution of the United States. They argued that a powerful national government would usurp a citizen's rights and tax the people onerously, while eradicating the unique governing abilities of the individual states. The battle to ratify the Constitution was anything but a given. The majority of the population then existing were swayed by fears of another tyrannical government, much akin to Great Britain ('no taxation without representation'). Their thoughts equated to why trade one national government for another? Let the states rule leniently. The problem turned out to be just that. The individual states were horribly delinquent in not paying back debts (preferring to forget them), and powerless in fights against each other (with onerous laws favoring one state over another interfering with trade and commerce).

After the national Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania ratifying Constitutional Convention had to resort to arrests in order to form the legally required quorum to debate ratifying the Constitution. Elected delegates who represented the people's interest in not giving more power to the national government, had to be rounded up and essentially arrested to return back to the ratifying Convention. Pennsylvania delegates felt keenly they should make a strong showing for ratifying the Constitution, so that the other influential states (Virginia and New York) would follow its example. After all, the Constitution was created there. Virginia came very close to not ratifying the national Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Mason, among other notable Founding Fathers, were strongly against it. Future Supreme Court Justice John Marshall, who had fought alongside George Washington in the Revolution (unlike Thomas Jefferson who chose not to fight at all) recognized the inherent necessities of a powerful, overseeing, national government in order for the United States to meets its obligations and prosper. The logical reasoning and charming personality of John Marshall in his incisive arguments for ratifying the Constitution at the Convention were enough (alongside mastermind James Madison's help) to win the day. The anti-Constitutionalists were able to make a strong showing for a Constitution which included a Bill of Rights that was indeed  later adopted as amendments to the Constitution with ratification being prefaced on this understanding. Thankfully the anti-Constitutionalists were defeated, but their critically important Bill of Rights was not.

The lesson in the story of our Constitution lies in its birth out of  necessity, its hard fought battle for ratification, its limitations (the amendments) and its genius in its unique, breathing ability to adapt to the ever changing world. Without the Constitution (as the failing Articles of Confederation showed), there was no hope for America to lay a bedrock foundation for unity and prosperity. George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Marshall were all correct in their assessment for a strong,  national government with checks and balances.  The anti-Constitutionalists were right in curbing the abuses of power by protecting the rights of every citizen with the Bill of Rights.  This country needs to remind itself, that it is not a police state. Government exists for the prosperity of man, and not the other way around. A good judge will carefully and faithfully defend our laws and the Bill of Rights, with the particular vigilance of the anti-Constitutionalists for our rights.

(We expect our President to have good relations with important agencies. This is just a picture showing where political pressures can intersect with politics.)

Modern politicians seek popular endorsement by public displays of support for the police. Everyone supports the police when they are performing their jobs satisfactorily, this is a given. Politicians and judges are elected to protect our rights, minimize governmental intrusion, foster healthy economies and protect the public welfare.  Judges should not first question how their legal rulings will reflect with the police before making correct decisions based in law. Unfortunately the lines get blurred too easily when pandering to political pressures. Let judges and politicians remember their first obligation is to support the rights of the hard fought, sacred Constitution.  

Punishment as Politics is Unconstitutional: The True Aaron Burr Story

Punishment as Politics is Unconstitutional: The True Aaron Burr Story

There have been many instances that have shamed our American history as politics as punishment: the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the finger pointing McCarthy era of Red Communists, and the wasting of millions of dollars on a public spectacle of the relationship between Monica Lewinsky and President Bill Clinton, just to name a few.  In the wake of the enormous popularity of the Broadway musical Hamilton, it is time to get the record straight. It is very important for American schoolchildren to finally be taught the truth about Aaron Burr. He is not the notorious traitor alleged to have masterminded a plot to make himself emperor of the West after losing a Presidential election. Rather, he is the hero of one of the darkest tales of our country where law was turned on its head for political advantage. With less political charisma and clout, Thomas Jefferson was desperate to get his Vice President Aaron Burr out of his political crosshairs and so he set about on the infamous Aaron Burr treason trials.

I have read many books on and referencing Aaron Burr. The quintessential best one to accurately dissect the Aaron Burr treason trial with motives and characters is Burr, Hamilton, and Jefferson: A Study in Character by Roger G. Kennedy.  Roger Kennedy served under 3 Presidents, was a lawyer, banker and excellent judge of character and politics.

The charge: treason. Despite the lack of evidence in 3 prior state trials (yes, Jefferson as President tried hard to get him convicted on no basis but fear mongering politics), Jefferson had Aaron Burr captured and brought to Virginia for a federal trial.  One of the state grand juries, seeing the trial for what it was (politics) issued forth this statement with their verdict of Not Guilty:

 “A military expedition was unnecessarily … fitted out against the person and property of the said Aaron Burr..(It has destroyed) the personal liberty…(of Burr and of Burr’s friends) through military arrest made without warrant, and …without other lawful authority; and they do sincerely regret that so much cause has been given to the enemies of our glorious Constitution, to rejoice at such measures…as, if sanctioned by the Executive of our country, must sap the vitals of our political existence, and crumble this glorious fabric in the dust.”

 So what exactly was Burr charged with ? The Neutrality Act Washington had signed forbade acts of war with neutral countries. It was charged that Burr meant to stir up trouble with Spain by invading Florida with a small army. President Andrew Jackson did exactly that some years later, as it was a given that Americans would continue to expand its borders. Burr had the makings of a real estate expedition. He had purchased the “Bastrop property”, a large holding out west and brought men to settle the area and make money off real estate. Burr did make it clear that if war broke out with Spain, he would get involved. He certainly did not have the makings of a serious army to take over, nor did he desire to crown himself as Emperor. 

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The verdict. Many juries render verdicts on gut instinct.  They look for confessions by the defendant. The verdict by Thomas Jefferson is most telling. Many years later, he was asked if thought Aaron Burr was seriously attempting a coup d’etat. His response was that “only a madman would have thought Burr was a threat to the unity of the United States”. Burr had made a special trip to the capitol to inform Jefferson of his Bastrop properties venture project and made sure the President knew he would serve militarily if a war broke out with Spain.  

The means. So how was it that charges got so far based on no evidence ? In criminal law, one’s motives or deal struck with the prosecutor in exchange for testimony is admissible. Jefferson’s star witness was General James Wilkinson, a paid traitor to the United States in the pay of Spain (heavily suspected then, and since proven by pay receipts and Spanish historical documents).  The more of a threat the United States appeared to Spain, the more money Wilkinson could extort from the Spanish. The other main witness was William Eaton, who was paid over $10k (back pay for his expenses when he led a group of Marines against the Barbary pirates) after his testimony (until his cooperation, his expenses had been denied by the President). William Eaton, was broke and a desperate man when he came to Jefferson begging for financial help.

Irony. The irony of this all,  is that others like Jackson (who succeeded when skirmishes broke out on the Florida border) and Hamilton were making plans to do the same as Burr. Hamilton’s real estate investment out west was in Ohio. He too hoped to gain an opportunity for glory as the American borders spread.  The adage that history is for those who write it is so true. Most of Aaron Burr’s papers were lost when his only child Theodosia died at sea. If we go back a few hundred years, it is clear that Aaron Burr was viewed as a victim and not a despot. President Andrew Jackson was so angry  that Jefferson framed Burr, he challenged General James Wilkinson to a duel.

The law. Law and politics must never mix. Jefferson had Burr arrested  without a warrant and found Guilty in the public’s mind by “Presidential Proclamation”, as aptly put by President John Adams. When Burr was found Not Guilty the last time in federal court, Jefferson instructed the U.S. Attorney General to have the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall impeached.  Why not ? Jefferson had already tried to impeach Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase (based on politics that clashed with Jefferson’s). Ironically enough, it was Vice President Aaron Burr, who presided over the trial, preventing a mockery of the system.  Justice Chase was spared a Guilty verdict and his job.

It is the rule of law that our three branches of government each serve an independent role as designed by the Constitution. Jefferson did not adhere to this. Much like a tyrant, he would issue forth accusations and charges and expect his political favorites to carry through. He viewed laws an an obstacle when they conflicted with his personal agenda. Burr’s strong anti-slavery stance threatened Jefferson’s political clout of ensuring the new western states joined the union as slave states.  As a young man, Jefferson had fought against slavery but did a complete about face as it became essential to his income. It is sad to note, that history documents prove Thomas Jefferson paid to ship some of his slaves to Louisiana “to be caned”  and punished in an effort to discipline them. Burr could never do this. Burr also had a conciliatory policy of working with the American Indians and advocating women’s rights in the age of Mary Wollstoncraft (an English author he counted as among his friends).

So it is high time that American schoolchildren are taught the truth about the Burr treason trial. It is one of the most shameful chapters in our American history when the writer of the Declaration of Independence attempted to skirt the laws to rid himself of a political opponent. The fact that he could not get away with it is a testament to democracy and our sacred Constitution. Politics and law should never mix.

The Traits that Make a Good General: Revolutionary War Hero Daniel Morgan

Want to win a war ? It's not just about the last battle. Good war strategy gets you to that last battle. One historian remarked that the American Revolution was won because of General Daniel Morgan.

Daniel Morgan was a frontiersman. Born in New Jersey, he set out westwards at the age of 17 after a disagreement with his father. He had a very strong moral compass of what is right versus wrong that served him well his whole life.  He got a job as a teamster with a fun fellow, scrimping and saving enough money to buy his own wagons in a year and create his own waggoner business. His business was tapped into service during the French Indian War. He also served in a militia capacity alongside the British. Angered by one of the British (unknown if it was a soldier or officer), he threw a punch and was sentenced to 400-500 lashes (exact number disputed, but enough that normally meant a death sentence). While being whipped with his skin ribboning from his flesh, he remained conscious and survived with his strong character; however, this  left a bitterness in his soul for the British which served him well during the American Revolution.  He was an entrepreneur. He worked hard and accumulated much land.  He created a grist mill that still stands today as a museum. He successfully counterbalanced business risk with hard work.  He fell in love and had two daughters (educating them in a time where this was not so common).  With freedom bells clamoring throughout the country, he signed up to fight in the American Revolution after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He served in some of the fiercest battles. He quickly earned the reputation of a genius military strategist. Had his strategy been followed, the infamous Battle of Quebec may have turned out differently. His battalion was successful. They scaled the walls of Quebec and had the British fleeing in all directions until melee broke loose upon General Montgomery's death.  His strategy was so good in the famous Battle of the Cowpens (positioning of militia and continental troops) that it was advised and adapted by General Greene in the southern Battle at Guilford Courthouse. This battle was critical in keeping the American southern army alive after British devastation tore all through the South.

So how did he win the war ? The British's most feared weapon was their star legion of cavalry rifle shooters led by Banastre Tarleton. They wreaked devastation wherever they triumphed mutilating prisoners and civilians alike, often sparing no one (hence the phrase 'Tarleton's Quarter),burning houses and property along the way. Daniel Morgan desired to meet head to head with this notorious legion and he did  at the Battle of Cowpens.  He so decimated Tarleton's legion, that he crippled the British army. Hence, his credit for being key to the American triumph. While many feared the intrepid Tarleton, Morgan was hunting him down.

It takes both heart and smarts to lead. General Morgan had a reputation for both. Many militia men demanded they would enlist only if they could serve under Morgan. Morgan was once seen rallying troop to troop the night before battle, even though he was strictly advised bed rest due to a very serious illness (for the rest of his life he would suffer flair ups of sciatica attributed to his military service). General Morgan was always in the thick of the battle (unlike General Horatio Gates whom his men despised) and did not ask his men to do anything he would not. He was instrumental in the successful battle of Saratoga (after whose victory the French pledged assistance and support to the United States). He relished those memories and named his estate Saratoga. Despite his imperviousness to fear, he also wisely knew when to retreat in order to gather up the proper forces to wage victory. Not only is he attributed a brilliant military tactician, he exemplified great strength of character. After the Revolution, a 'whiskey rebellion' rose up in western Pennsylvania. President George Washington asked Daniel if he would lead a force to quell the rebellion. When he arrived, the rebellion was put down without a single shot being fired. The mere mention of General Morgan's name (both out of fear and respect for his values) was enough to move people to reason. Two of the ringleaders were sentenced to death. One, John Mitchell, had even threatened the life of General Morgan's son in law causing him to flee for his life. Yet despite the egregious acts committed, Morgan urged mercy on Mitchell because he had seen the error of his ways and was 'ignorant'. George Washington in turn pardoned both ringleaders sentenced to death. It was this type of perspicacity that led his constituents in his Virginia district to elect him to the House of Representatives as a United States Congressman after the Whiskey Rebellion, while Daniel was in his 60s.

Daniel Morgan did not have a college education, nor come from a family of means, but he made the most out of every opportunity. He perfectly balanced deep conviction with courage, skill, and hard work.  He rose to the highest levels of leadership yet never countenanced an ounce of arrogance. There is a statue of General Daniel Morgan in Spartanburg, South Carolina rising tall over the pasture of the Battle of Cowpens. May we all let remnants of his noble character rise within us in our hearts.

William Eaton: Heroism Triumphs Over Bad Politics

Great heroes deserve our thanks. Great heroes live on despite bad politics. Actions speak louder than words. Much like education, great feats cannot be taken away no matter what. The incredulous story of America's hero William Eaton must be counterbalanced in an unsavory political lesson of the American Consul General to the North African coast Tobias Lear.

After the founding of our country, Tripoli was the first nation to declare war on the United States. The Barbary Coast countries would demand tribute (large bribes) for sailing their waters, capture American sailors and enslave them. William Eaton led a small band of Marines (ten in all) across 500 miles of Egyptian desert to find and empower Hamet Karamanli (younger brother to the despot Tripoli ruler Yussef) to free over 300 enslaved sailors (doing hard labor for 19 months) of the USS Philadelphia and negotiate a peace with the United States that would no longer involve paying tribute or enslaving American sailors.  This five month long, arduous trek involved being captured and imprisoned by a band of Turks, hunger, thirst, mutinies and threatened desertion. Even Hamet himself attempted to abandon the project out of cowardice several times. Miraculously, through sheer willpower Eaton and his men (accumulating friendly bands to Hamet along the way) made it to Tripoli's city of Derne and won a battle totally outmanned against a city's offenses. 

Poised to stike a victorious coup alongside US naval ships, newly arrived to assist and replace the ruthless tyrant Yussef Karamanli (who killed his older brother for power and would later attempt to kill Hamet), American Consul General Tobias Lear negotiated a peace (along with a secret treaty totally in Tripoli's favor) stopping Eaton in his tracks. Eaton was forced to withdraw his men. Dejected (leaving Hamet's followers at the mercy of Yussef) Eaton and Hamet's family sailed away on the cusp of what would have terminated by force America's Tripoli problems. The United States Senate issued a commission to investigate the circumstances, only to have Thomas Jefferson (who possessed great pensmanship but little ardor for battle as was evidenced when he fled the Virginia capitol as its governor on horseback under British siege) intermeddled to keep the status quo. It was later revealed that Tobias Lear, while negotiating, was simultaneously engaged in a commercial enterprise of wheat that was threatened by relations with Tripoli. He found it in his best interest to placate the tyrannical leader Yussef and did (spending over $500k of America's money for "diplomatic" reasons, an inordinate sum for the times). This same Tobias Lear was also caught stealing from George Washington (pocketed rent money from one of George Washington's properties) while in George Washington's employ and also swindled a business partner. Ironically, it was William Eaton, when serving as the American Consul to Tripoli before Lear, who advocated these diplomatic posts mandate no commercial conflicts of interest. 

Thomas Jefferson as President, refused to answer William Eaton's charges of treaty issues and premature negotiation, and covered for Lear's actions.  No coincidence that it also later came to light that Tobias Lear destroyed much of George Washington's papers that involved Jefferson's conflicts with Washington. Politics among cowards and thieves is never pretty nor desired. The political lesson in it all is that it does not serve the country to place bad characters in office or diplomatic posts. Yes, this tale has a sad and bitter ending with William Eaton, a man of much principle and proven courage, essentially drinking himself to death as he spent his last years attempting to seek right for Hamet and setting the record straight. Thomas Jefferson forever refused to acknowledge in public the secret treaty Lear negotiated nor respond to Eaton's charges.  Dead men do speak as time has a way of unearthing the truth. William Eaton, with his heart in the right place, achieved the impossible in Marine like fashion and may his memory forever blazon to remind us all of indomitable courage aptly captured in the lyrics of the Marine hym, "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli....."

A Lesson In What It Takes To Be A Hero: John Paul Jones

They ought to make bracelets that say WWJPJD.  What Would John Paul Jones Do ? Among the pantheon of greats such as George Washington and Ben Franklin, John Paul Jones has his place. Just finished reading the two volume biography by Augustus C. Buell on Paul Jones. It is entitled: Paul Jones: Founder of the American Navy and was published by Charles Scribner's Sons in New York in 1900.  John Paul Jones timeline is remarkable:

1. He went to sea as a sailor starting at age 12.
2. He became a shipmate at age 17.
3. He became a Captain at age 20 in the merchant service of the North Atlantic.
4. Upon inheritance, he became a Virginia planter before age 26.
5. He became a Naval Lieutenant at age 28.
6. He became a Commodore at age 32.
7. By age 33 he became world famous in the most celebrated sea victory up to that time in the capture of the British ship Serapis as his own was on fire and sinking (he uttered the famous words, "I have not yet begun to fight" when asked if he was striking colors to give up).
8. He was knighted by the King of France and given a sword.
9. He became an Admiral in the Russian Navy.
10. He died at age 45 and counted among his friends and acquaintances many illustrious figures including George Washington, Ben Franklin (whom he named a ship after), the King of France Louis VXVI, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia and the Marquis de Lafayette.

He wrote and spoke English and French fluently. He proved an extremely able diplomat in international negotiations with France, Holland, and Denmark out of necessity over prize ships. He led with character versus fear  (throwing away feared tools of discipline on ships like the cat of nine tails whip). Among his personal traits:  honesty, respectful diplomacy, loyalty, and courage. He overcame the most remarkable obstacles with grace and dignity including a false criminal allegation in Russia, his own ship firing on him (the Alliance) in the battle of the Serapis and refusing to assist him afterwards, jealous colleagues who intrigued and sometimes succeeded in taking his ships and crew from him (but never succeeding in the long run), false reports of war victories (giving credit for his wins to others which he stood his ground on correcting), and huge disappointments such as preparing and supervising construction of the largest war ship ever to be built in America (called teh America) which he was to captain only to have it given away to France. His company was much sought after due to his charm, manners and enlightening conversation. Women from Great Britain, America and France adored him.  He exercised as much wisdom in life as he showed courage in battle. His words convey remarkable judgment. He remarked to French Navy Officer Kersaint, "... in human affairs the sources of success are ever to be found in the fountains of quick resolve and swift stroke; and it seems to be a law inflexible and inexorable that he who will not risk cannot win." Outmanned and outgunned, he won many battles on the sea, capturing  many ships due to his bravery, intelligent strategy and sheer will to win.  He was an excellent judge of character. In his journal of 1791, he wrote "... truth and courage are twin traits; and, on the other hand, so are cowardice and falsehood alike inseparable." Despite the British and Tories destroying his Virginia plantation in the American Revolution, in his travels to Great Britain after the war he always demonstrated the utmost respect and forgiveness.  He had two sisters living in America during the outbreak of the American Revolution. One, with British loyalties, returned to Scotland. Hurt by the tension between the sisters, he advised both of the Pope's Universal Prayer which he lived by:

"Teach me to feel another's woe;

To hide the faults I see; 

That mercy I to others show;

Such mercy show to me."

A study of John Paul Jones' life teaches one that courage, truth, hard work and moral principles are what makes great men.  Great accomplishments don't make great men. It is rather, great men achieve great accomplishments. The son of a humble, poor Scottish gardener grew up to become the most famous man to ever sail the seas. What an honor it is for the United States to have John Paul Jones be the Father of our Navy. What a treasure for all humanity to learn from John Paul Jones. His astonishing victories, tremendous accomplishments, and renown courage will forever be a beacon that good character accomplishes the unthinkable.