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Story
May 8, 1777
The Newport Gazette
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
In October 1776, Brigadier Samuel Thomson reviews three regiments, addresses rumors of disloyalty with a vote showing near-unanimous support, inspires troops against tyranny, and pledges his life to the cause, as attested by Lt. Col. Nath. Purington.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
BOSTON, March 13.
In duty to my country, and in justice to Brigadier Samuel Thomson, I desire, that on the 24th, 27th, 30th and 31st days of October 1776, I saw him review three regiments of his brigade; and after they were reviewed, he addressed himself to them, and among other things said, That there had been rumours reported that the officers and soldiers in his brigade were against him; therefore, if it was the case, he never would rule over a people, if he could not rule in their hearts, therefore desired the commanding officer to try a vote, accordingly they tried a vote, and not one officer appeared against him, and only one soldier. Then he cheerfully spoke, and said, I never will forsake you. This is a glorious cause, it was enough if he could by his death save his country, and it was a pleasure to die for the rights of his people, rather than submit to the cruel hand of tyranny, and if we go back we die twice! and he encouraged them to a steady course of discipline, then seeing them raised, asked one favour of them, that was, that if he in the day of battle gave back, slay me, and so, for it will be just, and the man that does, must expect the same, and their countenances looked noble and cheerful, and made a warlike appearance, and they said God Save the United States, then they were dismissed.
NATH. PURINGTON, Lt. Col.
of the 42d Regiment.
Harpswell, in Cumberland, Nov. 4, 1776.
In duty to my country, and in justice to Brigadier Samuel Thomson, I desire, that on the 24th, 27th, 30th and 31st days of October 1776, I saw him review three regiments of his brigade; and after they were reviewed, he addressed himself to them, and among other things said, That there had been rumours reported that the officers and soldiers in his brigade were against him; therefore, if it was the case, he never would rule over a people, if he could not rule in their hearts, therefore desired the commanding officer to try a vote, accordingly they tried a vote, and not one officer appeared against him, and only one soldier. Then he cheerfully spoke, and said, I never will forsake you. This is a glorious cause, it was enough if he could by his death save his country, and it was a pleasure to die for the rights of his people, rather than submit to the cruel hand of tyranny, and if we go back we die twice! and he encouraged them to a steady course of discipline, then seeing them raised, asked one favour of them, that was, that if he in the day of battle gave back, slay me, and so, for it will be just, and the man that does, must expect the same, and their countenances looked noble and cheerful, and made a warlike appearance, and they said God Save the United States, then they were dismissed.
NATH. PURINGTON, Lt. Col.
of the 42d Regiment.
Harpswell, in Cumberland, Nov. 4, 1776.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Military Action
Heroic Act
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Brigadier Review
Regiment Vote
American Revolution
Samuel Thomson
Troop Inspiration
Tyranny Resistance
What entities or persons were involved?
Samuel Thomson
Nath. Purington
Story Details
Key Persons
Samuel Thomson
Nath. Purington
Event Date
24th, 27th, 30th And 31st Days Of October 1776
Story Details
Brigadier Samuel Thomson reviews three regiments on four days in October 1776, addresses rumors of opposition with a vote revealing strong support, inspires loyalty by pledging to die for the cause and requesting execution if he falters in battle, eliciting cheers of 'God Save the United States' from the troops.