STORIES OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS

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John Sullivan

" John Sullivan entered on his earthly career in Maine in 1741. His father came from that country called by Aristotle and Strabo Irene,by Caesar, Tacitus and Pliny, Hibernia, by Mela and others Juverna all of which names may be traced to the original Ir, Eri, Erin (now called Ireland). General Sullivan left a lucrative practice at the bar and was commissioned a Brigadier-General in 1775 and the next year was raised to the rank of Major-General. On the 4th of June 1776, he superseded Arnold in Canada and on the death of General Thomas he was left in command of all the American troops then there. Owing to the illness of General Greene Sullivan was put in command of his division on Long Island and was taken prisoner at the battle on the 27th of August. On the 22d of August 1777 he planned a successful expedition against Staten Island. He acted a brave part at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and in every place where he was engaged. In 1778 he was placed in command of the troops at Rhode Island and commenced a siege on Newport in August of that year in anticipation of the co-operating aid of the French fleet which was prevented by a storm. This compelled him to raise the siege at once and retreat from a superior force which he effected with consummate skill and success after repulsing the pursuing enemy on the 29th of that month. The next year he commanded the successful but cruel expedition against the Six Nations of Indians. He penetrated the very heart of their country, killed and captured considerable numbers, burnt eighteen of their towns, many of their isolated wigwams, and destroyed 160,000 bushels of their corn, all their vegetables, fruits and everything that could be found to sustain life. The expedition was suggested in consequence of the Wyoming massacre. It can be sanctioned by the law of retaliation, and no other. General Sullivan was subsequently a member of the Continental Congress for three years, and president of New Hampshire and in 1789 was appointed a judge of the District Court which office he dignified until the 23d of January 1795 when he cancelled the debt of nature and slumbered in death. He was very efficient in quelling Shay's insurrection. In every sphere of life he exhibited talents of a high order and left a public fame and private reputation untarnished by corruption."

Source: The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson