A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documentsJudson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
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A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documents
Judson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799; United States. Declaration of Independence -- Signers; Washington, George, 1732-1799
Warmed by the genial rays of the sun of science the germ of the
young mind of Thomas Lynch, Jr. soon burst from its embryo state,
and exhibited a pleasing and luxuriant growth. His progress in the
exploration of the fields of literature was creditable to himself
and highly gratifying to his indulgent parent and numerous friends.
So rapid was his improvement, that at the early age of thirteen, his
father placed him at the famous school at Eton, Buckinghamshire,
England, founded by Henry VI., where he commenced his classical
studies. After completing his course there, he was entered as a
gentleman commoner in the University of Cambridge, where he became a
finished scholar and an accomplished gentleman, esteemed and respected
by all who knew him. He then had his name entered in the Law Temple,
and made himself familiar with the elementary principles of legal
knowledge, and prepared himself thoroughly to act well his part through
future life. During his stay, he cultivated an extensive acquaintance
with the whigs of England, which gave him an opportunity of acquiring
a knowledge of the policy and designs of British ministers with regard
to the American colonies. He took a deep interest in the relative
situation of the two countries, and returned home in 1772, prepared
and determined to oppose the oppressions of the crown and strike for
LIBERTY. As the dark clouds of the revolution gathered in fearful
array, the firmness of his purposes increased. These were fostered and
encouraged by his patriotic father, and responded to by the people of
his parish. Hand in hand did the sire and son march to the rescue of
their country from the iron grasp of tyranny.
The first attempt of Thomas Lynch, Jr., at public speaking, after
his return from Europe, was at a large town meeting at Charleston.
His father had just addressed the assembled multitude on the subject
of British oppression, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of his fellow
citizens. As he sat down his youthful son rose. A profound silence
ensued. A thousand eyes were turned upon him. For a moment he paused;
his eyes were fixed, his bosom heaved; the struggle was over, and a
strain of eloquence followed that carried the insulating fluid of
patriotism to the hearts of his astonished and delighted audience with
irresistible force. Tears of joy ran down the furrowed cheeks of his
father, and loud bursts of applause were shouted by the enraptured
assembly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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