USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > Revolutionary characters of New Haven : the subject of addresses and papers delivered before the General David Humphreys branch, no. 1, Connecticut society, Sons of the American revolution > Part 5
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It is said that when Webster returned home from grad- uation his father gave him $8.00 in Continental cur- rency and advised him that he must rely upon his own exertions in the future. To secure his education for the bar, he accomplished a famous work, "Webster's Spelling Book," which was the stepping stone to his most distinguished achievement, presenting it to the inspection of the members of the Continental Congress, who stamped upon it their ap- proval and encouraged him to further efforts by awarding him a copyright for its protection, while Governor Trumbull of Connecticut risked more than the whole amount of his property for its publication.
It was while prosecuting the study of law, that Webster began from time to time to note down every word whose meaning he did not properly understand which led him to conceive the scheme of preparing and publishing a new dictionary to supply the place of the famous English dic- tionary by Johnson, which had been in use for seventy years with scarcely any improvement. Comprehension of the far reaching result attained may be realized when we contem- plate that the many editions of Webster's dictionary, a few years since reached into millions of copies of this great work.
Not long since the principal bookseller in London was asked for the best English dictionary and the work of Noah Webster was handed the enquirer with the reply "that, sir, is the only real dictionary we have of the English language, although it was prepared by an American." One eminent historian has said "it is a noble monument of the industry and research of the author and an honor to his country."
By most of the present generation, Dr. Webster is looked upon chiefly as a learned collegian, and the reputa- tion of his grammar and dictionary encourages the im- pression that his time was devoted to books and studies
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Noah Webster
only. On the contrary he was active in many other capaci- ties. He was an alderman of the city of New Haven, repre- sented his town in the Legislature, was a Judge in the State Courts, and in 1808 was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. He prepared a memorial of 4,000 words to President Jefferson in reference to fostering the growth of manufacturing in this country, with a view to rendering the people independent of foreign nations. Agitating the water question, he was appointed chairman of a committee to build the first aqueduct in New Haven and he entered with zeal into all matters of public welfare relating to government, schools and commerce. His advice was sought on a great variety of subjects. He gave freely of his efforts from his pen. It is said that he made to Washington the first distinct proposal for a new constitution and that his works did more to allay popular discontent and support the authority of Congress than that of any other man. He wrote upon a greater variety of topics than any other author in the United States, especially upon such subjects as the foundation of government, the laws of the nation, the science of banking, the history of the country, the progress of disease, the varia- tions of the climate, and on agriculture, education, religion and morals.
In personal appearance and presence he was distin- guished by dignified ease, affability and politeness with refinement manifest in all his expression of feeling. He was annoyed at notice of his observances of all the nicer proprie- ties of life, and was direct, frank and open, but never allow- ing any sentiment to escape him on any occasion that was not most courteous and refined.
He lived in this community, in the house now standing on the corner of Temple and Grove streets, where he died at the age of eighty-five, and he was buried in the Grove Street Cemetery.
It can be truly said of him "That he was known and read of all men."
E
GENERAL DAVID HUMPHREYS
BY ALONZO NORTON LEWIS, M.A.
The following, found with the manuscript after the death of Rev. Mr. Lewis, is self-explanatory:
"This sketch of General Humphreys was read before the 'General David Hum- phreys' Branch of the Sons of the American Revolution' in 1893. In February, 1895, the writer was asked to furnish a copy for publication. Having mislaid (or destroyed) the manuscript, he has been obliged to reproduce it.
It seems strange that no Life of General Humphreys has ever been written .* The writer lays no claim to originality in this sketch, having compiled most of the material from an excellent History of the Humphreys Family by Frederick Humphreys, M.D. A. N. LEWIS, Member of the S. A. R. and Chaplain of the Society of the Cincinnati in Connecticut.
New Haven, February 13, 1895."
I
The Humphreys family may be traced back to the Norman Conquest. Among the brave warriors who followed William the Conqueror from Normandy in 1066, we find Sir Robert de Umprevillet Knight, "his Kins- man," Lord of Tours and Vian: Humphrey de Carteret, whose son Regnaud de Carteret accompanied Duke Robert to the Holy Land. Humphrey, Lord of Rohan, who seems to have been related to the Conqueror, and whose descendants were Hereditary Constables of Eng- land, and subsequently Earls of Hereford, Essex and Northampton. There were also Humfrey of Tilleul, the Warden of Hasting's Castle, 1066-'67; Humfrey, the King's Seneschal,¿ killed in the storming of the Castle at Le Maur, 1073; and Humfrey the Priest, who was living in the neighborhood of Battle Abbey prior to 1087.
* After Rev. Mr. Lewis wrote the above, a sketch of General Humphreys' life was prepared by Rev. Edwin S. Lines, and has been printed in the second volume issued by the Branch. See "Exercises at Unveiling of Tablet on Beacon Hill," etc., page 45. t Humphreysville was rightly named.
# Marshal, steward, or major-domo.
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General David Humphreys
In the "Doomsday Book," one of the most ancient records of England, the name "Hunfridus" frequently occurs.
Members of the Humphrey family were engaged in the Crusades. Peter d' Amfreville, 1197; Le Sire d' Umfraville, and L. S. D'Omfrei, 1091.
In 1340-'90 Humphrey coats of arms (then spelled Humfrey) were in existence and duly recorded.
The cross bottony, or "budded cross," is used as the crest, or as the central figure, in several of the Humphrey arms. These Crusader crosses were the marks of distinc- tion awarded or allowed to the Knights who had borne arms in the "Holy Wars," or wars for the recovery of the Holy Sepulcher. The escallop shell upon a coat of arms also indicates a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The bezants were heavy gold coins of the value of 15 pounds sterling ($75.00) which were used for the ransom of Christian captives taken by the infidels in the Holy Wars, and held in captivity, and indicate the large use of this money (by the Humphreys) for this purpose.
II
The predominant mental trait of the family is self- reliance, to the extreme of rashness, or the neglect of ordinary prudence in their ventures. The Humphreys have always responded "prodigally" to a call to arms.
Other traits noted are readiness of acquisition, and ready adaptation to circumstances. They learn readily and retain easily; succeed as professional men, not so well as tradesmen. Says Dr. Frederick Humphreys, "I have known none as mere mechanics. They sometimes learn trades, but never work at them."
Another characteristic is an artistic temperament, indicated in a delicate, almost feminine cast of features; and facility of language. Almost all the Humphreys are good talkers, story-tellers and speakers.
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General David Humphreys
Goodness of heart is another characteristic. "It has been stamped," says Judge Barbour of Hartford, "upon the countenance, giving what has been called the 'Hum- phrey look.' "
The Humphreys are a prolific stock. Large families are the rule, especially in the olden time. The men are tall, of a clear countenance and large of stature, unless their mothers are of small stock. The women are noted for vivacity, intelligence and pleasing address, their sons often manifesting, in a remarkable degree, the prominent family traits.
III
The name has been spelled various ways. Amfre- ville, Anfray, Anfrie, Homfray (French, homme vrai, i. e., true man), Hunffreys (Welch), Humfrey, Humph- rys, Humphery, Hunpheirs, Humphreys, Humphry, Hun- fridus, Hunfredus, Humfroi, Homfrey, Hunfrey, Hum- frauvils, Humfrestone (Humphry's town?) and Hum- phrey: Onfray, D' Omfrei: Umfrauvill, Umfreville, Umfraville, Umfravill, Umphraville, Umfray, Umphrey, Umphrastown (Humphrey's town?) and Umfrevile.
IV
General David Humphreys, LL.D., F.R.S., was born July roth, 1752, at Derby, Connecticut. As a boy he was decidedly "bookish," "passionately so," says the author to whom I am indebted for much of the material of this sketch. He was fitted, under the tuition of his father, for Yale College, which he entered in 1767; graduating in 1771 with distinguished honors, at the early age of nineteen. Dr. Daggett was the President, whose regime exhibits the most brilliant display of eminent names furnished by the Catalogue of Yale. Trumbull, Dwight, Humphreys, and a little later, Barlow. With the caustic satire of Trumbull, the noble songs of Dwight and the elaborate effusions of Barlow, were mingled the patri- otic effusions of Humphreys.
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General David Humphreys
After his graduation (1771), he resided for a short time (as instructor) in the distinguished and courtly family of Col. Phillips of Phillips Manor, West Chester Co., N. Y. At the breaking out of the Revolution he entered the army, in his 24th year, as Captain, and was speedily promoted Major in General Israel Putnam's Brigade. Soon after, he became aide-de-camp to Put- nam, a confidential position which was a high compli- ment to the young soldier, and considered a very im- portant one, both in field and cabinet service. In this capacity he was present in the memorable retreat from New York after the Battle of Long Island, August 27th, 1776, and at the affair of Harlem Heights.
Major Humphreys was Brigade Major of the Ist Connecticut Brigade on Hudson Highlands in the au- tumn of 1777, when the British captured Forts Clinton and Montgomery. He was also aide for a time to Gen. Greene. Early in 1780 he was appointed aide and Mili- tary Secretary to Gen. Washington, with the rank of Lieut .- Colonel, and soon after became a member of the General's military family, remaining until the end of the War, enjoying his full confidence, and sharing the toils of his arduous duties. He alludes to his association with three distinguished generals in his "Poem on the Happi- ness of America."
"I, too, perhaps, should Heav'n prolong my date, The oft-repeated tale shall oft relate; Shall tell the feelings in the first alarms, Of some bold enterprise th' unequalled charms; Shall tell from whom I learned the martial art, With what high chiefs I played my early part; With Parsons* first, whose eye, with piercing ken, Reads thro' their hearts the characters of men; Then how I aided, in the following scene, Death-daring Putnam-then immortal Greene- Then how great Washington my youth approved, In rank preferr'd, and as a parent loved; (For each fine feeling in his bosom blends The first of heroes, sages, patriots, friends)
* Brig. Gen'l Parsons of Connecticut.
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General David Humphreys
With him what hours on warlike plains I spent, Beneath the shadow of th' imperial tent; With him how oft I went the nightly round, Thro' moving hosts, or slept on tented ground; From him how oft-(nor far below the first* In high behests and confidential trust) From him how oft I bore the dread commands, Which destin'd for the fight the eager bands:
With him how oft I pass'd the eventful day, Rode by his side, as down the long array, His awful voice the columns taught to form, To point the thunder, and to pour the storm."
He proved himself an efficient and worthy officer on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, and especially at the siege of Yorktown, where he had a separate com- mand. When Lord Cornwallis surrendered, October 19, 1781, Col. Humphreys had the distinguished honor of receiving the English colors, and as a mark of approba- tion, bearing them from Washington to Congress, with copies of the returns of prisoners, arms, ordnance, and 25 stands of colors surrendered, with a letter from the Commander-in-Chief commending the bearer to the con- sideration of the Government.t
Congress ordered "an elegant sword to be presented, in the name of the United States in Congress, to Col. Humphreys, to whose care the standards taken under the capitulation of York (sic) were committed, as a testimony of their opinion of his fidelity: and that the Board of War take order therein." In 1786 this order was carried into effect, and the sword presented by Gen. Knox, then Secretary of War, accompanied by a highly complimentary letter.
In November, 1782, he was commissioned Lieuten- ant-Colonel, the commission to bear date from the 23d of June, 17-, when he was appointed aide-de-camp to Washington.
While in the service Col. Humphreys had given his
* First was then pronounced "fust."
t Col. Humphreys had a picture executed in Spain, portraying his delivery of the trophies of Yorktown to Congress.
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General David Humphreys
name and influence to the establishment of a company of colored infantry which was attached to Col. Meigs', afterwards Col. Butler's, Regiment of the Connecticut Line, of which he continued nominal Captain during the War. Jethro Martin, a colored servant (slave?) of Col. Humphreys, received a pension for many years on ac- count of his military service.
In May, 1782, we find the names of David Humphreys, Aide-de-Camp, and Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., Secretary, officially endorsed upon a copy of Gen. Washington's reply to a letter of Col. Nicola, proposing the establish- ment of a Kingdom, and suggesting the title of King to the illustrious Commander-in-Chief.
Preliminaries of peace between the United States and Great Britain having been settled in November, 1782, hostilities were suspended. In December, 1783, Washing- ton resigned his commission at Annapolis, being attended on that occasion by Col. Humphreys, who by special request accompanied him to Mount Vernon. His friend Barlow alludes to this event in his "Vision of Columbus."
"While Freedom's cause his patriot bosom warms, In lore of nations skilled, and brave in arms, See Humphreys glorious from the field retire, Sheathe the glad sword, and string the sounding lyre- That lyre, which erst, in hours of dark despair, Roused the sad realms to urge th' unfinished war: O'er fallen friends, with all the strength of woe, His heart-felt sighs in moving numbers flow. His country's wrongs, her duties, dangers, praise, Fire his full soul, and animate his lays. Immortal Washington with joy shall own So fond a favorite and so great a son."
In May, 1784, Col. Humphreys was elected by Con- gress Secretary to the "Commission for Negotiating Treaties of Commerce with Foreign Powers," the Committee being John Adams, then Minister to Holland, Benjamin Frank- lin, Minister to France, and Thomas Jefferson, whom he accompanied in July of the same year to Europe. Gen. Kosciusko, also, was his compagnon du voyage.
MounWerner 2° June 1784.
Dear For
Congress having been plea. Led to appoint Cat" Humphreys Secretary to the Commefinans, for forming Commer cial Beaties in Europe; I take the liber ty of introducing him to you. - This Gentleman was several years 2x my family as an aid de Comp ._ Hil reak in the cause of his Country, his good Jense, prudence, and attachment to ne, rendered him dear to me; and persuary myself you will find no conferencew. you may think proper torepose in hem. misplaced. - He possesses an excellent heart, good natural dacquired abilities and thenling integrity .- To which may be added sobriety, + as obliging desportion a fut conviction of his progressing
ah these good qualities, makes me lep scrapulous afrecommending him to your patronage and friendship. - Heart repeat to you the assurances of perfect esteem, repara, d'consideration, with which I have the tener to be .
Dearhr, post sted " every tphelyen
ble The Fear
Doch? Franklin
FACSIMILE OF WASHINGTON'S AUTOGRAPHIC LETTER INTRODUCING COL. HUMPHREYS TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, UNITED STATES MINISTER TO FRANCE.
The text of the letter is as follows:
Mout Vernon 2d June 1784.
Dear Sir; Congress having been pleased to appoint Colo Humphreys Secretary to the Commissioners, for framing Commercial Treaties in Europe; I take the liberty of introducing him to you .-
This Gentleman was several years in my family as an Aid de Camp .- His zeal in the cause of his Country his good sense, prudence, and attachment to me, rendered him dear to me; and I persuade myself you will find no confidence wch you may think proper to repose in him, misplaced .- He possesses an excellent heart, good natural & acquired ability and sterling integrity-to which may be added sobriety, & an obliging disposition.
A full conviction of his possessing all these good qualities, makes me less scrupu- lous of recommending him to your patronage and friendship .- He will repeat to you the assurances of perfect esteem, regard, & consideration, with which I have the honor to be,
Dear Sir, Yr. Most Obedt. & very Hble. Ser., Go. WASHINGTON.
The Hon'ble Doct'r Franklin.
1
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General David Humphreys
Col. Humphreys bore with him a highly complimentary letter of introduction from Washington to Minister Franklin.
At the close of two years of negotiation, he returned to America, and at once visited his old Commander at Mount Vernon.
In the Autumn of 1786, when the Shay Rebellion broke out, Col. Humphreys was elected a member of the General Assembly from Derby, and October 20th of the same year was appointed by that body to command the 3d U. S. Infantry. This Regiment was raised, in compli- ance with a requisition of Congress, "on account of an Indian War," its real object being disguised from motives of policy. Col. Humphreys fixed upon Hartford as his headquarters, where he renewed his intimacy with John Trumbull and Joel Barlow. With these two friends and Dr. Lemuel Hopkins, he was soon engaged in writing the "Anarchiad," a satirical poem in 24 numbers, and from this association one of the "four bards with Scripture names,"* were satirized in London. The Shay Rebellion being suppressed early the following year, the Regiment was reduced, April Ist, 1787, and Col. Humphreys was again invited to the hearth of Washington.
In the Fall of 1789 he was appointed by Congress a Commissioner to treat with the Creek Indians on the frontiers of the Southern States, his associates being Cyrus Griffin and Gen. Benj. Lincoln.
In 1791 he was commissioned first Minister from the United States to Portugal, and served in that capacity for several years. He concluded treaties with Algiers and Tripoli, after his return from the United States, where he went to make a personal representation on the subject of the Barbary aggressions. Many American citizens were rescued from captivity, and our commerce secured from further spoliations.
* John, David, Joel and Lemuel. They were also called the "Hartford Wits."
5
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General David Humphreys
In 1797 he was transferred to the Court of Madrid as Minister to Spain, where he remained until 1802, when he returned to his native land.
The following extract from the "Farewell" of the Abbe O'Moore, written January 1, 1802, gives a foreigner's opinion as to his moral worth:
"Humphreys has strength of character to bear, Unmoved, all fortunes in a lofty sphere; Beneath his feet repulsive pride to throw, And stoop with dignity to those below. But if his country bids, in arduous hour, He, bold, asserts his ministerial power; And mildly stubborn, ev'n before a throne, Supports his nation's honor and his own."
He married in Lisbon, in 1797, Ann Frances Bulkley, daughter of John Bulkley, an English banker residing in that city. Her annual income is said to have been £30,000. She is described as "a lady of refinement, and of a fine, motherly disposition." Their places of residence were Boston, New Haven and Derby, Col. Humphreys being frequently called to his native town by business engagements.
In June, 1796, Col. Humphreys received the following letter from. Washington, which shows that the Father of his Country had a vein of humor in his composition:
"Whenever you shall think, with the poet or philosopher, that 'the post of honour is a private station,' and may be disposed to enjoy yourself in my shades-I do not mean the shades below, where, if you put it off long, I may be reclining,-I can only repeat, that you will meet with the same cordial reception at Mount Vernon that you have always found at that place; and that I am, and always shall be,
Your sincere friend, And affectionate servant, GEO. WASHINGTON."
1
The man who could inspire such a friendship in the heart of such a man as Washington must have been something more than common.
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General David Humphreys
V
While a resident of Lisbon, Colonel Humphreys' attention had been turned to the importance of a more general introduction of manufactures into the United States.
In order to improve the breed of sheep in this country, he contracted "with a person of the most respectable character" to deliver to him, at Lisbon, one hundred Spanish merino sheep, "composed of 25 rams and 75 ewes, from one to two years old." They were conducted with proper passports across the country of Portugal by three Spanish shepherds, and escorted by a small band of Portuguese soldiers. On the 10th of April, 1802, they were embarked in the Tagus, on board the ship Persever- ance, of 250 tons, Caleb Coggeshall master. In about fifty days 21 rams and 70 ewes were landed in Derby, Conn., they having been shifted at New York on board of a sloop destined to that landing. The nine which died were principally killed in consequence of bruises received by the violent rolling of the vessel on the Banks of New- foundland .*
In recognition of this service the Massachusetts Agri- cultural Society presented Col. Humphreys with an ele- gant gold medal.
The introduction of the Spanish sheep caused a great excitement. Col. Humphreys discouraged all specula- tion, selling the herd at cost, or less, to the most enter- prising farmers. His advice and entreaties, however, were unheeded, and soon the price rose from one hundred to four hundred dollars, mounting from that to $1,000, $1,500 and $2,000 per head. A few were sold as high as $2,500 and $3,000! Many honest men suffered great loss in the speculation, but no blame could be attached to Col. Humphreys. t
* From an address by Col. Humphreys before the Mass. Agricultural Society.
t These were the first merinoes ever brought to America.
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General David Humphreys
VI
In 1803 Col. Humphreys began his distinguished career as a manufacturer, purchasing a tract of land, the water power, two fulling mills, a clothier's shop, etc., on the Naugatuck River, at the Derby Falls. These mills had been used for the dressing of cloth, the spinning and weaving of the wool being done at the homes of the inhab- itants. Machinery for the weaving of the cloth, and skilled mechanics were brought from Europe; cottages were erected for the operatives, and a school established on this property, the name of the village being called Humphreysville,* in compliment to its founder.
He succeeded so well in this beneficent and philan- thropic enterprise, the production of fine broadcloth, that, in 1808, he had the reputation of producing the best quality of that kind of goods in America. So cele- brated had "Humphreys' cloth" become, that in Novem- ber, 1808, President Jefferson, desirous of appearing at the White House, on New Year's Day, with a suit of clothes of American manufacture, sent to the Collector of Customs at New Haven the following order: "Home- spun is become the spirit of the times. I think it an useful one, and therefore that it is a duty to encourage it by example.t The best fine cloth made in the United States, I am told, is at the manufactory of Col. Humphreys. Send enough for a suit."
In 1808-09 the Philadelphia Domestic Society offered a premium of $50 for the best piece of broadcloth 20 yards long and six quarters wide. Col. Humphreys took the prize. Coats were made therefrom for Presidents Jefferson and Madison, and the Heads of Departments; also for Capt. Isaac Hull, afterward Commander of the frigate Constitution. The price of this cloth was $12 a yard.
Mr. John Winterbotham of England, father of the
* Since unjustly changed to Seymour.
t Would Jefferson have been a "Free Trader" in 1895?
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General David Humphreys
authoress, Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, was associated with Col. Humphreys in his manufacturing enterprise at Humphreysville.
Mrs. Stephens, in the History of Derby, gives a graphic description of Col. Humphreys, from which we quote.
"Col. H. kept up in his appearance and habits all the traditions that have come down to us from the Revolution. I remember him, at first dimly, in a blue coat and large gold (or what appeared to be gold) buttons, a buff vest, and laced ruffles around his wrists and in his bosom. His complexion was soft and blooming like that of a child, and his gray hair, swept back from his forehead, was gathered in a cue behind, and tied with a black or red ribbon. His white and plump hands I recollect well, for wherever he met me they were sure to ruffle up my curls, and sometimes my temper, which was frequently tran- quilized with some light silver coin ranging anywhere from a four- pence half-penny to a half dollar."
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