Like many now present, he was the son of a plain country farmer, who cultivated his own fields with his own hands ; and he received such an education only, as is now within the reach of every honest man's son in these United States. He had nothing to boast of but a vigorous, active, well-proportioned frame, a daring spirit, and an honest heart. His means and opportunities were only such as you all enjoy ; and his example furnishes a lesson to you all, of what every one of you is capable of becoming, when the hour of danger arrives, and our country requires the aid of a virtuous patriotism. He is most peculiarly an example to you and yours. He belongs forever to the yeomanry of the United States, a class of men always honest and patriotic -- always ready to defend that soil in whose products they share so liberally, and those rights in which they so amply participate. Bear then in mind, my friends, and impress it on the hearts of your chil-

^ General Philip van Cortlandt. i> Isaac van Wart.

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90 HISTORY OF THE

dren, and upon all that shall nestle in old age under your withered branches, that as all are equally called upon to protect and defend their country, so there is not one of them all but may one day be placed in a situation like John PauldinfT, to confer a lasting benefit on his country, and like him, to merit and receive the highest and noblest of all earthly recompenses -- the thanks and gratitude of his countrymen.