Frederick William Allsopp
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 30
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter ix. he was A great orator, and his unofficial public services were numerous, but he had A distaste for public office. Our shallop, long with tempest tried, Floats calmly down life's tranquil tide; Blue skies are laughing overhead, The river sparkles in its bed; The sunbeams from the waters glancing, On the small waves round our vessel dancing, Melt and dissolve in silver foam, And we, in our frail home, To the charmed water-music listen. With all his other accomplishments, Pike was a great orator, who crossed swords with the most noted lawyers and statesmen of his time. His unofficial public services were considerable, and, having the courage of his convictions in an eminent degree, he exercised a potent influence. He was a member of the committee of seven delegates, in 1836, to write an address to the people of Arkansas in regard to the matter of the admission of the Territory to statehood; and the address, of which he is considered the author, is a striking document, concluding with this withering thrust at those who argued against statehood on account of probable increased taxes: "Poor indeed is the plea of poverty, when liberty and man's dearest rights are at stake. Craven-hearted and unworthy American must be he who would be contented to remain a bondman and a hewer of wood to escape paying the paltry pittance of twice his present tax." He participated in a Whig convention at Louisville in 1844, and made a speech which created a sensation. In
