History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1777.] REVOLUTION—DEATH OF GEN. POMEROY. 395
honors in the burying-ground at Peekskill. Thus ended
the career of one of Northampton's strongest patriots and
ablest soldiers. He fought in three different wars, earning
a wide reputation for skill and courage, and at last gave up
his life for his country cheerfully and with honor.
w/l
The Journals of his cam-
paigns, and the private let-
^//^^7^^']^'2'^0'^y ters written while in active
yl service, contain a fund of
j^ invaluable historical matej^
rial, and also embody a
^ mine of local information
not elsewhere to be found. While the former have been
copied entire in these volumes, the latter have been freely
drawn upon in the course of the narrative. Prominent
among the characteristics of this remarkable man was his
strict adherence to principle. This great governing motive,
and not a reckless indifference to danger was the
source of that undaunted courage, so remarkably displayed
whenever occasion demanded. Ample confirmation of this
assertion may be found in his journals and letters which
often indicate that he so sensitively appreciated the approach
of danger, that he was often led to exaggerate its
importance. Yet when the anticipated peril came, it was
always met with resolution and intrepidity. It is related
of him, that on one occasion he said to his son Lemuel, who
served with honor throughout the Revolution, when he
showed some reluctance to go through woods which were
supposed to be infested with Indians, after strayed cattle,
" Lem, never fear to do your duty no matter where it calls
you, no matter how great the danger, never be afraid to do
your dutj^. But if ever you are tempted to do a mean
thing or a wrong thing, be the greatest coward in the
world."
Hampshire Commit- Early iu the year 1777, about the last of
tees of Safety January, a meeting of the Committees of
Safety in Hampshire Countj^ was held in
Northampton. Nathaniel Dwight of Northampton was
chairman, and Robert Breck of the same place, clerk.