Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 10.djvu/143

Rh ing ceased, Gen. Stark was ordered to dismiss his militia, and to himself retire to New England to recruit, and collect supplies for the next campaign. Being at this time afflicted with rheumatism, he remained at home during the year 1782, and did not return to the army until ordered to head-quarters by Gen. Washington in April, 1783. He arrived at the appointed time, and was thanked by the commander-in-chief for his punctuality.

On the 25th of November, 1783, the British army evacuated New York.

The independence of the United States had been acknowledged by the British government, and the war was ended. During the following month, most of the Continental troops returned to their homes; and General Stark, bidding adieu to his friends in the army, and leaving behind the cares of public life, retired to his New Hampshire estates to spend the remainder of his days in peace. He was at this time fifty-five years of age. Somewhat past the prime of life of the average man, but with a frame made strong by early vigorous labors, and preserved by constant exercise and temperate habits, a long lease of life still remained to him. He survived the Revolutionary war nearly forty years, and to the last was held by his neighbors and fellow countrymen in the highest esteem.

Washington had great confidence in Stark, fully appreciating his firm patriotism, his ability, and his influence with the people of New Hampshire and the adjoining states. When men or supplies were wanted from these states, he generally sent him to obtain them ; and was particular to request that the new levies should come out under Stark's command. In appointing him commander of the Northern Department in 1781, Washington wrote, "I am induced to appoint you to this command on account of your knowledge and influence among the inhabitants of that country. * * * I rely upon it, you will use your utmost exertions to draw forth the force of the country from the Green Mountains and all the contiguous territory. And I doubt not your requisitions will be attended with success, as your personal influence must be unlimited among these people, at whose head you have formerly fought and conquered, with so much reputation and glory."

In 1786, Gen. Stark received from congress the following complimentary brevet commission:

In pursuance of an act of Congress, of the 13th day of September 1783, John Stark Esquire, is to rank as Major General by Brevet in the army of the United States of America.

Given under my hand, at New York, the 9th day of June 1786. Nathaniel Gorham, President.

Entered in the war office Henry Knox, Secretary of War.

After the war, he again took up his extensive agricultural and lumbering operations, managing his business affairs with the same energy, industry, and foresight that characterized his military life.

In person. Gen. Stark was of middle stature (5 ft. 10), and well proportioned for strength and activity. Constant exercise prevented his ever becoming corpulent. He always travelled on horseback, even if accompanied by his family in a carriage; and at an advanced age mounted his