Thomas Nelson Jr. played a large role in the colonist victory during the American Revolutionary War, and did so while demonstrating a wonderful appreciation of responsibilities over rights. As a General in the Virginia Militia, Governor of Virginia, member of the Continental Congress, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, this man born of privilege selflessly invested his inheritance in the wonderful concepts of a fledgling America.
General Nelson was directly involved in the final siege during the Battle of Yorktown, his hometown. According to legend, Nelson urged General Washington (or Lafayette in some accounts) to fire artillery on his own home, which at the time was being used as the headquarters of British General Cornwallis. While this self-sacrificing action combined with other losses experienced during the war caused him financial ruin, his character remained solidly intact.
During a fitting tribute paid to him upon his death, the following was said of this true patriot:
“As a man, a citizen, a legislator, and a patriot, he exhibited a conduct untarnished and undebased by sordid or selfish interest, and strongly marked with the genuine characteristics of true religion, sound benevolence, and liberal policy. Entertaining the most ardent love for civil and religious liberty, he was among the first of that glorious band of patriots whose exertions dashed and defeated the machinations of British tyranny, and gave United America freedom and independent empire.”
PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN LEADERS OF TODAY WOULD EXHIBIT CONDUCT UNTARNISHED AND UNDEBASED BY SORDID OR SELFISH INTEREST.