Samuel Huntington recounts his rise from Connecticut poverty to voting for independence in 1776, leading the Continental Congress through the Articles of Confederation, and later governing Connecticut. He describes a life of steady service rather than ambition.
Chapters
Good day. I'm Samuel Huntington of Connecticut, farmer, son, patriot, and servant to this young republic. I was not born to fortune or favored with much schooling. My learning came by candlelight, with borrowed books and hours wrested from the plough. Taught myself the law and earned my place in court not with flair, but with quiet industry. And the parliament's cruelty grew intolerable. I left my post as king's attorney and answered the call of liberty. In 1776, I took my seat in Philadelphia and cast my vote for independence. I was no orator, but I labored earnestly. My peers found in me a steady hand. When John Jay departed for Spain, I was chosen to preside over congress. It fell to me to shepherd the final ratification of the articles of confederation, our first national charter. And when Maryland at last gave its assent, I wrote to all 13 states. We are happy to congratulate our constituents on this important event, desired by our friends but dreaded by our enemies. So began a new government, and I guided our union through fragile beginnings. Over two centuries later, I would be officially recognized as the first president of the United States in congress assembled. When illness forced me to resign, I returned to Connecticut to govern once more. I saw our state through its birth, the new republic, and helped ratify the constitution that would carry us forward. I was not crowned. I was faithful. But I am content to have helped a nation stand.
