Thomas Lynch Jr.

I am Thomas Lynch, Jr. Planter's son, scholar of Eton and Cambridge, captain in arms, and one half of the only Father Son delegation ever to serve together in the Continental Congress. I was raised for a different life. Refined, learned, proper. But when the war stirred the rice fields of South Carolina, I took up a captain's commission, raised a company, and rode to serve. Sadly, fever found me before the British ever did. It lingered still. When my father fell ill. I was elected to fill his seat. Two Lynches and one Commerce. Both worn, both resolute. I signed the declaration three days before my 27th birthday. We left a space between the names of Rutledge and Hayward, hoping my father might one day recover and add his name. But he never did. I returned to Peachtree Plantation a sick man in a dying world. Public life ended. My lungs, heart and strength never came back. So in 1779, the doctors told me to sail to Europe for healing. My wife and I set out by sea, but we were never seen again. I had no children. I left only a name. And in my will, I guarded that name. Let no man inherit my land who does not bear it proudly. Lynch and no other. I gave what little time I had because even the young and unwell can rise when their country calls.