Another Founding Father whose father was well off, educated his son and sent him to England to finish his education. He graduated from Cambridge at 22 and remained in England for a time. During his two-year travels on the Continent, he spent several months in Rome learning to be a painter. After returning home, he married an accomplished lady and a year later returned to the Continent and England. They returned to his father's seat, anticipating a Happily Ever After.
He chose the side of the Patriots. In so doing, he was one of those taken prisoner for a year but later released. Working in Congress, he finally contracted a fever. Like too many men, he ignored it and died far too soon, leaving behind a widow and eight children.
I think it admirable that he devoted his life to his country, but how much more might he have done if he'd taken care of himself? I need to take better care of myself.
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