THERE is still room for debate as to who was the first American bard. It is open to any one to hold a brief for Sandys or Wigglesworth or another; but with the first two volumes of Mr. Pattee’s noble ...

MATAWAN - Like the other founding fathers of the United States, Philip Freneau was fond of words. Unlike them, this “poet of the American Revolution” hated pictures. Freneau did not sit for portraits.

Once more, our annual debt to pay, We meet on this auspicious day That will, through every coming age, Columbia’s patriot sons engage. From this fair day we date the birth, Of freedom’s reign, ...

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The 324-year history of the Hawkins House in Matawan includes its use as a tavern and meeting place for early American patriots including the borough’s own “Poet of the American Revolution,” Philip ...

From a nation whose manners are rough and severe, From scoundrels and rascals,—do keep us all clear. From pirates sent out by command of the king To murder and plunder, but never to swing. Philip ...