Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Cushing, Thomas Humphrey

CUSHING, Thomas Humphrey, soldier, b. in 1755; d. in New London, Conn., 19 Oct., 1822. He served during the Revolutionary war, beginning as a sergeant, was in Arnold's naval battle on Lake Champlain, and for his bravery was successively advanced until in July, 1812, he had reached a brigadier-generalship. In January, 1816, he was appointed collector of customs in New London. Some time after this he became involved in a quarrel with William J. Lewis, member of congress from Virginia, and the ball from Mr. Lewis's weapon struck Gen. Cushing's watch. The differences between the two gentlemen were amicably adjusted, and Lewis, stepping up to the general, said: “I congratulate you, general, on having a watch that will keep time from eternity.”