Alexander Scammell, a Revolutionary patriot, soldier, and adopted son of Durham, N.H., served with distinction through six years of the war from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, where he was wounded, captured, and died six days later, Oct. 6, 1781. Born in Mendon (now Milford), Mass., in 1747, he attended Harvard and studied law under John Sullivan. Named Adjutant General of the Army at Valley Forge, he was praised by Washington, who said after a long campaign, "The man who inspired us to do our full duty was Alexander Scammell." In 1933, the General Court named the bridge over the Bellamy River for Scammell.