Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-10-10
From Jcckso1I's Commercial and Poltica!
Register.
LIFE OF WASHINGTON.

after an interval OF some weeks, the
public have been favored by the APPEAR
ance of The second volume Of this inle
resting work. Gbbon says it is the pecu-
liar advantage OF English literature, that
the fame Of a book read with appreciation
In London Immediately spreads TO the
shores Of the Delaware * the Gauges. OF
the work coming from The pen of MIR.
Marshall we may say it will Immediately
have its readers from the lakes 10 ST. Ma
rvs, from the Woods 70 the ocean-
What can be so interesting to Americans
as the eventfIl history oil their own empire,
the recorded achievements Of their first
& venerable patriots. In the pages of Mir.
Marshall, the aged sire calls up The anma-
ting remembrance of his early toiIs--The
young are tod who were their oene "a lors,
receive in full system, what they had
caught as Evolutionary fragments, and lis-
ten with an enthusiasm TO the story, that
recounts the glory of their hers.
Alter a judicious introduction, present.
ing under one view he original settlement,
and carly progress of the different colonies,
Mr.. Marshall has opened the first chap
ter Of his second volume with an account
of the birth of the lilustrious subject OF
his work. In this chapter most readers
are represented with anew, & all with amin
teresting scene. They are introduced to
Washington at time of life when cha.
raeter is unfolding. They see him a
youthful soldier, constant intrepid and as
piring, aiming at distinction and thirstine
Tor glory. They see him, in posts orinferi-
or military command, the faithful and yea.
lous executor of every trust, displaying
in the onset Of his military career, a skill
and valor that drew admiration from the
experienced and disciplined captains of a
martial people. The narrative Of this
chapter is successfully conducted, and at
tains the Erst purpose of every narrative,
that Of leaving upon the mind a distinct
and lively impression of its subject. The
second chapter gives a full account of the
causes of the difference between the CO.
lonies and the mother country. The great
question of the right Of Britain to tax her
remote subjects is here viewed in every
light. To this chapter the American rea-
Ter, in distant generation, will resort as
the voucher of the reclitude and patrio-
tism of his ancestors. He will see in il
sense of justice that perceived wrong, and
a high minded spirit that stood forth TO re-
sist it. In scenes of political collision he
WILDE reminded, that the birth OF his coun-
try was in virtuous jealousy and honora-
bic pride, and will hesitate how he ever
consents TO recall Of those pledges Of ma
tlOnal security and independence. The
remainder Of the book comprises histo-
w Of the military operations Of the reyo-
luton, down TO the winter Of 70 and IT
of the expedition into Canada a vivid
narrative is given. To have been a
spectator Of the conhiG at Quebec could
alone have given more disin9 idea of
it than MIR. MarshalPs Tecital.-The off
cial letters Of General Washington are
cOpiously spread Throughout the work
and taken in connexion with existing e.
vents, shew in impressive lights, the quick
sighted and pervading approximations Of an
able chief. 1t will be the praise Of Mr..
Msrshall's work that it contains so mi
mule an account Of the war. II is proper.
ly observed that history is biography (:
Roscoe's life OF Lorenzo OF Medicls is
history Of the learning and arts Of a nc
dern aye of Italy. The life of Alexan-
der embraces a history Of the overthrow
of the Greean states, and the biographer
If Cesar must shew us the Characters Of
Byglus and Of Anthony. DIR. Ramsay's
history is faithful and interesting; but Mr..