The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1804-08-08
Miscellaneous.
COMMUNICATES FOR THE ENQUIRER
PORTRAIT OF BoNAPAR7E.

nuitlUSI t'ii variety OF MS dCSNctlSntS, the UNI
formity OF his fuccets, and above al, the unex-
ampled rapidity ofhis progrcfs, give him an ex-
allied fation among the celebrated characters of
hitory. He has rifen like a meteor, in the
gloom of the revolution, and Attended with
ominoUs impetuoity, to the zenith of his pow
er. The multitude, dazzled by the uitre of his
renown, are conteEted with aicribing his for
tune to the fuperiority OF his genius, or the pre-
dominant influence of far. But philofophy
recolects that he is but man /; traces the events
ct his life to natural caufes; and feekS, in the
elements of his character, for the origin of his
high deftiny.
IT will be found to be correct obfervation,
that the characters of all thofe men who have
n'en very far above the common level of their
fpecies, are extremely fimple. The heart which
fwells with great deigns, mutt refuie admittauce
TO feelings and fympathies, which would only
divert its energies from the attainment of the
principal object. In the general intercourse of
life, it is fufficient to poeiS foul in which the
pailions are nicely balanced with each other,
and produce, by their equality, an amabletran-
guilty of character. 1t is indeed into fiIch
bolom this, that affection loves to pour
the torrent of its woes, and PROPERTY TO impart
its mott eXquiiite enjoyments. But the man who
plays the hazardous game of ambition, mutt fiji
He all the letier motiveG, and add their extin-
gui!hed force to the ruling PATTON Of his breah
Hence, in our analysts of the characters of diff
hnguihed men, it is only neceilary to afcertain
that ftriking feature, which gives them their pc
cullar impretion, and to mark its influence on
the events of their hifory.
Hever man was born for the period in which
he lived, that man is Bonaparte. France, az
failed on every hand by external enemies, and
torn afunder by internal factions, Ito longer ex-
hibited ftage, on which the milder virtues
could diiplay themfelves. Amidft the wild up
roar of the revolution, the voice of iuitice and
humanity was unheard and fucceiiive factions
hurried each other to the fcaffold, which they,
in their turn, were doomed to afcend. The mott
ignorant of the mob were thrown by the unna-
tural convuliions of the fate, into the feats of
power, from whence they Illuminated againft the
little remnant of virtue and talents which fill
exitted in the country. This turbid fate of the
political atmosphere was peculiarly corgenial to
the character of Bonaparte. From his child
hood he had been remarked for a fullen, unfocial
temper, naughty and inhcxible pride, which
alike forbade the approaches of familiarity or
the tender intercourfes of friendfhp. This re-
pulive garb concealed boundlefs ambition and
An elevated mind, which, confcious of its own
refources, could derive no qualification from the
frivolous amuementG of his contemporaries
War was the occupation to which his difpof-
ton naturally inclined him becaufe war af-
forded 4 field for the full exerton of all his ar
dent and enthufaftic qualities. In this icence
he ioon made proficiency which laid the foun-
dation Of all his future greatness.
foreigner who had tranfplanted himfelf in
to country remarkable for its national pride
a man Whole impenetrable referve formed a
ftrking contraf with the IISs;vity Of MS adopted
countrymen, mutt have encountered difficulties
OF no ordinary fort. In a moment of peace, it
is probable that thete difficulties would have
proved infurnountable. But the French cha
racter had undergone iudden ana entire revo-
luton. The gauds and trappings of monarchy
were laid aide, and every man began to feel the
importance and dignity of his character. They
beheld in Bonaparte youth who had embark
ed his whole foul in the revolution, and was re-
folved to perth in the caufe of liberty. He was
fingled ont at Toulon for his heroic courage,
and taken into the patronage of Barras. From
that moment his fortune was achieved, becaufe
his actions were obferved ; and the influence of
a great mind mutt always be felt when it has
iuificient theatre to exert itfelf.
Bonaparte does not feem qualified to rife by
llow gradations, to the highef honors of a we'll
eftablihed government. That feasibility of cha
racter which adapts itfelf to all circumstances
that inhnuating addrefs which glides into our
eteem; that Keen fagacity which watches the
joints and hexures of affairs" I; that patience
which enables the deferted demagogue TO wait
until the returning tide of popularity, flalI again
bear him along in triumph-thefe are not the
characteritlcs OF Bonaparte. He commands by
the peculiar energy of his character and to
command mankind it is necelIary that an occa-
fon fhould exit which may make them feel their
dependence. 1t is always painful to acknow-
ledge the fuperiority Of another, and in tranquil
times great and commanding talents are often
neglected, becauie they are not eflential to our
fafety.
Bonaparte has been confidered an able nego-
ciator; but his diplomatic fkill has never vet
been evinced TO the world. 1t filrely required
very little address to prelcribe terms to nations,
who had been previoully vanquifhedby his arms
Indeed all his treaties wear the appearance of a
military tonb deNsain. He gives his alti,nafpnf
at once, and denounces war & vengeance houd
il meet with a refu(al.
PerAapc sc man thai ever lived has fought
more battles than Bonaparte, or with more uni
form fuccefs. Promptnels and energy feem to
BE- the NOT prominent features of his military
character. After every allowance has been
made FOR the wifdon of his fchemes and the abb
lily of his execution, impartial hiftory NUT fay
that he has been the "ipoilt child of fortune.''
Cromwell and Bonaparte were each formed
for particular crii3 of affairs the former was
fortunate III having appeared in an age of hypo-
crifv, cant, and fanaticifm; the latter owes his
elevation to the lat moments Of a revolutionary
fruggle, when the people, tired Of purfuing the
phantom Of liberty, ailsed only for A refpite from
the perfCCutions of faction. Had Crom,yeilari