Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-07-22

y l. { - 7,
and ought to adjourn for the purpose Ct re-
Aecting, whether it was reason or feeilng
which had them in subjection-a and they dio
adjourn upon the suggestion.
when Mr.. AMEs had finished this effort
of patriotic zeal and sublime eloquence, the
citizens Of every description were eager to
know its effects upon his health continually
besieeing the doors Of his lodgings with en-
uviries and with testimonies OF desire to
contribute to his comfort and restoration.
Having recovered, so as to be able to travel,
he commenced journey through the mid
die states. His general reputation and the
sensations excited by his recent exertlons,
made him, on this tour, the object OF the
most interesting attention. He was every.
where received with public and individual
tokens of respect. He was hailed as among
the FIRST of the benefactors and the brightest
ornaments of his, country. The college OF
New Jersey at that time, consulted its own
honor, as well as his by comforting on him
the degree of Doctor of Laws.
Frail in health, fond OF retirement, OF
home-felt Joys and rural occupations, and
weary of public cares, Mr.. Ames, from this
time, became private citizen. A few
years before, he was married to lady, the
ornament of her sex, now his widow; On
whom has devolved the care Of those chill
dren, whomit would have been the delight
Of their father to have conducted into lite.
Happy it is for them, and consollng to their
friends, that she possesses in SO eminent 4
degree, the qualities and dispositions that fit
her for the task.
But though Mr.. AhEs sought retirement
ne was still in many respects public BENG
factor and servant. For few years ne con
sented to be member Of the council CT the
state. lie operated far around hin BY the
influence of his conversaticn, and his writ
ings in the public papers. On every CUES.
ton Of importance, his opinion was sought
and expected. When the country was in
tears at the death Of Washington, he was
chosen by the legislature, to pronounce an
eulogiam ; in which, though his friends
knew he did not satisfy himself, he was ad-
niated by impartial judges, to have execut-
ed an almost impracticable task, IN noble
and affecting manner.
Within few years past, the Office OF pre-
sident OF Cambridge being vacant, he was
Unanimously chosen to fill the place. Al
admitted that the brilliancy and the solidity
OF his talents, his love of learning and q
virtue, his suaYitv of temper and manners,
would have rendered him the greatest bless
inc to the institution: but considerations OF
health alone, if ether reasons had permit
ed, would not allow him to accept the sta
ton.
For a long time he has been lingering cut
oflife we have seen him IN pain and lar
gour, an example of dienihed composure and
chez rfulness, patience and benevolence.-
His sosicitudesfor his country never folsook
his heart. He saw death approachlng-tlat
reetitude Of intention, that subliillty OF virtue
which had governed and exalted him IN lite,
sustained him in his conflict with the last e.
nemy. On the moraius ofthe Anniversary
which celebrated the birth of his country, Oh
the spot which gave him birth, without d
struggle or pang he resigned his breath.
Having thus given sketch OF the events
of Mr.. Ame's life, the orator proceeded
to portrait Of his character.
OF all the gifts Of the Supreme Father to
his children, intellect is allowed to hold the,
most distinguished rank. The mind Of Mr..
Ames, was of great and extraordinary
character. Always right, he yet seemed to
arrive at the truth by intuition rather than
by investigation. He reasoned, but not in
the forms Of logic. By striking and 6orci-
BILE illustrations more than by regular de-
auctions, he compelled assent. The rich
ness and vividness of his fancy, the fertility
Of his invention, the abundance of his tho'ts
were as remarkable as the business and
strength of his understanding. He had a
brillisncy which at once instructed and asto-