The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-08-21
For the Rhode-Isiand Republican
ELISHA r. POTTER.

IT has been reported by some of the {
ralists, that MIR. Coles, the private secrd
of Mr.. Madison, expressed himself, viii
Newport, in fattering terms respecting
representatives in Congress, especially
Potter, whom he styled man far super
for learning and abilities, 10 any il that no
Now Mr.. Coles might express himself
a like manner, or he might not. If he
not, the tale was fabricated for the purpos
promoting the interest Of this demagogu(
Rhode Island federalism to raise HIM in
esteem OF the publick, or TO keep him Fl
losing that ground on which he precariot
stands. If this was the strain in which D
Coles talked, he must be totally destitute
common sagacity, Or he was diverting hi
self at irony. That the first should be
case appears to me very improbable.
inclined TO think otherwise, in consequence
the high opinion have formed of his tale
and information, from the representations
those who have had the pleasure OF conve
ing with him, and from the circumstances
his being selected for private secretary by q
of the mos, enlightened and accomplish
scholars of the age. If this report be corrc
Mr.. Coles expressions must be consideI|
as mere sarcasm, which the federslists,
their mental simplicity, unluckily nistook
the illusions of sincerity, and exultingly pl
mulgated to a:d their mcagre cause. Droz|
ing terSons, says an old adage, catch at straa|
This is the deplorable case of the fcderalst
They eagerly lay hold of every trif1e with
their reach, though " light as air." to bu
themselves upon those waters which roll
angry surges over their guilty heads.
That Mr.. Potter has any prctensions to S
periour talents is what no person of comm'
sense can allow. For his private virtues al
character, if he possesses any, / have Il
highest veneration but as respects litera
attainments conceive him to be greatly
hcient. Of every part of the bellies lettres
is entirely ignorant; as philosopher he
dcspiCable. Nature, in none of her forr
ever attracted his attention. Indeed he
not the least claim to any scIentihck acQui'
tion, except in law and politicks. In the fiji
place his knowledge is not above mediocrit
AS speaker at the bar he is not nearly cqu
to number Of his neighbouring brethren
the profession. Although wordy he is n
perspicuous, or close rcasoncr. Of logi
he knows nothing. He is renowned for 6irt
guarding his opponents, and sometimes t
less informed, or forbearing judges and Inc
believe his eminence, as lawyer ends.
AS statesman he takes still lower rar
His mind is not sufficiently capacious to s,
vey the broad field of political erudition. I
intelligence on this head is imperfect and {
perficial. AS a declaimer upon the floor
Congress he is insignificant. Whenever
attempts to speak, he only discovers the u
cultivated state of his mind, and imbecility
genius. His speeches want energy, &C
nexion, and argument and that even aft
having undergone all the emendation that c
consistently be bestowed upon them.
would display much more wisdom by renal
ing silent, only giving his yea or nay, VIII
called upon for that purpose. This wou
at least, show some consciousness of his o.
incapacity. On LiHie-Ress Hill he may, p'
haps, appear of some consequence but VIII
placed among the sage counscllors of the Z
ton, he dwindles into kind of LiAihutic
ALBERT.