Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-08-20

quality, do not know another tralt1ot his Cha
racter, which qualities him for his situation.
True, he Was al the attack of Quebec, under
Montgomery. 1t is equally true, and can be
proyed by living officers, who were then with
him, that he was the standing jest Of his,cons-
panions for his duness and stupidity. At the
siege Of York, when the command OF tie re-
girnent deyolyed on him by the death OF his
colonel, he was removed into the Commissary
department, as being unfit 10 command the re-
giment. that the next in rank might take COM
mand. When secretary of war, his conduct
gave disgust to almost every man that APP
preached him, and he left that situation, with
out the regret Of single officer III the army
He is so illiterate, as to be unable TO pen a
common letter with deCency. The burden OF
his conversation is the most Vulgar and illbe-
raj abuse of his political opponents. He is
furious and ungovernable in his passions. His
manners insolent, oyerbearng and british 10
those under his control, who happen rot to
please his humor especially if they do not
bear the name of Republican. He openly
protested, and acted upon the profession, that
he would never give commission to fede
ralist, whatever might be his talents and vir-
tues. Is such man qualified to lead an ar
my Have we not called upon the icderalists
to lay aside party distinctiens---to rally round
the government, and 10 support the war =
How can we expect their cordial support un-
der such leader? Political distinctions never
should be known in the army, nor should po-
litical disputes be permitted. But if the COM
nnander in chief sets the example, who is to
Els 9TH tE,e aDHp -. c
selected from party motives, rather than mill
tary merit, will not the other officers be m
duced to seek promotion in the same way, aid
thus create eternal broils and party feuds.-
When it was mentioned i'll the British parlla-
ment In favor of minister, that he was I'M
partial in the appointment OF naval and mill
tary officers, the great Mr.. Fox replied, that
no minister in England ever dare ayow con-
trary conduct Gen. Dearborn will be found
to be but i'll qualified to tread in the steps Of
Wolf and Montgomery, These gallant he
rocS when selected for the command, were
not lettering their time in party squabbles and
organizing town meetings
AS TO the capacity of the Secretary of War
and the Secretary of the Navy, need only
refer to the leading republican papers, which
for months past have been pointing out their
weakness * imbecility. 1t was the republican
members who were constantly lamcnting their
want of arrangement, Industry and capacity.
On these departments the success of our mea-
surcs must greatly depend. 1t is for them to
organize and direct the forces by sea and land,
and to form and digest the operations of war.
Here ought we to look for mature wisdom,
extensive views, combined and comprehensive
arrangement in design, and yigor and prompt
ness in execution But we look in vain. It
was the constant declaration of the republicans
in the beginning of the session Of congress,
and even to the middle of the winter, that the
whole of Canada might easily be taken before
the breaking up of the ice. Yet with all the
winter, spring and most of the summer for
preparation, the main army destined for that
conquest is not ready to move. But it is said
unforeseen circumstances have obstructed the
operations, and the enterprise requires more
time, and is more difficult than was supposed
There is nothing new or extraordinary in these
circumstances nothing in the difficulties that
would have escaped the observation OF any
able statesman. Wisdom and vigor would
have foreseen and provided for all. 1t is only
to the weak and short sighted, that difficulties
multiply as they advance.
In these observations ] have omitted many
important toplcs-such as the navy, fortifca-
tons, finances, &c. because, respecting the
proper course to be pursued, there was DIFF
ference of opinion among the republicans l
have presented to view few Of the promi-
nent characters of cur administration and their
acts, Of their want of conduct, supported by
the almost unanimous opinion of the republi-
cans, as far as an extensive knowledge Of
those opinions have enabled NE to ascertain
them. From these opinions, from the evil
dence here adduced, think it must be clear
to every rejecting mind, that however impe-
rious was the call upon our rights, cur indie
pendence and honor, to the present conflict,
we can never look for an honorable and sue
cessiul termination of it, without change in
those who conduct it, Weakness and in,be