Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-07-01

important means Of ensuring the continuance of
peace. " 'fhe story of the life, therefore" es-
Pecihiy of the few, who, having been the most
distinguished, are retained on the present mill
laFy peace establishment, is generally desired j;
| ana cannot fail 90 awaken considerable degree
OF interest. Ofthese perhaps no one, during this
war OF three years, is more remarkable for
"The battles, sieges, fortunes. that he has
pass'd,
----disastrous chances,
+" And har-breadth 'scapes,''
than the subject of the following memoir Like
othello IN respect TO the dangers he has passed,
vet unlike him in respect to the disposition to re-
count thein--he may think that this recital ought
not to have been given to the public. But it has
often been requested and as men, as wei as wo.
men take delight in hearing
OF moving accidents by food and field"
80, IN The opinion of the writer, they ought to be
grsuhsd, whenever the relation may be in any
manner useful especially when il may have a
tendency TO animate our patriotism by the brave
men, who have stood forth i'll the maintenance of
our countrY's rights.
ELEAzER WaEELocK RIPLEY was born at Han
over, New Hampshire, the seat of Dartmouth
ColeSe, April 18th, 17S2.t-He is the grandson
OF the venerable and pous founder of that inst
tuition, DR.. Eleazer Wheelock, whose name he
bears, ard nephew.of the present learned Pres-
cent non John Wheelock, l.. L. ID. HIS father,
uie hey. Syfvanus Ripley, graduate of the first
class, and the first professor of divinity in the
college, died in the beginning of the year 1872,
unyersallyrespecteda aud beloved. Of the Young
ianiiy OF SIX children, thus left, in circumstan-
ces not athucnt, to the care of an intelligent and
Pious mother, the subject of this sketch was the
second son, then in the fifth year of his age
IN the studies preparatory to his ADMISSION into
coHege, he displayed the same resolute and per-
SeVerng ri, tor which, in the subsequent po--
rlod OF his Life and in every SITUATION he has been
remarkable. After receiving. the first honors of
the University IN 1900, he inthe cou rse of a few
years commenced the practce of the law in the
county of Kennebec, District of Maine. In the
PROFESSION which he had chosen, he soon exhibit
ed talents or no ordinary stamp. Patient and
deep IN research, but quick in his conceptions,
and iiuent and energetic in his delivery, he rose
rapidly to eminence. While the ascendancy of
his genius was felt at the bar he exerted his in
nuence With great effect in the political ques-
lions OF the day. But, although devoted to his
profession, he was also eager in his pursuit of
general knowledge, being equally fond ofabtruse
and polite literature He even cultivated poet
~. One production of his muse is rememb cred,
which was given to the public, althoa III perhaps
wiulout his consent, and which indicates fancy,
and taste and feeling in the author Gentle al
tections, keen sensblity, high relish Tor clas-
seal elegance, and powerful mind, are the ca
Pabliltles OF the poet but who has leisure TO
ert them amidst the clamor of clients, the din
e. politics, and the thunder of arms
Almost as soon as he was qualified in respect
TO age, ne was elected from the town of Wins.
low or Waterville, to the legislature of Massa-
ch1setts In that body his talents and attain.
ments Immediately rendered him conspicuous
His hrst political year was marked by the intro
duction into the house of Representatives, of his
resolutions, approving of the conduct of the gen.
eral government and by his able support of
thenI-whIle yet youth--against a host of tall
ents in his political opponents. Principally, it
is believed, by his exertons, commissioners
were appointed to settle the disturbances occa-
stoned by conflicting land titles in the District
OF Name, by which means the discomfort of the
inhabitants Was quoted, and general salts
| faction given. In January, 1872, when the hon.
Mr.. SrohY, the speaker Of the house, resigned
me char, IN consequence of his beng appointed
| Judge OF the supreme court Of the United States
Mr. kIrLEY was chosen his successor.-Thus, be
fore he had reached the age Of 30, he was called
TO preside over the most numerous legislative
assembly IN America, and perhaps ON earth. =
AT The next session of the legislature in the
month OF May, he not a member of the
mousse but having removed from the county of
| hennebec TO Portland, he was elected one of the
senator's from Cumberland and Oxford, and ac-
| cordmgly took his seat in the senate of Massa-
chusetts. But this session terminated his politi
cal career for he had previously, in the month Of
| March, accepted the commission, given him I'M
solicited, oii,eutenant colonel in the army of the
: United States
| His acceptance Of this appointment excited
/ Gle surprise and regret ofmany OF his friends,
| tor he wls not rich; and after UNMARRIED perse-
yer9nce, he had become eminent in his profession,
with abundant and interesting business, and a
far prospect Of wealth. His public career also
| had been honorable to him, while his powerful
talents and determined policy were conducting
1 Inn 60 high distinction rs a statesman Under
! these circumstances, TO abandon the pursuits Of
civil Life for military appointment, which was
Inadequate TO hssupport seemed to be a VIOLA
! sion OF every rule OF prudence. But ne was re-
ally sgusted with political contention. and had
\ resolved, at all events, soon to withdraw from
public life. The state ofhis health also required
some active employment Blu perhaps more
than any thing else, the thirst fJr military ex-
| PLOTS and renown--a passion seldom restrained
! by justce-led him, in the anticipation OF war,
to decision which has proved h.,hiy beneficial
70 his country.
! just before the declaration Of war, Lieutenant
Colonel EtpLsT was entrusted by General DEAR
socs With Tie command of the forts and garrisons
ftom 5acO to the Bay of Fassamaqucddy, and was
directed 90 place tuem IN state Of defnce----
lie took Up MS residence at Fort Scanned,
/ Which, together with Fort PEBBLE, commands Tie
l eltr.uce mo Tie harbOr Of Portland. For fur.
Their security lie constructed battery at the
foot of tie bluff, near the town. Re applied HIM
self ass ei5ssiy tc the acquisition Of mlItery SCI
encc, AMI especially eXertei himself 10 fill
/ his rerluert. VIII ,ch was not vet raised His