Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-12-02
CAUTION.
For TIE yrnoISrA Aneus.
TIE CEMsoR. Ma. 6.

This most fortunate, and unfortunate adyent,l-
rer, has had his political and military talents com.
pared with those of the American hero and poll.
tic;an. | understand that this has been SUBJ
ject of controversy, both in England and Ame-
RIGA. In morality, honour, and disinterested
patriotism, believe no man possessing a repu.
tation, would hazard it, by contending for Roma
parties preference. Of his political, and mihta.
ry career, l have said enough Let us take a cur.
sorry glance at the political and military conduct
of the father of America. In doing this, 1t does
not lie within my present scope, to pay my res
poets, and do homage to the other American he
roes and statesmen, for the conspicu share of
honour, to which, their services and their worth,
give them just title, in the affections of crate
full country.
Passing by some great commanders, such as
Marcellus Ensis RomGnoruni, Sciplo Africans,
Fabius, Themistocles, Epaminondas &C. we
come to the great Hannibal, who would have
subdued the Roman empire, but for the jealousy,
and neglect of the Carthagenin government =
We come next TO Alexander the great, who ex-
eeeded Napoleon, in every thing, except tempe
rance and treachery thence, to julius Cesar, his
superiorin all things, but cruelty and perfitly /;
thence, to Frederic the great, who exceled him
in skill, policy, and heroism; thence, We come
to Charles the 18th of Sweden, who as a comman-
der, was inferior to Bonaparte, in nothing but
fortune, madness and folly thence we come to
Washington, inferior to none of them in bravery.
skill, firmness in adversely, and moderation in
prosperity; in prudence, politics, humanity, llo.
nesty, and sincere patriotism, superior to ALL
Washington was not an ambitious man. He de-
lighted in the sweets Of private lite, and in do
nestle repose. Not beng one of those evil s5i-
rIts who seek to raise whirlwinds, in order to
ride on tie storm, he was not the fret to excite
opposition to the arbitrary and unconstitutional
measures of the British government vet, he
concurred with the warme est patriots Called from
his happy home, he left it, with regret, and
with great diiiidences accepted me supreme
command believing that he owed it as a duty
70 his God, and 10 h.s country TO serve them both,
zDih oil his mighk soul and body In this long
struggle, whsca 6Ied tie souls of men, the most
arduous tnat ever engaged the wisdom, the valor
and icrtitude of man, he did more than ever man
did, and what, perhaps, no mortal will ever do
again For II has rarely occurred that such pro-
found talents, immoveable hrmness, and dsin-
terested conduct were combined in the same m
dyidual. We had many other very great COM
nanders, and enlightened patriots yet, | do be.
heve that there was no other man in existence,
who, it placed in bis situation, could have bro't
us, safe, out Of the contest, and landed us upon
Independent ground Throughout his military
and political career, he acted in q manner so SUI
peror 70 mor,als, that am fully persuaded, the
benefcent creator designed him for tie instrti-
ment oi hs purpose and with an unseen hand,
guided ihe means, and achieved the super-mor.
tai work. Il, the enjoyment Of all the ease and
comforts winch could adminisi err soace 70 NOR
sal man whilst passing through the dFeary vale OF
life, AZ the voice Of inslted liberty and injured
country, discarding every confederation or repard
save the consciousness Of doing his duty, aud oil
serving God aud man, he left his mansion Of
peace, plenty and resr, TO offer his head to the
Winds and rain, to make the frozen earth his bed
70 brave the tolls and storms OF war 70 sacrifice
himself fof tie public sood Faithful to his trust
too firm to be moved, possessing soul superior
to every difficulty and misfortune, his foFtitldc
never forsook him on the most trying occasions
he never Quilted his post, nor shrunk from the
cause which his heart had espoused. Yet, wa.
he ready at all times to account with those who
had trusted ban. Itawss ever ready to lay down