Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-03-03

changed. Those, however, among the
existing modes which imply temperate
festivity, the charm Of music, and the
presence Of accomplished females, re-
auire but little innovation. Owing to the
prevailing manners, procession, oratlons,
dancing and music, are with US unexcep-
tionable entertainments. Impressed by
such ideas, I cheerfuliy assisted at the
late ball in Fredericksburg given as on
the anniversary OF Westinghouse birth
day. 1 telt it becoming faithful citizen
and jealous son oil liberty thus to com-
memorste the merits OF the man "tirst in
peace, FIRST in war, first in the hearts OF
his csuntrymen In contemplating the
character OF such glorious patriots, and
retraeing from recollection, the causes
Of their glory. the dormant public spirit
Of individuals is awakened and invige-
rated. The occasion, indeed, seemed
spontaneously to exhilirate all minds, and
harmonize all hearts. The old and the
middle aged, the young and the beautiful,
the grave and the sprightlv, appeared to
sympathise in feelings of joy, exultation
and gratitude.
For my own part, I have been so much
habituated to solitary thinking, that am
commonly visited BY some train Of invo.
luntary reflections even in public ball
room. On this occasion, | recolected
that Washington himself, who had reli-
gion without austerity, dignity without
haushtiness, modesty without bashfu'ness,
and politeness without affectation, during
part Of his life not emily delighted in
dancing, but personally partook of that
elegant exercise. For, when a youth, |
have more than once seen him at balls
and concerts. As public man, l had
frequent access to lin on other occasions
afterwards, when the gravity of his public
functions forbid him such indulgence or
relaxation. Then, indeed, his public cha
racter had become so effu!gent, that his
private virtues Tor faults, if he had any
seemed to disappear as if dissolved in
the radiance Of his renown. But, at a
period still later, his retreat from public
life, his devotion to domestic pursuits,
and, above all, the eager curiosity of
mankind to learn by what previous train
ing character so transcendant had been
formed, have contributed to enlarge my
acquaintance with his private qualities.
1t is now manifest, both from authentic
annals and from his domestic documents,
that Washington, from early youth, was
indelatigably industrious; insomuch, that
it may be truly affirmed. that he was an
utter stranger to inocenration.
No youth, it appears, surpassed him in
persevering assiduity. Whatsoever his
mind dictated, or his hand found to do,
he did it v ith all his might. Truth and
utility he steadily pursued and generally
attained. The integrity of Washington
has never been questioned. His real
motives were openly avowed. His ends
we're always upri. ht and his means pure.
His education WAS plain. His opportu-
mites for the early acquisition Of know
ledge from books, were limited. Its be-
lieved that he was familiar with few on.
ly of the best English authors. Yet by
knowing the character of his countrymen
thoroughly,-by the union Of dRigent
thought, patient enquiry, unwearied re-
Election and correct taste-he filled a
sound and vigorous mind with panly aud
momentous ideas. These were wholly
p, actical, and he always applied them
with precision and energy to their proper
objects. Washington was punctual in all
his engagements temperate in his Ell
joyments-Iiberal, h0spitable and urbane,
and such lover Of order. that he was
exact and methodical in every transac
ton. In fine, he was a dutiful son, a
good husband, a just master, q kind
Heighbor, a fond brother, and an exem-
plary step.father In private life, as we'll
as in public profession, without ostenta-
ton Of piety lie was the sincere friend Of
IN orality and religion. Who that reflects
upen the worth and wisdom of such a
man, can doubt that i, is upon the lm-
mutable basis of private virtues that the
Immortality oil his public renown repo-
ses --
KOScIusCo.
WARSAW. DEC. S-The following is
the excellent Fur eral Grafton on Kos
ciusko, delivered by his companion in
arms. the celebrated Polish author, Mr..
Won Niemkewikz, on the occaaiOn OF his
funeral sslemni,y, Nov. IA.
This mournful sOlemnity-this homage
to the dead--these flaming tc@rhes- this
multitude of assembled mobiles and peo-
ple-these mJurniul accents OF the re-
vered priests-sll, all announce to US a
bite, an irreparable loss.-But what can
add to the suggestions Of your own
feelings-what to The words OF the rever.
ed servant of telip;on !? Al ii dies not