Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-09-02
Communicated for he .l'er'a. Gazette, ;
FULOGY.

Obituary praise his generally been APP
propriated to the eminent and the power
tul. The effects produced on society by
their actions, have procured honor TO their
memories and their virtues. real or tabled,
have been held IN as beacon to following
generations. II The delineation were ever
perfect-if the hdelity with which defects
are exhibited were ever proport'oned TO the
fondness with which merits are displayed
the partiaIity of friendship might lind
yindication in the useful lessons incuicated
by its panegyric. But seldom does the
pencil Of eulogy pourtray resemblance
true 10 its original. Frailtics are in,rodu-
ced only TO show that the pageant was hu-
man; and the few shades Of the picture
are so delicate that they serve only to mel
low the vivid tints Of ITS light. The dis
torted representations Of conspicuous cha
rac,ers thus presented by funereal COM
mcndalion, arise from so complicated a va
riety of causes, that their nature will pro-
badly never change, and they will continue
10 be read and disbelieved. From the IN
fuence of many of these motives, so unia-
vorable to truth, the praise of private viz
tue is exempi.-While in commemorative
the exceIlencies of one who walked the
path of ordinary life, he offers to surviving
emulation pattern more easily TO be iml-
tated, and height Of merit more accessi-
bic.
IL any character deserved the respect OF
society, and afforded in its exhibition ge-
neral and practical advantage, 1t is that OF
the late Mr.. Nicolas Frederick Blackiock.
This gentleman was born in Charles coun-
ty, Nd. in the year 1880, and at an early
age was entrusted to the care of the Rev.
Mr.. Weems, of that county, under whose
able guidance his mind obtained instruc-
ton, and his character was formed to re-
ceiye and nourish principles Of virtue, piety
and honor. When about 7years old, the
previous death of his parents made him the
protector Of many young brothers and SIS
tiers. The integrity with which he dschsr-
ged this important trust, may be readily
imagined by the witnesses of his conduct
in subsequent situations. For many years
afterwards he pursued in Alexandra the
occupation of merchant, to which be car
ried the same honorable spirit that had
marked his earlier and more retired life
Distinguished in every trans ction BY JUS
tce. intelligence AMI liberality, he was list
reaching tine requital of his mertorious la
bors. From ,hem, and from the delights Of
far carer relations, he was, on the 26th vi.
timo, at Port Tobacco, removed by a short
and sudden illness, to that abode where sor-
row terminates, and Joy is endless.
The well-founded hope induced by his
virtues, that they are now rewarded, can
not restrain the regret that they will no
more be exerted in this world but he lv-
ed long enough to subject his character to
the test Of time aud opinion, and TO crafty
hs friends by the safety with which it abb
ded that test. Indeed, his soul was SCI art
less and mreserved, that transient obser-
walton developed its qualities and left no.
thing for continued scrutiny 10 discover but
new niceties of feeling and new modihca-
tons OF virtue. In the common intercourse
of society, he was just, temperate, mild
and charitable; firm in duty, generous in
sentiment, inhexibte in honor, AMI faithful
in friendship. Modest and unobtrusive, he
was little solicitous of fame, and left the
palm of distinction TO be courted by COM
pelitors better fitted to the tumult of con-
tention, but moi better entitled to its recon-
pence. The judicious estimation OF merit
may seek topics for Mr.. BlackIock's praise,
where i, i, not always iound--in domestic
privacy There, in his instance, were to
be seen the tender husband, the Conside-
rate parent, and the induIgent MASTER
These Offices, which he so ornamenied,
have no, ceased but while virtue and be-
nevp,cace are dear, their memory will
flourish, and sympathy passing by his grave
will borrow the voice OF truth, and say,
"Here lie the ashes Of a man of Ororth."
BEAUTY AND WIT.