Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-11-18
BIZ JOHN S.4.NDERSON.
TO THE PUBLIC.

TO THE PUBLIC.
When we consider the personal qualities
of the statesmen whose names are affixed to
the Declaration Of independence, the peri.
lous occasion which demanded the exercise
Of their wisdom and delibcraton. and the
influence of their councils on the interests OF
mankind, we must acknowledge that very
rarely more imposing spectacle has been
offered to the world, and we shall seek in
vain IN the annals OF nations, for an event
more worthy OF Commenorat ton, and of being
cherished forever in the hearts of grateful
and generous people. The love of indepenA
dence is interviewer with the-frame ana con-
stituton of the human mind. 1t is almost
the hrSt sentiment that anlmaes the infants
features in The cradle and amongst all the
actions and enterprises of man, none has
awaked into activity greater exertion of the
vlruous energies OF his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth OF generation, and
has moro imperious claims upon our graft
tude, than resistance 10 tyranny and political
aggression.
In all republican states the first tribute Of
genius has been paid to the patriot or the he.
~ who has promoted the cause OF liberty and
maintained the independence and dignity Of
man. The animated canvas and breathing
grasp Of death, and the pen of the historian
has inscribed the achievements TO the impe-
rlsbable records OF fame. 1t would indeed
DC 40 favor bic prognostic of The perpetuty
ot our republican institutions to discoyef an
Insenslbilty to the obligations we owe the
Henory OF the ilIustrioLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised us, by their
mdgnanlmity, from the arbitrary dominion of
toreigB power to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and independent people thew
have asserted and maintained the imprescrpa
lIole rights of humanity by the mutual
pledge OF their pledge OF their lives, their for
tunes and their sacred honors ;" and, as long
IS virtue holds her empire in the hearts Of
their successors, the example of these gene.
Tous benefactors will not be lost to the world:
'heir names will not pass away nor be forgot.
ten, or their glorious deeds be confounded In
he common and casual transaction of lie
lngratItude is vice that in nations. as vel
as individuals, indicates the last degre. Of
degeneracy and corruption it is vice that
implies The absence OF every virtue il was
IN the age OF Callgula that the name of the
ScIplos was prescribed, that the state Of
Brutus brought death on its possessor.
" The glory of our ancestors is the light of
posterlty, and the homage of the living can.
not be offered to the merits OF the Hkstrious
dead with an etfectual or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom no
achieved by men who have hum Die or ordi.
nary objects in prospect. 1t is by contempla-
ting the life and character of those who are
marked out from the multitude by their emf
nent qualities, that we become emuIons Of
their virtues and their renown. The trophies
of Miltades interrupted thskleeps of Tbemis.:
tocles and Theseus, hearing the exploit, ne
Hercules, was fired with his spirit, and no.
came the successful rival of his fame. The
rude savage OF the desert listens with rapture
TO the deeds of his ancestors, and banes A.
round his hut the emblems of bis fathers Va.
lour.
More need not be said to enforce the u;ilitv
OF the publication we have undertaken. and
which we now submit TO the patronage of onr
fellow. citizens. with a hope, that from the
llberality OF their encouragement, we shall
be able to present it to the public worthy az
their appreciation. We must depend for rho
illustration OF many of the character. Of our
biography, upon The generosity of their sur
VIviDg relatives and friends, TO furnish rs with
whatever interesting materials may be in theft
possession for which, with our grateful ar
acknowledgements, we promise copy of the
entire work as compensation.
CONDITIONS.
L. The work will be publiihcd in numbers ar
hall volumes of 200 pages, octave. and
contained IN ten numbers. To the first
will be prehxed an appropriate fropti..
P,eee-and the work will be commenced
with the declaration of independence. with
engraved lac SMILES of the signatures. and
&C 'pendlou:' detail Of the proceedings OF
congress, during the passage of the law.
Each OF the lives. unless when If il i'm.
practicable, will be preceded by Ike
ness OF The person, engraved by the be-,
=, artists 10 the United States.
IL. 1t will be printed on Ghe paper, mad.
expressly for the purpose, and delivered
10 subscribers at fu,o dollars and ftly ctn,.
pc. number. payable on delivery.
SubscriptiOl, Ielsiyea at this Office