Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-11-27
BIZ JOHN S.l.TDERSO.T.
TO THE PUBLIC.

" f1E fUbLlC.
When we consider the personal qualities
of the statesmen whose names are affixed to
the Declaration of Independence. the peri
OF their wisdom and elaboration, and the.
influence Of their councils on the interests Of
mankind, we must acknowledge that very
rarely more imposing spectacle has beer
offered TO the world, and we shall seek in
vain in the annals of nations, for an event
more worthy OF commemoration, and OF being
cherished forever in the hearts of grateful
and generous people. The love of indepen-
dence is interviewer with the frame and con-
stituton of the human mind. Ii is almost
the first sentiment that anlmaies the infants
features in the cradle and amongst all the
actions and enterprises of man, none has
awaked into activity greater exerti0n OF tho
yirtuous energies of his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth of venCration, and
has more imperious claims upon our grati--
tude, than resistance to tyranny and POLITICAL
aggression.
In all republican states the first tribute Of
genius has been paid to the patriot or the he.
70 who has pomoted the cause OF liberty and
maintained the independence and dignity of
man. The animated canvas and breathing
marble have rescued his features from the
grasp Of death, aud the pen of the historian
has Inscribed the achievements to the impe-
rishable records OF fame. 1t would indeed
be no favor ,ble prognostic of the perpetuty
Of our republicans institutions to discover an
insensiblity 10 the obligations we owe the
memory of the illustrious patrons OF American
freedom. They have raised u., by their
magnanimity, from the arbitrary dominion Of
foreign pow er, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and Independent people they
have asserted and maintained the imprescripL
tiole rights of humanity by the mutual
pledge OF their pledge OF their lives, their for
tunes and their sacred donors :" and, as long
as virtue holds her empire in tie hearts Of
their successors, the example of these gene
rous benetactors will not be lost TO the world:
their names will not pass away nor be forgot.
ten, or their glorious deeds be COMPOUNDED in
lhe common and casual transaction of life
lngratltude is vice that in nations, as wei.
as individuals, indicates the last degree of
degeneracy and corruption it is vice that
implies The absence of every virtue it was
IN the age OF Caigu!a that the name of the
Sc'plos was prescribed, that the state of
Bru!us brought death on its possessor.
he glory OF our ancestors is the light of
poste;rity,'' and the homage of the living cam
dead with an ehectual or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom be-
achieved by men who have hum Die or ord.
nary objects in prospect. 1t is by contempIa.
ting the life and character of those who are
marked out from the multitude by their emf
nent qualities, that We become emulous of
their virtues and their renown. The trophies
OF Mitiades interrupted the sleeps of Themis.l
tocles; and Theseus, hearing the exploits Of
Hercules, was fired with his spirit, and be.
came the successful rival of his fame. The
rude savage OF the desert listens with rapture
to the deeds OF hi, ancestors, and hangs A.
round his hut the embiems of his 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 our
fellow. citizens. with hope, that iron TN
Ilberality OF their encouragement, we shall
be able to present it to the public worthy uf
their APPRECIATION. We must DEPEND for tho
illustration OF many of the characters of o,r,
biography, upon the generosity of their sur.
wing relatives and friends, to furnish ms With
Whatever interesting materials may be in tbei.
possession for which, with our grateful ar.
knowledgmehts, we promise COPY of ~
entire work as compensation.
CONDITIONS. ~
l. IN Inc work will be publiihed in numbers O.
nall volumes OF 200 pages, octave, and
contained IN ten numbers. To the 6rst
WIN De prehxed an appropriate Fronts
piece-and the work will be Commence
with The declaration of independence. win
engraved FAC SMILES of the signatures. and
compendiou' detail of the proceedings of
congress, during the passage of the law.
n na.a Vi inc ilves, unless when it is i'm.
Practleeaole, Will be preceded by like.
artists in the United States. 'esA
IL. 1t will be printed on fine nan.r. ..d.
expressly for the purpose. and del;seroh
to subscribers at tgo dollars and A., e
per nSmber, payable on delivery. '>"S
- Subscriptions reserved At hi, ot;e.