Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-11-12
BIZ JOHN .S.i.NDERSCN.
TO THE PUBLIC.

" L - b'LiSs 80
When we consider the personal qualities
OF the statesmen whose names are affixed to
the Declaration of independence, the peril
lous occasion which demanded the exercise
oil their wisdom and deliberation, and the I
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 conSmemoratiOn, and OF being
cherished forever in The hearts of a grateful
and generous people. The love OF indepen-
dence is interviewer with the 2rame and con-
stituion of the human mind. r 1t is almost
the first sentiment that animaes the infants
features in the cradle and amongst all the
actions AMI enterprises OF man, none has
awaSed into activity greater exertion OF the
virtuous energies of his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth of generation, and
has mere 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-
TO who has promoted 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, and the pen OF the historian
| has inscribed the achievements 10 the impe-
! risbable records OF fame. II would indeed
| be no tayor bic prognostic of the perpetuity
! of cur republican institutions to discover an
| insensibility to the obligations we owe tho
| memory of the il!usyoLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised US, by their
magnanimity, from the arbitrary dominion of
foreign power, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and independent people they
have assslted and maintained the imprescrip.
tiole rights of humanity by the mutual
pledge OF their pledge Of their lives, their for
tunes and their sacred honors - and, as long
as virtue holds her empire in the hearts Of
their successors, the example of these gene
rous beRet4ctcrs will not be losi to the world;
their names will not pass away nor be forgot
! ten, or their glorious deeds be confounded in
| lhs common and casua. transaction of life
| lHgratitude is vice that in nations. as well
as individuals, indicates the last degree OF
degeneracy and corruption it is vice ,fat
implies the absence of every virtue j. was
in the age of Caligula that the name OF The
Scipios was prescribed, that the state of
Bruus brought death on its possessor.
=" The glory OF our ancestors is the light of
posterity,'' and the homage of the livirg can
not he offered TO the merits of the illustruus
dead with an effectual or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom be
| achieved by men who have hum Die or ordi.
nary objects in prospect. II Shy coh!empla-
| 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 hIiltiades interrupted the sleeps Of 'Themis!
tocles and Theseus, hearing he exploits of
Hercules, was fired with his spirit, and be-
! came the successful rival OF his fame. The
I rude savage of the desert listens with. rapture
to the deeds OF his ancestors. and hangs a.
round his hut the emblems of his fathers va
lour. ~
More need not be said to enforce the utility
| efthe publication we have undertaken. and
which we now submit to the patronage of our
fellow citizens. with a hope, that from the
liberality OF their encouragement, we shall
be able to present it TO the public worthy of
their appreciation. We must depend for the
illustration OF many of the characters of our
biography. upon the generosity of their sur
wing relatives and friends, to furnish us with
whatever interesting materials may be in their
possession; for which, with our grateful &C.
acknowledgements, we promise copy of the
entire work as compensation.
| CONDITIONS.
l. The work will be publiihed in numbers or
half volumes Of goo pages, octave, and
contained in ten numbers. To the first
will be prefixed an appropriate frontis-
piece-and the work will be commenced
with the declaration Of independence, with
! engraved fac SMILES Of the signatures. and
compendious detail of the proceedings OF
congress, during the passage of the law.
Each OF the lives, unless when il is i'm
practicable, will be preceded by ike
ness OF the person, engraved by the best
artists 10 theSUnited States.
| II. 1t will be printed on fine paper, mad.-
expressly for the purpose, and deliveret d
| to subscribers at tao dollars and jsstiy cents
| pernumber, payable on delivery.
| ~" Subscriptions received at this Office.