Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-12-16
By JOHN &4.VDERSO.v.
TO THE PUBLIC.

" HE PUBLIC.
When we consider the personal qualities
OF the statesmen whose-rames arc affixed TO
the Declaration of independence, the peri
lous occasion which demanded the exertion
OF their wisdom and deIibs ration, and the
influence OF their councils on the interests of
mankind, we must acknowledge that very
rarely a 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 conmemcration, and of being
cherished forever in the hearts of grateful
and generous people. The love Of iridepen-
dence is interviewer with the. frame and CON
sttulIon OF The human mind. II is almost
the hrst sentiment that anl,nates the infants
features in the cradle; and amongst all the
actions and enterprises of man., none, has
aWaHed into activity greater exertion of the
virtuous energies of his nature, none has ex-
cited a greater warmth of veneration, and
has moro impetious 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
ro who has promoted the cause OF liberty and
maintained The Independence and dignity of
man. lhe animated canvas and breathing
marble have rescued his features from The
grasp OF death, and the pen of the historian
mas lnscrlbed tbe, achievements 10 the iinpe-
rlshable records OF tame. Ii would jndf ed
he no favor Bile prognostic of he perpetuity
ot our republican institutions to discover an
insensiblity 10 the obligations we owe<the
memory OF the illustrIoLs patrons Of Ame rican
freedom. They have raised us, by their
magnanIInity, from the arbitrary dominion of
foreign pow er, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and Independent people thew
have asserted and maintained the innrescrin.
tiole rights of humanity by the = mutual
pledge OF their pledge of their lives. their Tor.
tunes and their sacred honors 20 and. as long
as virtue holds her empire in tie hears of
their SUCCESSORS, the example of these gene.
rous beneiactors will not be lost to the world.
their names will not pass away nor be fo,pot-
ten, or their glorious deeds be confounded in
The common and casual transaction of life
ingratltude is vice that in nations. as vel
as individuals, indicates the last degree OF
degeneracy and corruption il is vice that
implies the absence of every virtue: il Was
ID the age OF Caligula that the name, of the
Sciplos, was prescribed, that the state. Of
brulus brought death on its possessor. ~.
lhe glory OF our ancestors is the light Of
PosterI'y, and the homage ofthe living cam
not be offered TO the merits Of the iIlustrious
dead with an efectual or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom, he
achieved by men who have humble or ordi.
nary objects in prospect. Ii is by contemnI,.
ting the life and character of those who arc
marked out from the multitude by their emil
nent qualities, that we become emuIou, Of
their virtues and their renown. The trophies
of nlIltIades interrupted the sleeps of Tkemis.
!!ocles and Theseus, hearing the exploits of
Hercules, was fired with his spirit. and he
came the successful rival of his fame Tho
ruce savage OF the desert listens with rantnre
to the deeds OF his ancestors. and hang. a.
round his hut the emblems of his fathers W.
lour. -
More need not be said to enforce the u,;,,,v
Oh Inc publication we have undertaken, and
which we now submit 10 the patronage of our
ieliow.citlzens. with hope, that from tho
,inerailty OF their encouragement we shall
De able TO present it TO the public worthynf
their appreciation. We must depend f,t' ha
illustration OF many Of the Characters of o,,,.
biography, upon the generosity of their snr.
VTing relatives and friends, to furnishlI,s wit,,
Whatever interesting materials may be in their
possession for which, with our grateful sc.
acknowledgements, we premise copy of the
ehlire VOTE as compensation.
CONDITIONS.
l.. ne work will DC pubIiited innunbers or
nall volumes Of 200 pages, octsyo and
contained in ten numbers. To tba 6r".
VIII be prehxed an appropriate i ren,;s.
plsceIand the work will BE- comhensssd
with the declstatian of independents VII, Win
engraved FAC SMILES of the signa,.rss ~" III
coInpendlous detail of the proceedings sp ~
congress curing the passage of the Law
Laeh Of me lives. unless when, II Is IN,
pssc.lssaple, will be preceded by lits
ness lhe person, engraved by the b.s,
;, artists 10 the United States. = ~esosst
y. II will be printed on fne paper Il H..
expressly for the purpose. and da'l; made
.s suuscIipers at tao dollars and Il fin Gems
Ressh s,,t, payable on delivery '"'s