Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-11-19
BIZ JOHN SaJNDERSO.N.
TO THE PUBLIC.

~ ne fUDLIC.
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 deliberation, 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 oil commemoratiOn, and OF being
cherished forever in the hearts of grateful
and generous people. The love OF indepen-
dence is interviewer with theArame and coma
stltullon of the human mind. 1t is almost
the first sentiment that anlmates the infants
features in the cradle and amongst all the
actions and enterprises of man, none has
awaked into activity greater sxertion OF the
yirtuouS energies OF his nature, notie has ex.
cited greater warmth of generation, and
has more imperious claims upon our graft.
'u.t, 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.
70 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 trsm the
grasp OF death, and the pen of the historian
has inscribed the achievements to the impe-
rIsbable records oil fame. 1t would indeed
be no favor bile prognostic of the perpGtuity
of our repUblcaH institutions to discover an
insensibility to the obligations we owe the
memory of the ilIustroLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised u., by their
magnanimity, from the arbitrary dominion of
foreign power, to the distinguished elevation
of a sovereign and independent people they
have asserted and maintained the imprescrips
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 benefactors will not be lost to the world;
their names wilnot pass away nor be toIgoti
ten, or their glorious deeds be COMPOUNDED in
the common and casual transaction of life
ingratitude is vice that in nations, as web
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 Calgula that the name of the
ScIplos was prescribed, that the state of
Brutrs brought death on its possossor.
" The glory Of our ancestors is the light of
posterliy," and the homage of the living can
dead with an eifectual or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom, he
achieved by men who have hum Die or ordi.
nary objects in prospect. 1t Hby contempla.
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 Miltiades interrupted the sleeps of Themisa
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
10 the deeds OF his ancestors, and hangs a.
round his hut the ernbiems Of his fathers va.
lour.
More need not be said to enforce the utility
OF the publication we have undertaken, and
which we now submit TO the patronage of our
fellow citizens. with hope, that frsn the
libera!ity 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 on.
biography, upon the generosity of their SUR
vving relatives and friends, to furnish Us With
whatever interesting materials may be in their
possession for which, with our grateful ae.
acknowledgements, we promise COPY of thu
entire work as compensation.
CONDITIONS.
|. The work will be publihed in numbers or
halt volumes Of 200 pages, octave. and
contained in ten numbers. To the FIRST
will be prehxed an appropriate fronti,-
pisce--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 If +. inn.
practicable, will be preceded by a like.
ness of the person, engraved by the be:f
artists 10 the United States.
IL. 1t will be printed on fine paper. made
expressly for the purpose, and delivered
to subscribers at t,ro dollars and ffiu cent,
number, payable on delivery.
~" Subscription, reserved at this Office,