Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-11-15
BIZ JOHN S.4JNDERSON.
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 peril
louS occasion which demanded the exercise
o. Their wisdom and deliberation, and the
influence OF their councils on the interests Of
mankind, we must acknew ledge 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 conmemoral ion, and of being
cherished forever in Tue hearts Of grateful
an" generous people. The love of indepen-
dence i. inerwoven with the-trame and con.
81 tuition OF the human mind. Ii is almost
the inst sentiment that anlmates the infants
features in the cradle and amongst all the
actions and enterprises of man, none has
aw&ked into activity greater exertion of the
yrtuous energies OF his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth of generation, and
has more imperiouss 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
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 from The
grasp OF death, and the pen Of the historian
has Inscribed the achievements to the impe-
rIshable records OF fame. 1t would indeed
De no favor BILE prcgnostic of The perpstuity
of our republican institutions to discover an
insensibllity TO the obligations We owe the
memory OF the illuslroLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised US. by their
magnanlmity, from the arbitrary dominion Of
foreign power, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and independent people they
have asserted and maintained the imprescrip.
llole rights OF humanity by the mutual
pledge OF their pledge of their lives, their for
tunes and their sacred nonors !" and. as long
as virtue holds her empire in the hearts Of
their sGcce ssOrs, The example of these gene
rous benefactors will not be lost to the world:
their names will moi pass away nor be forgot.
ten, or their glorious deeds be- confounded in
Ih@ common and Casua. transaction of lie
lugratitnne is vice that in nations, as well
as individuals, indicates the last degree OF
degeneracy and corruption il is vice thai
implies the absence of every virtue : il was
in The age OF Caigula that the name of the
Sclpios was prescribed, that the state Of
bru'us brought death on its possessor.
he glory OF our ancestors is the Iight of
postenly," and the homage of The living cam
not be "'!ered TO the merits Of the illustrious
dead with an efectual or sterile admiration.
Great aud splendid actieas will seldom be
achieved by men who have hum 1leN or ordi.
nary objects IN prospect. |! is by contempla.
ting the lite and character of those who are
marked out from the multitude by their emf
ncnt qualities, that we become emuIous of
their virtues and their renown. The trophies
OF Miltlades Interrupted the sleeps of The mis-
tocles; and Iheseus, hearing the exploits of
Hercules, was fired with bis spirit. and be-
came the successful rival of his fame. The
rude savage OF the desert listens with raptnrc
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 utility
OF the publication we have undertaken and
which we now submit to The patronage ofou
fellow. citizens. with hope, that from the
lberallty OF their encouragement, we shall
be able to present il to the public WORTHY ,,f
their appreciation. We must depend for tho
Illustration OF many of the characters of our
biography, upon The generosity of their sur.
vIving relatives aud friends, to furnish us with
whatever interesting materials NAV he in their
possession for which, with our grateful ac-
acknowledgements, we promise COPY of the
entire Work as q compensation.
CONDITIONS
|. The work vii! be publiihed in number, or
halt volumes of eco pages, octave. and
contained IN ten numbers. TO the FIRST
Will be prehxed an appropriate fronts.
Piece-and the work viii be commenced
with the declaration Of independence. with
engraved fac Smiles of the signatures. and
comPendious detail of the proceedings or
congress, during the passage of the law.
Each oil the lives, unless when il is inn.
practicable, will b. preceded by like
ness OF Inc person, engraved by the best
artists in the United States. " "e 0'ss'
IL. l.. Will ne printed on fine paper, made
expressly for the purpose, and delivered
no. 20 SUBSIDIES ut at tsro dollars and fy cent,
.., SUBSCRIPTIONS received at this Office.