Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-02-08
From the Richmond Compiler.
. NOBLE PAPER

If we are at loss for distinguished ex-
amples of public spirit, disinterested and
high minded virtue, devotion to country,
and the finest samples Of forcible compost
ton, we must go back TO the aera OF our
revolution, when so many soldiers were
heroes, and so many politicians were states
meE. The style of General Washington.
is IN general plain, sensible, and manly
1t is grave and elevated without profess
sing to be eloquent. 1t has every advan-
tage which sound sense, an elevated spi-
rit, and an elegant taste can confer but
there are some of bis compositions which
have the finest beauties of style, and even
of eloquence. II is refreshing sometimes
10 90 back and to drink Of this American
.' well undefiled." There is something in
these compositions which lifts the soul a.
bove the little parties and excitements Of
the day. Among the hnest of these pa
pers is the following Order issued by Gen.
WASHINGTON in giving notice Of the sus-
pension of hostilities. II is worthy OF the
Industrious leader Of the " Patriot Army :"
Chatham, .apr,t %.
The following orders were issued by Gen.
Washington, dated
Head-Q Quarters, .Aprsl Is, l783.
The Commander in Chief orders the
cessation Of hostiiities between the United
States of America and the King of Great
Britain, TO be publicly proclaimed TO-
morrow at ls o'clock at the New Building,
and that the proclamation which will be
communicated herewith, be read to NOR
row evening at the head Of every regiment
and corps OF the army after which the
chapIains, with the several brigades will
render thanks to Almighty God Tor all his
mercies, particularly for his overriding
the wrath Of man to his own glory, and eau
sing the rage of war to cease among the ma
tions.
Although the proclamation before allu-
ded TO extends only to the prohibition o!
hostil;ties, and not to the annunciation Of
general peace, yet 1t must afford the
most rational and sincere satisfaction to e.
very benevolent mind'as it puts period to
a long and doubtful contest, stops the eff
fusion of auman blood, opens the pros
pect TO more splendid scene, and, like,
another morning star, promises the approach
of brighter day than hath hitherto illu-
mined the western hemisphere. On such
a happy day, which is the harbinger oil
peace, day which completes the 9Th
year Of the war, it would be ingratitude not
to rejoice it would be insensibility not to
participate in the general felicity.
The commander in chief, far from en-
deavoring to stiAe the feelings of JOY in his
own bosom, offers his most cordial coDgra.
tulations on the occasion to a!S the officers
o! s,e cry denomination to all the troops Of
the United States in general and in parti-
cular to those gallant and persevering men
who had resolved to defend the rights OF
their invaded country, so long as the war
should continue. For these are the men
who ought to be considered as the pride
and boast of the Americ an army and who,
crowned with well earned laurels. may
soon withdraw from the field fglory 10 the
more tranquil walks of civil life. While
the commander in chief reco!lects the al
most infinite variety of scenes thro' which
we have past, with mixture of pleasure,
establishment and gratitude while he con-
templates the prospect before US with rap
ture, be cannot help wishing that all the
brave men, of whatever condition they may /
be, who have shared the tolls and dangers
ofetecting this glorious revolution of res /
cuipg millions from the hand of oppression,
and of laying the foundation of great en-
pire, might be Impressed with proper
idea OF the dignihed part they have been
called 10 act, under the smiles of provi |
dence, on the stage of human affairs; for |
happy, thrice happy! shall they be pro-
bounced hereafter who, have contributed
any thing !; who have performed the mean
set Office in erecting this stupendous fabric |
and empire on the broad basis of
independency /; who have assisted in pro-
tecting the rights OF human nature, and es-
sablished an asylum for the poor and OPP !
pressed OF all nations and religions. The !
glorious task for which We first flew oarms
being accomplished-the liberties OF our
country being fully acknowledged and firm