Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-12-01
BIZ JOHN !SfNDERSO.N.
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 exertion
OF their wisdom and dciiberation, 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 comnemoration, and OF being
cherished forever in the hearts Of grateful
and generous people. The love of indepen-
dence is interviewer with the frame and con-
stitutlon Of The human mind. It. is almost
the hrst sentiment that animates the infants
features in the cradle ; and amongst all the
actions and enterprises Of man, none has
aWa6ed into activity greater exertion of the
vlrtuous energies OF his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth Of veneration, and
has moro imperious claims upon our graft
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.
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 tho
grasp OF death, aud the pen of the historians
has Inscribed the achievements TO The impe-
rIsbable records Of fame. Il would indie ed
be no favor BILE prognostic of The perpothity
OF our republican institutions to discover an
insensibiity to the obligations we owe the
memory OF the lllustroLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised US, by theiY
msasnanIm'ty, from the arbitrary dominion of
a foreign power, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and independent people they
have asserted and maintained the imprescrip1
tlolee rights Of humanity by the s'mutual
pledge oil their pledge of their lives. their for
tunes and their sacred honors :" and, as longs
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 will not pass away nor be forgot.
ten, or their glorious deeds be confounded in
The common and casual transaction of life
lngratltude is vice that in nations, as wei
as individuals; indicates the last degree Of
oegeneracy and corruption il is vice that
implies the absence of every virtue il was
in the age Of Caligula that the name of the
SSc'plos, was prescribed, that the state Of
brutgs brought death on its possessor.
ne glory OF our ancestors is the light Of
not be offered to the merits OF the nInstr;o,,s
dead with an efectual or sterile admiration,
Great and splendid actions will seldom h.
achieved by men who have hum Die or ord;.
nary objects in prospect. Its by contemnIa.
ting the life and character of those who ara
marked out from the multitude by their emf
nent qualities, that We become emulou, of
Their virtues and their rehown. The trophies
o. MIItlades interrupted the sleeps of Themisl
tocles; and Iheseus, hearing the exhibit, ne
Hercules, was fred with bis spirit, and he
came the successful rival of his fame The
ruGe savage OF the desert listens with raptur,
10 the deeds Of his ancestors, and bans. -,
round his hut the embems of his fathers Va.
lour.
More need not be said to enforce the u,il;tu
OF The publication we have undertaken. and
which we BOW submit 10 the patronage Of onn
ii!eliow.cltIzens. with hope, that from the
loerality OF their encouragement, we shaI
o. De aols 10 present 1t 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
VyIng relatives and friends, to furnish b, will,
whatever interesting materials may he in thehn
possession Tor which, with our grateful an.
kno"eusmehts' we promise copy Of tnS
ehllre Work as compensation.
49, CONDITIONS.
|. The work will be publiihed in nn,oho
half volumes Of goo pages. Octave sn ~
contained in ten numbers. To~fha S snu
will be prefxed an appropriate fron,;s se
piece.-and the work will be. conmen"aS
with the declaration of independence vii,
engraved lac Smiles Of the Signature, III
compendious detail of the PROCEEDING s" &c
congress, during the passage Of the an "
Each OF the lives, unless when II !. ;n
Practlesabie, will be preceded BY Ike
ness Of me person, engraved BY the he's,
artists IN the United States. D''.
1t. IT will be printed on fine paper mad.
expressly tor the purpose, and del;vsraS
70 subscribers at lao dollars and ftiu e.n,s
number. payable on delivery. ,s''