Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-12-13
By JOHN saNbERso.N.
TO THE PUBLIC.

TO THE PUBLIC. y
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 exertion
oil 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 20 the world, and we shall seek b
vain in The annals of nations, for an es.,.
more worthy OF commemoraiion, and ofbssII..
Cherished forever in the hearts of graft
and generous people. The love of inJepun
dence is interviewer " it'll the. frame and cons
st!tution Of the human mind. II is almost
the first sentiment that climates the infants
features in the cradle and amongst all the
actions. and enterprises of man, none has
awaked into activity greater exertion of the
vlrtuous enefgies Of his nature, none has ex-
cited greater warmth of veneraton, and
has moro Imperious claims upon our grati-
tude, than resistance to tyranny and political
aggression.
In all republican states The first tribute Of
genius ha, 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 bis features from the
grasp OF death, and the pen Gf the historian
has Inscribed the achievements 10 the impe-
rishable records OF fame 1t would indeed
be no favor lble proghostic Of the perpetuity
ut our republican institutions 10 discover an
lnsensIbllity to the obligations we owe the
memory OF The illustrioLs patrons of American
freedom. They have raised ut, by their
magnaniInity, from the arbitrary dominion Of
foreign power, to the distinguished elevation
OF sovereign and independent people thew
have asserted and maintained the ipnprescrjpS
tlole rights OF humanity by the '.nutuat
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 benetactors will not be lost to the world,
their names will not pass away nor be forgot.
ten, or their glorious deeds be COMPOUNDED in
the common and casual transaction of life;.-
lDgratitude is vice that in nations. az vel
as individuals, indicates the last degree OF
oegeeneracy and corruption it is vice that
implies the absence OF every virtue il was
IN the age OF CAigula that the name OF the
Sc'plos was prescribed, that the state of
Brutus brought death on its posse.sor.
The glory of our ancestors is the light Of
posteritJ," and the homage of the living can.
not be offered to the merits OF the ilIussrious
dead with an efectuaI or sterile admiration.
Great and splendid actions will seldom bs
achieved by men who have humol or ordis
nary objects in prospect. Ii is by coniempla.
ting the life and character of those who ara
marked out from the multitude by their emil
nent qualities, that we become ernulou, NJ
their virtues and their rsnowh. The trophies
OF Miltiades interrupted the sleeps of Tbemis.
tocles and Theseus, hearing the exploits %
Hercules, was fired with his spirit. and he.
came the successful rival of hi. fame. The
ruce savage OF the desert listens with raptura
to the deeds Of his ancestors, and bapss :.
round his hut the emblems of his fathers ~.
lour.
More need not be said to enforce the .,;ttv
OF the publication we have undertaken 80
which we now submit 10 the patronase Of npr
fellow. citizens. with hope, that from the.
iIberality OF their encouragement. We sbaiJ
De able to present it to the public worthy uf
their appreciation. We must depend for the
illustration OF many of the characters of or.
biography, Upon The generosity of their .n,-
VivIng relatives and friends, to furnish ne w;tt,
whatever interesting materials NAV be In the :.
possession for which, with our grateful az
acknowledgements, we promise copy Of the,
entire work as compensation. Wv
eoSDITloNs.
l. lhe work will be pubiihed in numbers n.
ball volumes Of goo pages, octave. and
contained IN ten numbers To the 6rsf
will be prehxed an appropriate front;s-
p,sce-and the work will be Commenced
WITH the declaration Of independence. win,
engraved FAC SMILES Of the signatures ana
a eompendIou, detail of the procee dines of
congress, during the passage Of the law
Each OF the lives, unless when II il i'm.
pract'eabie, will be preceded BY liz.
ness OF the person, engraved by the h.s,
artists 10 the United States; " vest
u. II WI, De printed on fine paper. mad.
expressly Tor the purpose, and deli,s,sS
10 subscribers at tao dollar, and jiiiu EN-. INF
Pc. NUMBER. payable on delivery. s..''
SUBSCRIPTIONS received at this of;c.