The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-01-30
For the Massachusetts Spy.1
GORDON, THE HISTORIAN.

Mr.. Editor have just read the COMMUNE
cation of "W,' in the Centinel of last Sat-
urday, and noticed, when they appeared, the
Recollections of a Bostonian," in preced-
ing paper, concerning DIR. Gordon. To many
it may appear surprising that the anecdotes
mentioned by these writers should have never
before been disclosed :; but little reflection
will shew, that they have appeared quite as
early as minute information in relation to
many OF the various events and characters
concerned in Revolution can be unfolded.-
1t is at certain distance from painting on
canvas that the perfection of its execution
strikes the sight, and the momentous transac-
tons which severed and founded an empire
must be viewed through the vista of an hum
dred years before all obstruction from the intri-
cacy of their causes can be removed, and the
motives and the moral and intellectual eleva-
ton of the leading instruments in their prose-
cuhon, can be seen in unshaded light. At
! this distance from the time he put the world in
awe, we understand the character of Cesar
better than the parasites who rendered him a
dladem; and affirm, ON documents in my own
possession of Unprecedented peculiarly, that
1.-THE PoRTRAIT'' of an almost idolized char
acter of the revolution is yet to be drawn ; and
the same documents uphold me in the declar-
alton, that the conspiracies of CHIEF are yet
unknown. But to return to Gordon. He took
passage for England in a vessel commanded by
John Callahan, in whose neighbourhood then
lived, and had several opportunities of convers-
ing with the historian before his embarkation.
Ills mind had some of the hard features of his
lace, but, like his outward man, it expanded
to large and vigorous dimensions. | was too
young to claim familiarity with him ; but as he
was then distrusted and disliked, and in that
en'aus OF those out Of favour which frequently
dlsposes them to condescension, | ventured to
ask him, Why he should publish his History
IN England? He paused, and, casting upon
me look which brought his whole soul to its
window, he passed some compliment on an in
qu:sititcness which appeared to please him
for the frankness with which it sought instruc-
ton, and replied" The events and charac-
ters described in my History, are all too near
me; and the place where my bones are to be
reposed may be the most propitious to my cred
1t with the world."--I observed that predi-
lection for ones country was natural, and
could very excuseably be INDUCED but
are there not living characters there to be af-
fected by your History p" cannot now
change my purpose" was his answer, " and
OF the two evils, believe have chosen the
least" The manner in which this information
was given, convinced me that the Dr. was ac-
tuated by consciousness Of impartial fidelity,
and that his return to Europe was not for shell
ter, but to take the least exceptionable stand
in the Court of Truth. One who had mingled
in a contest has less credibility than he who
stood aloof; but he who had mingled in a
contest would be more neutralized by separ-
alton from its scene--whether an actor in, or
only an observer Of conflict, he who testfes In
the face ofthose whom he eliminates, makes the