Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1822-03-22
To the Editor ofthe Aler'a Gasette.

To the Editor ofthe Ater'a Gazette. !
SIR-The general delight produced by Mr..
Custis's extemporary Grafton on the 22d of Feb
Yuary last, has produced desire as general,
that it should appear in print. But that gen
tleman has found it impossible to recall to his
memory the glowing words, which, on that
occasion, electrified the bosoms of his audience
with the emotions that kindled his own, and is
Ipre.ume unwilling to give the substance OF
his speech, in the colder and more formal phra-
ses, which a less inspiring hour might suggest
For though in such aguise, his Grafton would
doubtless please the world it could mt salty those
who heard it, nor do Justice to the warmth Of
feeling which animated the fostcr-son of Wash.
ington while he was celebrating the glory of chat
hero. The eloquence which the magic of a
peculiar situation elicits from the orator. cannot
be recalled by cause less powerful. The flow
srs of genius must be enjoyed as they fall around
US fresh and fragrant, if afterwards wego about
collecting them to form bouquet of rhetorick,
we shall find them without bloom and odour.
Mr.. Gusts has however, been prevailed upon
to transcribe as nearly as possible, few s.n-
fences on the topic which seems nearest his
heart, and still fewer concerning the object,
which 10 now the favorite ofthe country.
1t is proper to be observed that this
gentleman in his addresses, both at the
period of his public services, in aid of
our domestic economy, and at various
times since, has urged the necessity Of
National Mauseleum, TO the Father
of his country Many of these address
ses, were delivered on *occasions, de-
voted to the promotion Of those great
and essential objects, which from the
aggrandisement and independence of
our republic; firm in the pious pur-
pose of his soul, our friend and neigh
Dor, with steady and undertaking step,
proceeds in his efforts, in the hope that
the nation will yet awaken to sense
of its shame, and perform the first of
all public or private duties, the duty of
gratitude.
In commencing Mr.. G. Observed
IF you ask, why | have appeared for
third time before you? answer
Mine have been the destinies of no COM
mon man, for while others have known.
and loved him, fought by his side, and
partaken Of his councils, oft have
climbed his knee, to share the good
mans SMILE and oh! while the vital
current continues to warm and animate
this bosom, chsarsd by the happy re.
collections of days long passed, which
freshen in asmory as l glide down the
stream of Time. cannot but rejoice
that another opportunity has been af-
fordsd me, to aid with my poor services
in the celebration of day, which must
no. 60 down. While to others may
leave the loft thsme ofour hero's praise,
! will be his Antony, and wish to bury
Cesar, not to praise him. would
not inter him, in yon ff"hugs mlsshapen
pile" it smells of smoke, it is stained
with disgrace, and forms no proper ce-
mstry for the brave, rather would l
carry him to some of the fields of his
fame, or let him rest in his present
marrow cell the approbrium of a ma
tion Msthinks can see through the
haze of futurity, and behold the PEG
pie of Nations yet in embryo, visis our
clime, and as they tread On our en-
pires dust will they ask where tower
ed the dsmes of their former splendor,
whsrs lie the ruins CT their pomp and
power? No! But where is the spot sa-
*Arkngtoa Skeep S6earmgs for the promo.
tom of agriculture and Domestic Econonv,
founded sn 1905, and continued nine years.
THE CaPaoi, has tie beauties and 6iunders Of
at leastsir aTch,ects, and notion ,ua, made IN
Congress, to Gathorase thel erection of a statue,
provided tie cost did not eIceed q certain suns,
% tie honor, Of that body, 1t n,ust be remarked,
hat the motor did not prevail, 6ut It IS beleped
hat the Senate passed a bill to erect q statue ia
sonse, after tie manner Of tie one designated
~ tie act Of the old Congress. cis: Equestrian,