Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1824-08-10

o"u peSioCo' Dut dller Gillbthl search
nothing could ne found except sma II
scrip of paper, on which was written in
his own hand, by way of legacy II
curse on oil my hrogenitor8." The ia
mily arr somewhat surprised that they
never b, fore discovered this piece of pa
per, and can only account for it from the
circums ance, that it was placed under
one OF the covers of the bible, which had
lain on The shelf since February, 1928,
covered with dust, and undisturbed by
readers.
Though his life was short, it was full
OF deeds of note, and the disease which
terminated it, is supposed to have pro.
ceeded from radical defect in the or
ganization of the head and heart, which
inclined him to untoward objects.
The most skilful physicians which
could be selected from bis numerous
friends, ate ded him during his illness,
and nothing can be charged against them
on the score Of negligence or want of
attention. Some right knowing ones, to
be sure, have shrewd kind of notion
that alter all there was good deal of
quackery IN the management of his dis
ease, and more oil empricism than had
generally been supposed. But this
impute TO an overweening confidence in
their own powers 10 Carry on intrigue
and political matters. Considering the
diseased state ofthe system they had to
deal With, II can not be denied, that for
new country and in the present state OF
the medical arr, good degree Of skill
was exhibited through the whole course
OF the attendance.
The remains of the deceased were
followed to the grave IN very becoming
manner. by long train OF mourners,
whose counlenances bespoke he deep
telt sorrow OF their hearts. On the oc-
caslon OF his iDiermcnt there was none
OF that noise, pomp, and display of fire.
, works, which were Witnessed upon his
entrance into life, at Vandalls. Tne
contras. was remarkably striking. The
pious usage oil dancing at the birth, and
weeping al the grave has been Observed.
From his rlckety constitution and de-
formed shape, the most knowing among
us were confident he could not survive
the month of August; though some OF
his friends, on the very day OF his death,
endeavored 10 mako it believed he would
live forever.
1t is difficult 20 pronounce upon the
character OF this extraordinary person
age. The present generation and pos
terity will probably differ as to his real
merits. To say that he was the wors,
TOT beings, would be doing injustice to
his wor,ny friends and supporters and
| 10 rank HIM with the beneiactors of the
human race, would be placing me nozzle
and the isnoble upon the sane level.
Very opposite opinions, 6ud are enler-
! tanned concerning him. Sme ihlnk his
! name should be held up Tor The ra-
ltion OF ali the world: Diners that so,an-
did mausoieuu should be erected 20
contain his ashes, and perpeiua,e the re-
collection of his departed worth. By
some he is considered tie paragon Of
all excellence, and That no praises which
can be lasIsned upon him, can equal his
| merits j; while others think him tho most
execraole wretch tba, ever dehicd the
earth with his footsteps, ard thai his
name ought 10 be written at the bottom
OF The catalogue of despo,s. shall not
undcrtas.e to adjust, altogether. these
conflicting opinions; bu, as II Is The du-
ty OF the biographer 10 be faithful to his
trust, owe II TO ruth and Justice to state,
that as he came into the world with the
| avowed design TO enslaye bis fellow NOR
| ta!s, he cannot be considered, In the eye
OF impartial reason, meriorious being.
II statue must be erected 10 eternze
his name, ii should be placed in the tenn
pie OF infamy. II he be destined to i'm
mortality, let him inherit the Immortal
| llty OF Eraiostratus. AS writer of his
torloai truth, cannot consent to enrol
his name with the Penns, the How ards,
the C,arksons, the Wilbertorces, and
other worthless, who have shed blessings
over the age IN which they lived. He
would Doubtless appear to better advan-
tage, and cut a better figure with the
heroes, the q ieXanders, the Caesars,
and other oppressors of mankind: but
even they, | suspect, would be ashamed
VI H'o COMPANY ~ Is mol lhpFOoaOie
that the next generation, without a single
exception, will look upon him as an IN
feeling and selfish tyran', seduced from
the path OF virtue and freedom BY bind
desire of gain and self-aggrand,zenent
His designs upon the freedom OF bis Iel-
low men, cannot be extenuated, by plead
ing the rewards of ambition, he glorious
achievements of victorious armies, or the