Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-27
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1926.


I had transcribed from the English Spy" late
London publication of much merit, written with
bold and mastery pen, in novel style-satiri-
cal, ironical, sentimental, philosophical and des-
criptiye-of character, as well as OF scenery.
send you two sketches of the former, and one
of the latter, for insertion, if you judge proper
In the first, the expression "crystalised with
the sparkling attractions of wit and humour,"
YOU will think with me, is very happy one
In the latter, the parallel between Napoleon and
Wolsey possesses moral pathos the most i'm
pressive. But detain you too long from what
has afforded me so much pleasure.
SKETCH OF THE CHARACTER OF BERNARD BLACK
MANTLE.
"The treasure house Of his memory was well
stored, and his reputation as an orator gave pro-
mise of future excellence. His classical attain
ments, if not aorid, were liberal, and free from
pedantry. His proficiency in English literature
was universally acknowledged, and his love OF
the poets amounted to enthusiasm. He was
formed for all the hustle Of variegated life, and
ling attractions Of wit and humour. Subject to
the weakness to which genius is ever liable, ne
was both eccentric and hayward, but he had the
good sense to guard his failing from general
observation; and although he often shot his ar
rows anonymously, he nsrer dipt them IN the Saa
of prejudice or III nature. Ihave dwelt upon his
character with pleasure, because there are fe"
who know him intimately. With happy ver-
satility of talents, he is neither lonesome in his
solitude, nor overloyous in crowd
CHARACTER OF THE HEAD OF A COLLEGE.
"I never felt so awkwardly in my life before:
the apprehensions was under OF severe ex-
animation; the difficulty Of encountering man
whose superior learning and endowments OF
mind had rendered him the envy oil the Uniyer-
s;,v. and above all, his repeated eccentricity Of
manners, created fears that almost paisled my
tongue when appi cached the Hall TO announce
my arrival If my ideas OF the person had thus
COMPOUNDED me, my terrors were doubly lncreas-
cd upon entering his chamber: shelves groaning
with ponderous folios and quartos of the most
esteemed Latin and Greek authors, fragments OF
Grecian and Roman architecture, were disposed
about the room: on the table lay copy OF
S,uart's Athens, with portfolio of drawings
from .Palladlo and Vitravius and Pozzos' per-
spective The Doctor entered. There are
some few characters in the most elevated situa-
tons in life, who possess the amiable secret OF
To hem, hn bav
hour Of being admitted into their presence,
without losing one particle, by their courteous
behaviour.
Ii could not be the result of confidence on my
part, for no poor fellow ever felt more abashed
upon FIRST entrance; and musttheretore be on
" attributable to that indescribable condescen-
sion Of early intercourse which is the sure cha
racteristic Of superior mind
CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE AT OXFORD.
II was FIVE o'clock when arrived before the
majestic tower Of Christ Church The retiring
Sun. Frightening the horizon with slrcaks OF
gold, AT parting shed rich glow over The scene
that could not fail to river my attention to the
spot Not all the fa,igues of the day, nor the
pecularities of my new situation, had, in the
least, abated my admiration of architectural
beauties. The noble octagonal tower, in the
enriched Gothic style, rising like a colossal
monument of art among the varied groups Of
spires, domes and turrets, which from dis
lance, impress the traveller with favorable
ideas of the magni6cenee Of Oxford, first at
tracte1 my notice, and recalled to my memory
two names that to me appear TO be nearly as
sociated (by comparison) with each other.
Wolsey and Napoleon; both gifted by nature
with almost all the brightest qualifications of
great minds; both arriving at the highest point
of human grandeur from the most humble sit
ua,ions; equally the patrons oflearning, science,
and the arts; and both equally unfortunate, the
victims of ambition; both prosecuted exiles.
Yet further may add, that both have left be-
hind them fame which brightens with inereas-