American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1826-03-07
THE LATE EMPEROR ALEXANDER.

before the death OF Alexander]
| From the London NsW Monthly Magazine.
| Under the reign of Alexander, Russia has ap
parenty reached the zenith of her glory, and seems
to have acquired such aud unnatural magnitude
as to be incapable OF remaining mulh longer undi
yided-- c. as single empire. According to the
experience of ages, such an extensive realm, com
prislng SO many tribes aud nations, must fall by its
own weight Indeed it is probable, that the over
throw of the Russian empirelis no great distance.
Under such impre,sfbnss wo have Been induced to
compose few sketchesof the life and reign of the
Emperor Alexander, in which we trust our readers
may find amusement and instruction.
Alexander, when an infant, needed not the APP
pendages of royalty which often lend charms where
they are deficient, to render him interesting. Ma
ture had formed him in beautiful mould, and his
features were expressive OF beauty, gentleness. and
innocence He was reared with the greatest ten
derness by Madame Gesler, Ia Scotch lady, married
TO GERMANY who acted as his wet nurse; and his
infant days were eagerly watched by numerous at
tendants and more especially by his l perial Moth
er, the present Dowager Empress. When very
little boy he was sometimes dressed in uniform,
and was the object of general regard.
| As soon as Alexander could walk, an English
man, Mr.. Parland, was appointed his Diadka. a
term which may be translated Runatter, bur which
has by some been interpreted by the expres ssion of
Man -Nurse.*. This gentleman is living at
Peiersburgh, after having experienced the Imperial
bounty in many ways, and is placed not only in COM
Portable, but in affluent circumstances.
i AT the age of fifteen, Alexander was very i'm
posing youth, and had become universal favori,e
among all classes OF society. He was early placed
under the guardianship Of Count Soltikof. an en-
liehened man, who was well fitted for the duties of
that high and important station; and the future
sovereign, no doubt, benefited much by his sage
counsels and his exemplary conduct. That the
inht sod hsr
proved by the veneraon in which he held the Count
during life, and by his condescension in following
his corpse to the grave in the year 1916. m foot
and bare headed, along with the other chief mourn.
ers.
These facts as well many others which need
mot be mentioned, sh Nv that gratitude stran
ger to the breast Of the Autocrat OF ell the Russas.
Under able tutors, appointed with the consent Of
Count Soltikof the then Grand Duke was taught
Russian. Ftench German Italian Latin, Greek and
also little English; besides the principles of the
Greek Religion. geography. history political econo-
my, military tactics. the duties of sovereign and
some of the sciences He was reared at the Rus
sian Court, under great Of, and subordinaon
to. his talented grandmother, Catharine H.; under
mueh hlia respect for his tender and careful moth
err; and in absolute dread Of his father, the late
Emperor Paul.
In the days of youthful and impetuous passion in
the midst of voluptuous Court, surrounded by
almost all the beauty and fashion of Russia, unaw- :
ed by examples OF chastity and private virtue in
the highest individuals of the realm, seduced by
the temp,aations and facilities of gratifcation-if
is not to be wondered that the young and blooming
Alexander should have had numerous love intrigue
at an early period of his life. On the contrary, it
: may seem surprising that the young Prince placed
in the midst OF so much evil example. so much de-
/ pravity, and SO great deficiency of moral princ
ple should have wandered so little as he did from
the path of virtue.
i, The above circumstances being taken into view,
it might naturally enough be supposed that early
marriage was recommended to the heir presump
: tive OF the Russian Crown and accordingly he
was married, when 16 years Of age, October 9th
l793 to the Princess Louisa OF Baden Durlach, two
years younger than himself, and still the regning
Empress. The Princess. on becoming of the
Greek religion, assumed the name Elizaveta Alex
ievna. The marriage was political scheme OF
Catharne ii. and, though the young bride was
handsome, beautiful, and interesting, there was a
coolness in her which i'll accorded with the
warmth of Alexander's passion, and which render
ed her not exactly the object of his choice. BY
her Majesty, the Autocrat had two children, both
of whom died in infancy. Since their DEATH to the
regret of the Imperial couple, and of the Russian
nation. +" God has given" no additional offspring
At his marriage. Alexander was tall, handsome,
and imposing youth: while his noble forehead and
expressive eyes bespoke intelligence, patience, and
determination, he was the very picture of rosy
health and good nature. His appearance and de-
pertinent were the more remarkable, because they
were constantly conras.ed with those OF his brother,
the Grand Duke Constantine, whose shor, face, pug
: nose, knitted eye brows, and sunk eyes, rendered
him the very representation Of impatience fury and
severity. As his deeds have proved, he has not be
lied his natural features He has, indeed, proved
himself the true heir to his fathers likeness pas
sons, folly, and hberality, without great share OF
his redeeming virtues--goodness Of heart, and
paroxysms of remorse which led the father to make