The Litchfield County post., 1826-08-01

distinguished family. possessing mind ca- rshle ofFising above the prcicdices which he had imbi6ed in receiving D royal but vicions education. in his youth he became the ardent friend of Independence. Hav- ins known from common fame that the standard of Liberty had been erected in our land, and that an oppressed People had determined to be free or perish in tbe ate tempt, he forsOOk his hOnOurs at home ,and became the devoted soldier of Freedom. In this mOmentous cause, he was for his intrepid valour in tho field, and re- markable for those eminent virtues which dignify and exals tho human character.---.
 Respected by his fellow-officers for his mental endowments and generous heart,
 he was also beloved by the soldiers for his
 bravery. Contributing not little by his
 perils and suferings to the establishment of American Independence, he might have
 passed a life of pleasure in our land, enjoy ing those blessings for which he fought, re-
 spected and beloved by "a grateful People.
 KoSciuskO, however, was not content with
 the benefits he had conferred on a portion
 ofthe human family. In the Revolution, he had become acquainted with the privile- ges and power of tue People, and the ad- vantages resulting from a free government.
 He considered that Poland, his beloved Ra-; tive land, was torn by factions. her inhabi. tants oppressed, and she had the first claim
 to his tolls and labors.. He was for along time employed in giving instructions to an ignorant People, and in diffusing alight throughout the nation, by which to instruct his countrymen to burst the chains which had too long been fettered upon them. At length the flame rose in Poland which had been long anticipated. Tho united forces of Russia, Austria, and Prussia, invaded the kingdom. Her weak and naughty mo- bles ingloriously submitted to the injurious ! arms of their enemy, and basely agreed to | the oppression of their countrymen. De- vastation and horror resulted from the arr rogance and barbarity of these invaders.-l Thewretched but innocent inhabitants of Poland were obliged to disperse. Their | property was confscated, and their fami- | lies reduced to servitnde.~ Goaded by so many calamities, they once more assumed the resolution of freeing their country. from oppression. Some of them assembled and unanimously appointed Kosciusko their General, who had already displayed tale ents, which justly obtained him the con6- dence ofthe nation, the hatred of tho Rus- sians, and the esteem of Europe. Collect ing together his little band, he animated them in the sacred cause in which tkey were engaged; and appealing to his Ma ker for its justice
 !. Oh! Heaven! he cried, my bleeding soun.
 try save! Is there no hand on high to shield the brave-i Yet though destruction sweep these lOyelyI
 plains, Rise, fellow-nen. our country yet remains; By that dread name, we wave the sword on
 high,
 And swear for her to live, withher to die." Victory covered with success for time the efforts of the Patriots. The powerful Eorces of Frederick and Catharinc gave way to bands of peasants armed with tho implements of husbandry, conducted by he brave Kosciusko. They were at length by the numbers of sheir ene- my. Neither the talents, tho valor, nor he desperation of this nagnanimous lea- der, was able to prevent his little band from ] laying down their arms, themselves almost cut to pieces. He sank covered with wounds, and with him fell the last hope of Polish He, however, survived, and was conveyed to Petersburg, there pla- ced in dungeon, ,and loaded with chains by order of the Empress Catharinc, whose more noble and generous son restored him to liberty. This land of seryitude waS not a fit grave for such . man as Kosciusko.-l A land of liberty, tho land of Tell holds his femains. a. <
 If the character of Kosciusko is justly 1 esteemed by allthc virtuous, what should l be our feelings to him as Americansi To him, who abandoned his native land to fight for liberty in ours. who contributed by his exertions to secure our independence, and who participated the battles and dangers ofthe Revolution with our Fathers! When we view him rousing his countrymen a. gainst the oppression of their enemies, swearing |" That man hath yet soul, and dare be free."I and, covered with wounds, bleeding for his country's liberty. he presents us an object worthy of our imitation and esteem. This accomplished soldier and distinguished he- TO is no more! But his memory lives; our country delights to cherish it, and, whilst we venerate laudible actions and patriotic efforts, we will recollsct with gratitude the name of Kosciusko. The plains of Ssr-
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