Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-16
Communicated for the Democratic Press.
John ADAMS.
10 err Is human, TO forgive, divine.

10 err IS human, 10 JM;SlOe, dtUNte'
Whatever occurrence has the remotest ten
dency to exalt a character Of humanity, even III
ordinary cases, deserves publicity; But after
greater public excitement against reasonable
conspiracy, and after the authors and abettors
had beeh arrested, tried and convicted OF dla-
bolical oppugnation against the laws OF their
country, and when one Of its infatuated vota-
ries, had forfeited his life upon the clearest evil
dence possible, after which his death-warrant
had been handed over to the marshal of the dis
trict, designating the place and time Of his exc
cution, and under the most pathetic circumstan-
ces he is reprieved, and restored 10 society and
his Responding family, calls forth loudly for the
admiration Of every rejecting and susceptible
mind. Should not the author of such magma
nimity OF soul be immortazed in public esti-
malion?
The venerated patriot John Adams, who has
since paid his debt to nature, but still lveth IN
the hearts OF every true American; during his
Presidency the famous "whiskey-5oys" insur-
rection took place in Pennsylvania, and had as
sumed such menacing ard formidable aspect,
as to render it neces sary that prompt measures
should be put in requistion, for its immediate
suppression; accordingly this patriot chief, with
laudable ambition, characteristic OF his early
devotion TO his country's honor, had recourse 20
the only effectuaI method Of restoring Tranquil
lny, and convincing the misguided few, OF their
allegiance. Our tutelar father of his country,
was again called into the field 10 make more
permanent the independence he had achieved,
ne accepted the commission, the army organic
ed under his command, proceeded to the scene
Of action, the insurgents were dispersed and the
ringleaders caught and brought TO Philadelphia;
among the number thus secured, was prlncl-
pal, who had the command of company, a
German, by the name of John Fries, who stood
high in the estimation Of his fellow-citizens in
the county in which he resided, consequently
his influence was great. This man (as is we'll
known after an impartial trial, and defended by
the pre-eminent talent, Of the father of the ora
tor of the day, upon the mournful occasion Of
the demise of Adams and Jefferson, was con-
victed Of high treason, and sentenced TO be
hung. Owing to his case being an aggravated
one, President Adams, was induced from the
testimony adduced upon his trial, 10 sign his
death-warrant.
Fries, was an aged character and had ia
mily, consisting of wife and ten children
Some short time previous to the period OF his
expected execution, his aged companion arrived
IN the city with her ten children, one OF the
number being sucking; when her arrival be-
came generally known, her appearance and her
numerous progeny excited great commissera-
ton, the sympathy manifested was such, that
the voice Of Philadelphia was simultaneously in
favor of pardon. Accordingly petition
prepared and signed by thousands, and through
the influence Of friends IAN audience was solicited
Of the President and acquesced in. Upon adj.
visement, however, it was considered Of vital
mDorta nce TO the fate Of Fries, that his consort,
accompanied by her numerous offspring, should
present the petition. A few confidential per-
sons conducted her TO the presence of President
Adams; as soon as they approached him, the
aged matron with her nine children, and one at
her breast, kneeed before the President, and in
that humble posture sued for the life of her hus-
band and he father Of her innocent children
Upon this presentation, the President became
so sensibly affected that tears, in great proie
sion flowed down his manly cheeks, his utter
ance was completely choaked; and with stream
ing eyes and hands raised up towards heaven
he rushed from the room Of audience TO his
closet, and returned and presented Mrs Fries
with free and full pardon for her husband
The scene as represented by those who were
present, was the most affecting that conception
can paint A wife and nine children PROSTATE,
almost overcome with agonlzing dependency,
pleading for the life of husband and parent,
was far more eloquent than language can por-
tray. HOWARD.