Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-06-09
WANDERER IN WASHINGTON.

The National Journa', has published from
manuscript work, entitled "a Wanderer IN
Washington" several interesting extracts,
from which we copy the annexed description
Of an eminent individual, which we think will
be readily recognized. as correct, by all who
have seen the original. In inserting the ex-
tract, it may not be amiss to add, that we take
great pleasure in laying before this community,
an article possessing so much interest, and one,
which is so nearly allied to the views and best
feelings of the Ncw-England people:
"The crowd was, in short time, as great
as it had been at the Presidents few eve
nings before. 1t was impossible to sit, and VIC
were kept in kind Of perpetual motion, by
the fuctuation Of the company. II was liter
ally a squeeze, in which you were sometimes
jostlcd by beautiful woman, OF pushed aside
by the more unwieldy bulk Of her gallant. A
tall, thin, but dignied looking man, now APP
preached, to whom Marion introduced me-
The conversation we had, though brief, ena-
bled me TO perceive that was in the company
Of no ordinary individual. remarked that his
observations possessed much originality and
depth OF. thought, and were made in a spirit Of
freedom and fearlcssness that pleased NJ, be-
ause had not expected it. There was more
OF dignity than grace III his mannsEs; 1t wanted
that polished ease which had often witnessed
in European Courts, bat il vas precisely sGch
as | should not only look for, but dcsIe. in a
man holding high Office under Republic
That, said Marion, when he had left US, is the
Secretary Of - He is regarded as one
OF the most talented members Of the Cabinet,
aud has risen TO the situation he now holds, by
al l., id Id l..
has been enormously charged with using inl-
proper means to obtain it: but and those who
know him best, are Of different opinion
They who arc the most formidable have usually
the bittercst enemies. He has given offence
by acting in obedience to the dictates Of his
Judgment; but posterity will no doubt Judge
more correctly of his actions than the present
age can possibly do, influenced as it is by preu-
dice and partiality He is just the man should
select to exhibit to the European world, as q
fine spe cimen of the American chara cter--bolc,
enterprsing, Independent and pcrsev cring, with
a genius that shrnks at no impedlmcnt, and a
mind that quails at the aspect Of no danger;
emerging from obscurity and indigence, ard
rising by rapid gradations to the rank of sn
orator, legislator, minister and statesman: tho
same in all, and in all displaying that versatility
and power which are the characteristics Of gem
ius Button, think, has said, that genius is
observation, but it requires genius 10 obser'c C.
The Secretary has been close and accurate
observer Of men and things, and has suffered
nothing to escape him which could add TO tie
unfailing resources of his mind HIS knowl-
edge of man has not been derived from books,
but from long Intercourse with tie living
world in which he has mingled, as much ffon
necessity as from choice. The various scenes
through which he has passed have enakled him
10 80 and to study the diversified character of
his species, and 20 comprehend the Influences
under which they act, and the motives and
principles by which they arc governed. Like
other men, he has his weaknesses, and NAV
have his follies. but there is generally discoy-
crable, in whatever he does, a great deal of
good sense, sagacity, and shrcwdness.
He welded an almost magic power over II
legislative body, and seems 10 exercise nearly
the same fascination over those who come wit =
in the range Of its influence. II is the ascen-
dancy Of gcnius--the sway Of mind, which, Ike
the rarified air, will rise above the denser at.
mosphcre that surrounds il. There are, tor;
in his manners, 80 total an absence qf all hau-
teur--so much apparent candor. and such an
evidence of opcn-hcartcdncss. that no one can
refuse him his confidence aud alta amcn', when
lie once becomes acquainted with him. he
has nothing Of aristocrscy lurking in his heai;,
aud nothing Of that contemplate PRIDE which
will not stoop TO notice the lowly and humble,