Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-05-08

From the National Journal.

II
traduced or more wfully distorted by msfepre- h
scntaton, than that of Mr. ADAMS The teversh ex- l.
ctement of factous pre- udice, and the reckless ee-
ings of personal antipathy, conspre to lnlame the
derious ire of the disappointed, with the giossest
misconceptions OF the man. Having mind capa- g
cious nquisitive and eager III the specuations OF -
every abstract difficulty, selzng with avldity upon :
the great lessons of history, and gifted with the /
choicest taste for the luXuries of learning, devo- II
ton to its pursuits is the real pleasure OF his lie >
and no individual, whose name has been so conspc-
uous, and who has long travelled the high road ,
of distinction and fame, could have less participant D
ed in the confusion, hustle and clamor, which arise
in the contests of ambition. The reflections Of the
closet, and an unwearied application to the tolls OF
public duty have comparatively thrown the curtain ,
of conceament over the fascinating traits OF his pYi-
yate virtues, and the nation has seldom recognised
biu but in the formal garb of the statesman
and the scholar. 1t is the care of thought which
has planted upon his brow an expression somewhat
stern and it is this grave aspect which has induced
his enemies to portray MN as a mere cake OF zee,
that can be dissolved by no sympathy, and melted
by no sorrow. Lord Chesterfield perfect efficient
in address. encouraged his to acquire light
and cheerful men, the certain passport to popular
favor and esteem Unfortunately for hi, private
welfare, Mr.. ADAMS has wholly omitted any atten-
ton to this seeming tritle and whist is yet worse,
his voice and the manner OF his talk are such as 70
give air of Indifference to all that he says, and ne
apparently takes SO little interest In the observation
of Others that these deficiencies but add TO the dis
couraging awe of his vsagc. Entirely destitute of
the inquisitive temper which marks the citizens OF
his own State Mr.. ADAMS relies alone upon his
vices as the basis OF the Peoples admiration and
support. Having $ an honest mind and plain he
is equally wanting in talent for chitchat. which Is
so engaging to the heart and which, by its familiar
converse, dlmnshes the powers OF a great mind to
the ordinary views Oft the many. With every quail
ity to entertain, abounding in anecdote, brilliant in
wit, and fertile in all that can instruct, Mr. Adams
treasures up with too niggardly care the accom-
plshments of his genius and it is only at times.
when his sober habits yield to the flashes Of M ri
rnen that he exhibits his powerto enlivcn, delight
ana inform. Swift in his delineation of the Earl Of
Oxford, represents his greatest falling 70 be close
and impenetrable reserve that repealed the ap.
breaches Of intimacy, and defeated the advances o.
friendship, and Mr.. Adams, in the study of this pic
ture of Mr.. Harley, does not seem to have prohec
4 by the exposure of the fault Politicians are mrcl
deluded by their imagined superior penetration
and like the father of Tristan Shandy, general,
believe that they understand the motive of Ba
better than the does himself. Now this beget
suspicion, and suspicion isas poison to the fine
synpathies, which lend haowed influence to tn
more social concerns of life. Accustomed to hav
every action scanned, every motive mpeachcd,
is very natural that the saie dlstrust should arise
thelr own bosens, and that suspicion should ascrh
70 the most unmeaning event, purpose armed wit
the mischief of design. But Notwithstanding til
outer show of frigid nature, the real man is sill
[cere, friendly, warm, neyoent, afectionatc-
showing by the excellence Of his works, spirit
the most ethereal mould If he be frugal Of worl
he is bountifu in acts, and in every substantl
proof thai be given OF candid, generous, n
affected philanthrophy. Exemplary in his depol
ment, no faithfully discharge the re
possibilities that interviewer with the relao
of social existence and it is this correct atenti
10 the severe and seif-denying duties which has :
INFLATED his more irregular and dlssipaed oppC
ents, to derde the sobriety OF his char cter, p'
taking of the affected cant and visionary virtue
the puritan. His habits present model for ml
tation. Labour and industry have had greater
fractions to his mind than the noxious char
which the gaudy pleasures ofrevelry and Joy exp
to the fancy. Calm, placid, and gentle, in his te
per, the violent irritations Of bitterness.
the torturlng cruelty of revenge, have never ov
powered the cooler suggestions of reason or
stronger command of conscience.
The spillng Of human blood has never fixed
on his hopes 'sfhe primal eldest of heave
The degrading broils of tavern afray have ne
given him the infamous celebrity of IA disturbe
the public peace Being truly republican, he
fdes not in phrases to express his attachment t.
cause, but by the practical illus,rat of his
evinces preference for its plain and simple usa
and obedience to the law forms the most
splcUous proof of patriotic virtue, violation
orders have never bloted his fame with the
CART propensity to disregard its obligation, or
its pow r. The ceremony show, and spend
military forms, have never intoxicated his judg