Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-18

MR.. REEDS ADDREsS.-We nave read
with great satisfac ction, the learned and elo-
quent address Of the Hon. J. b. Reed, Of Mis-
sissippi, delivered before the Cadets attached
to the Military Academy at West Point.
Considered, as q whole, we think it is very
superior production, and highly creditable to
the talents, learning and research of the au-
thor. We regret that our limit, will not ad-
NIT Of our publishing it; that they will not
even suffer US 10 make as many extracts as we
could wish. The honourablc gentleman, com
mences his address, with giving the history Of
the rise and progress ofthc Military Academy;
then proceeds, to speak ofthe science Of war,
and the improvements that have been added
to il; and frequently ,eloquently, and elegantly
glancos at the history Of wars Of other nations.
As we shall be compelled to confne ourselves
TO narrow limits for the moment. we must con-
tent ourselves, with simply copying the conclu-
sion of the Honorable gentleman's address
"Gentlcmen Cadets Of the First Class: The
present is the most interesting period Of your
lives. You are about to separate from each
other, after close union of four years, to min
gle in the wide world before you, and to leave
forever, those academic retreats, which must
be consccrated by so many affecting recollec-
tions. No more will the shrill buglc or the
hoarsc drum rouse you from the pillow Of re-
pose, at the dawn Of day, or the tattoo bid
you, at evening hour, to retire to rest. No
more will you meet, at recitations or on pa
rade, the companions Of your youth, competi-
tors for distinction and for fame. No more
will you be subject to the paternal advice Of
the Superintendent Of this Academy, and the
salutary lessons Of admonition and Of science
from your teachers. You are about to leave
this beautiful place, surrounded by magnifi-
cent scenery, which should reflect its noble
imagery in the mirror Of your minds. Noun
tains, peering above mountains, and, in the
wild irregularity of nature, piercing the clouds,
which, anon, rested upon their bosoms; beau
tiful fields and cottages, where the art of man
essays to subdue the luxuriance Of nature; the
majestic Hudson, whose banks have been the
scene of so many exploits, Of both savage and
civilized man, struggling its way to the ocean,
and laving the feet of mountains, which impend
over it;-this stream, covered with the white
canvas Of commerce, and surmounted by the
decaying monuments erected by our fathers,
for the defence Of their country-All those
scenes and objects you are about to quit, per-
haps forever. The moment Of freedom from
academic restraints may appear to you mo-
ment full Of Joy; but believe me, in after life,
you will look back upon those scenes with a
lively enthusiasm, especially II misfortune
should overtake you in the career Of life. But,
be assured, your country will every where
meet you with appreciation, and open to you
the prospects of useful and honorable pursuits
She has use for the requirements you have at
tanned here, and is ready to compensate you
for your arduous labors in the pursuit of sci
cnces, upon which her improvement, her Sc
curity, and her fame repose. You will cast,
know, "longng, lingering look behind"
when you leave the Academy at West Point;
but 90 where duty calls you," and improve.
as know you will, the advantages you have
enjoyed. And il, in after life, misfortunes
overtakc you, your country will be the first to
implore Heaven "to temper the wind 10 the
shorn lamb" ApIEU.'
There is much to admire in the above ex-
tract; and it could not but have had considera-
BILE effect on the minds and feelings Of those
TO whom il was addressed. The author and
speaker, Mr.. Reed, has for many years been
favourably known in the councils of the na-
ton. He is warm supporter Of the present
administration, and for yielding his support to
Mr.. Adams, and Mr.. Clay, the last year lost
his election. .