The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1827-03-29

SCendantS OF Greene, VINO, IL tncy pcSsesss
will, no doubt, most dearly prize, so vaua-
ble a gift as the Sgvord Of the Revolution.
At the commencement OF the hostilitles,
in l775, Bishop being too old for active SER
vice, was left at home in charge of the man.
ufacturing establishments of the household.
where the veteran would flourish his cane,
exactng as perfect obedience as though he
had been ON parade. A comfortable house
had been built for him; he had married; and
looking no more toward his native land, he
was contented to pass the remainder OF his
DAYS on the domain of his patron, where he
rested from labor, in the enjoyment of eve
ry possible ease and indulgence-the re-
ward of his long and faithful services. In
his comfortable homestead, and hoary with
age, he would delight the young with tales
of fearful interest of the Indian wars, while
his own wars ended, at peace with the world,
he feebly trimmed the lamp of life, which,
having burned for more than eighty years,
could but for little longer be kept from
sinking in its socket
otwithstanding his perfect reverence for
his patron, this old soldier weuld sometimes.
presuming on the privilege of age and long
services, chafe his protector on points of ex-
! pedency, though never on those of obedi-
cnce. The General would assume lofty
tone, saying it is very WE'LL sir; if you are at
length tired of my service, you are at per-
feet liberty to depart. The ancient follow
er of Braddock, however, knew his man,
and knew exactly what was best to do; he
wisely became silent; and the storm which
appeared to be brooding quickly passed e.
way, when a returning sunshine cheered
with the warmth of its kindness the veteran
of '56.
The Washington family were subjected
10 hereditary gout-the Chief never expert
enced pang. His temperance, and the en-
, ergetic employment of both his body and
mind, seemed to forbid the approach of a dis
ease. which severely afflicted several of his
kindred. His illnesses were of rare occur
renee, but were particularly severe; his a
version to the uses of medicine was extreme:
for, even when in great suffering, it was only
by the entreaties of his lady, and the respect
tul, yet beseeching look, of his oldest friend
and companion in arms, (Dr. James Craik, }
chat he could be prevailed upon to take the
slightest preparation of medicine. He cer-
tanly never had children. We recolect a
lady who called herself his daughter. She
was a fine looking woman, but without any
particular likeness to the Chief, nor can we
consider that as pardonabe vanity in
child, which duplicates the honor OF pa
rent.
The remarkable degree Of admiration and
awe that was felt by every one, upon the
, first approach to Washington, evidences the
imposing power and sublimity which belongs
to real greatness. Even the frequenters Of
the Courts OF Princes were sensible of this
, exalted feeling, when in the presence of the
hero, who, formed for the highest desti-
nics. bore an impress from nature, which
| declared him to be one among the noblest Of
her works.
Those who have only seen the Lead
, er of Armies and the Chief Magistrate of
the Republic can have but an imperfect idea
, of the same being, when merged in the re-
tired citizen, embosomed amid his family
/ and friends, cultivating the social and domes
: tic virtues, and difusing pleasure and hap
! piness to all around him.
$ Persons in general have been in error, in
e supposing that there belonged to this awful
: man nothing of the gentler sort-"no tear
I for pity" The Master Spirit in the dircc-
i tion os those vast events which gave a new
d empire to the world, the austerity of COM
+. mand conld never destroy those kindlicr
e feelings in which he delighted mself to in
!, dulrc, and to dispense them to Others
/, Stern he was to all whom he deemed waat-
T. ing in tAose high moral requisites, which dig
nify and adorn our natures--stern he was to
a the disturbers Of the repose OF Society. the
i vioaters of those institutes which promote
y peace and good will among men; but he was
!, forbearing to the imperfectons of humac
!, kind, where they arose from the passions
only, and not the dcpravities of the heart.
: He was reserved to the many, but there
= were chosen few, who, having passed thai
!; barrier, were wooed by his friendship t
+ push their fortunes, till they finally gainee
o footing in the citadel of his esteem.
e He had a tear-tor we have seen it shct
y with parental solicitude over the manifold
d errors and folles of our unworthy youth
t. lie shed a tear Of sorrow for his suffering
IS country in the dark hour of her destiny, anl
y a tear of joy and gratitude to Heaven for hel
n dcliverance--when,i in 1889. he crossed the
e Bridge Of Trenton; on which classic spo
g the hands of frcemen "reared tor him til
l. umphal bowers" while choir of innocents
e with seraph chant. welcomed the mighty
J. Chief once MORE" and 'virgins fair, ane
st matrons grave, strewed the hero's way witt
, flowers"
,g The Journey Of the first President to tn,
,e Seat of Government was one continued tri
,e umpb; but no where was it of so feeling
Id character as at the bridge of Trenton. Tha
At was indeed a classic ground 1t was there
70 on a frozen surface. that, in 1776, was u
m chicved the glorious event which restored