Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-07-04
From the. New FORK American.
AMERICAN MEMOIRS.

IA
Few periods in history have been in them.
selves more Interesting Ito US certainly none
than that which witnessed ,he achievement, by
the thirteen colonies Of Ensla Of National in
dependence. The subsequent establishment
under trials Of no ordinary kind and amid OBJ.
stacles, that, even now when after the triun-
phant result we look back upon them, seem all
bot insuperabe, Of scheme OF confederation,
and forms Of government, general and local,
that surpass in the aftainmeB' Of all the great
end. of civil institutions, every thing that the
world had before seen, mark this as most me-
morable period. The men Of that day, as from
their lsbors and success is sufficiently obvious,
we're of the heroic race: they were patriots for
their country and not for ,he mselvei. Selfde
NAL and disinterestedness were the virtues, that
made us nation. Whether Ne same virtues
are now in such vogue, as to prG!ong and add
TO the prosperity they so effectually contributed
to procure, il is not now our business to inquire.
Our present purpose is 10 allude to those re-
cords, which in the private papers Of the emf
nenl men OF that day, are scattered throughout
the land, and which, as those ancienIs are fast
following each other 10 thrice honored graves
may it is hoped be carefully preserved and fl
nally be given to the country, whose best histo-
nv they will constitute. American memoirs,
much valued. The papers Of him, who by all
consent, is the first name Of America. are al.
ready in the hands of Mr.. Sparks, and he will
do Justice 20 the arduous and responsible task
of arranging. selecting and publishing them.
Next, aud only mex, 10 him, comes Hamilton;
the Jurisl, 6nancier, soldier, and statesman.
His papers too, are now, it is said, in train Of
publication, together with biography of their
distinguished author. Such a'work, il execut-
ed in the spirit in which alone it should ever be
undertaken or attempted, cannot fail alike TO
interest and instruct The papers Of John A.
dams, too, and Of jefferson, preparing, il is
supposed, for .he press. These in themselves,
constitute most precious materials Others yet
remain, and among them none, perhaps, are
more calculated to throw light upon most Of the
domestic and foreign relations, events, and Po-
Icy Of this country. than those Of the late Gou-
verneur Morris He was, undoubtedly, man
Of fine gcnius.--of enlarged and original mind,
& Of the greatest me ,hod and exac'ness in the
ordering and arranging all matters and docu-
ments connected with his public Lille. lie play
ed, 100, very conspicuous part in the politics
of his day, both at home AND abroad; and per"
haps of the terrible periods Of The French Ee.
volution, during which, he was the American
Minister in Paris, the best and most accurate
information will one day be found among his
papers. lAst1 Mrs HraIe TO DO Justice to hts
memory, in many particulars; and'as no ops
more than in giving to him what truth
one d,v ava : the credit Of first seeing with
pro,hetic eve, the waters OF Erie mingllng WIN
those of the Ocean. The Canal was revealed
n Mr.. Morris-not, indeed, in the shape%hich
il has a, length assumed, but s,ill as vast wa
ter course, which by "tapping Lake Erie" was
10 be poured along over Vaiiies and through
mountains, 10 the HUI lson. This magnificent
niea was the leasen which set other minds Ter
mcnting: and enough of glory and honor mas
resulted from the work, 10 afford to all ~ho
we're instrumental in its accomplishments, their
due proportions OF fame But we are se'nnS
into weighty matters, which TINS Is ho' VIC
time nor the place, to discuss.
Indeed the whole of these reH ctions, when
were suggested to US by thu Letter We are now
about TO lay before our readers, may perhaps
be thought to have no very positive reference
10 the matter in hand As they arose IN our
mind, however, we have given uuerance 10
them, and so let them pass
The letter below was written by Mr.. Morris,
towards the close of 1899; and its object was
10 induce General Washington to whom II is
| addr. ssed TO consent to become third lime
candidate for the presidency. The party, or
norton Of i, rather, which supported Mr.. a.
dams, was dissatisfied with him, and desired
that General Washington should again re sumo
thc reins. Of this proposition we had never
heard. until this letter Of Mr.. Morris copy
press copy Of the Originally was put into ou'
! hands; nor do we now know whether 'his was
the individual suggestion Of Mr. Morrs, o
made in concert with others. At any rate IL u
an interesting document, aud here il follows;
MoRRIsANiA, 9 Deer. 1899.
NV Dear Sir-During late visit 10 new
York learn, that the leading federal chara1
ter, (even in Massachusetts, consider Mr.. Aa
ans as unfit for the office he now holds " W ,h
GU, pretending to decide on the merits oil ths
opiniop. which viii, operate alike, whe'her we
or in founded, i, appeared necessary to nam
some other person. YOU will easily co"celv
that his predecessor was wished ior and rsg ,'e
ted, nor will you be surPriztd that The douo
|, whether he would again accept, should IA,
excited much concern, for you are SO per'ee' .
acquainted with the disrsn, ,.h;rh
America, and with the opinions "hie" pi.ra
..;n,, ,hs,, that YOU must be coSihC''