Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-05-24
ALEXANDRIA, d. c.
,oyn3Y MORNING. WAY "a. 1850.

Letters of BENJAMIN WATKINS LEIGH,
=. the SIGNATURE Of .4lgernon Sidney" has
w. I'D much interest in the District, and judg-
f,om the public press, in other quarters, also.
TSsr have become common topic of converse
md now that the infatuation which, for
-. dsluded and blinded the community is
--;og away, we have no doubt they will be
r., impartialb perused than on their first ap-
lance. and open the eyes of many to the glar-
arrangements committed on the Constitution
: o.r nresent Chief Magistrate, which may be-
ns q precedent for some future ambitious Mi
r.,,r Cbieftaiu to follow his footsteps; and, by
King tie civil subseryient to military power,
,,bIi.h Military DespOtism.
Nothing but the amor Potris could have prompt
i -, man. engaged like Mr.. Leigh, to devote his
3. tre and talents TO the, alas. fruitiess effort
{ warning his countrymen of the gulf which was
,.frs them. Averse TO political strife, and en-
AIRED in profession in which his eminence and
,rsr,iye practice required every moment of his
ire--baoyed by no hopes of extending his repu-
.,.on-and conscious, If known, that they would
,,Do.e him to the yituperaton and abuse of the
;-ie,ds of Gen. Jackson, it required a degree
{ moral courage to come forth as a volunteer in
u,s firm and decided manner in defence of
s.be,t interests of his country; and it is source
{ eo,,olation, amidst the evil times in which
5, are fallen, that there are yet some few Pa
-Os remaining, who are willing to breast the
st,ut of public opinion, and encounter obloquy
md reprOach in defence of those pure principles
fReuublicanism which form the great safeguards
4 our liberties.
It is delightful to contemplate the characters
i those great men who, undaunted by opposition,
un,nmely and reproach, have devoted their best
interests and untiring efforts to restore freedom
man, and advocate that liberty and equality
shich is his native birthright;
Tie t6s,of tyrasts, @,dthe friends Of man.
Amongst the distinguished Patriots who, in diff
Nrent ages and in various countries, have been
he firm and undertaking advocates of liberty,
Hne, not even of the nOblest names Of Greece
md Rome, are more worthy of our admiration
md imitation than Algernon Sidney. He Is
p,ty considered one Of the great ornaments of
English history-a man of whom she may be tru-
yWud His treatise on Government con-
AN, the germs of many of our Republican in
ra,ions, and have formed textbook for our
1sest Statesmen; and we should be glad 70 see
p.published in the United States. After a life
Il mistaken devotion to the best interests Of bis
ountry, he persisted on the scafold, martyr to
is principles. The virtue and integrity which
would not bend, and could not be sUhdued,
yas unrighteously and unlawfully sacrificed by
base Judge, and corrupt and wicked monarch.
An enemy to despodsm in every shape, whether
Monarchy Or Military Despotism, we think Mr..
Leigh was very felicitous in his choice Of aname
% shelter bis letters. Sidney, from the friend,
leclme the decided foe, of Cromwell, when he
Nv that the latter, through the influence of the
lny was aiming to usurp the throne. 1t was
establish Republican form Of Government
hat he had periled his life, and nothing short of
bat would satisfy him. Cromwell had perform
many great and glerious actions for his coun-
y having overthrown the tyranny of Charles
adte bigOtry of Laud; buthis services, in the
yes OF Sidney, were cancelled from the mo-
heat IN which he aspired to supremacy-An ex-
aqis worthy the imitation of every Patriot The
letters bearing mis- name having lately been the.
meet Of much remark, we have thought brief
Aech Of MS life would not be unacceptable at the
NeGat time.
'a'emIDent Patriot was younger son OF the
@t0t Leicester. From his earliest years he
Tayed an ardent devotion to liberty. He
4 2d the popular side in the contest between
&'ss l. and his parliament, aud distinguished
@Nlt III several actions. For his services he
Sased to the command ofaregiment. After
Execution Of Charles, he advocated, with all
energy, the establishment of Republican
sentiment, He resOlutely opposed the ambi-