Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-04
ALEXANDRIA. DC.
FRJDaY MORNING, NorEu6Gn4, 10 I.

There are, perhaps, more interesting ""o'"
tic personal adventures, private incidents, and'
If the expression may be used, domestic events
connected with the war Of the American ReVo-
luton, than can be found in the annals oil per-
haps any other nation in the world. These things
it does not accord with the dignity of history to
embody and preserves; but tradition, faithful TO
its task, hands down the tales OF oden times
presenting themes for our alternate wonder or
admiration To collect these tradiuonary sto-
ries, is the duty of patriotism. The village Jour
uals often bring on their humble pages the re-
cords of Revolutionary incidents of thrilling ma
ture, brought to mind by the decease OF the pa
triots who shared in the dangers Of that gloomy
period. Would that we had some Old Mortality
to chisel the grave stones of these heroes, and
keep their names ever fresh and visible!
The romance of real life' has been acted
here in scenes we'll calculated to make the deep
est impressions Patriotism fired the hearts OF
our fathers, to act nobly as husbands, brothers,
and sons, as we'll as citizens. 1t was lot only
in the field, in the camp, or in battle, but around
the domestic hearth and the homestead that they
showed - the mettle of their b'ood,' and the
spirit which burned in their bosoms. - Hair
breadth 'scapcs;' perilous and ''movii5 acct
dents by food and field" marked the career OF
many who now lie " mute and ing lorious;' -
and it is plain, by what we occasionally hear
from the sources of which we have just spoken.
that we are not apprised Of half the instances of
devoted love of country, of noble daring, Of ge-
nerous purpose, of resolute effort, of fine feeling,
which were exhibited during the Revolution.
The contemplation of this subject is apt to give
man better thoughts than he would calmly ma
~ other themes often pressed upon his attention.
National pride and love Of country are in them
selves incentives to viruous actions. Where Is
he more likely to cherish both, than in the study
of the characters and conduct of the men who
worked out the liberties of America? At what
better fountain can he drink the pure spirit Of
patrlotismi
The Lord Chancellor of England is in every
acceptation of the word GREAT MAN. Eng
has not seen his like for many days-perhaps in
industry, perseverance ,-general knowiege, and
practical usefulness, she never had statesman to
equal him.
The multiplicity of his business, and the expe-
dtion with which he goes through the whole of it.,
have excited wonder. The variety Of his occu-
pations are summed up with good deal of sprisht-
iness in conversation between North & Ticker,
in late number of Blackwood. ''When one
reflects" says North, son the hundred and for
ty millions of property actually depending on the
knowledge, judgment, diligence and patience of
the Chancellor of England, several things that
have happened in one day are almost enough to
make poor simple body start. Then there
is the Cockpit, where the decisions OF all the
courts of Hlndoo, and Persian, and Cingalese,
and Malay, and Dutch and Spanish law, and
old French law, and Code Napoleon law, Sc.
have to be overhauIet. Then, there is the over
hauling OF English, Irish, and Scotch appeals
in the I.ords--the latter part, however, be-
inc Of all his business what he is most up to-
Aye, and then we have what few Chancelors,
even of those who had not their OWN PROPER bu
siness TO learn, were ever much used TO dabble
in-the actual tear and wear of party Politics.
the stroke-oar of-,ituperation the near wheel Of
sarcasm, the burden intolerable of bolstering up
his own blockheads at all times and seasons with
one shoulder, while he has to show the other a
cold one rather, with equal promptitude and alac-
rity, whenever it is desirable to squabash their
antagonists. If we add to the severe duty of
of dining out and giving dinners to ministers
and diplomats; likewise the mperious necessity
of being visible at every levee and drawing-room,
and at every dancing dgune, ball. hop, rOut, or
assembly given by great lord or lady of the
right side-moreover, of being audible at every
meeting about the adjustment of chimney-sweep-
IS, or the emancipation oiBlackey, and the per-
secution of Professor Pattison-necnon the SIM
plification of common law and the rectifcation
of equity procedure-nenon the keeping of the
chancery Iunatc-necnon the keeping Of the con-
science of King William the Fourth-aecnon the
lnewsnaoers-npcnon the editing Of Paley's Ma