Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-28
CHATEAUBRIAND.


Republican,
In TINS age OF great things and little men (says
the Courier des Flats Unis it is perhaps onlv giy
en- to NJ de Chateaubriand to interest the world with
ms personal affairs, to have the talked Of and to
talk OF them himself with propricty This is a mi.
viiegc OF his genius and his high fame. He knows
now 10 make an event of each action of his lie He
quittea france, and France informed of it by
an eloquent pamphlet. He invited, solicited by
the most popular of French poets, to return to the
BOSOM OF his country; and letter dated Geneva,
in reply to that touching appeal tells France that
no has not been deaf to the voice:
.'Dost thou hear France cry 10 thee
WY beautiful heaven wecps one star Gepartedr,
"From the place whence I write vou .s
Chateaubrland, 81 behold the rural retreat of lord
byron, and the roof ofthe dwelling of Madame do
Stael. Where is the author of Chide Harold7
where Is the author Of Corinne? My heightened
lie resembles those romantic views, with their
borders ornamented with funeral monuments. T
nave beheld great events and great mon. The re-
Vouton sleeps in its vast sepulchre, and its giant
chId is at rest in his tomb. 1t is no longer
the age oil the grand sword. The swords we wear
are Powerless to protect the heads of our friends
you bid me rank myself among people who
victorious at the barricades, carried me in their
arms. Yes! that was the proudcst moment of nv
me! linus would serve the people ever. 1t was
LOT the people, their honor, their prosperity their
liberty, that gave my vote for the coronation of
enid, while exercised the right ofmy individual
liberty. But, alas! where is the psope?"
II have resolved to end my life commenced
II, wandersr on the wide world; for refusing to
give my assent to things they are would be but
a blot IN Lacedemon. But in order to fnlly accom-
Piish my wishes, it is necessary for mo to give up
10 q new master some little trees that I have
planted. l have exposed to the course of event,
my children, and they are unprotected. This
mas compelled me to return to France. 7 have
been struck by its dir of sadness. Moved by the
sorrows OF my country, have thought there would
SUI DC Time to leave it when it is happy. have
to offer my last days to my country, NotwitL
standing the bendlngsof our diplomacy, and even
by the very reason of its conciliatory policy il does
not appear TO me very certain that we shall CONT
nue. at peace.
"a recent attack upon the ancient royaI house.
mas proved to me also that my combats are not
at thelr close. During the days of July did NOT
dream OF REACTIONS; the people reigned: softened
oy victory, instructed by experience, enlightened
by an increasing civilization, thew would have
continued TO be magnanimous. But the neonIo
reign no longer; coterie, without dignity, with
out elevation, which has usurpcd the popular
power, VIII require in order to sustain itself
TO rc-enact the Bourbon laws of prescription.
10 MAKE its power sure by extending it's pre- eau
uons over different classes Of citizens This pre
sumed rigor is iogicalit flows naturally from the
new project which follows the project Of NJ Bau
Gct' II requires, then, my presence at Paris, where
VIII plead, as last resort, the cause which havc
defended, and which J hoped not again TO bo
ODIgcd to defend. Al honorable man does not
moe HIMSELF he stands uLdcr no shadow-he pub.
liShcs nothing against bis opponents at distance
winch he would not dee to declare to their face ="
Inc organs Of public opinion" saws he AT The |
close OF his letter. "almost all the papors have nv
pressed regrets which do me much honor. Your
eIoqucnce, TOO, prodiga fairy comes in her turn
10 decorate with flowers and diamonds not nv an
cIcht throne, for have none, but my ancient pill
srhhS stan. How could be insensible to the fiat
,Gry OF nusowhich has scorned TO hattcr kings7 !
" men That muse summons me 10 return, how |
could but follow her TO her temple, which is my
country"
NJ. de Chateaubriand, concludes lie Courier, re. |
turns to defend once moro the cause Of the Bour |
bons, and also to take part in the persecution he |
anticipates. This is too much devotion, or too |
much love Of glory. Without doubt martyrdom
would worthily crown a career so filed with no.
BILE works; it is well dared for virtuous ambition.
but let NJ dc Chatesubrand rem ounce the illusion
which soduces him. lie will not confess his
Bourbon faith upon the scafiold. lie NAV write.