Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-05-11


lust colors this most estlmable wp"aa'
tioa saws, that the character Ct washington ~eS
aided and strengthened, 1t not forneu' W "e
".ro md ncecen,s of his mother. She was re-
mari able for the visor Of her intellect ana tne
6rmness of her resolution. Left In early me-
the sole parent o. young and numerous 'ah"!'
she devoted herself with exemplary hden.y ~
the task of guiding and educating them. WI"
limited resources she was able, by care anu ECU
nomy, 10 provide for them, and to ensure inc"
resnec, table entrance upon the duties oil ii'e'
firm believer in the sacred truths OF reiig'on' sue
taught its principles to her children anu '"eu
Gated an early obedience to its InJunctohs. IL
ia said by those who knew her intimately that she
ACQUIRED and maintained a wonderful ascenhah-
CO over those around her. This true Character
istic of genius attended her through me- a"u
even in its decline. after her son had leu ms
country to independence, and had oeeh ca'eu
to preside over her councils. he approacnee "e'
with the same reverence she had 'aos"' NV" W
exhibit in early youth. lhis course "' '"a"'"",
discipline, no doubt, restrained 'ne 'a'",n .h..
Of his ,emnerament and conferred upon HIN that
mower IF self seIfcomnand, which was one OF
| ,,h. most remarkable traits of his chaiacter.
In tracing the few recollections which can oe
gathered Of her principles aud conduct,t Is impos'
sble 70 avoid the convict ion that these were close
| ~ interviewer with the destiny OF her son. ipe
great ponts of his character before the world.
| He who runs may read them IN his whole CAREER
as citizen. soldier, a magistrate he possess
ed IN unerring Judgment, it that term can be ap-
pIied to human nature; great prooIiy oi purpose'
hiph moral principles, perfect seif.possession, uh
| firing application, an enqniring mind, seeking
information from every quarter, and arriving al
its conclusions with full knowledge OF the
subject: and he added to these an iniexlb'lity OF
resolution which nothing could change but con
viction of error. Look back at the life and con-
duct of his mother, and at her domestic govern
ment, as they have been this day del'neafed oy
the chairman of the monumental committee. aud
as they were known to her cotenporar'es ana
have been described BY them, and they will be
found admirably adapted TO form aud deve'ope
tive elements of such character. The power
of greatness was there, but had it not been guld-
ed and directed bv maternal solicitude and judy.
ment, its possessor, instead of presenting to the
world examples of virtue, patriotism and Wis
dom. which will be precious in all succeeding
ages, might have added TO the number OF those
master spirits, whose fame rests upon the facul-
ties they have abused, and the injuries they have
committed.
How important 70 the females OF our country
are these "reminiscences of the early life OF Wash
jnetop, and of the maternal care Of her upon
whom its future course depended Affection
less regulated by discretion, might have changed
the character of the son, and with 1t the des'i.
MES of the nation. We have reason to be proud
of the virtue and intelligence OF our females
AS mothers and sisters, and wives and daugh-
ters. their duties are performed with exemplary
fidelity. They no doubt realize the great I'M
nortance of the maternal character and the pow
| r.t 10
youth Happy is it for them aud our country that
they have before them this ilustrious example OF
maternal devotion and this bright reward OF hlial
success. The mother OF family who lives to
witness the virtues of her children and their al.
yancement in life, and who are known and honor
ed. should have no other wish, on this side the
grave, to crafty. The seeds OF virtue anu OF
Vice are early sown, and we may often anticipate
the harvest that will be gathered. Changes no
doubt occur, but let 40 one place his hope upon
these. Impressions made in infancy, ii not IN.
deIible, are effaced with difficulty and renewed
with facility: and upon the mother therefore
must frequently, if not generally, depend the
fate of the son.
Fellow citizens This district of country gave
birth to Washington. The ancient Common.
wealth, within whose borders we are assembled
from every portion of this happy aud nour'sh'ns
Union, renowned as sue ~ IoT heI 'uS''u""uo,
for her devotion to the cause OF freedom and to'
her services aud sacrifices to promote 1t. and for
the eminent men she has sent forth to aid orr
country with heart and hand, in peace, and war,
presents a claim still stronger than these upon
the gratitude of her sister States in the birth and
life Of Washington. Most of you, my friends,
must speak OF him from report. 1t Is to me
source Of high qualification that can speak oil
him from personal knowledge and observation
Called by the partiality of my countIymen to the
high station once SO ably filled by him, aud tsci-
ing, that in all but desire to serve you, am
unworthy to occupy bis seat; but sensible that to
this positi0n owe the honor OF an invitation 10
unite With you in this work Of affection and era.
titude. am unwilling the opportunity should
pass away without bearing my testimony 20 his
virtues and services. do this in justice to my
own feelings. being well aware, that his fame
needs no feeble aid from me.
The living witnesses of his public and private
life will soon follow him to the tomb. Already
second and third generation are upon the the
atre Of action, and the men and the events OF the
Revolution, and Of the interesting period between