Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-07-26

General WaShington.-The following
description of the person of General Wash
ington, and the observations respecting him
are contained in the work of that distinguish
ed friend of America, Able Robin, who
came over to this country in the capacity
of one Of the chaplains to the French army,
in the year 1881, previous to the cap.
ture of the British under the command of
General CORVALLIS. Ameri-
can.
81 have seen General Washington, that
most singular man-the soul and the sup
port of one of the greatest revolutions that
has ever happened, or can happen again.
fixed my eye upon him with that keen at
tention which the sight of a great man al.
ways inspires. We naturally entertain d
secret hope of discovering in the features
of such illustrious men, some traces of that
excellent genius which distinguishes them
from, and elevates them above their fellow
mortals. Perhaps the exterior of no man
was better calculated TO CRAFTY the expec-
tations than that of General Washington.
He is of a tall and noble stature, well proper.
toned, fine, cheerful, open countenance,
simple and modest carriage and his
men has something IN it that interests the
French, the Americans and even his enc.
mics themselves, in his favdr.-Placed in q
military view, at the head of nation, where
each individual has a share in the supreme
legislative authority, and where the coer-
Give laws are yet in great degree desti-
tute of vigor; where the climate and man.
ners can add but little to their energy
where the spirit of party, private interest,
slowness and national incidence slacken,
suspend and overthrow the best concerted
measures although so situated, he has
found out method of keeping his troops
in the most absolute subordinaton max.
ing them rivals in praising him; fearing
him even when he is silent, and retaining
their confidence in him after defeat anc
disgrace. His reputation has, at length
arisen to most brilliant pitch, and he may
now grasp at the most unbounded power
without provoking envy or exciting suspi
cion. He has ever shown himself superb
or to fortune, and in the most trying adver
sity has discovered resources till then un
known; and, as if his abilities only increa
sed and dilated at the prospec: Of difficulty
he is never better supplied than when HI
seems destitute of every thing. nor have
his arms ever been so fatal to his enemies
as at the very instant when they though
they had crushed him forever.
1t is his to excite spirit Of herolsm ant
enthusiasm in people who are by nature
very little susceptible of it; TO gain owe
the respect and homage of those whose in
terest it is to refuse it, and to execute hi
plans and projects by means unknown ev
en- to those who are his instruments; he i
intrepid in dangers, yet never seeks them
except when the good of his country de
mands it, preferring rather to temporiz
and act upon the defensive, because h
knows such mode of conduct best suit
the genius and circumstances Of the nation
and that all he and they have to expect de
ponds upon time fortitude and patience; h
is frugal and sober in regard to himself, bu
profuse in the public cause, like Peter tn
Great, he has by defeats conducted his al
my to victory; and like Fabius, but wit
fewer resources and more difficulty,
has conquered without fighting, and save
: his country.
Such are the ideas that arise in the min
at the sight Of this great man, in examinin
the events in which he has had share, Q
in listening to those whose duty oblige
them to be near his person, and consequen
ly can best display his true character.
; all these extensive states they consider hi
. in the light Of benefcent god, dispensin
peace and happiness around him. Old me
women and children, press about him whe
: he accidentally passes along, and thin
!. themselves perfectly happy, once in the
|; lives to have seen him--they follow hi
through the towns with torches, and cell
/; brate his arrival by public illumination
!, The Americans, that cool and sedate pei
pie, who in the midst of their most tryir
: difficulties, have attended only to direction
, and impulses of plain method and commc
n reason, are reused, animated and innamc
L at the very mention Of his name and Il
!, first songs that gratitude have dictate
" have been TO celebrate General Wnshin
ton.