Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-09

thing was prepared for bis departure,
when the fears Of . timid and affection.
ate mother was the cause OF retaining
him upon the land. to be the future de-
fender and protector Of his country's
rights. From the moment that he re-
ceived the responsible and Jignihed
station Of commander-in-chief Of the
American forces. . blaze CT unprece-
denied glory seems TO have followed
him. Not the glory Of rapid and sue
cessive conquests. purchased by the
innumerable lives Of the victors; not
the false, though gl,ttering pageant Of
the glory Of an Alexander or Bona
parte. No, fellow-citizens. IL was the
successful skill and operation Of man
forced to arms by ruthless and invad-
Ing foe. II was the glory Of sustaining
we'll the high charge with which his
confding country men had entrusted
him, Of leading his lew. though reso-
lutte followers, against far greater pu-
merical strength. commanded by vete-
rams with well-earned laurels. whose
school had been the field, and who bad
grown old in the service. II was the
glory ensuing from steadiness Of mind.
stability OF principle. a Tesoluteness
OF purpose. and success Of operation.
when contending with such a fearful
odds.
In point Of generalship. he has some
times been compared with the most re.
nowned warriors Of all ages. One mo-
ments consideration. however, will
convince us, that as he surpassed all
those Of the ancient. he rose superior to
those Of the modern world. He not
only possessed some shining qualities
OF the soldier. and particular advanta-
ges OF the general. but he was endow-
ed with them ell. Born TO be the sa-
viour Of people destined to rise in
eminence and fame, but ~hose struggle
for emancipation was as toilsome and
arduous as their ultimate success was
uncertain and doubtful-wIth the skill
Of a Persian Alexander. he blended the
mercy Of Roman Cesar; with the
patriotism Of Cato, be added the CONT
hence OF Scipio. the daring of Bona
parte, the patience Of Hannibal. and the
courage Of Turreene. Under all cir.
cumstances he was universally beloved.
When impotence and even mutiny had
taken possession Of his brave, though
suffering. companions in arms; when
disPirited and ready to rebel against su.
penors. the appearance Of Washington
among them. his firm and resolute de-
pertinent, his cheerful and serene coun-
tenance, never failed to give them new
life and animation. And. even when
so disheartened by defeat. aud suffering
from the inclemency Of the weather.
without clothing TO protect. or food Co
sustain them. their woes seemed at an
Unreasonable height.-feeIing deeply
Tor their misery, he appears among
them, his white locks are waving in ihe
breeze. his soul is filled with emotion
he observes their dejectedncss and mi.
sery; the tear Of deep COMMUNICATION
and feeling is in his manly eye; the
awe-struck veterans stand for a mo-
ment in silence. At length, the soul
OF their commander finds utterance
He acknowledges their bravery and
merit. He compliments their zeal in
the holy cause in which they are en-.
gagged then he pictures the poverty OF
their reduced and enieebled country
lastly. points them to the glorious herit.
age they are purchasing for their chill
dren, with the expectation of being
speedily remunerated. They are aui.
eted-his language acts as q charm
upon them. They are dumb beneath
the soul-thrilling e!oquence Of their ia
trcpid and matchless leader The his
tory Of that struggle you are all well
acquainted with. Through the instru.
mentality Of Washington, ats issue wa,
glorious tor independence. The closing
scene At Yorktown spread universal Joy
through this land. while II taught our
oppressors lesson that all mankind be-
held with wonder, yet with secret ad-
miration. Yet distinguished as had be-
come the saviour Of his country, in the
revolution, for success. for skill, and
devotcdness in the cause Of his coun.
/ tTy-numeTous and well.earned as were
his laurels, another wreath was vet "a
be added 70 the cbaplet, more brilliant
aud beautiful than them all.
Brethren and coun,fymen. see yol
anticipate me. Peace had been pro
claimed. and now ensued the parting o
their patriot army and their gallan
commander. The hero Is among them
he lifts his cap, and the hairs silverec
IN the service 81 lis native soil, are
streaming in the Wind. They gree
him with a shout that makes the 6rm
earth ,remble. ln a few hours more
and the immortal Chisfiain would have
been a King. add willing hearts would
have responded. Long live the deli.
Verer of Columbia Long live Kins
Washington 70
The proudsst act ever recorded in
impartial history. u here told 81 the
leader OF the American troops. To N,
rsgged eonquefors. who Vers Vsitins
to make him King. be CITES out. No
\ my oounirymen. W fought not Tor this
We blcd not for lhis-ibousands Of ou
bFAve comrades ~ arms sleep upon tbs