Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1838-10-04

open and free in his behavior at evee than
in private, and in the company of ladies'
still more so than solely with men.
/ Few persons ever f und themselves
for thu first time in the presence of
Gen Washington, without being Impress
ed with certain degree of veneraton and
! awe, nor did these emotions subside on a
closer acquaintance on The contrary his
person and department were such as tend
ed to augment them. The hard service he
had seen and the important and laborious
offices he had flled gave kind of auster-
| lty to his countenance, and reserve to his
manners; yet he was the kindest husband,
the most humane master, and steadest
friend Theswhole range of history does
not present to our view character upon
which we can dwell with such entire and
unmixcd admiration.
The long life Of Gen. Washington is
unstained by single blot II was a man
of rare endowments and such fortunate
temperament, that every action he perfor
med was equally exempted from the charge
Of vice or weakness. v h fever he said OF
did or wrote, was stamped with striking
and peculiar propriety. His qualities were
so happily blended, and so nicely harmo-
n,zed, that the result was great and per.
feet whole. The power of his mind, and
the dispositions of his heart were admirably
suited to each other. 1t was the union Of
the most consummate prudence with the
most perfect moderation His views
though large and liberal, were never ex-
travngant. His virtues, though compre-
hcnsve and benelicent, were dscrimina-
ting, judicious, and practical. Yet his
character though regular and uniform, pos
sessed none of the littleness which some
times belong to those descriptions of men.
1t formed majestic pile the effect of which
was not Impaired, but improved by order
and symmetry. There was nothing in it to
dazzle by wildness, and surprise by eccen-
tricity. 1t was of higher species of NOR
al beauty. 1t contained every thing great
and elevated, but it had no false and tinsel
| ornament. 1t was not the model cried up
by fashion and circumstance; its excel
| lence was adapted to the true and Just NOR
| al taste, incapab C Of change from the vary
ing accident of manners, opinions aud
times.
Gen Washington is not the idol of day,
but the hero Of ages Placed in circum-
sances Of the most trying difficulty at the
commencement of he American contest,
lie accepted that situation which was pre-
eminent in danger and responsibility. His
! perseverance, oyercarle every obstacle; his
moderation concilated every opposition;
his genius supplied every resource his
enlarged view could plan, devise, and inn
prove every branch Of civil and military
operation. He hadAbe superior courage
which can act or forbeAr to act, as the true
policy dictates, careless of the approaches
of ignorance either in power or out of pow
err Ele knew how to conquer by waiting in
spite of obloquy, for the moment of victo-
ry; and he merited true praise by despi-
sing undeserved censure. Tn the most ar
duous moments of the contest, his prudent
| hrmness proved the salvation of the cause
which he supported. His conduct,was on
all occasions, guided by the most pure dis
interestedness Far superior to low and
grovelng motives, he seemed even to be
! influenced by that ambition which has Justly
been called the instinct of great souls. He
acted ever as if his country's welfare, and
that alone, was the moving spirit. His ex-
ceIlent mind needed not ever the stimulus of
ambition or the prospect of fame. Glory
was secondary consideration. He per-
formed great actions /; he persevered in a
course of aborous utlity, with an equanim-
itv that neither sought distinction, nor was
fattered by it, His reward was in the
consciousness of his own rectitude, and the
success Of his patriotic efforts.
As the elevation to the chief power was
the unbiased choice of his countrymen,
his exercise of it was agreeable to the pur.
ty of its origin. AS he had neither solicit
ed nor usurped dominion, he had neither to
contend with the opposition of rivals, nor
the revenge Of enemies. AS his authority
was undisputed, so it required no jealous
precautions, no rigorous severity. His
government was mild and gentle it was
beneficent and liberal !; it was wise and
just. His prudent administration CONSOLE
dated and enlarged the dominion of an in
FAINT republic. In voluntarily resigning the
magistracy which he had filled with such
distinguished honor, he enjoyed the une-
qnalled satisfaction of leaving to the State
he had contributed to establish, the fruits
Ut his wisdom and the example of his vir-
tues. 1t is some consolation, amidst the
violence Of ambition and the criminal thirst
of power, which so many instances occur
around us, to find character whom it is
honorable TO admire, and virtuous to imi-
tate. A conqueror, for the freedom of his