The native American., 1838-10-27
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

1t is good, on every possible occasion, for us
Americans to- ponder the character OF this man.
We have never seen finer picture OF Washing
tons greatness than the following. Itappeared
in the London Courier then leading British
government paper, on the Oath OF January, 1900
1t was at that time cut from the paper, and has
been preserved in family scrap-book ever since.
If it has been republshed in more recent days,
we have not seen it: but we are persuaded our
readers will own even if it has appeared since, it
cannot be revived too frequently. We have no
idea to whom its authorship is TO be ascribed
The melancholy account of the death of Gen
eral Washington was brought by vessel from
Baltimore, which arrived off Dover. General
Washington was, we believe, in his 6Sth year.
The height of his person about five feet
eleven; his chest was full, and his limbs, though
rather slender, well shaped and muscular. His
head was small, in which respect he resembled
the make of great number of his countrymen.
His eye was of light grey color; and in proper
ton to the length of his face, his nose was long
Mr.. Stewart, the eminent portrait painter, used to
saw there were features in his face totally differ
ent from what he had observed in that of any
other human being; the sockets for the eyes, for
instance, were larger than what he had ever met
with BEFORE and the upper part OF fhlsnose broader
All his features he observed were indicative OF the
strongest passions; yet, like Socrates, his judg-
ment and great self-command have always made
him appear man of different cast in the eyes
of the world. He always spoke with great diff
dence, and sometimes hesitated for a word; but al
ways 10 find one particularly well adapted to his
meaning. His language was manly and express
sive. At levee, his discourse with strangers
turned principally upon the subject Of America
and if they had been through remarkable places,
his conversation was free and peculiarly interest
ing; for he was Intimately acquainted with every
part Of the country. He was much more open
and free in his behaviour at lcvee than in pr-
vate, and in the company of ladies still more so
than solely with men.
Few persons ever found themselves for the
first time in the presence of General Washington,
without being impressed with certain degree OF
veneraon and awe; nor did these emotions sub
side on closer acquaintance; on the contrary, his
person and department were such as tended to
augment them. The hard service he had seen,
and the important and laborious offices ne had fill
ed, gave kind of austerlty to his countenance,
and reserve to his manners; yet he was the kind
est husband, the most humane master, and the
steadiest friend. The whole range of history
does not present to our view a character upon
which we can dwell with such entire and unmixed
admiration.
lie long llle Vi ucllCld w dolHS toh 10 uHotaii-
ed by single blot. He was man of rare en-
dowments, and such fortunate temperament, that
every action he performed was equally exempted
from the charge of vice or weakness. Whatever
he said or did, or wrote, was stamped with a
striking and peculiar propriety. His qualities
were so happily blended, and so nicely harmoni-
zed, that the result was great and perfect whole.
The powers 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 liberal moderation. His views,
though large and liberal, were never extravagant.
His virtues, though comprehensive and benehcent,
were discriminating, judicous and practical. Yet
his character, though regular and uniform, pos
sessed none Of the littleness which sometimes be-
longs to those descriptions of men. 1t formed a
majestic pile, the effect of which was not impair
ed, but improved by order and symmetry. There
was nothing in it to dazzle by wldness, and sur
prise by eccentricty. 1t was Of higher species
of moral beauty. 1t contained every thing great
and elevated, but it had no false and tinsel orna-
ment 1t was not the model cried up by fashion
and circumstance, its excellence was adapted to
the true and just moral taste, incapable OF change
from the varying accidents of manners, of opin-
ions and times.
General Washington is not the idol of day,
but the hero of ages Placed in circumstances OF
the most trying difficulty at the commencement of
the American contest, he accepted that situation
which was pre-eminent in danger and responsible
lity. His perseverance overcame every obstacle;
his moderation conciliated every oppostion; his
genius supplied every resource; his enlarged
view could plan, devise, and improve every branch
of civil and military operation. He had the su-
perior courage which can act or forbear to act as
true policy dictates, careless of the reproaches OF
ignorance, either in power or out of power. He
knew how to conquer by waiting, in spite of OBJ
loouy, for the moment of victory; and he merited
true praise by despising undeserved censure. ln
the most arduous moments of the contest, his pru-
dence and firmness proved the salvation OF the
cause which he supported. His conduct was on
all occasions, guided by the most pure dislnterest-
edness Far superior to low and grovelling mo-
tives, he seemed ever to be influenced by that am
bition which has Justly been called the instinct OF
great souls. He acted ever as if his country
welfare, and that alone, was the moving spring.
His excellent mind needed not even the stimulus
Of ambition, or the prospect Of fame. Glory was
secondary consideration. He performed great
actions; he persevered in course Of laborious
utility, with an equanimity that neither sought dis.
tinction, nor fatered by it. His reward was