The Democratic Whig. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1842-1843, 1843-10-05


/ Il interfefred with public duty, indif-
ferent 70 popular obloquy when Il rose
from rsctiiude Of conduct Like The
Roman patriot he wished rather to be
than appear deserving. Greatness was
forced upon him both in military and
political lie, rather because he was
felt to be the worthiesi, than because
be desired to be the FIRST be was the
architect Of bis own fortune, but be
became 50 almost unconsciOusly, while
solely engrossed IN constructing that
ofhis country. He has left undone
many things, as a soldier, which might
have added TO bis fame, and done
many things as a statesman, which
we're fatal 70 bis power. but he omit
ted the first because they would
have endangered his country, and
committed the second because he felt
them 10 be essential to its salvation. Il
is TO the honor Of England, and ofhu-
man nature, that such a man should
have risen at such time 10 the rule Of
her armies and her councils, but he
experienced, with ThemistocIss and
Scipio Alricanus, the mutable Ten.
ure of popular applause, and the base
ingratitude Of those whom he had
served. Having triumphed over the
arms Of the threatened tyrant, be vas
equally immovabie in the presence
OF the insane citizens ; and it is hard to
say whether his greatness appeared
most when he struck down the conque-
ror Of Europe on the field Of Water.
Ion, or was himself with difficulty
rescued from death on its anniversary
eighteen years afterwards, in the
streets Of London.
Capable when the occasion required
or opportunity was afforded, Of the
most daring enterprises be was yet
cautious and wary in bis general con-
duct prodigal of his own person, be
was avaricious only of the blood Of
his soldiers. Endowed by nature
with an indomitable soul, a conslitu-
lion Of irOnihe possessed that tenacity
Of purpose, and indefaiigable activity
which is ever necessary TO great ACHE
Vements; prudent in council, sagacious
in design, be was yet prompt aud de-
cided in action. No general ever re-
solved the probable dangers Of an en-
terprise more anxiously before under
taking it Y; none possessed in higher
degree ths eagle eye, ihe arm Of steel
necessary % carry i into execution.
By lir sseadY application Of these rare
qaahUess be vas enabled to raise the
British military force from an unwor-
thy state Of depression to an unpara-
lelled pitch Of glory to educate in
the presence Of the enemy not only
bis soldiers in the field, but his rulers
10 the cabinet to silence, by avoiding
disaster, the clamor Of his enemies, TO
strengthen by progressive success, the
ascendency Of his friends; to augment
by the exhibition Of its results, the en-
ergy Of the government to rouse, BY
deeds Of glory, the enthusiasm of The
people. SkilfulIy seizing the oppor-
tunity ofvictory, he studiously avoid
ed the chances Of defeat aware that
single disaster would at once endanger
his prospects, discourage his country
men, and strengthen bis opponents, he
was content 10 lorego many opportun-
tiles Of earning fame, and stiae many
desires to grasp az glory T, magnani
mously checking the aspirations Of
genius, be trusted for Ultimate success
rather to perseverance, in a wise, than
audacity in daring course. He
thus succeeded, during six successive
campaigns, with a comparatively in
considerable army, ia maintaining his
ground against the vast aud veteran
forces Of Napoleon, in defeating sue
.cessively all bis marshals, and batting
successfully all bis enterprises, and
finally rOusing such an enthusiastic
spirit in the British empire as enabled
its government to put forth its i'm
mense resources and ancient renOwn
and terminate & contest ofIwenty years
BY planting Ihe English standard "a
the walls Of Paris.