The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-04-05
For the Wig Standard.
A SKETCH.

Years have rolled by since in the backwoods Of
the mighty West there appeared tall, spare, sin
envy youth, with bright, flashing eye, who, tho
modest and unassuming, seemed like one born
with the innate power to become distinguished
among men. Time rolled on, and still he per-
formed no act, decisive and great, sufficient to
set the seal of genius upon him. But at last it
came-the waters long pent up gushed out-the
fire which has ever burnt acithin becomes mani
fest to al-and genius, true, Unborn, is universally
conceded to him. Years pass by, and he becomes
more and more known and admired, till, called by
his State to speak in its behalf, he stands upon
upon the floor of the American Congress. Then,
for the first time, the aoorld heard his burning and
thrilling eloquence-then they saw another and
brighter star added to the diadem of the new
continent But his career stops not here. The
force of his mighty genius urges him on, and he
mounts the great ladder of fame higher and high
er. He is deputed by his country to serve her
abroad, and the tall, sncwy Kentuckian meets
in council with the learned, crafty, and expe-
renced diplomats of Europe. Success crowns
his efforts, and he returns to his kindred only to
receive new honors Fortune leads him forward,
until uop, age having silvered his locks, with the
native fire of his eye undimmed, we behold him,
having filled the highest office in the cabinet Of
the President taking leave Of the Senate, bidding
farewell to public life, leaving behind the honors
and cmoluments of Office, turning from the scene
of his greatness, the theatre of his glory, to rest
awhile from his labors in that Western land from
whence he came.
Few orators have equalled, none have sur
passed, the brlliancy and sweetness of his elo-
quence. In national knowledge-n vgor and
power of thought-in craftsmanship he stood al
most alone, and none but the Northern Goliath
might even rival him. A true nobleman of ma
ture, "none knew him but to love him." for his
frank noble, and warmhearted spirit melted the
hardest soul. Wherever he came the people
gathered by thousands to do him honor, and often
he enjoyed greater than Roman triumph in
the free and unsought homage of people who
call no man lord
Harry of the West, now, having served his
country faithfully, and as none other could, du-
ring long life, approaches the evening of his
DAYS. America may well be proud of him, fer he
is her brightest jewel. But though America--all
America may call him her son, yet he belongs
particularly to the great Wing party; for them
he has toed, his counsel and assistance have
ever been freely bestowed upon them, and their
honors have been given to him. Still there lack
eth one thing: America owes it to herself to
place in the chair of her Presidency man wor-
thy to stand by the side of her heroes, her Presi-
dents of the olden time-a man capable of under
standing and carrying out the just designs OF Gov
erment-a man who shall reflect as much honor
upon his station as his office confers upon him, |
for it is indeed long, long time since true
statesman, worthy of being held up before the
world as her favorite son, her GREATEST man, her
freely elected ruler, has administered our Gov
eminent She owes il to htm also--to Henry |