The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-14

But, in some respects, still more attractive were
the features in the last period Of his career. Tho
closing scenes of the drama show (ofice and pomp
voluntarily relinquished) domestic pleasures and
deeds Of humble usefulness sought for; all the ten
der charities of life and neghborly friendship cher
ished; religion illustrated in his daily walk as well
as professed at the altar; his country still near and
dear, and her welfare. watched over with parental
solitude; acknowledg ments and memorials Of res-
pect for benefits conferred, daily solace in his
tiremen and troops Of friends spared to the end, to
soften the pillow Of declining health; and all bright
ened still higher in his departing moments, by
the richest hopes beyond the grave.
What beautiful progress in Improvement and
usefulness in true glory, from the dawn of life to
its close! What happy destiny and example
And how admirably does the grave, thus closed,
bury in its bosom most Of the enmties and jealous
les of turbid life, and tend TO harmonic his coun
trymen In paying just tributes to his memory, and
in feeling aprde in those high qualities which have
reflected no less honor the land of his birth than
on himself 4a
But there are other aspects of his character very
impressive.
Viewed in some prominent capacities or pursuits,
rather than in the different stages OF life his destiny
has been no less interesting, and il more familiar TO
the minds of most Of us. Some have been accus-
toned to contemplate him as a soldier, others as a
statesman, and a few as a man, without regard to
station Though little is usually said of private char
acter IN connexion win puoiic peneiactors, nave
no doubt, from long acquaintance with General
Jackson that he felt much more soicitude as to his
independence, worth, and standing as a man, than
for all the honors ever lavshed on him by a
grateful people. Yet such Is the structure OF
societys-snch the eclipsing tendency OF pubic
life, that he has long been known over most
OF the globe as a successful soldier, and APP
appreciated highly by millions as a statesman,
without much inquiry to those great principles
which ne had nourlshed IN retirement, ana which
htted him SO ably for public usefulness But II was
those principles, and the habits formed oy those-
and not as many suppose, accident or ioruneIwhich
afterwards ensured 70 nIm victories N the held and
example is so much more to be venerated and trans
mlued 70 coming generauons LOT emelauon ana en-
enlargement Starting IN LIE with few strong nat
urai endowments, everything beside was, with him,
self.made. II was he himself, that improved what
God had bestowed or placed near him. 1t was his
practical sense that seized on all the opportunities
which occurred for instruction, however few md
feetlng and made the most of the agitatng circun-
stances amidst which his lot IN life was cast. II
was his idea Of moral Obligation that made him pa
enty study his duties, hll inspired with confidence
in himself; and then be so firm in their performance,
as to inspire confidence in others; and, in short,
after being interchangeable to ascertain what was right,
to feel no less bound TO enforce it, and "dare do all
tohich may become MAN." whether for himself, his
friends, or his country. A character thus form
ed, is Of course subject to human failties, and, in
some respects more so than one nurtured in early
life amidst superior advantages from education and
associates, who had also enjoyed and improved
such advantages. say this, because indscrimnate
eulogy il not worth the breath that utters It. But,
at the same time, man, when reared like him,
amidst the agitation and perls ola revolution
learns buffet well the tempests of life and, like
a tree blown upon by violent wind strikes root
deeper, and is better braced to encounter RESPONSE
olity ana danger OF every KIND ana ms opinions
arc as wen az adherea 70 win greater 10
nacly.
Another !ait ia ms private character, not unusual
IN vigorous ntei!ects though apparently 30 opposite
,ne cu,ent OF their ieelngs, was resPect
ana aI.acnment % iemaie worm; inis was oouDt-
lcss increaseu ~ nm, rom early dependence on
wiuowea mo.her, ana rom enoearing associauons
connecteo WIN ne! watcnuness ana deyouon 70 the
Improvement OF ms youtn. ms watcniulness y
most salu,ary restraint, oien s9pst.uted ny rrov,-
dence 10 tne place OF ialner's harder power and
when y Is not Always successful IN preventing ex.
cesses or errors amas! tne numerous temptations OF
early ne, oI'en exci'es remorseioi rememprances
anu WINS BACK TO DUTY an errlng child. \