The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-07-04
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CHAR
ACTER OF GEN. WASHINGTON.
BY JARED SPARKS.

The person of Washington was COM
manding, graceful, and fifty proportion,
ed; his Statute six feet, his chest broad
and full, his limbs somewhat slender,
but we'll shaped and muscular. His
features were regular and symmetrical,
his eyes of a light blue color. and his
whole countenance, in his quiet state,
was grave, placid, and benignant.-
When alone, or not engaged in con-
veirsation, he appeared sedate and
thoughtful; but, when his attention was
excited, hiseye kindled quickly, and his
face beamed with animation and intel
ligence. He was not fluent in speech,
but what he said was opposite, and lis
tened 10 with the more interest'as be-
ing known to come from the heart
He seldom attempted sallies of wit or
humor, butno man received more pleas
ure from an exhibition of them by 9TH
ers; and although contentsd in seclu-
sion, he sought his chief happiness in
society, and participated with delight
in all its rational and innocent amuse-
ments. Without austerity on one
hand, or an appearance OF condescend-
ing familiarity on the other, he was al
fable, courteous, and cheerful; but it has
often been remarked, that there was a
dignity in his person and manner, not
easy to be defined, which impressed
every one that saw him for the first
time with an instructive Difference and
awe. This may have arisen in part
from a conviction of his superiority, as
well as from the effect produced by his
external form and department.
The character Of his mind was un-
folded in the public and private acts OF
his life; and the proofs of his great
ness are seen almost as much in the one
as the other. The same qualities, which
raised him to the ascendency he pos
sessed over the will OF the nation as the
commander of armies and chief magis-
trate, caused him to be loved and re-
spectsd as an individual. Wisdom.
Judgment, prudence, and frmness were
his predominant traits. No man ever
saw more clearly the relative import.
ance of things and actions, or divested
himself more entirely, Of the bias of per
sonal interest, partiality, and prejudice
in discriminating between the true ano
the false, the right and the wrong, In
all questions and subjects that were
presented to him. He deliberatec
slowly, but decided surely; and, wher
: his decision was once formed, ne sci
/ dom reversed it, and never relaxed
f from the execution of a measure till i
, was completed. Courage, physical ant
moral, was a part Of his nature; and
: whether in battle or in the midst ofpop
ular excitement. he was fearless @
, danger and regadless Of consequence
to himself.
$ His ambition was OF that noble kind
/, which aims to excel in whatever it ur
n dsrtakes, and to acquire power owe
S the hearts Of men by promoting thei
: happiness and winning their affection:
h Sensitive to the appreciation Of other
o and solicitous to deserve it, he made n
i. concessions to gain their applause, eltf
d er by flattering their vanity or yieldin
e to their caprices. Cautious wIthor
/ timldity, bold without rashness, cool
) counsel, deliberate but firm in actor
. clear in foresight, patient under T.
h verses, steady, persevering, and sci
IS possessed, he met and conquered ever
5. obstacle that obstructed his path to hol
r or, renown, and success. More CO,
N fident in the uprightness Of his inte
4, tons, than in his resources, ne soug
ID knowledge and advice from other me
N He chose his counsellors with unerlr
i. sagacity; and his quick perception