Litchfield enquirer., 1846-08-13
THH ENQUIRER.
LITCHFIELD, AUGUST Is, 1916.

LITCHFIELD, AUGUST Is, 1876.
"MEMoIRs OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS OF
WASHINGTON AND ADAMS, edited from
the papers Of Oliver Wolcott, Secretary Of
che Treasury. BY George Gibbs"
The above is the title of a work recently
published in two elegantly printed Octave vol
umes, containing upwards Of one thousand pa.
ges. As faithful and succinct history Of the
" Federal Administrations" the work will
form an invaluable textbook for future states
men, historians, and politicians. Mr.. Gibbs,
the editor, (who is grandson Of the late Gov
Velocity has done himself great credit by the
fidelity with which he has portrayed the out
lines as well as the more prominent features Of
that era in our national history, which more
than any other. has been made the text for
demagogues, and general topic of animadver-
sion ard comment. The malignity of tri-
umphant party has been but too successful in
its endeavors to stigmstize as tyrants aud trait
ors all who contributed to sustain and uphold
the first and second Administrations Of our
Government. That there were some serious
errors in the plans and execution of our ma
tional affairs under those administrations, all
will be ready to admit. But at that time re-
publicansm was itself bu. an experiment; and
it would be strange indeed if the experience Of
sixty years had not taught US some improve.
ments upon the ways and means" which had
then been devised for conducting the affairs
Government
Mr.. Gibbs, in the execution Of his task,
has not sought TO cover up the defects or de-
formities Of the great men Of those days, or Of
their public measures-in either Of the then
existing parties 1t seems to have been his
aim to state things as they were. The letters
and documents therein, inform US not only
of the measures contemplated and adopted,
but also the state of feeling which then existed
on the subject of government and politics.
1t is eminently useful and interesting work,
and deserves general circulation.
The sketch of the life of Governor Wolcott,
which we present OF. our first page, is mainly
condensed from the volumes before US. We
are confident our readers will peruse the sketch
with pleasure. AS the most prominent and
distinguished public man which Litch6eld
county ever produced, the history of Governor
Wolcott should be cherished with laudable
pride by all OF our citizens. The Roman ma.
tron, pointing to her children, exclaimed
These are my jewels!" and may not we,
with like spirit of exultation, honor those
who have honored themselves and their coun-
try? 1t is a powerful incentive to laudable
ambition in others, to award the need of meri.
led praise to such as have risen to distinction
or have led lives of selfdenying effort for the
good of humanity. The histories Of great and
good men are but delneation Of what others
/ may do. All may not become alike renowned
in letters, or ont The forum. or on the field; but
all may strive to excel each in his own particu-
lar calling-ifthat calling be an honest one.
"Act we'll your part, there all the honor
lies
"Great men grow up in clusters" wrote a
philosopher OF past age, and, (whether from
accident or from specific causes,) we believe
careful observation will establish the truth of
the remark.
We fatter ourselves that certain localities
i'll our own county might be selected as illustra-
tive ofits correctness. Will some one favor
us with list of the public and prominent men
who have originated in that corner of Itch
field county which is embraced by the towns OF
Washington, and Roxbury? Will not the town
of Salisbury also "count up her jewels? We
doubt not but Biographical notices of some OF
the more distinguished natives of our county
would possess more than ordinary interest to
our readers. Who will aid US in such an un-
dertaking? The lives Of such men as Peter B.
Porter, Junius Smith, Ethan and Ira Allen,
Jeremiah Day, Nathaniel Chapman, Martin
Chittenden, Roger Skinner, Horace Hoiles
John c.. Spencer, Daniel s. Dickinson, Sam.
uel S. Phelps, Elisha Wzittlesey. and others
more orless eminent, would be read with inter.
est and profit by the race Who are now growing
up amidst the scenes which nurtured and in.
spired them.