Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1854-03-09

His virtues, his dignity, his intellect would
have made him eminent in any sge and
in any country, and golden triumphs
would have streamed DER bis actions in any
station. 1t is true be lived IN momentous
times it is true he acted in crises, the re-
suits of which have been The most lmPor-
tant the world has ever seen, yet if he had
no, been prepared for it, if his character
had not been equal to it, could that have
made him great! Let US hold up his exam
pie to ourselves, and swear by our country S
welfare, by the names of the great and good,
that we will endeavor so 10 act, that when
la crisis comes, when our country SUNNI ons
us TO the post of duty, we will be SO pre-
upon her, and transmit our names, untarnish-
ed and pure, to posterity.
But, respected audience, let us turn TO
some Of The actions Of him, the light OF
whose immortal birthday now CLEANS a
round US. In what portion Of his splendid
career shall the scene be opened Let US
follow him, when only 81 years of age.
possessed of the entire confidence of Gov.
Dinwiddie, vending bis way TO the banks
Of the Ohio, through almos, impossible for
es,s, where the foo. Of civilized man had
scarcely ever trod before, in,rusled with q
most delicate and important commission.
Perilous and hazardous was the journey
But his bold heart quailed no', his courage.
like Phenix tfiumphing amidst the flames,
rose victorious over every hardship p end diff
Guilty, aud his duty was performed not only
to the satisfaction of his government, bu. in a
manner that earned for him a brilliant and
shining reputation. Where do we find him
next? Con,endng bravely with force
three times his number, and, by his valor
end prudence, saving his lllIe band from
the grasp of the merciless foe. Follow
him to The ever-memotabIe spot, where The
rash and unfortunate Brsddock fell-observe
his self-possession and courage, unsurpass-
ed in the history of The world, in that fear
fol contest behold him, blazing like me-
teor in every spot where the battle ragged
fiercest, with bullets whlzzng around him
on every side, and blood streaming like
water in his very footsteps, yet protected
by The guardian wing of safety, rallying the
broken ranks Of that ill-fa,ed army, and
covering lis retreat will, skill .ha, would
have done honor TO the most experienced
commander.
When The British Government commence
ed lis expressions upon the Colonies, when
The clash OF arms and roar of cannon an
nounced that they had revollcd, when their
flag Of defiance sreamed in the very face Of
the British Lion, he came forward TO lend
his aid TO their cause. So great was his
fame, so widely extended his renown, so
pure his character, that he was unanimous
ly appointed Commander-i in-chef of all
their forces. Grea, and important trust -
Gas, your eyes back 20 the pages Of histo-
ry, search the annals Of the world, no great
er or more important position can be found.
The destitute condition of the Colonies, the
importance OF the issue al stake, the great
difficult with which they had to contend,
required masler-mind, The most unfinch-
ing integrity, the mos, incorrup,ibIe and ex-
al,ed patriotism. All these were united and
blended in the character of Washington in
the happiest degree, and most nobIy and
sklifully during the whole long and trying
campaign did he lead and cOndnc, the ar
mics of his country to victory and success.
When the clarion sang The notes of lri-
umph from the shores of America, when
her acknowledged free and Independent. fl 4g
foaled proudly and gloriousIy in the breeze,
the nations gratitude placed him twice in
the first office within lis gifts. What perils
asssiled our country then! The inAamma-
tory appeals of Genet, the bitterness engen-
dered by jays treaty, Congress doubtful Of
tI 4! ,fl
agriculture and commerce IaDguishng, and
an anarchial spirit disseminated throughout
the land ! Yet above all this discord rose
the calm, patien. aud patriotic spirit of
Washington triumphant, equally unempted
by The Establishments Of power, and unquail-
ing before The stoIms that ragged around him.
He knew the true interests of ,he people,
worked for them alone, and gave permanent
cy and strength TO the basis Of his country,
upon which it now rests and upon which ]
hope in God it will rest forever! lie al
layed and soflened the lumulls around him,
and as he himself says in one of his letters,
''gave our country time 10 settle and mature
its yet recent institutions and TO progress
without interruption 10 that degree of
strength and consistency, which is necesss-
ry TO give 1t, humanity speaking, the COM
mand OF It's own fortunes"
The most crilica! and dangerous period
in the existence Of a nation is when it frs,
enters into nationality, especially If it adopts
a free form Of government. Then the ele-
men,s ore unsettled, the drapery of obscu,i-
~ hangs upon every object, end the agi,a-
ted existence OF the body polite heaves with
the fury of the tempest. The principles of
its government, being just planted, have no.
taken ro OF, and the u.mos, caution and vi
GLANCE are necessary les. they perish be-
fore they strike their roots into The SOIL
Without they become firmly embedded, no
hopes of ,ha! na!on's prosperity or great