Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-05-27
The Character of washington.

The closing chapter of the fourth volume of r.
Wings Life of Washington (sOon to be publi-hed)
contains the annexed fine portrait of the Patsr
Patriae:
10 the volumes here concluded we have en-
deavored to narrate faithfully the career Of Wash
ington from childhood through his early surveying
expeditions in the widerderness, his diplomatic
missi 70 the French posts on the forter his
campaigns in the French war, his arduous trials as
commandcr-in-chief throughout the Revolution,
the noble simplicity Of his life in retirement until
we have shown him elevated to the Presidential
chair by no effert of bis own, in manner against
bic wishes, by the unanimous vote of grateful
country.
The plan of our work has necessarily carried US
widely into the campaigns of the Revolution,
even where Washington not present in per.
son; for his spirit pervaded and directed the
whole and a general knowledge Of the whole is
necessary TO appreciate the sag city, forecast en-
during fortitude, and comprehensive wisdom with
which be conducted IL. He himself has signfed
to one who sspired to write his biography that
any memoirs Of his life distinct and unconnected
with the history of the would be unsatis-
factory. In treating of the Revolution, we have
endeaVored to do justice to what we consider its
most striking charscteristc-the greatness of the
OBJECT and scantiness of the means. We have en-
deavored to keep in view the prevailing poverty
OF resources, the scandaous neglects the squalid
miseries of all kinds with which its champions bad
to contend in their expeditions through trackless
wlldernesses or thinly peopled regions; beneath
scorchirg suns or Indictment skies; their wintry
marches to be traced by bloody footprints on snow
and ice; their desolate wintry encampments, rem
dered STILL more desolate by nakedness and fam
Inc. 1t was in the patience and forttude with
which these ills were sustained by half disc-
pinned yeomanry, voluntary exiles from their
homes, destitute Of all the ''pomp and circum-
stance" OF war TO excite them, and animated sole
~ oy their patriotism that we read the noblest
and most affecting characteristics of that great
struggle for human rights. They do wrong to its
moral grandeur who seek by commonplace exag-
geratoa to give a melo-dramatic effect and false
gIare to Its military operations, and TO place its
greatest triumpbs in the conflicts Of the field
Lafayette showed q true sense of the nature of
Ike struggle when Napoleon, accustomed to eff
lect ambitious purposes by hundreds of thousands
OF troops and tens of thousands OF slain sneered
al The scanty armies of the American Revolution
and its boosted battles" "Sire,,' was the ad-
mlrable and comprehensive reply, cit was the
grandest OF causes won by skirmishes of sentines
and outposts."
In regard to the character and conduct of Wash
ington, we nave en5eavered to place bis deeds in
the cIearest light and left them to speak for them
serves, generally avoiding comment or eulogium.
we nave quoted his own words and writings large
~ to explain bis feelings and motives and give the
true key TO his policyfor never did man leave more
truthful mirror of his heart and mind and a more
thorough exponent Of his conduct than he has
left in his copous correspondence There his char
acter is to be found in all it majestic simplicity, its
massive grandeur, and quiet colossal strength. He
was no hero OF romance; there nothing-of ro-
mantle herosm in his nature. As o warrior he
was incapable Of fear, but made no merit of defy.
ing danger. BE fought for a cause not for person
al renown. Gladly, when he had won the cause
he hung up his sword never TO take il down. GLORY
that blatant word which haunts some military minds
IKE the bray OF the trumpet formed no part of his
aspirations. To act justly was his instinct 10 pro-
mote the public veal bis constant effort to deserve
the affection Of good men" nis ambition With
such qualifications for the pure exercise of sound
judgment and comprehensive wisdom, he assembled
the Presidential chair
There Tor the present we leave him. So far our
work is complete, comprehending the whole mill.
tary life OF Washington and his agency in public
affairs up 10 the formation Of our Constitution
How well we have executed il we leave to the pub
llc to determine; hoping to find it, as heretofore,
lar more easily satisfied with the result of our Ia
bors than we are ourselves. Should the measure
OF health and good spirits with which kind Prov.
ldence has blessed us beyond the usual term of
literary labor, be still continued, we NAV 20 on,
and 10 another volume give the Presidential career
ano closing Life OF Washington. In the mean
time having found resting place in our task we
stay our hands, lay by our pen, and seek that re-
Taxation and repose which gathering years re-
quire.