Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1860-06-30
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For the Register.
Military Character Of Geo Washington
REV. SAMUEL. V. LEIGH.


dom's h,-synnnym OF Liberty ant
patriotism. Mythology informs DIS in one
Iof her beautiful fables that Memnon :
statue sung sweelly, when Oh lis polished
marble frs fell the rays OF the morning
sun. Our hearts on such day should
pom forth their gratitude for our civil and
religious freedom a monument nobler TAI
than genius ever conceived or human skill
has ever erected.
With the fourth day of July is associa'
led the name of George Washington. On
this day the Colonial Congress declared
freedom which in blood and toll Wash
Ington achieved.
The early life OF this distinguished man
was remarkable for The development Of
vlrtuous elements which allerward gave
high moral beauty to his character. A
spirit of honor,-manlinesS, -t!ulhiul
ness and flial obedience marks his early
Iile. Roaming over the hills of Virginia
he learned 10 appreciate the blessings o.
that liberty for which IN his cOunIry's bat
lies he allerward struggled.
From the nations Of sacred antiquity &c
tile presen, forms of National government
The military power has swayed the world;
moulding dy nastes, overthrrwing king
doms, discussing coroneis and influencing
national religion. SesoStrls, King Of
Egvpl-Cyrus Of Persia-The Caesars
-of Rome,-AleXander Of Egypt,-Ma-
homet of rabia,-Napolcon of Corsica,
principal actors in the worlds long and
bloody carnage.
The thrilling scenes of the battle field,
The clash of ccnlendlng armles,-the
blaze, smoke and thunder of The cannon
AIDE, The frightened dashing eT,-the
stirring music, and the impeluous onset
all of these associations of the military
profession impress the youthful mind,
caplivate The youthful heart, and win the
burning love of childhood. George
Washington in childhood cherished ardent
" military life. With a strong. practical
mind for his years, with good Judg-
ment,-a quick perception and daunt-
less courage blended with an ardent am
bitIon for military renown, he gave early
attention To those studies and duties con
nected with soldiers life. A thorough
knowledge of mathematics b, ing necessa.
ry to a successful military career, us sc-
QUESTION "as made the prominent object
of his youthful life. In that department
of stuJy he was emlnenlly successful and
IN the performance Of ihe duties ot a sur
veyor and civil engineer he exhibits the
high a,lainments he had made in these
branches of scientific study and mental
discipline. In the prosecution OF this de-
partmcnt Of his couuTy's military service
he displayed discretion which would
have enlwin, honorable lauTels aro3nd
maluIer bIows. Life was hourly perlIed
among the lrackless forests Of Virginia.
exposures were bravcd,-and dangers
from hunger and Indian hostility sur
mounted. Amid scenes like these he
vas unconsciously developing a character
which was watched with intense admira-
ton by the giant minds OF the land = a
character destined 10 become the wonder
Of an admiring world.
The military service Of his Country
was the theatre personally chosen and
providcntialIy assigned Washington on
which to develope his physical, pEc!cS,
sional and moral abilities. Under CIR.
cumslanccs OF mingled promise and dis
couragemrnl we behold him stepping into
the arena of public life. The most pow
cIf"l nation of Europe was sending her
armies 10 invade his counlry's soil and
oppress by unjust taxation it's suffering
Inhabitants. The iron hell of oppression
was on the rights of her people. Already
the Colonial navy of Great Britain was
pouring it's lhunders on the startled ear Of
rrbeIIOus country. The Colonial Con-
gress-pro(oundly conscious that on their
decision hung the destiny Of their land -
choose The leader Of their destitute army.
But the manlike Hercules was a host of
himself The blazing vision of that con-
venlIon rested upon the man who in all
probability was alone equal to the emer-
gency. He sprung from the beautiful
retreat Of his wave-washed home 10 the
front Of the patrio, army. The English
soldI,ry had already marched upon Lex
ington and Concord. The flower OF the
British army was moving over the land
leaving desoalIon in every form to mark
their progress. That army was we'll
clothed,-dlscipllned in military tactics,
aud backed by a navy Their unequalled.
What power could beat back the tide OF
adversely ! What could Young Wash
ing,on do with the unframed, ungoverna.
bic and meagre militia of the Colonies
Geo. Washington taking advantage OF ev'
cry influence tinged with promise, sought
divine assistance, and went forth like