mong whom, and above
whom, his figure stood like a tower. It is agreed that the war of
American Independence is one of the most exalted, and honorable, and
difficult achievements related in history. Its force was contributed by
many; but its grandeur was derived from Washington. His character and
wisdom gave unity, and dignity, and effect to the irregular, and often
divergent enthusiasm of others. His energy combined the parts; his
intelligence guided the whole: his perseverance, and fortitude, and
resolution, were the inspiration and support of all. In looking back
over that period, his presence seems to fill the whole scene; his
influence predominates throughout; his character is reflected from every
thing. Perhaps nothing less than his immense weight of mind could have
kept the national system, at home, in that position which it held,
immovably, for seven years; perhaps nothing but the august
respectability which his demeanor threw around the American cause
abroad, would have induced a foreign nation to enter into an equal
alliance with us, upon terms that contributed in a most important degree
to our final success, or would have caused Great Britain to feel that no
great indignity was suffered in admitting the claim to national
existence of a people who had such a representative as Washington. What
but the most eminent qualities of mind and feeling--discretion
superhuman--readiness of invention, and dexterity of means, equal to the
most desperate affairs--endurance, self-control, regulated ardor,
restrained passion, caution mingled with boldness, and all the
contrarieties of moral excellence--could have expanded the life of an
individual into a career such as this?

If we compare him with the great men who were his contemporaries
throughout the nation; in an age of extraordinary personages, Washington
was unquestionably the first man of the time in ability. Review the
correspondence of General Washington--that sublime monument of
intelligence and integrity--scrutinize the public history and the public
men of that era, and you will find that in all the wisdom that was
accomplished was attempted, Washington was before every man in his
suggestions of the plan, and beyond every one in the extent to which he
contributed to its adoption. In the field, all the able generals
acknowledged his superiority, and looked up to him with loyalty,
reliance, and reverence; the others, who doubted his ability, or
conspired against hi