Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

From the Washington Federalist.

As a proof of the position laid down by Dr. Goldsmith, in his Animated Nature, "that the human mind, as well as body, progresses more rapidly towards maturity, as we proceed to the south, until getting within the tropicks."-The following extract is made from a letter, written by a boy of fifteen; having had barely a common English education, and living in Augusta, Georgia, to a friend on the Potomac.

"With regard to your opinions of my learning Latin, they are in a measure, correct and just.--Nature has, I confess, poured into my youthful bosom the spirit of ambition-but fortune has buried my humble name beneath the wave of obscurity. But say, O you! who profess to be the counsel of my youth-Is that any reason why I should ever remain so? No--Let me spring from the nether depth by my own exertion; let me soar upon the wing of hope, rendered steady and stable by prudence and precaution-and who knows but I may one day reach the olympian height of glory--and the name of--.--at no very distant day, become dear to Columbia and Columbians!!! Forgive this strain of rhapsody--it is the wish of my heart, and my pen is always guided by its impulses-Ambition! thou grand producer of good and evil, as nature has implanted you in my breast, I will not oppose you by pretended philosophy--but cherish you by encouragement, while I check your violence by virtue~Never will I establish my fame upon the ruins of that of others--Never will I rise upon the fall of another!--The history of nations is spotted with human blood--Nay, every page exhibits the crimson hue of homicide. The pathway to the temple of glory, in every age, appears to have been crossed by the stream of murder, and obstructed by the wounds of misery--and those who wished to go there, were it seems obliged to wade through or step over them. This for a moment makes me pause-and to think it better to die in obscurity than to climb the eminence of infamy, merely to be seen. But my doubts are soon dissipated. They cease when I raise mine eyes to the noble form of Washington!-August, venerable hero! where shall we see such a man? Not in Greece, not in Rome, nor in Carthage-or in short we shall see such a man no where. Rome, boasts of the virtues of a Numa. Sparta, of the virtuous wisdom of Lycurgus. And England of that of her beloved Alfred. But who but Columbia can boast of the patriotick bravery! the surprising virtue! the publick and private probity of a Washington? Yes, my country, you are the mother of the greatest man that ever decked the earth.

"I will endeavour to follow his bravery, while I emulate his other patriotick virtues. I will joy to be the disciple of a Washington! remembering that virtue is the only true, sure, and firm basis of fame. Casar is held up both for our admiration and our scorn.- So is Hannibal of Carthage, Themistocles of Athens, William of England, and Bonaparte of France. But Washington must be held up for our admiration and veneration alone."