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Editorial
April 28, 1813
Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial celebrates the unexpected defeat of Napoleon's grand army in Russia as divine providence, crediting Russians and Cossacks with liberating Europe and saving American states from thraldom despite rulers' infatuation.
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ALEXANDRIA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28.
THE VERY AGE & BODY OF THE TIME
HIS FORM AND PRESSURE.
Few events recorded in history (perhaps none) since the ages of miracles had passed away) have more clearly designated the immediate agency of Divine Providence, than the overthrow and annihilation of the grand army of France. It was an event unforeseen, unexpected, and beyond the hopes of the most sanguine; so contrary to the ordinary course of things and so destitute of all colour of probability, that it was utterly out of the reach of human foresight. Had a veritable prophet predicted it, he would have been accounted a madman. When the hitherto invincible Napoleon, after completing his immense preparations, was bending his course towards Russia, at the head of veteran armies half a million strong, and especially after he had begun there the work of carnage and devastation, and was in the full tide of success; if one, like the holy Seers of old, had been given 'to see the visions of the Almighty,' and, thus illuminated, had foretold the catastrophe of that expedition; he would have been exposed to universal ridicule & scorn. The events that have happened, would then have been thought not only improbable but impossible, unless brought about in a way evidently miraculous. And what though there was no miracle: was there no marvel? Was not the divine hand, in a very extraordinary manner made manifest? One must have the eye of a mole, or the heart of an atheist, not to see it, or not to own it. The same divine power that abased the haughty monarch of the East, and turned him out among the beasts of the field; was manifested, strikingly manifested, in casting down the equally haughty Napoleon, and making him, for a time, a wretched fugitive and vagabond. 'It is the Lord's doings,' and is marvellous in our eyes, that from remote Russia has proceeded political salvation. Russians and Cossacks! To you it has been given to break the chain of Europe. To you it has been given to save from thraldom these American states, in spite of the infatuation and meanness of their rulers.
Connecticut Courant.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28.
THE VERY AGE & BODY OF THE TIME
HIS FORM AND PRESSURE.
Few events recorded in history (perhaps none) since the ages of miracles had passed away) have more clearly designated the immediate agency of Divine Providence, than the overthrow and annihilation of the grand army of France. It was an event unforeseen, unexpected, and beyond the hopes of the most sanguine; so contrary to the ordinary course of things and so destitute of all colour of probability, that it was utterly out of the reach of human foresight. Had a veritable prophet predicted it, he would have been accounted a madman. When the hitherto invincible Napoleon, after completing his immense preparations, was bending his course towards Russia, at the head of veteran armies half a million strong, and especially after he had begun there the work of carnage and devastation, and was in the full tide of success; if one, like the holy Seers of old, had been given 'to see the visions of the Almighty,' and, thus illuminated, had foretold the catastrophe of that expedition; he would have been exposed to universal ridicule & scorn. The events that have happened, would then have been thought not only improbable but impossible, unless brought about in a way evidently miraculous. And what though there was no miracle: was there no marvel? Was not the divine hand, in a very extraordinary manner made manifest? One must have the eye of a mole, or the heart of an atheist, not to see it, or not to own it. The same divine power that abased the haughty monarch of the East, and turned him out among the beasts of the field; was manifested, strikingly manifested, in casting down the equally haughty Napoleon, and making him, for a time, a wretched fugitive and vagabond. 'It is the Lord's doings,' and is marvellous in our eyes, that from remote Russia has proceeded political salvation. Russians and Cossacks! To you it has been given to break the chain of Europe. To you it has been given to save from thraldom these American states, in spite of the infatuation and meanness of their rulers.
Connecticut Courant.
What sub-type of article is it?
War Or Peace
Moral Or Religious
Foreign Affairs
What keywords are associated?
Napoleon Defeat
Russian Campaign
Divine Providence
European Liberation
American Salvation
What entities or persons were involved?
Napoleon
Russians
Cossacks
American Rulers
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Divine Providence In Napoleon's Defeat In Russia
Stance / Tone
Celebratory And Reverent Toward Divine Intervention
Key Figures
Napoleon
Russians
Cossacks
American Rulers
Key Arguments
Defeat Of French Army Unforeseen And Improbable
Event Demonstrates Divine Providence Without Miracles
Napoleon's Downfall Akin To Biblical Humbling Of Haughty Monarchs
Russians And Cossacks Broke Europe's Chains
Saved American States From Thraldom Despite Rulers' Failings