from the mountains of the Alleghanies and the valleys of the Western rivers.

In spite of his desire to remain a private citizen, he was left at home but a short four years, when, in 1787, he was made president of the Constitutional Convention, and, on April 30, 1789, President of the United States. He had given eight years of his life to the military service of his country, and he was now called to eight years of service in civil capacity. It was during his first administration that he made his journey through the Southern States, and spoke, with evident pride, of the fact that he had accomplished the trip of two thousand miles in the short time of three months. After serving his second term, from 1793 to 1796, he delivered his farewell address to America, and found himself again at home in his beloved Mount Vernon. Rumors of prospective war with England made it necessary for the people to turn to Washington to lead them out of these new troubles, as he had led them before, through the wilderness of their own uncertainties and confusions, and on July 3, 1798-the anniversary of the date on which he had once before assumed the duties of commander-in-chief-he was again made commander-in-chief of the American forces. But he did not enter actively upon the duties, for the rumors were not yet confirmed; and on December 14, 1799, he died of laryngitis and bad medical attention, and was buried in the simple vault which he himself had supervised, within easy reach of his own home.

This story of Washington's life does not indicate, of course, the reason for including him in a library of Southern literature. But a careful examination of the fourteen large volumes devoted to his letters, messages and addresses, indicates that at least in quantity, he was no small contributor to the literary work of the Eighteenth Century. Nor can one, after such an examination, speak with disparagement of the quality of his work. It is true that Washington had never had the careful academic, scholastic education of the literary men of his own century, but it is also true that his first-hand experience with nature and with men, and the responsibilities thrown upon his willing shoulders, rendered his mind unusually alert and incisive, and gave to his utterances an earnestness and dignity which attract and hold attention. There may be, and perhaps there often is, a lack of directness and simplicity in his style, but it is not due to him, but to the age in which he lived, when men seemed to covet for their writings a certain show of loftiness and elevation, and a certain love for the amplified style as necessary to good literature. From the very first recorded letter, however, until the last; from the first public speech to the last farewell address, there is a uniformity of clear, clean thinking and earnest, intense expression, which do credit to

his head and heart alike. Men in his day lived more by maxims and rules than in ours, perhaps, and while the wisdom inculcated in Washington's letters is generally that of common prudence and simple observation, now and then there is apparent the clear, distinct note of a lofty idealism, springing from his profound spiritual nature.

It is absurd to attempt to apply to the writings of George Washington the sort of technical criticism that one might apply to the work of a rhetorician or of a literary artist. Washington earned his place in literature by the might of his character and his deeds. His writings flowed out of his life and are generally tasks imposed upon him in the discharge of great duties. Naturally they reflect the elements of his sincere and ample nature, and, therefore, have achieved greatness as literature because informed with the stately dignity of a great soul. One cannot read the Farewell Address, for instance, in a thoughtful mood, without genuine and lofty emotion. The words of this writer are the words of the creator of a new nation now grown into the colossal Republic of the West. We do not discern in them the classic simplicity of Cæsar, or the fiery eloquence of Napoleon, or the meditative philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. His style, like his character, is high, serious, balanced, purposeful; but back of the style always is the man. When one thinks of the unsullied career of George Washington as a soldier, a statesman, a patriot; when one reflects upon the antique virtues of the man, causing him to fall easily, as of right, into the company of the Alfreds and Godfreys and Leonidases, one is the more inclined to cling to the ancient faith of an overruling Providence guiding the affairs of nations. This democratic experiment needed the constructive, practical genius of Hamilton, the philosophic acumen, the faith in men, and the amazing versatility of Jefferson, but it needed then and now needs most sorely as its foundation stone, the white granite character of George Washington. Jefferson and Hamilton were his friends. It was a sheer moral achievement that enabled him to keep both of them for friends. Doubtless those two great men, patriots and leaders as they were, lightning-minded, cultivated, cosmopolitan, found the father of his country sometimes dull, but I have a feeling that they never looked at him without knowing that they were in the presence of their master, and, furthermore, without feeling that they were in the presence of one of the supreme figures in the annals of their race. Their gifted imaginations must have taught them that neither Alexander nor Cæsar nor Charlemagne had to his credit any result of work so rapid, so stupendous, so enduring, as did this quiet, self-controlled man. The generations have raised to him a great monument of impassioned oratory, but the essence of it all may be stated in this sentence. Character is greater than genius.

In a noble rhapsody about Napoleon, Heinrich Heine declared that in his brain the eagles of inspiration built their eyries, and in his heart hissed the serpent of ambition. Neither an eagle nor a serpent could ever figure in any analogy descriptive of the life and deeds of George Washington. He is simply a great illuminating allegory of unselfishness, patience, self-control, and character. Frederick Harrison, a thoughtful Englishman, justly summarizes and appraises the man who parted the colonies from the mother land:

"The grand endowment of Washington was character, not imagination; judgment, not subtlety; not brilliancy, but wisdom. The wisdom of Washington was the genius of common sense, glorified into unerring truth of view. He had that courage, physical and moral, that purity of soul, that cool judgment which is bred in the bone of the English-speaking race. But in Washington these qualities, not rare on either side of the Atlantic, were developed to a supreme degree and were found in absolute perfection. He thus became the transfiguration of the stalwart, just, truthful, prudent citizen, having that essence of good sense which amounts to true genius, that perfection of courage which is true heroism, that transparent unselfishness which seems to us the special mark of the saint."

To these modern ages George Washington has become, in all lands, the apostle of noble character preaching in his life and in his grave utterances the high doctrine that immortal fame and immeasurable service may be rendered more enduringly by integrity, honor, and the quiet virtues, than by eloquence, or logic, or superhuman gifts.

'The Library of Southern Literature' started out with the purpose to reveal the soul of a distinctive and tragic section. It is a just and noble coincidence that its closing volume should contain words of solemn seriousness from a Virginia country gentleman, who became the great republican hero of America, and who embodies for all time the spiritual longings of the undivided Republic.

Schwin & Alderman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

'The Writings of George Washington.' Collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1891.

TO JOHN A. WASHINGTON

DEAR BROTHER:

FORT CUMBERLAND, 18 July, 1755.

As I have heard, since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you, that I have not as yet composed the latter. But, by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho' death was levelling my companions on every side of me!

We have been most scandalously beaten by a trifling body of men, but fatigue and want of time will prevent me from giving you any of the details, until I have the happiness of seeing you at Mount Vernon, which I now most ardently wish for, since we are drove in thus far. A weak and feeble state of health obliges me to halt here for two or three days, to recover a little strength, that I may thereby be enabled to proceed homewards with more ease. You may expect to see me there on Saturday or Sunday se'night, which is as soon as I can well be down, as I shall take my Bullskin Plantations in my way. Pray give my compliments to all my friends. I am, dear Jack, your most affectionate brother.

ADDRESS TO THE OFFICERS OF THE VIRGINIA REGIMENT

8 January, 1756.

THIS timely warning of the effects of misbehavior will, I hope, be instrumental in animating the younger officers to a laudable emulation in the service of their country. Not that I apprehend any of them can be guilty of offences of this nature: but that there are many other misdemeanors, that will, without due circumspection, gain upon inactive minds, and produce consequences equally disgraceful.

I would, therefore, earnestly recommend, in every point

of duty, willingness to undertake, and intrepid resolution to execute. Remember, that it is the actions, and not the commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him, than the title. Do not forget, that there ought to be a time appropriated to attain this knowledge, as well as to indulge pleasure. And as we now have no opportunities to improve from example, let us read for this desirable end. There is Bland's and other treatises which will give the wishedfor information.

I think it my duty, gentlemen, as I have the honour to preside over you, to give this friendly information; especially as I am determined, as far as my small experience in service, my abilities, and interest of the service may dictate, to observe the strictest discipline through the whole economy of my behavior. On the other hand, you may as certainly depend upon having the strictest justice administered to all, and that I shall make it the most agreeable part of my duty to study merit, and reward the brave and deserving. I assure you, gentlemen, that partiality shall never bias my conduct, nor shall prejudice injure any; but, throughout the whole tenor of my proceedings, I shall endeavor, as far as I am able, to reward and punish, without the least diminution.

DEAR SIR:

TO GEORGE MASON

MOUNT VERNON, 5 April, 1769.

Herewith you will receive a letter and sundry papers, which were forwarded to me a day or two ago by Dr. Ross of Bladensburg, I transmit them with the greater pleasure, as my own desire of knowing your sentiments upon a matter of this importance exactly coincides with the Doctor's inclinations.

At a time, when our lordly masters in Great Britain will be satisfied with nothing less than the deprivation of American freedom, it seems highly necessary that something should be done to avert the stroke, and maintain the liberty, which we have derived from our ancestors. But the manner of doing it, to answer the purpose effectually, is the point in question.

That no man should scruple, or hesitate a moment, to use