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J. Russells Gazette, Commercial and Political, January 2, 1800. Boston: John Russell. 4 pp., 12 x 19 3/4 in. This black-bordered issue of J. Russell's Gazette, published in Boston, reports an array of reactions to news of the death of George Washington on December 14, 1799. From President John Adams and the Senate of the United States to Congressman John Marshall and Major General Alexander Hamilton, mourners poured forth tributes to the "Father of Our Country." Inhabitants of many cities resolved to wear mourning badges for periods ranging up to two months, and editor John Russell reprinted a portion of Washington's 1796 Farewell Address to the nation, full of advice for the future. Excerpts"Mr. Russell; The Editor of the Columbian Centinel [Benjamin Russell] (whose promptitude and judgment in selecting appropriate performances for great and interesting occasions has long been acknowledged and justly appreciated,) deservedly receives much praise for republishing on the melancholy event of the death of WASHINGTON, the POLITICAL LEGACY of that illustrious character on withdrawing from the chair of government of the United States. It is calculated not to please the giddy multitude, not to flatter the popular opinions of the day; but, to correct error, to restrain passion, and guide our judgment in the varying course of human affairs. As your Gazette and the Centinel probably circulate much in the same direction, it may not be necessary for you to give it a place at present, but I am clearly of the opinion that the sentiments it contains, cannot be too frequently presented to the public, and never in more impressive language than that used by our departed father and friend. And, I cannot but request you to insert the following passages, which refer to evils and dangers, with which we are constantly assailed, and point to those remedies which can be opposed to their progress, and which ensure (as far as is in our power to) public safety and permanent prosperity. Your compliance will greatly oblige your very obedient humble servant. A. I." (p1/c2)[Followed by approximately 30 percent of Washington's Farewell Address of September 19, 1796, drawn from the last part of that document.] (p1/c2-p2/c1)[U.S. Senate to President John Adams, December 23, 1799, Philadelphia:]"The Senate of the United States respectfully times leave, Sir, to express to you their deep regret for the loss their country sustains in the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON."This event, so distressing to all our fellow citizens, must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. Permit us, Sir, to mingle our tears with yours: On this occasion, it is manly to weep. To lose such a man at such a time is no common calamity to the world: Our country mourns her father. The Almighty disposer of human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament." (p2/c1)[President John Adams to the U.S. Senate, December 23, 1799, "United States":]"The life of our WASHINGTON cannot suffer by a comparison with those of other countries, who have been most celebrated and exalted by Fame. The attributes and decorations of Royalty, could have only served to eclipse the Majesty of those virtues which made him, from being a modest citizen, a more resplendent luminary."For himself he had lived enough, to life and to glory. For his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could have been answered, he would have been immortal. For me, his departure is at a most unfortunate moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous dominion of Providence over the passions of men, and the results of their councils and actions, as well as over their Lives, nothing remains for me, but humble resignation."His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to Magistrates, Citizens and Men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our History shall be read." (p2/c2)[Alexander Hami. (See website for full description).
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