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polished society would be less attractive than the beauty of the insect's wing, or the "slight hair bell,” which he had trodden under foot, or those immense regions of flowers, that had for successive ages wasted their sweetness on the desert air. Civilized man has no standard by which he can measure the operations of such a mind; he must go back to primitive ages to find a parallel; and then strip the travels of Theseus, and the labours of Hercules, of all the monstrous fictions-and what would the remainder be in comparison with the adventures and hardships of Boone. The whole country which these demi-gods of antiquity traversed, did not extend so far as one of Boone's hunting excursions. Bordering upon eighty years of age, Boone died in the interiour of Missouri, having known but little of the decay of faculties, corporal or mental. In the language of political economy, he knew nothing of the powers of accumulating. He thought the whole extent of the continent to the Pacifick his territory, and intended to push on to its confines, as neighbours, within fifteen or twenty miles, began to trouble him; or until he should find a grave in which his bones might moulder with those of the buffalo he had chased to the farthest west; but his fame will not go down as the fame of the mighty lords of the forest, with whom he so often struggled; for he has left children among the reputable of the land, and connexions or friends in many places, who will cherish his memory, treasure up the incidents of his life, now living only in tradition, and give them to the historian, the novelist, the painter, and the sculptor, to transmit them to posterity in the forms of truth and fancy, and perpetuate his name as the great pioneer of the west.

Soon after the close of the revolutionary conflict, the militia of the several states were organized by their respective governments, with more or less attention to discipline, to be prepared for future attacks from without, or commotions within. The political atmosphere was not, as yet, serene or settled, and each state was watchful of her own security and quiet. After the adoption of the federal constitution, there was a national organization of the militia, on paper; but, in truth, it was nothing more. It answered merely as some guide in drafting men, if they should have been wanted for service, but the nation did nothing for their instruction or discipline. The sagacious mind of Washington perceived that our martial spirit would soon wane in days of peace, and the knowledge of tacticks in the country be lost; he, therefore, recommended the founding of a military school, for the instruction of the youths of our country in the science and the art of war, on an extended plan, after the military academies of the old world; but so much was to be done, to carry into effect our newly adopted government, and an

Indian war still hanging on our borders, that it was not established in his day. Mr. Adams, his successor, still urged the necessity of such a school; but the agitation in this country, from the French revolution, delayed the execution of the plan again. It was reserved for Mr. Jefferson, the third president of the United States, to see a military academy commenced. It was, in him, more a passion for science, than a love of the art of war. The beginnings were small, and the school, for several years, although it is said it was well managed, did not attract much publick notice; business of all sorts was brisk in this country, and most of the enterprising young men were engaged in mercantile or professional pursuits.

The plan fixed upon for the site for this institution, was, in all respects, the most suitable that could be found in the country. West Point was an important station during the revolutionary war. This point is on the right bank of the Hudson, about sixty miles from the city of New-York As you pass up the river, its appearance has nothing more striking in it, than many other views on this majestick and picturesque river; but, on ascending the bank, the panorama is noble; a plain, of about seventy acres, is opened before you; the river flows on the east and north of you, and is wide and deep; a ridge of mountains stretches from the south to the northwest, of various heights, from five hundred to fifteen hundred feet. The up-river view is very extensive; steam boats are clearly seen ten and twelve miles off. The city of Newburgh, situated at the distance of nine miles from West Point, is in full view. The impression on the mind, as you look around you, on this point, is that of a vast theatre, peculiarly fitted for defence, safety, and that deep solitude, so necessary to bring down the attention of youth to the severity of profound studies. There is something classical, as well as romantick, in the situation. The vestiges of other days are still visible there; among which, are the ruins of an old fort, on the banks of the river, and those of fort Putnam, about half a mile distant from the river, on a high hill, commanding, in military language, the whole plain below. From this rocky eminence, issues a fine stream o. pure, cold water, which, being directed to a reservoir, is conducted by pipes to the valley, in great abundance, for the use of all the inhabitants. West Point is not only beautiful, and convenient for the purpose to which it is devoted, but is one of the most healthy places in our country. The buildings for the use of the cadets are large and convenient, but, as yet, are not sufficiently numerous for two hundred and eighty cadets, and their instructors; but the good feelings of the people are with this institution, and the government will not fail to patronize it.

The cadets are now under the best of all possible regulations.

The constant occupation of their time has a most salutary effect on their habits, and intellectual as well as corporal discipline. Their temperance generally lasts through life; for they acquire, with the practice of abstemiousness, the scorn of indulgence. The Spartan severity in discipline is mental as well as corporal. The course of studies is of a high order, and well calculated to give firmness and tone to the mind, and is so perfectly absorbing, as to prevent those dreamy wanderings, so enchanting to the young in the bowers of taste and the halls of learning. The votaries of science and the art of war, have no time to court the muses or invoke their inspiration. The knowledge acquired at this institution is as useful in peace as in war. As civil engineers, the graduates of West Point are of incalculable advantage to our country; an immense territory is yet to be surveyed, and its capacities ascertained. The uses of this institution are not confined to its members; the fine examples it has set in mental and corporal education, have been extended to other institutions of instruction. It has solved the problem in the minds of fathers—how much labour will the youthful mind bear? and has taught tender mothers, that their darling sons may endure hard marches, and sleep "on the tented field,” without injury to their growth or beauty; for healthier young men I never saw than the cadets of West Point; if they lose by their discipline something of the bloom and ruddiness of youth, it is more than made up in the firm step and strengthened muscle seen in the elastick movements of the corps in their military evolutions.*

The cadets are arranged on the list of honour, according to their merits. This is an admirable device; it produces emulation, breaks down the aristocracy which finds its way every where, even in our republican country, and builds up an order of intellectual merit. Genius and application make out their own patents of nobility.

The physical force of our country is incalculably great. It is science alone we want, to be irresistible to all invaders; and through the medium of this school we are to obtain it. To be convinced that it is a school of morals and manners, as well as of science, one need only reside a few days at West Point, and become acquainted with the officers of the institution. A warm and deep interest in the academy, and a high respect and friendship for the superintendent of it, united to many pleasant recollections of attentions from his officers, induced me to write out a pretty full account of it; but in looking over the hasty sketches I have made of other and older institutions, I was constrained to curtail my remarks, and to content myself with the reflection, that it will not want for faithful and able historians.

*See Note C., Appendix.

LECTURE XV.

Yesterday, while I was at the metropolis, the news of a naval victory was received. To have witnessed the effect that it had on all classes in society, would have annihilated all your old prejudices against a navy. The streets were thronged with people, walking briskly, or stopping to reciprocate congratulations; men shook hands, who never had spoken to each other before; joy sparkled in every eye; every bosom palpitated with delight; pride swelled in every vein. Every one seemed to look on his neighbour, as a braver and a better man than he had ever before thought him; every sailor, as he passed the streets, was greeted with repeated cheers. I started for home; and, as I rode through the country, every oak 1 saw, I said to myself, that will do for ship-timber; every pine seedling, growing up for ornament, I was anxious to see ripened into "the mast of some great ammiral." The naval actions of all ages and nations crowded on my mind-Phoenician, Greek, Dutch, French, English-ever the unequalled fights of our Saxon, and Danish ancestors, with their " Steeds of the Ocean," came rushing to my mind; memory seemed to give up her dead for the glory of the occasion. As I passed through Marblehead, the welkin was ringing with shouts of victory; mothers joined in the general joy, whose sons were in the fight-not knowing whether they were living or dead. The Ocean-Spartan matron had no tear to shed; there was no cowardice or disgrace in the battle; if the boy was dead, he died in the discharge of his duty. As I reached my native village, parson Makepeace was in the pulpit, ascribing glory to God for the victory. The chairman of the selectmen made a speech; I followed him; heaven only knows what I said—but the speech was applauded, until the old meeting house shook to its centre. Never tell me again, that the peaceful pursuits of life will make a hero; they are created by such moments of ecstasy as these. There is not a creature, who bears the image of man, in the whole of the United States, however tame his blood, that would not fight like a lion, if called into action at this moment. I believe, in my soul, that this naval victory has exalted the character of every man, woman, and child, in the whole country; and, if I may be allowed the expression—and what shall I not be allowed in this moment of holy enthusiasm?-it will give an impulse to unborn ages.

Jonathan's letter to his cousin Buckskin.

OUR country not only puts in her claim for her military prowess, but also for her naval feats of skill and bravery, from the early days of our existence. The colonial settlements were stretched along the seaboard, through many degrees of latitude, and fine rivers were found navigable far into the interior. The ocean was, at first,

looked to for a part of their sustenance, and soon regarded as one of the means of prosperity God and nature had put into their hands, for the purpose of increasing their wealth, strength, and happiness. They coasted from one settlement to another, for trade and friendly intercourse. As early as 1635, before the stump from which the first tree was cut, had withered, our ancestors began the business of ship-building. In August, of that year, a ship was built at Marblehead, and called the Desire. This vessel was employed, probably, as a regular trader between this country and England; for, in 1640, March 1st, the Desire, (says Winthrop, in his journal,) a ship built at Marblehead, went from hence, (Boston,) and arrived at Graves-end, in the Thames, in twenty-three days-a proof that this vessel was a good sailer, however fortunately the winds might have blown. Soon after this period, from the abundance of timber, vessels were built in this country, by agents, for the commercial purposes of Great Britain. Models and master-builders were sent out very early; and, at no time, have the colonists been backward in learning all the wisdom of the mother country, in whatever shape it was to be found.

In 1690, when the first expedition was fitted out against Canada, the New-England states furnished a large proportion of the transports; and, long before this period, every colony had one, or more, ships of war, of considerable force. In the attack on Canada, after this, in 1710 and 1717, Massachusetts furnished the transports, for troops and provisions.

In the war of 1745, it is said, by several writers, and lately mentioned in that excellent collection of facts, Walsh's Appeal, that the colonies had four hundred privateers on the ocean. In this calculation, the writer must have included all the small boats, which went out to harrass the French commerce. In this war there were several hard fights, and many prizes taken. Capt. Rouse, of the Shirley galley, of twenty guns, in company with Capt. Cleves, brought in eight ships, prizes taken from the French, with their cargoes, "ninety thousand mud-fish," meaning what we now call bank-fish. For this exploit, Rouse was made Post-Captain in the British navy. In October, the same year, the Bomb Ketch, commanded by Capt. Spry, took a French ship of sixteen guns. These were the most conspicuous cases; but there were many captures, which history has not recorded, and which I should have been able to have obtained from the records of the Admiralty court, of Boston, the only one then in New-England, had not the records been carried off by the judge of Admiralty, in 1775, who was a tory; and most of the cases were not named in other places. At the time of taking Louis

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