II. APPROBATION AND CENSURE.

Enemies he had, but they were few, and chiefly of the same family with the man, who could not bear to hear Aristides always called the just. Among them all I have never heard of one who charged him with any habitual vice, or even foible.

DAVID RAMSAY, M. D., Jan. 15, 1800.

I cannot, indeed, help admiring the wisdom and fortune of this great man. By the phrase "fortune," I mean not in the smallest degree to derogate from his merit. But, notwithstanding his extraordinary talents and exalted integrity, it must be considered as singularly fortunate, that he should have experienced a lot, which so seldom falls to the portion of humanity, and have passed through such a variety of scenes, without stain and without reproach.

It must, indeed, create astonishment, that, placed in circumstances so critical, and filling for a series of years a station so conspicuous, his character should never once have been called in question; that he should in no one instance have been accused either of improper insolence, or of mean submission, in his transactions with foreign nations.

For him it has been reserved, to run the race of glory, without experiencing the smallest interruption to the brilliancy of his career.

CHARLES FOX, British Parliament, Jan. 31, 1794.

APPROBATION OF THE WISE AND GOOD.

Nothing in human life can afford a liberal mind more rational and exquisite satisfaction, than the approbation of a wise, a great, and a virtuous man.

REPUTATION.

The good opinion of honest men, friends to freedom, and well-wishers to mankind, wherever they may be born or happen to reside, is the only kind of reputation a wise man would ever desire.

POPULAR FAVOR.

The account which you have given of the sentiments of the people respecting my conduct, is extremely flattering. Pray God I may continue to deserve them, in the perplexed and intricate situation I stand in.

1775.

To stand well in the estimation of one's country, is a happiness that no rational creature can be insensible of.

DESERT, DISTINGUISHED FROM SUCCESS.

The thinking part of mankind do not form their judgment from events; and their equity will ever attach equal glory, to those actions which deserve success, and those which have been crowned with it.

* General Joseph Reed.

It is in the trying circumstances to which your Excellency has been exposed, that the virtues of a great mind are displayed in their brightest lustre, and that a General's character is better known, than in the moment of victory. It was yours, by every title that can give it; and the adverse element which robbed you of your prize, can never deprive you of the glory due to you.

Though your success has not been equal to your expectations, yet you have the satisfaction of reflecting, that you have rendered essential services to the

common cause.

1778.

TRIUMPH OF PRINCIPLE.

In times of turbulence, when the passions are afloat, calm reason is swallowed up, in the extremes to which measures are attempted to be carried; but, when those subside, and its empire is resumed, the man who acts from principle, who pursues the path of truth, moderation, and justice, will regain his influence.

DUTY AND VIRTUE, BEFORE POPULARITY.

Though I prize as I ought the good opinion of my fellow-citizens, yet, if I know myself, I would not seek

* Count D'Estaing, the French Admiral, whose fleet had greatly suffered in a storm.

or retain popularity, at the expense of one social duty or moral virtue.

CONSCIOUS RECTITUDE.

I have happily had but few differences, with those with whom I have the honor of being connected in the service. I bore much, for the sake of peace and the public good. My conscience tells me, that I acted right, in these transactions; and should they ever come to the knowledge of the world, I trust I shall stand acquitted.

1781.

CONSCIOUS INTEGRITY has been my unceasing support; and, while it gave me confidence in the measures I pursued, the belief of it, by acquiring to me the confidence of my fellow-citizens, insured the success which they have had. This consciousness will accompany me in my retirement. Without it, public applause could be viewed only as a proof of public error, and felt as the upbraiding of personal demerit.

1797.

THE GOOD CITIZEN'S TWO-FOLD MOTIVE.

Next to the approbation of my own mind, arising from a consciousness of having uniformly, diligently, and sincerely aimed, by doing my duty, to promote the true interests of my country, the approbation of my

fellow-citizens is dear to my heart. In a free country, such approbation should be a citizen's best reward; and so it would be, if truth and candor were always to estimate the conduct of public men. But the reverse is so often the case, that he who wishes to serve his country, if not influenced by higher motives, runs the risk of being miserably disappointed. Under such discouragements, the good citizen will look beyond the applauses and reproaches of men, and, persevering in his DUTY, stand firm in conscious rectitude, and in the hope of approving Heaven.

1795.

DICTATES OF CONSCIENCE.

While I feel the most lively gratitude for the many instances of approbation from my country, I can no otherwise deserve it, than by obeying the dictates of my conscience.

PUBLIC OBSERVATION.

The eyes of Argus are upon me; and no slip will pass unnoticed.

ENMITY AND DETRACTION.

who are

It is a severe tax, which all must pay, called to eminent stations of trust, not only to be held