Chapter I

“Ah, gentlemen!”— exclaimed Bonaparte— ‘twas just as he was about to embark for Egypt … some young Americans happening at Toulon, and anxious to see the mighty Corsican, had obtained the honour of an introduction to him. Scarcely were past the customary salutations, when he eagerly asked, “how fares your countryman, the great WASHINGTON?” “He was very well,” replied the youths, brightening at the thought that they were the countrymen of Washington; “he was very well, general, when we left America.”— “Ah, gentlemen!” rejoined he, “Washington can never be otherwise than well:— The measure of his fame is full— Posterity shall talk of him with reverence as the founder of a great empire, when my name shall be lost in the vortex of Revolutions!”

Who then that has a spark of virtuous curiosity, but must wish to know the history of him whose name could thus awaken the sigh even of Bonaparte? But is not his history already known? Have not a thousand orators spread his fame abroad, bright as his own Potomac, when he reflects the morning sun, and flames like a sea of liquid gold, the wonder and delight of all the neighbouring shores? Yes, they have indeed spread his fame abroad … his fame as Generalissimo of the armies, and first President of the councils of his nation. But this is not half his fame… True, he is there seen in greatness, but it is only the greatness of public character, which is no evidence of true greatness; for a public character is often an artificial one. At the head of an army or nation, where gold and glory are at stake, and where a man feels himself the burning focus of unnumbered eyes; he must be a paltry fellow indeed, who does not play his part pretty handsomely … even the common passions of pride, avarice, or ambition, will put him up to his metal, and call forth his best and bravest doings. But let all this heat and blaze of public situation and incitement be withdrawn; …