THAT general and laudable curiosity respecting all who have signalized themselves on the great theatre of the world, is seldom more ardently, or more naturally excited, than by the illustrious characters whose services have been those of national protection. The advantage derived, and the sacrifice made to it, when properly considered, add to our curiosity the sensations of admiration and gratitude, than which perhaps there are none more congenial with the human heart in its best state of purity, or which does our nature more honour in the full acknowledgment of.

We delight in mentally following them through the various critical and perilous situations in which they have been placed–in accompanying them through the dangerous, but glorious, enterprises which they have headed, or in which they have borne a part–or which have been suggested by their wisdom–or have merited success by their conduct, although success has failed them–in viewing their behaviour in the extremes of adverse and prosperous fortune–in tracing their progress through all the difficulties they have surmounted,–and in contemplating their whole life and conduct, at a time when, divested of the pomp and power of office or command, they appear to us in the simple and unassuming garb of abstract facts.