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The best evidence of reputation is a man’s whole life. We have now, alas!
all Washington’s before us...When it is comprehended, it is no easy task to
delineate its excellences in such a manner as to give to the portrait both
interest and resemblance; for it requires thought and study to understand
the true ground of the superiority of his character over many others, whom
he resembled in the principles of action, and even in the manner of acting.
But perhaps he excels all the great men that ever lived, in the steadiness
of his adherence to his maxims of life, and in the uniformity of all his
conduct to the same maxims...
His preeminence is not so much to be seen in the display of any one virtue
as in the possession of them all, and in the practice of the most difficult.
Hereafter, therefore, his character must be studied as a model, a precious
one to a free republic.
His prudence was consummate, and seemed to take the direction of his powers
and passions; for as a soldier, he was more solicitous to avoid mistakes
that might be fatal, than to perform exploits that are brilliant; and as a
statesman, to adhere to just principles, however old, than to pursue
novelties; and therefore, in both characters, his qualities were singularly
adapted to the interest, and were tried in the greatest perils, of the
country…
Such a citizen would do honor to any country. The constant veneration and
affection of his country will show, that it was worthy of such a citizen...”
-Fisher Ames, February 8, 1800
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