Francis Glass, Washingtonii Vita
J.N. Reynolds, Ed.

1 Satius, &c., “ but we have considered it better to omit them at present. ”

2 Eorum, (scilicet, factorum,) “ the relation, therefore, of them, will be agreeable, or novel, to no one. ”

3 Nonnulla, &c., “ we have, nevertheless, resolved to treat of some things, which have become subjects of notoriety by common report, and to deliver our opinion respecting them. ”

4 Munia, “ Washington performed many offices, as well military as civil, even before the American war was begun, with the utmost commendation. ”

5 Legalo, “ as second in command; ” for he was his aid.

6 Quòd, &c., “ but if Braddock had followed the advice of Washington, the British detachment would not, indeed, have received, on that day, (9th July, 1755,) so great a discomfiture. ”

7 Hostium, &c., “ for, he broke the strength and spirits of the enemy, as well by delaying, as by fighting. ”

8 Libertatem, &c., “ nor did he, at any time, think that the freedom of America, should be endangered in one contest, with veteran troops. ” The description of troops which Washington was destined to command, did not justify, at any time during the war, an engagement on equal terms, with regular soldiers, inured to the most rigid discipline, and familiar with victory. Whenever the experiment was made, the result was unfavorable to the Americans; witness the battles of Brandywine, and Long Island.

9 Tribus, &c., “ he (Andrè) was intercepted, on his journey, by three American soldiers, (of the New-York militia,) who nobly spurned a large sum in gold, and an assurance of future promotion, if they would allow him to prosccute his journey. ” The treachery of Arnold, may be ascribed, in part, to an unwillingness on the part of Congress, to accede to certain extravagant demands, and the liquidation of certain debts, into which an excessive prodigality had plunged him.

10 Altamen, &c., “ but yet, (that is, notwithstanding this reluctance, on the part of Washington, to execute the sentence of the court martial, which condemned Major Andre to death, as a spy,) he could not entirely escape the hatred, as well of his countrymen, as of the enemy, in that matter. ”

11 Qui, &c., the cause of the uncommon popular excitement in favor of Major Andrè, was his great worth as a man, and a soldier. The court which tried him, relying solely on his own innate love of honor, did not examine a single witness against him, but rested the result of the whole proceedings, on his own confessions. Who could deny a brotherly tear to such a man?

12 Ad, &c., “ but he was able to escape to the British fleet. ” The friends of humanity and martial valor, must ever deplore the untimely fate of the gallant, humane, and unfortunate Andrè; while they must ever execrate the treason of the infamous Arnold, who, to evince the sincerity of his late conversion, destroyed, burnt, and distressed all places, without the smallest shadow of either expediency, or necessity, to which his daring, adventurous spirit could possibly have access. Arnold possessed one characteristic of a soldier, and but one, namely, bravery; his attack on Quebec, with the truly brave Montgomery, is in point: his former gallant services induced Washington to confide to him the defence of West Point.

13 Ejus, &c., “ his (Lee's) pride was too great to bear any superior. ”

14 Pars, &c., “ the remaining part of the army: ” as pars is a collective noun, I have thought proper to put the verbs fecerunt and cöegerunt in the plural; for which there is good authority in the best classic authors: it would not be inaccurate, however, to place those verbs in the singular number.

15 Pater, &c., “ his (General Lee's) father led the foot forces, as colonel, and Charles, (the subject of this notice,) while in his eleventh year, was made an officer. ” The violent ardor of this gallant officer, in acquiring knowledge, was perfectly similar to his vehemence in the field of battle.

16 Usu, “ by practice; ” as he was, comparatively, illiterate, and very far from being a good philologist.

17 Meruit, he served as colonel, in Portugal, under General Burgoyne, in 1762, with distinguished reputation. Merere, or mereri stipendia (literally, to deserve, or earn pay) means to serve in a military capacity: for slipendium from stips, implies, especially, that species of pay which is given to such as serve in war.

18 Diplomate, &c., “ he was presented with a commission (of major-general) by Congress, 21st June, 1775. ”

19 Perbrevi, (scilicet, tempore,) “ in a very short time; ” an adjective, used adverbially.

20 Diem, &c., “ he died, ” at an obscure inn, in Philadelphia. This officer, although he possessed, in an eminent degreo, uncommon energy of character, was certainly devoid of many qualities not less essential in the soldier's escutcheon; he would suffer himself to be rather disgraced, than fight for Washington, at Monmouth; his motive must have been envy, not cowardice; as he was brave, perhaps, to a fault.

21 Hic, &c., “ this was the end of a man who had very often distinguished himself in fighting for his country. ”

22 Quare, &c., “ wherefore, he would rather be branded with a mark of disgrace, than fight for his country, or for the glory of Washington. ”

23 Ad, &c., “ let us now come to other officers, who distinguished themselves in the American war. ”

24 Is, &c., “ he, formerly accounted among the number of quakers. ”

25 Primus, &c., “ he, (Greene,) first of the Americans, fought on equal terms with Cornwallis, an English earl. ”

26 Fortissimus, &c., “ he was justly esteemed most brave, wary, prudent, very skilled in the art of war, most upright in his life, a lover, especially, of military discipline, desirous of glory, lavish of his life, adventurous in dangers, a despiser of money. ”

27 Virtute, &c., “ he was (a man) of so invincible courage after defeat. ”

28 Genus, &c., “ a Pennsylvanian (as to) his extraction: ” genus is here put in the accusative case, and is governed by the preposition quoad, or secundum, understood; such constructions are in imitation of the Greeks.

29 Indos, &c., “ he, first of the Americans, taught that the Indians could be conquered and overcome. ”

30 Virtute, &c., “ he excelled, chiefly, in valor. ”

31 Consilio, &c., “ he was not devoid of prudence, or wisdom. ”

32 Fato, &c., “ he died. ”

33 Pater, &c., “his father (that is, the father of Col. Laurens, of whom we now speak) was detained as a prisoner, in the tower of London; and when (although) he could obtain his liberty, and revisit his sweet friends, and dear relatives, by a shameful acknowledgment of a false charge, he, nevertheless, would rather remain with his most inveterate foes, than attain his freedom by dishonor.” The British government tendered him his liberty, by his making certain concessions, which he conceived equivalent to a confession of his guilt; and which, of course, he rejected.

34 Contra, &.c., “against which men, very skilled in military affairs, and furnished with a good and brave army, to contend, was, assuredly, most difficult.”

35 Washingtonius, & c., “Washington was alone esteemed fit who should contend (to contend) against such men.”

36 Neminem, &c., “I will, by no means, say, that no other one was found, who might be worthy of so great an office,” (as that of commander-in-chief of the American forces.)

37 This was written before the visit of La Fayette to this country, and his subsequent death.—ED.

38 Æternum, &c. “for, he derived, by his valor, eternal renown and fame, from the English, affected (by the Americans) with very great disasters.” Horace has a passage somewhat analogous to the above: “Duxit ab oppressa meritum Carthagine nomen” — “derived a deserved name from the destruction of Carthage,” alluding to Scipio Africanus.

39 Sese, &c., “for rightly thinking himself to be a man;” thus Terence, “ Homo sum, humani nihil à me alienum puto” — “ I am a man, I think nothing appertaining to human nature foreign from me. ”

40 Civitatum, &c., “the Congress of the United States of America,thus voted, the other day, respecting La Fayette; ‘Since that (in as much as) La Fayette, a very noble Frenchman, wishes to visit, again, these United States of America, be it resolved by the Congress and people of America, that all the Americans, for the sake of gratitude, greatly wish to see him.’ ”

41 Libertate, &c., “enjoying liberty, obtained, chiefly, by his means, will, doubtless, highly honor the choice friend and familiar companion of Washington.”

42 Amoti, &c., “far removed from the (civil) commotions, and wars of Europe, greatly rejoice to have written something,” &c.

43 Quod, &c., “but if it should ever happen to me to behold him, La Fayette, how grateful a spectacle will be offered to my eyes.”

44 Eos, “Congress vouchsafed them (the other French officers) a vote of thanks.”

45 Suppetias ferre, “ to bring succor, ” or aid

46 Galli, &c., “ the French, the faithful and brave allies (of the Americans) returned home. ”

47 Imperii, &c., “ they resolved entirely and utterly to abolish all traces of royal government. ” It must ever be deplored that the generous aid afforded the Americans by the unfortunate Louis, should operate as a precedent to commence revolutionary projects in France, on the termination of the revolutionary war in America.

48 Quocirca, &c., “ wherefore, their king slain, (having slain their king and queen,) they exchanged the regal government for a popular one. ” The noun imperio is understood after the adjective populari.

49 Donec, &c., “ until the chief government was conferred on Napoleon Bonaparte, a child of fortune. ”

50 Rebus, &c., “ to speak of the French Revolution. ”

51 Earum, (scilicet, rerum novarum,) “ of it, ” (the revolution.)

52 Eis, &c., (scilicet, rebus novis,) “ respecting it, ” (the revolution.)

53 Clerici, the French “ clergy. ” The noun clericus, of Greek derivation, is not used by any Latin classic. However, it expresses what we understand by the term clergy, with sufficient accuracy.

54 Hœ, &c., “ these were, perhaps, the causes, which impelling, the French began to wish much for a revolution. ”

55 Cives, &c., “ the (French) citizens (began, cœperunt being understood) to contend with each other, respecting the pre—eminence. ”

56 Discrimen, “ there was no distinction between the good and bad. ”

57 Abolere, &c., (scilicet, cœperunt,) “ they (began) utterly to abolish all degrees of honors and dignity. ”

58 Carbone, &c., “ to be marked with coal; ” that is, to be censured: thus, the poet: “ Cretâ an carbone notandi? ” “ Are they to be marked with charcoal or chalk? ” i. e., condemned or praised?

59 Abhorrentes, &c., “ altogether averse to the French revolution. ”

60 Nos, &c., “ but I, far removed from every prejudice, and searching only after truth, affirm that he was by no means cruel, (as being one who possessed so great power over so many nations. ”) In such sentences, I endeavor to give a literal translation.

61 Muniis, &c., “ from all (civil) offices and employments. ”

62 Americanos, &c., “ it was most difficult (for the executive) to preserve the Americans free from the zeal of party; ” that is, neutral; as they were disposed to assist the French, their recent allies, and to harass the British, their late foes.

63 Exlitêre, &c., “ there were, nevertheless, a few, to whom honor was preferable to the acquiring of riches. ”

64 Eas, &c., (scilicet, pecunias Britannis debitas,) “ although an opportunity and power of not paying them, (that is, the moneys due to the British from the Americans, on the termination of the revolutionary war,) were granted them by the laws. ” Although the laws did not expressly prohibit the liquidation of those claims, yet the validity of contracts was impaired, if not totally vitiated, not only with England, but also between the citizens themselves, in their private concerns, by the demoralizing effects of war.

65 Instituit, &c., “ this famous physician first taught to cure lockjaw, and other diseases arising from the derangement of the brain, or nerves, by Peruvian bark, sweet mercury, six times sublimed, (calomel, now known among medical men, by the name of submurias hydrargyri,) and by other strengthening remedies. ” As these diseases arise, frequently, and from a general debility of the system, especially in warm climates, and from other causes, such as wounds, the injuring of the brain, or any nerve, the indication of cure, consists, of course, in the adhibition of tonics and stimuli.

66 Testamentum, &c., “ furthermore, the last will of Washington renders him free from all blame in this matter; since he wished that all his slaves, after the death of his wife, as has just now been said, should be free; for he was ever most friendly to the human race; for he has been accounted, rather, too mild, than too cruel. ”

67 Linguam, &c., “ he learned no language except the English, as far as I know; ” of this, however, I would speak with diffidence, as there is a diversity of opinion respecting it.

68 Proculdubio, &c., “ he was, undoubtedly, the fittest of all men whom the land of Columbus (North America) ever beheld, or perhaps, will ever behold, who should preside over (to take charge of) the American armies, ” &c. Omnium hominum depends on the superlative adjective aptissimus.

69 Deerant, &c., (scilicet, homines,) “ nor were (men) wanting, who boldly said, that so great a command ought not to be conferred on Washington alone, and that he, by delaying, protracted and lengthened out the war, for the sake of his own utility and advantage. ”

70 Libertatis, &c., “ the fortune of American liberty, at length, prevailed; but if Washington had been deprived of his military command, by the envy of a few base citizens aiming at the chief rule, I doubt whether the Americans could have obtained their freedom, under any other leader, however renowned. ”

71 Usque, &c., “ until, the enemy being everywhere vanquished, he procured peace by his valor. ”

72 Aluredo, &c. “ Washington did not much differ (in character) from Alfred the Great, ” the Saxon King of England.

73 Cum, &c., “ when Alfred had changed the military robe for the gown, (that is, had assumed the garb of peace, and of rural avocations,) he endured greater misfortunes than what had ever happened to Washington. ”

74 Hostium, &c., “ the capture, however, of the enemy (Hessians) (by Washington) at Trenton, in New-Jersey, reminds us of the exploits of Alfred. ”

75 Nullus, &c., “ for none was greater than he (Washington) in all things pertaining to true glory and praise. ”

76 Concordiâ, &c., “ you will be strong by concord, and weak by discord. ” The only danger to be apprehended to the perpetuity and felicity of the American Union, must arise from a want of concert and unanimity in the several state governments, and from an unwillingness to accede to the measures pursued by the general government; as, by being united among themselves, the states could bid defiance to the attacks of any power on earth. Perpetuity to their union!

77 Religio, &c., “ that religion, the knowledge of the true God, and the arts useful to life, may everywhere flouish; that the Americans may be distinguished, by their knowledge, from all nations: let them practise the pursuits of peace; but, in peace, let them prepare things necessary for war. ”

78 Factorum, &c., “ let them ever have the lustre of his deeds placed before their eyes. ”

79 Mercium, &c. “ the exchange of merchandize, ” or wares; that is, commerce.