SOUTH AMERICA — Suppl. 4

SOUTH AMERICA

English Miles
0 100 200 300 400 500 Miles

in consequence of his declining health; but he still continued a diligent writer of political essays. The purpose of these publications was generally to support the declining cause of the federalists,—to vindicate the policy of Britain,—and to awaken the jealousy of his countrymen against the hostile and ambitious views of France. His health, however, which had been on the decline since the year 1795, was now broken, and though he was chosen president of Harvard college, he was obliged to decline the office. He continued for two years in a state of extreme debility, and on the 4th July 1804 he expired. When intelligence reached Boston of his death, a meeting of the citizens took place to testify their respect for his services and character, and at their request, his remains were brought to the capital for interment.

In America, the literary character of Fisher Ames appears to be held in high estimation; and some of his countrymen have even been absurd enough to compare him to Burke. We perused his essays with a curiosity greatly excited by so ambitious a comparison; but without being able to discover one trait of resemblance to that great master of political philosophy and eloquent composition;—without perceiving any thing much above mediocrity, either in thought or expression;—and with frequent feelings of tedium and disgust, excited by abortive strainings after imagery and eloquence. Having said thus much, we think it but right to add the opinion delivered by perhaps the ablest American writer of the present day, "that Ames, both as an orator and an author, would have reflected lustre on any country; and may be considered as the most perfect model for youthful emulation, which the United States have produced." American Review, Vol. I. p. 89.

His works, with an account of his life, were published in an octavo volume, at Boston, in 1809; and the writer to whom we have just alluded pronounces this volume, "not only a treasure of political wisdom, but a literary monument, which every American should contemplate with gratitude and patriotic pride." (o.)