the Roman dictator, was taken from the plough, to be advanced to the dignity of consul; in which office he restored public tranquillity, and then returned to his rural employments. Being called forth a second time to be dictator, he conquered the enemies of Rome, and, refusing all rewards, retired again to his farm, after he had been dictator only 16 days. The same circumstance appeared once more in the 8th year of his age. He died 376 years before Christ.

Order of CINCINNATUS, or the Cincinnati, a society which was established in America soon after the peace, and consists of the generals and officers of the army and navy of the United States. This institution, called after the name of the Roman dictator mentioned in the preceding article, was intended to perpetuate the memory of the revolution, the friendship of the officers, and the union of the states; and also to raise a fund for the relief of poor widows and orphans whose husbands and fathers had fallen during the war, and for their descendants. The society was subdivided into state societies, which were to meet on the 4th of July, and with other business depute a number of their members to convene annually in general meetings. The members of the institution were to be distinguished by wearing a medal, emblematical of the dignity of the society; and the honours and advantages were to be hereditary in the eldest male heirs, and, in default of male issue, in the collateral male heirs. Honorary members were to be admitted, but without the hereditary advantages of the society, and provided their number should never exceed the ratio of one to four of the officers or their descendants. Though the apparent designs of this society were harmless and honourable, it did not escape popular jealousy. Views of a deeper nature were imputed to the framers; and the institution was censured and opposed as giving birth to a military nobility, of a dangerous aristocratic power, which might ultimately prove ruinous to the liberties of the new empire. But the principal ground of apprehension was the supposed right of inheritance connected with this honour to render it hereditary; which, however, hath been given up and totally disclaimed by the society.