PREFACE.
Perhaps the following little poem may be considered
with the more indulgence by the public after it shall be
known, that it was actually written at a period
when the
army was in the field, and the author so far engaged in the
duties of his profession, as to have but little leisure for subjects
of literature or amusement. And it will not be necessary
to demonstrate to those who have the least knowledge of a
military life, how unfavourable such a state is to poetical
contemplation. This, it is presumed, may pertinently be
urged in excuse for the slighter errors and inaccuracies of the
performance: and the design must, in some measure, atone
for any of a different complexion.
To inspire our countrymen, now in arms, or who may
hereafter be called into the field, with perseverance and fortitude,
through every species of difficulty and danger, to continue
their exertions for the defence of their country, and the
preservation of its liberties, is the object of this address.
For this purpose it was imagined no considerations could
be more effectual than the recollection of the past, and the
anticipation of the future. For where is the man to be
found, who, after all that has been done and suffered—after
such a profusion of blood and treasure has been expended,
and such important advantages have been obtained—would
basely relinquish and leave unfinished the illustrious task of
rearing an empire, which, from its situation and circumstances,
must surpass all that have ever existed, in magnitude,
felicity, and duration?
Although the author entertains the most sanguine expectations
of the gratitude and liberality with which the continent
will reward those who have literally borne the heat and burden
of the day of war, he has not insisted on those pecuniary or
slighter considerations; but has attempted to turn the attention
to the future grandeur, happiness and glory of the country
for which we are now contending. The kinds already
granted to the army, first suggested the idea of a military
settlement on the Ohio, or some of those western regions,
whose beauties can never be sufficiently displayed, much
less exaggerated by description. The mild temperature and
serenity of the air, the salubrity of the climate, the fertility
of the soil, the luxuriance of its products, the extent of territory,
and the amazing inland navigation which those boundless
lakes and immeasurable rivers will open, cannot fail, one
day, to render that garden of the world equal to the representation
given of it in the conclusion of the poem. The
possession of such a country (rescued from the hand of invasion),
in a perfect state of freedom and security, will be a
glorious compensation for all our toils and sufferings, and a
monument of the most unparalleled bravery and patriotism
to the remotest posterity. Stimulated with the love of glory,
allured by these delightful prospects, and animated with the
pleasing hope of the speedy fruition of those rapturous
scenes, there are thousands who have drawn the sword, with
a resolution never to sheathe it until a happy period shall be
put to the contest. For himself, the writer declares, that,
having already devoted whatsoever talents and abilities nature
has conferred upon him to the service of his country, no
efforts that can be made with his voice, his pen, or his sword,
shall ever be wanting to confirm its LIBERTIES and
INDEPENDENCE.
