STANSBURY; FORMER, HARRIS, DYER, XVII. DONALDSON'S worth what muse can tell Our sons in distant times revere XVIII. Great was the warrior I deplore He left a blood impurpled field Of trouble, care, and strife, For heav'nly fields, which happiness yield D ΤΟ LIEUT. COL. CROGHAN, THE FIFTH CANTO OF THIS POEM IS DEDICATED. COLONEL, Baltimore, May, 1817. The year 1812 constitutes an epocha in the history of your military life. To that brilliant period, (when under the auspice of success, you auspiciously commenced your career in arms) your's is the enviable pleasure of being able to recur with emotions of honourable and silent pride. Your achievements form an essential part of the history of your country, and long as letters are read, will your exploits be on record, to fill the hearts of Americans with triumph, as an example to inspire emulation in the breasts of your compatriots. To the valiant warrior who nobly distinguished himself, in the midst of the brave at Forts Meigs and Stevenson-this tribute of respect is due. I despise the sycophants fallacious encomium; as the citizen of a land of Freedom, without reservation, I deliver the genuine sentiments of my heart. Hardly-earn'd are the laurels of warriors: purchased at the cannon's mouth, in the domain of death-red battle's field; under the indispensable labours of privations and fatigues. Your undaunted conduct at the first attack of Fort Meigs turned the eyes of the nation on a young officer, likely at some future day, to become the object of honour, and the theme of historians, poets, painters and sculptors. At Fort Stevenson your talents shone conspicuously; unavailing were the artifices of Proctor; abortive the contemptible menaces, the infamous promises, of the despicable traitor Elliot, to seduce you from your duty, you fought with bravery, with discretion, you persevered, you conquered. Had you imitated the cruelty of the opposing General who abandoned his wounded, notwithstanding your valour, you would have been unworthy of the proud American name; but the benevolence you demonstrated to the fallen soldiers of the discomfitted foe, regards your character as a man. The return of peace, affords leisure to pursue those important studies and occupations, which, should again the torch of Bellona flare in the United States, may fit you to sustain the highest station of command. History, biography, eloquence in composition, and fluency of speech, are valuable acquisitions, in all; unite these to the necessary acquirements of the officer who ardently desires to attain eminence and disdains not to labour for it, and only a premature decease, will prevent your elevation to the pinnacle of military renown. How assiduous should the officer be who has acquired a reputation, since into every subsequent action he enters, that reputation is at stake. Sir-I do not apologize for mentioning Captain Elliot's name in the same page which is adorned with yours. Whatever is excellent appears more so by contrast, as "pearls upon an Ethiop's arm." With sentiments of high consideration, I remain most respectfully, Yours, &c. ANGUS UMPHRAVILLE. INTRODUCTION. The winter winds so bleak and shrill, Lo! the rude Borean king Rides upon the stormy cloud, Around his icy tempests fling, And tombs the world in palid shroud! Aw'd by Vandal frown severe, Silver streams no more are seen Soft murm'ring thro' the meadows green, Gliding rivers cease to glide, The rough-the widely welt'ring tide |