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 * While the American army was encamped at Peek's-Kill, and the enemy occupied the heights of New-York and Charleston. 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 expecta tions 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 atten tion to the future grandeur, happiness and glory of the country for which we are now contending. The lands 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. |