the destructive effects of its influence in relation to his mili

tary operations.

The necessary consequences of the power assumed by president Gwinnett over the continental army in Georgia, was contempt and disrespect on the part of the officers and soldiers towards their proper commander, and the destruction. of military discipline. When officers were charged with offences, either civil or military, the president claimed the right of trying the offenders before the executive council; and when it was necessary to despatch officers on military expeditions, he not only assumed the privilege of selecting the individuals, but of regulating their proceedings.

In conformity with the system which he had adopted, Mr. Gwinnett projected an expedition against East Florida with the continental troops and the militia of Georgia, to be commanded by himself in person. General M'Intosh was not consulted, nor was it intended by Mr. Gwinnett that he should command his own brigade, because, after passing the boundary of the state, the rank of the general in the continental army would have entitled him to the command.

According to the constitution which had been adopted, it was necessary, at this juncture, that the legislature should be convened, to organize the government. The presidential duties of Mr. Gwinnett prevented him from taking the command of the troops destined for the reduction of East Florida, and it was confided, by his orders, to the senior lieutenantcolonel of M'Intosh's brigade. This military expedition, which had been awkwardly planned, experienced a disastrous termination. The militia were surprised, and defeated with great loss, and the continental troops returned to Savannah without effecting any thing advantageous to the government. But the feelings of Mr. Gwinnett received a more powerful

shock at the meeting of the state legislature, on the first Monday in May, 1777: he there offered himself as a candidate for the office of governor, and was successfully opposed by a competitor, whose pretensions and capacity he considered much inferior to his own, who was elected. This combination of events crushed the aspiring anticipations of Mr. Gwinnett, and terminated his short-lived political career.

The disappointment and humiliation of his constant antagonist naturally proved a source of exultation to general M'Intosh, who is said to have discovered great animosity in frequent and free discussions of his character. Naturally ambitious, and recollecting the rapidity with which he had been elevated to the most honourable and important offices of the state, it was not to be expected that Mr. Gwinnett would descend to the station of a private citizen, without making an effort to regain the public favour. Exasperated by the conduct and remarks of his adversary, mortified by the frustration of his hopes, and anxious to re-establish his popularity, he formed the desperate determination of forcing his way to the political height from which he had fallen. A challenge was therefore conveyed to general M'Intosh, and they fought at the short distance of twelve feet. Both the combatants were wounded nearly in the same part of the body. General M'Intosh recovered; but the wound of Mr. Gwinnett proved mortal, and he expired on the twentyseventh of May, 1777, in the forty-fifth year of his age.

Thus perished, in the prime of life, a patriot, who, during his short political career, had filled the most important stations, and eminently promoted the independence of his adopted country. The leading motive that urged him to engage in the fatal conflict of which he was the victim, is stated to have been the desire of reinstating himself in 'the public opinion.

A fondness of popularity is a feeling almost universal: in well regulated minds it leads to the practice of benevolence, and all the mild virtues, but in free governments it often becomes the means by which ambition forces its way to power. It is one of the most precious rewards of the patriot who has dedicated his time and abilities to the service of his country, and it is the channel through which the demagogue rises to power and consequence. All politicians are desirous of acquiring, and it is hoped there are but few who are not desi rous of deserving it; but the instances are very rare of men who have once basked in the sunshine of popularity, who have submitted to be dismissed to the obscurity of private life, without a struggle to regain the eminence from which they have been removed.

The complication of events which oppressed the feelings of Mr. Gwinnett, may be pleaded in extenuation of the deed which deprived his country of one of its earliest advocates. The disastrous failure of his military schemes, his sudden fall from the highest office of the state to the rank of a pri vate citizen, the defeat of his political hopes, the success of his competitor, and the triumph of an avowed enemy, may palliate an action which no sophistry can justify, and which it is our duty to condemn.

From the period at which Mr. Gwinnett engaged in agricultural pursuits, he devoted his leisure hours to political studies. The short interval of five years which preceded his death, did not permit him to attain a thorough education in the school of policy; but had his aspiring ambition been tempered with more prudence, he possessed talents which promised extensive usefulness.

He was about six feet in height, and his person was properly proportioned, lofty, and commanding. Without pos

sessing remarkable eloquence, his language was mild and persuasive. His manners were polite, and his deportment graceful. He was of an irritable temper, and impatient of contradiction. He left a widow and several children, who did not long survive him.

Although the political career of Mr. Gwinnett was short, and its termination afflicting, his memory, stamped as it is upon the charter of our independence, must be coeval with the duration of the American republic.