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7

No 1 Autographs

The autograph of distinguished persons are procured as interesting Relics, and often regarded as evidences of character, In this respect the handwriting of Washington, amid the turmoil of War, the cares of Government, as well as the calm of private life, is remarkable for its uniformity-always clear, steady, bold, and free. 

Compare, or rather, contrast, the tranquil grandeur of Washington's autograph with the impatient scrawl of the restless Napoleon, of whom Lord Byron thus speaks,

"A single step into the right, had made
This man, the Washington of worlds betrayed; 
A single step into the wrong has given
His name a doubt to all the winds of Heaven; 
While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er
Shall die while there's an Echo left to hear!" 

In accordance with Byron's sentiment, an anecdote was told me by who celebrated Delametrie, whilst Bonaparte, then First Consul, with other members of the National Institute, was examining the Military Roads of France, Washington was named as a great General. "He was indeed a great General" said Bonaparte. Suddenly he seemed plunged in a

[[stamp]] ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN ART [[/stamp]]

Transcription Notes:
lower-case t looks like an h "-" instead of "."