American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

George Addison Baxter (July 22, 1771-Spring 1841) was a professor at Washington Academy in Virginia. He published an account of his travels throughout Kentucky the previous November, giving particular attention to the religious revivals where taking place. With academic skepticism he researched the reports of what was later to be known as "The Second Great Awakening." Dr. George Addison Baxter's report, printed in the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, March of 1802, recounted: <The power with which this revival has spread, and its influence in moralizing the people, are difficult for you to conceive, and more so for me to describe.... I...

Sydney Smith (June 3, 1771-February 22, 1845) was a English humorist, known for his wit and satirical humor. He is best known for his Peter Plymley Letters, which were highly instrumental in forwarding the cause of granting Catholics in England the right to vote. In his 1855 work, titled Lady Holland's Memoir, Sydney Smith wrote: <Take short views, hope for the best, and trust in God.> 1771SS001 Sydney Smith wrote: <Truth is Justice' handmaid, freedom is its child, peace is its companion, safety walks in its steps, victory follows in its train; it is the brightest emanation from the Gospel; it...

Ludwig Van Beethoven (baptized December 17, 1770-March 26, 1827) was a Prussian composer who ranks among the greatest in history. He was a contemporary of Mozart and Haydn. Beethoven began losing his hearing at the age of 28 and eventually became totally deaf. Incredibly, though, he continued writing music, creating some of the greatest symphonies, concertos, sonatas, string quartets and choral masterpieces that the world has ever known. Beethoven wrote: <Today happens to be the Lord's Day, so I will quote you something from my Bible: "See that ye love one another as I have loved you."> 1770LB001 <No friend...

William Wordsworth (April 7, 1770-April 23, 1850) was one of the first English Romantic poets. He published his Lyrical Ballads in 1798; and Poems in Two Volumes in 1807. Other works include: The Excursion; The White Doe of Rylstone; Memorials of a Tour of the Continent; and Ecclesiastical Sketches. Greatly criticized at first, his works gradually became recognized, and in 1843, Queen Victoria appointed him Poet-Laureate of England: <TRUST IN THE SAVIOUR But Thou art true, Incarnate Lord! Who didst vouchsafe for man to die; Thy smile is sure, Thy plighted Word No charge can falsify.> 1770WW001   <HYMN FOR...

Napoleon Bonaparte, I (August 15, 1769-May 5, 1821) was the Emperor of France, 1804-15. Born in Corsica and trained as an artillery officer in mainland France, Bonaparte rose to prominence under the First French Republic and led successful campaigns against the First and Second Coalitions arrayed against France. In interesting twist of history is related by Juan Cole, in Napoleon's Egypt-Invading the Middle East (NY: Palgrave MacMillian, 2007). France had been in a treaty with the Muslim Ottoman Empire and planned to send artillery personnel to upgrade and train the Ottoman military. Napoleon was going to be sent, but he...