* «? ^, »^ . » * A 1 • A V "^ i» ^* -V, a- * 7 *. % • " ° A v *** " n AT .. °^ &•. v^ .%ater-. %„^ .*^s&. *_^ VV vV^ .^^ ~^^ .,v^. ** ♦<•• ft 6 " "O •♦ .4* c* *; r oV" -♦.To' A 0° V**"^'\^ ~°«*'* e w VV ,# % -.y -0 V "o, '° • * * A <> • . . • ADDRESS DELIVERED IN THE HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTH OF JANUARY, 1S45. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CITIZENS. BY JOHN I. CAMPBELL, n OF MARION. JAMES LUSK, PRINTER. MDCCCXLV. : £ *>£<* %**>* ADDRESS. Fellow Citizens — It is no less our duly than our interest to meet on oc- casions like the present, and' cherish as wo may deem best, tho events which adorn the pages of our country's history. For s ich a purpose we are here to-day : here the storm and stiife of party warfare should not be seen ; here the spirit of discord may not enter ; hut dropping for this day those differences of feeling and opinion which always attend the energies and actions of freemen in the pursuit of happiness, and the adoption of the means to se- cure it ; we gather around our country's altar, and lay our gifts upon it with the deep emotions of patriotism and gratitude which fill the heart as we contemplate some deed of valor, or some sig- nal blessing bestowed upon us. It is well for us that we can with little effort Jink ourselves with the past, move in its scenes, catch its soul-stirring animations, bring around us its toils, its dangers, and its triumphs : and with equal case can we reach in fancy the dark unrevealed future, and combining tho lessons and spirit of the one, with the anticipations of the other, cause them all to bear upon the present with many practical results. Po-xlay, we seem connected with the past in feeling, suffering, and sympathy, and with the future, by the influence which our actions must have upon it.. All that is good in our institutions — all that has been built up by the wisdom of our fathers — all that has been won by their va- lor, is committed to our care, and the love we bear our country, tho firmness and fidelity with which we cherish and preserve the sa- cred tnust, will tell with fearful interest upon the destinies of those who shall succeed us. This trust is one- of mighty magnitude. Over other govern- ments the wave of revolution may roll with desolating and des- tructive influence, and the result may he, the transfer c'f the jew- elled crown from the head of one prince, or tyrant, to that of an- other, whilst the condition of the people may be the same, the fetters as strong, and the practical elevation and freedom of the mass be as little and as nominal as before the revolution commenced. But with us this cannot be ; our land is already the homo of the frce ? our go < m nt is the practical and successful experiment of man's capability to govern himself. We hold out the light, that like the pillar of fire, guides the friends of freedom in every land. By the kindness and direction of an overruling providence every circumstance that would tend fb^aise man tu his highest dignity, and promote his highest happiness, may be seen by him who at- tentively reads the history of these States. It may be well for us to look back, and briefly allude to some of the great leading causes which led to the establishment of our Union, and the secret of that success which followed the efforts of our ancestors. And first, those men whose influence was most sensibly felt by the colonies, had been schooled in adversity, had suffered under oppression in almost every form — had been foi'ced to sever every tie that bound them to their native land, to leave home, kindred, country, and friends, to enjoy the unquestionable right of ee. There was in them no hatred to a well re- gulated government'; no settled disregard of law ; no want of respect for the rights of others — but an ardent love of freedom lead- ing them almost certainly to the maintenance of free institutions. With these feelings, principles, and desires ; with this character gome of them left their native land, and trusting themselves in their frail bark to a stormy sea, sought a homo in our land. But more than this, they were deeply versed in the purest morality, eminent for ardent piety, lovers of learning, and anx- ious to promote the best interests of man. The moment they touched our soil they bound themselves in a solemn sompact to secure equal rights and laws — freedom of speech and conscience, and every right that belongs to indepen- dent man. Active in tho dissemination of knowledge — the basis of all good and free institutions — they erected school houses, rear- ed ap temples, cultivated the arts, and commenced the formation of that character and those habits which alone fit a people for the blessings of freedom. The influence of such a people may be seen as uc trace still further down tho history of these colonies, we shall find that step by step, as they increased in wealth, power, and numbers, were the undeniablo blessings of a well regulated government, fostered by those who were wise enough to understand then;, virtuous enough to appreciate them, and bold enough lo defend them. Tho influence of these Pilgrims was greatly felt by all who then formed the colonics ; and when at a yet later period, the oppression of the mother country, forced them into tho move- men's which preceded the Revolution, we find the full power of such a people as I have described. We see not the wild outbreaks of anarchy ; not the hasty movements of an ill regulated law- less multitude, but the cautious arrangements of the wise in coun- cil, tho patriotic in heart, of men who had tasted the blessings of liberty. At this trying hour, the freedom of the people depended greatly upon the stleps then taken, the measures then adopted. We needed just then, men pure, disinterested, unambitious of any fame other than that which had for its base the freedom of their country; and such we found — unlike the leaders of other revolutions — wisely and prudently, yet fearlessly, did they move onward anvil the eventful struggle commenced. They entered it weak in all the resources of war, but the kindled ardor of a freeman's heart. Soon there aroso one among lhem, unlike the heroes of other days, and fully pre- pated to lead on such a people as then ..formed the colonies — one, whose fame is graven upon every patriot heart, in whom valor and wisdom, virtue, integrity, and patriotism blended their highest ex- cellence. Placing himself at the head of our armies, he led them on to a glorious triumph. •To whom in the long annals of history wa9 ever given such immense power, as was given to Washington, and the gift not made a curse to those who gave it. The Revolution past, the nation free — the character — the pecu- liar character of our people, was thoroughly tested in subsequent events. The independence we had won would avail us little unless some government could be formed which would secure its blessings. The tented field was deserted, and 'he council chamber filled. The same people to which I have called your attention were there. There was no grasping after emoluments and honors; those who had nobly won the first, and well deserved the latter, placed them upon the altar of their country. Here was no sectional, narrow feeling that looked to the interest of party, at the expense of the whole ; but forgetting self, and acting for the interest — the high- est interest — of all the colonics, they formed the confederation. Let us follow these noble men further, and witness still further developments of their peculiar fitness to raise up and sustain the glorious institutions which to-day aie ours. As time passed on and the country began to realize, more and more, the pressure pro- duced by the revolution, and the true condition and interests of the colonies, it was thought best by these watchful patriots to draw yet closer the lies of our union, by forming a new constitution. And here sec once more, and more strikingly, perhaps, than ever, the effect of all the causes favorable to our country, about which I have before spoken. Here were assembled Washington, Madi- son, Franklin, and a host of others, tried in the hour that tried men's souls. Watch for a moment their progress ,• look at the conflicting interests to be reconciled ; see the deep intensity of in- terest fell by every lover of his country. What n feeling of bar- mnnv and patriotism reigns in that body; how every grant of power from the people is watched, guarded ; how the interests of large and small States arc equalized and adjusted ; how every feeling of discoid is quelled ; and how at last, the glorious result of all their anxious thoughts and collected wisdom is submitted to tho people, and by them accepted, in the form of our present constitu- tion. Almost as soon as it went into operation its benign and bles- aed influenco was felt in overy portion of our growing and widely extended country. The rich but hidden resources of our govern- ment were rapidly developed ; the spirit of freedom, the intellect, gave new impulse to the en?rgy and industry of our land. Com- merce and tho arts dispensed their blessings, our cities sprung up as by magic, population increased, the forest fell before the bold and hardy pioneer, wealth poured into our treasury ; our credit was restored ; in short, the full rich blessings of peace and hap- piness were ours. But these halcyon days were soon to pass. The power whose fetters our fathers had broken, looked upon us with the spirit of revenge, avarice, and jeolousy, and soon commenced again the work of insult and oppression. Seeking peace at any expense, save that of honor, we took up arms, once more to contend with the acknowledged mistress of the world. I cannot dwell, as I would delight to do, upon the incidents of this struggle, as history records them. It will better suit our pre- sent purpose to recur to that brilliant event we this day com- memorate. In doing so, I may perhaps bo pardoned, familiar as are the scenes of this great victory, if I detain you with a brief history of it, drawn mostly from one of our most graphic histo- rians. A short time after the capture of Pensacola, it wns evident that formidable preparations wero making for an invasion of Louisian- na. About the 15th of September, Clairborne, Governor of Lou- isiana, ordered the two divisions of Louisiana militia, the first un- der Gen. Thomas, the second under Gen. Villiere, to hold them- selves in readiness to march at a moment's warning. Louisiana had felt as yet but little of the war, except upon her commerce and agriculture. The French — mild and gentle in their disposi- tion, had paid but little attention to it, and the militia outside the city could scarcely be said to be organized; nothing short ef in- vasion could arouse them. The city was brtter prepared, relying much upon themselves, and expecting little aid from the General Government, they manifested some zeal in preparing to meet the invador. Their great security was found in the nature of the sur- rounding country ; and yet they had reason for the alarm so gen' erally felt, for, as it respected men, arms, and military works, they wero in a most defenceless condition. The Legislature, though ia 8 session, had as yet done nothing. They greatly needed at this time some master spirit to direct their destinies and save them from impending ruin. At this time, that master spirit came, quick in thought, bold and daring in execution, with' heart nnd energies devoted to his country. General Jackson, who had left Mobile at the first tidings of danger, reached New Orleans on too 2nd day of December. Every heart felt, joy, every eye flashed with con- fidence at his approach, Without a moment's delay, and with the eye of an accomplished and gallan' scldier, every position was examined and fortified. The Legislature at his call granted him aid. About a thousand regulars were placed in the city, and the Tennessee troops, under Coffee and Carroll, were distributed at the most vulnerable points. These hasty arrangements were scarcely finished before intelligence was received that the British fleet, con- sisting of at least sixty sail, was off the coast on the east of the Mississippi. Commodore Patterson now despatched a flotilla of gun-boats, under the command of Lieutenant Jones, to watch tho movements of the enemy. Soon they were seen in such force at the entrance of Lake Borgne, that Jones determined to make sale for the passes of Lake Ponehatrnin to oppose the en'.rai cc of tho enemy there. On the 14ih (if December, while becalmed-, thia flotilla was attacked by nearly forty barges, carrying twelve hun- dred men, and after a gallant struggle with such fearful odds, sur- rendered. This loss was severely felt : the enemy could now choose his point of attack, and the Americans were deprived of the means of watching them. But the fir.r. heart of Jackson fail- ed not at slight difficulties like this. Placing a battalion under Major Lacostc, together with the Felicia tin* dragoons, he ordered them to take post so .as to defend the Genlilly road leading to tho city, and tho passes from Lake Borgne to lake Ponchar'.rain, whilo Capt. Newman was ordered to defend to the last extremity, tho only other channel between these two lakes. Other activo and energetic means and modes of defence were adopted, which I need not here detail. There was a channel connected with LakeBorgno which, though known to few, had not escaped the vigilant eye of the commander. He had ordered it to be obstructed. A small 9 ■force was placed there, but its obstruction was forgotten or ne- glected. On tho 22d of December, guided by sonic fishermen, a division of the enemy, under Gen. Kean, came suddenly upon the Ameri- can guard and took them prisoners. At about 4 o'clock in the morning, they had reached the commencement of Villiere's canal, and satisfied with their advantage, resteeffor a few hours. Soon afterward they surrounded the house of Gen. Villicrc, who fortu- nately escaped, and communicated the intelligence at head-quar- ters. Quick as thought, Jackson dclermined to attack him. It was enough for him to know that the foot of the foe pressed hia country's soil. In an hour's time the riflemen, finder Coffee, the regulars and city volunteers were ready to march. The Caro- line, under Capt. Henly, dropped down the river, and tho Louisi- ana, under Thompson, was soon to follow. Tho order of battle was soon arranged. Coffee wus-ordercd to turn their right, and attack them in the rear. General Jackson with the main body assailed them in front and on the left. Tho signal of attack was a fire from the Caroline. It was now night, and tho enemy's fires were sen ; thus directed, the action commenced by a raking broadside from the Caroline, At this moment Coffee's men rush- ed with impetuosity to the attack, while the troops under Jackson advanced with equal ardor. The enemy thus surprised, with tho cool bravery of English soldiers, extinguished their lights and formed, but not before hundreds had been killed and wounded. A thick fog rising at this time, and a misunderstanding of instruc- tions, caused confusion in our ranks, and induced Gen. Jackson to call off his troops. Yet they laid upon the ground that night, and the next morning retired to a position about two miles nearer tho city. In this battle the gallant Lauderdale, of Tennessee, fell ; the enemy's loss was very considerable, and ours small. With cease- less energy, Jackson fortified his new posi'.ion ; nor were the en- emy idle : erecting batteries, they set fire to and blew up the Ca- roline, and the Louisiana was only saved by the greatest oxertion and skill of her commander. On the 28th of December, another attack was made with a de- 10 sign to drive General Jackson into the city ; but in this the ene- my were repulsed. Again, en ihc first of January, the enemy were repulsed by the braver} - and well directed lire of our troops. Things were now rapidly approaching a crisis. On the 4th new hope and spirit wero imparled to our army by the arrival of 2500 Kentuckians. They had hastened to the scene, and though worn down, and a great number of them un- armed ; they gathered such arms as were to be found, and were ready to battle in their country's cause. At this time the British were reinforced by the arrival of 4000 troops, under Gen. Lam- bert. The last, the decisive effort was now to be made. On the 7th the foe had made a water communication from the swamp to the Mississippi. On our side, things were in a stale of readiness to receive them. And here, fellow citizens, permit inc, before I notice the event which followed, to dwell about that scene, to mingle with the feelings of our gallant army, and wilh the feelings of him who so ably and successfully commanded it. AVho can describe feelings of that noble band. Before ihcm was a well disciplined army, commanded by able and experienced officers, accustomed: to triumph, superior in numbers, bold and daring, and urged on by every passion, promise and appeal. Behind them v. etc their homes, wives, children, and friends ; in their hands wero placed for a time, tho destinies of their loved, their native land, yea, li bcrty ilself. How throbbed their hearts, as the thought came rush ing o'er their spirits — shall our country and our homes be saved, o shall we find a soldier's grave o'or which yon host shall march Shall kindred, country, all bo lost, or shall we send up the lou shout of victory over those who seek to destroy. Who can te the firm resolve that swelled every heart and flashed from ever eye. Who can picture the hushed, deep stillness of that scene, o there they wait the shock, the rush, the charge of baU'.c. But 'd such were the thoughts and feelings of that bravo and patriot j- band, how may I tell the deep, intense emotion of him upon whom rested the dreadful responsibility of that dreadful hour ! To him every cyo in that faithful band was turned. They had followed 11 him through many an hour of toil — through many a scene of dan- ger — he* knew them well; he loved ihcm much. Yon eny with its thousands, awed and hushed, looked to him. His country, through all its vast extent, with strong confidence, but yet with trembling anxiety^ turned to him in this trying hour. Country, army, home, freedom, fame — all seemed perilled on the event. Well and deeply did he feel it. With the firm and undaunted eool- «ness of the hero, he moved along his line, and the flash of hs eye, the tone of his voice imparted hope, animation, and courage to every heart in that little army. But the light of the ever memorable Eighth has dawned; the note of preparation is heard ; the marshalled columns firm, determin- ed, move slowly on. The eye of our commander is fixed upon them ; the work of death must soon commence. How feels that chief now? Ah ! could we read his heart, his earnest, unuttered prayer would be — • Oh ! Hjaven, my bleeding country save ! Js tin re no hind on high to shield the brave? Yet, though destruction sweep these lovely plains, Rise, fellow men, our country yet remain-.-. In that dread name we wave the s-vord on high. Arid swear fjr her to live — with her to die. But ere the thought is past tho pealing thunder of the battle is heard — the wreathing columns of flame flash from his whole line, mowing down with dreadful fatality the columns of the approach- ing foe. The effect was overwhelming. Broken, disheartened, '.hey retired. An effort is made to rally them. Packingham is at '.heir head, animating and cheering them, and falls in the act. amid the hundreds of his brave soldiers,) fighting with a bravery • nd energy worthy of a better cause. Once more these brave and levoted men by Kean and Gibbs are brought forward to feel again •;he dreadful power which had just slain their friends. Again they i ; ;ive way. Kean and Gibbs are both wounded, their army routed; nd, though disaster happened to our army on the right bank of the river, the day was won, the contest finished, victory was ours. The stars and stripes floated in proud triumph over that field of blood. The shout of victory streamed along the American line — the glad city welcomed the returning conqueror, yielding him the 12 deep gratitude of full hearts for the laurels he had won, and the blessings he had bestowed. And thus, in the language of one of the hero's most eloquent defenders,' were breasted the tempestuous waves of a doubtful war ; a war which had shaken to its base the massey columns of the hall where it was declared", and razed the capitol to its foundation stone, whilst phrenzied fear bewildered all it met, and red-eve d hate rolled with a sa.tanic smile over the ad- ministration of your country — he it was who brought a reputa- tion to your arms and to your country, bright and more bright as the storm lulled away. Let us, my friends, to whom arc committed the destinies in some measure, of a government thus built up, thus defended, catch some- thing of the pure spirit and patriotism of those who preceded us, and throwing aside every narrow ami selfish feeling, give to ihoso who shall succeed us, the government under which we live, un- injured by any action of ours, and strong and firm in all that shall make it a blessing to the untold millions that may live under it. Let us remember that the virtue, patriotism, and intelligence that built it up, will at all times be required to preserve it. But before I conclude, may I not turn again to the man whoso name is forever identified with this day. Venerable chief, how thrills thv heart this day ! Thirty years have passed since its glory was won, and yet thou livest to behold it once more. To see the nation, for which thou didst peril thy life, great, growing, and prosperous. Thy eventful life is nearly closed ; time has written its traces or. thy brow; thou standest in the twilight of two worlds. With the storms, contests, and honors of the one thou art nearly done : To tho realities of the other thou must soon ap- proach. May the evening of thy life be as calm, as peaceful, and happy, as its morning -was stormy and brilliant ; and when thy earth-wearied spirit leaves Us tenement of clay, may repose and bliss be found in that upper and better world, where war, and strife, and toil forever cease. 39 W •VV* A <- .4* ?W^ .J*"\ "-J •♦ **b /"^ I jP^ -.2 ,-tq [ts\ °m 1 «** /\ ^tW ^ •o* & ..*•• * •••« ^b > ^ ;♦ .