.5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012 028 375 3 # HoIIinger pH8.5 Mill Run F3- 1955 \\. E 458 ^ ^ .5 ^5. .N53 Copy 1 llMiiiljMiiitairB iMrtliiinr OELEBR^TIOISr or i'HK BlirniDAY OF WASHINGTON, A Ml <»l-" THI'; VICTORIES OF THE UNION ARMS : r.V Till: 11(11 SK OF ASSKMIil.V 01- TIIK l.XXXfXTII LEG ISLATrUIO <»F XFw .n:l;^urlini>-ton, and Hon. Leon Abbott, of Hudson, to deliver addresses on the evening of the 22d of February, in the Assembly Room, in commemoration of the birth-day of the " Father of his Country'' and of the recent victories of the Union armies, and inviting the Senators, Assemblymen, and Citizens of Ti-enton to bo' present; a large and very respectable audience assembled at the time and place. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor of the city of Trenton.- On motion of Hon. H. J. Irick, of Burlington, Hon. N. S. Abbott, of Gloucester, was called to the Chair. On motion of Hon. Mr. Iiick, Fuaxklin S. Mills was appointed Secretary. Hon. Mr. Taylor, of Monmouth, then presented the following letter from His Excellency, Governor Parker, which Avas read by the Secretary : — State of New Jeesey, ^ Executive DErAKTMEXT, > Teekton, February 22d, 1865. ) Hon. Joseph T. Croivell, Speaker of House of Assembly : — I)eae Sir : — I observe in the papers of this morning a resolution adopted yesterday by the House of Assembly, inviting me to preside at a meeting to be held at the State House this evening, to rejoice over the recent victories of our armies, and to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Father of his Country. Before I was aware of the passage of the resolution, I had made an engagement which requires my absence from Trenton, and there- fore I am obliged to decline the invitation to preside. The distinguished officer under whom the recent important military sue- 6 cesses have been aeliieve:! ranks among- the foremost conimaniers the world has produced. His recent campaign, although comparatively bloodless, is pregnant with great resulrs, if properly improved by tlie government. While we rejoice over the victories achieved ])y our ])rave officers and men, let us hope that our rulers may be so guided, that these victories may be made the means of restoring peace and the Union of the States without further bloodshed. The vast power of the nation stands forth to-day con- fessed by all, and this is the favorable moment to extend the ulive branch. Let it be extended in a spirit of magnanimity. Whenever the insurgents ofi'er to lay down their arms and return to the Union, let all their rights under the Constitution be conceded. Let the spirit of compromise that animated the Father of his Country be infused among imr people in this hour of \'ictory, and may we come out of this conflict with the vital princi- ples of government, as established by Washington and his compeers, pre- served in their integrity. Let all the powers granted to the general government by the States be exercised to the fullest extent for the suppression of rebellion, the preserva- tion of the Union, and the promotion of the happiness and prosperity of the people ; but the right to local seli'-governmcnt and the regulation of domes- tic ati'airs should bo retained by the States if Ave would transmit to posterity the best form of government ever devised by the wisdom of man. On this day, when the people convene to commemorate the patriotism and virtues of the great and good Wasliingtou, they sliould renew their vows to main- tain the system of government which he, more than any other man, was instrumental in establishing. Present my thanks to the General Assembly for the honor conferred by their invitation. I regret that I cannot listen to the speeches of the eloquent geutlemeu selected to address you. Yerv Eespectfullv, iSc, JOEL PAEKEE. The Chairman tlicn inti'oduced Hon. Charles C. Lathrop, of Bur- lington, AVlio addressed the meeting as follows : Ladies axd (tExtlemex: — We meet to-night on a propitious oecasion. We come together on one of the stand-point days of the American Re])ub]ic. We enter to-day into a Banqueting House ; and the Imnner waving over us is, Love of Country, — the feast spread before us is, Patriotism. We come this day to a perennial fountain, where the lover of the institutions of his country can refresh himself; where, in the weariness of the toil of maintaining those institutions against the eflbrts of traitors in arms, and tlie strife of sustaining the national life as against cravens and croak- ers, as well as tlie sympathizers with the ^outh in our midst, may re- cuperate and oiitain new strength to renew the conflict with the enemies of the Government Ijestowed njion us by tlie patriot, the sage, the christian, Washixgtox, — tlie Father of his Country, America. Yes, the twenty-second of February will glow with increasing bright- iiess as the ages advance ; will become more and more honored by the tleScGndaiit-s of tlid ii'volutionai'v fatlR'i-?, as the iiistiditions thcystalvOtl their lives, their |)ruj)orty, and tlieir ^;acrod honor to establisii, shall developc their valilc, and become the more beloved because their sons and dau.n'hters in the present day were called upon to maintain and defend them a,ortion of the people — hence the disgrace, and also the cause of all our ])olitical woes. If every citizen had exercised the duty devolved upon him by our form of government, we would have had no rebellion. ^Vhen Denades the orator addressed himself to the Athe- nians and said " I call all the Gods and Goddesses to witness the truth of what I shall say," the Athenians, often abused by his impudent lies, ])resently intcrrnptcd him l)y exclaiming " And we call the Gods and Goddesses to witness that we will not believe you." So might the people reply to the assertions of many of our politicians just before elections. Second, Jls obedient and reverential to parential authority and to old age. — Left at the age of eleven years without a father, to the care of a mother with live small children, of which he was the eldest, Wash- ington ever was a dutiful child, an obedient youth and loving son of the immortal Mary — who has come to live in history, through the obedi- ence and virtues of her son, as the " Mother of WashingtonJ^ She was rewarded for all her care and struggles in the discharge of her duties as a widow and a mother by living to see her honored son the head of a nation, and reaping the harvest for which every true mother sti-uo-gles — of ji\ing and acting on the fields of the world through and in her soi;s. As a child and a vouth AYashington was noted for his inqnisitivcness, diliiroiieo, lovo of Tiianly sports, which devolopod his physical powers, ami lor militaiy toiiclcm-ics — l)olofi! lie was tliii-teeii years of age foriiiinu; his school coiHi)aiiioiis into companies, of which he was always the acknowledged head. His conduct even at that early age was characterized Ijy dignity, decorum, consistency, condescension and mildness, which it would he well for the hoys and young men of our day to copy. The present age is lamentably deficient in })arental res])ect and ol)edience to the restraints of home, and most sadly lacking in reverence for ago and authority. Young America " Can't see the ])oint," and " Don't l)elieve iji being tied to tiieir mother's apron strings," but strut and swagger with the stump of a cigar or a foul pipe in their mouths about the street corners, the country store or the village tavern ; and too often imbibing tlie ])oisonous draught, or the polluting talk of the frequenters of such ])laces, thus breaking away from and desj)ising all the teachings of that holiest of sanctuaries — Home. After acciuii'ing the best education that the cojnmon school afforded, which was the only o])poi-tunity he had in his boyhood, in wliich he made such proliciency in writing (and so exact and neat that his manuscript sciiool ])ooks are ])reserved from the age of thirteen) and in mathematics, in constructing forms for writing poetry, and forming I'ules of behaviour, which gave a cast to his whole life. At the age of fourteen he Avas connuissioned a midshi])man in the British service, and was earnestly desirous of gi-atitying his and)ition in this sphere. But in obedience to the wishes of his mother he deferred the comjnencement of his military career, and thus under I'ro^•idencc, in obeying his mother, instead of ]»ecoming an officer in the Bi'itish Navy, and perliaps lost to America, he subseijuently became the leader of his countrymen against that power, and the Father of his Country. Show me a young man dutiful and loving to his pai-ents, reverential to their commands and wishes, diligent in the discharge of his home duties, and 1 will point you to the future Statesman, Pati-iot nnd Chris- tian. Anotlier lesson leai-ned fi-om tin's youthful exam])le of Washington is that all young men are to be courteous, ])olite, gentlemaidy. There is an absurd idea jircvailing too much among boys, and even young men, that it is an indication of meanness and unmanliness to conduct them- selves with gentleness and affability, and deference to age. Every American is a sovereign, and as such should ever be controlled by dignity and ])olit('ness, which are the o])])osite to pride and haughtiness. It is said of Washington that when President, he passed a poor negro man in the street and ]»olitely I'aisod his hat and bowed in response to to the obesiance of the negro, when one of his attendants said, " What! do you bow to a negro?" " Would you have me outdone by a negro in politeness?" replied Washington. The true American always recog- nizes an object worthy of respect in every honest man, however humble. Third, As Industrious and DilifferM. — In his early life Washington was left the estate on which his father, iVugustine Washington, resided at the time of his death, situatecl in Stafford county, on the east side of the Rappahannock, opposite Fredericksburg, Va. — the ver}' ground almost, where our soldiers in the present war have been encamped as * 2 10 the headquarters of t]ie army of tlie Potomac for so great a portion of the time. What a coiiicidcneo that the childhood home of Washington shonM tlius be oc« iijued ! Tlioiigh h'ft an independence, \Vn:-]iington diritish service,) in surveying the extensive lands of J^ord Fairfax, and ])ursuing Ids studies. His self-reliance and eneriry of ( hai-actei- at that age is shown by his having on one occasion s"t o/f on a]i ardous and dangerous ex])e(Iiti(in of sui'veying the wild hinds of the AlleglcTiiy ^lountains, accom})anied only ])y a son of Lord I'liirl'iix, ;nid ^u(■coss^ul]y a'_'c(;m])lished his enter: piize after enduring gi-eat juivations and fatigues. This so established Jus reputation that he i-eceived a commission as Public Surveyor, and followed that business faithfully foi- three years, until he Avas, at the age of nineteen, ap])ointed one of tlie Adjutant Generals of Virginia, with the rank of Major. The death of his l>rotlier soon after devolved upon him the management of lai-ge estates, and gave him a ccmtingent interest in Mount A'ernon, to wliic h. after his brilliant military career in the service of A'ii'ginia. and hi? marriage, he retired, and devoted himself to agricultural jiui'stiits. for which he had great fondness, and which he conducted with such judgment, steadiness and industry as greatly to enlarge and iniproye his estate. In all his sul)sequent career, he always referred with gi-eat ])ieasure to the sidiject of agriculture — the noblest pursuit in whiedi man can engage, and which it were well that more of our yoirag men would give attentioii to, instead of m.^^hing to cities, Avith oft(Mi no higher andvltion tlian to lueasui'e tane, jumj) t'le counier. play tlie toaly. and, as is too often the case, {)ecome the fre- quenters of tlio play-house and the gami)liug hell, oi- loungers al)out the pui'licus of vice, until they graduate genteel exiiuisites, hnished snolis, or eifeminate coxccunbs, Avitliout character or manliood. industry enobles^idleness vitiates. Connuunion Avitli nature — bring- ing forth the fruits and flowers of tlie eai-th purities and softens the heart, eidarges benevolent instincts, and makes the honest man " the noblest work of ( iod." Every young man, like Washington, and young Avoman too, should cultivate industrious habits, and make labor honor- nhle and the rule instead of the exception in the commuinty. This is what has made the difference ])etween tlie Xorth and the South. In one section laltor, virtu(\ intelligence, liberty, abounds. In the other, idle- ness, viscious habits, ignorance, slavery, has existed. In one, as a con- 11 sequence, loyalty, hne of i-ountry, ])iv\:uis. In the utlier, 'reason, lUid bitter hatreds. In one Law rules — iii the other, l*assion. 'i'he causo of all this (lilfercnee is that in one section labor, and as its handmaid, Gconomy, is honoraldc — in tlie otiier it is de.u'radinii', aii'l as its adjunct, Vvaste and ])rofli,u'acy. In tlu- lanu'irire of another : ••All the li'reat ininds Avho have left their marks n]»(Mi t!ie history of the v.oi-id's pro- g'ress, have ])aid for their success and mjtei^iety by the pi'ice of mire- mittinii' toil and labor* Napoleon IJonajtarte worked hard and inces- santly, and has been knouii to exhaust the energies of scVoral secre- taries at one time. Charles XIl of Sweden frequently tired out all his officei-s. The Duke of \Vellin,u't(m was the hardest wm-kinir man in the; i'eninsula; his energies never Hagg^e;!. ?;Iiltou, from his youth, a])plied himself with such indefatigable application to the study of lettei's tluit it occasioned weakness of sight and ultimate blinthiess. The Uibor of Hir Walter Scott is evident in the iuind)er of lii^ literary ju'oductions, and it is a])])ai'ent to every j-eader that the immense masses of genei'al information which abound throughout his inultituilinous works can only have ])ecn acquired l)y dint of many years' hard study. J)yi"on Avas in the habit of reading even at his meais. Luther made it a rule to trans- late a verse of the bible evei'y day. This soon brought him to the com- pletion of his lal)ors, and it was a matter of astfmishment to Euro])e, that in the multijtlicity of his other labors, besides traveling, he could find the time to ])rei)are such a surprising work. Newton and Locke pursued their studies with tireless ellbrts, and Pojie sought retirement so that he might ]uirsue his literary oj)ei^ations wirliout interi-uption and disti'action. Industry is essential to all ; l)y forming habits of doing something useful every day, a man increases his own amount of haj)j)i- ness and enlarges that of others al)0ut him. Many a one by a judicious use of the odd moments, those little vacancies in every day life which occur to all, have reiulered themselves famous among their fellows. — Nature is preserved in its ])roper working condition ])y constant exer- tion, and num, to keej) in a healthful condition of mind and body, must exert his mental and })hysical faculties: the c(jnstant enqdoyment of the first will give the strength of character, so that it is cajiable of thinking on any subject at any time, and by active l)odily exertion he preserves his health, fortune, and wo)-ldly })osition. The Marquis of S])inola oiiee asked Sir itoi-ace Yere •• of what his brother died." " He died, sir," re])lied Sir Hoi-ace, '• ol' having nothing to do." '' Alas, sir," said Sjiinola. •• that irf en(mgii to kill any general of us all." And Roche- foucauld says : "It is derciving one's self to believe that it is only violent jjassions like those of love and ambition, which are able to triunq)h over others. Slothfulness, as languishhig as it is, permits none to be its mistress : it usurps all the designs aud all the actions of lifc; it destroys and consumes insensibly the ])assions and th(3 virtues." Fourtli, Jis a Domestic man., or lover of his Home and his Family.— We have seen how Washington loved and revered his mothei'. His tenderness toward lun- and the res])ect paid her, even after he became the great man of the nation, Avas so marked as to be almost child-like. In early life, too, hc5 shoAvcd great susceptibility toward the other sex. 12 Just after Washington hatt arrived of ago, Ijeing commissioned as the commander-in-chief of the forces of \"ir,i>inia, lie had occasion to visit Boston, on Inisiness with General Shirk'}', tlie British commander-in chief in Ameri'-n. While in New Yoi-k he Avas entertained at the house of Beverly Robinson, where he met with a sister of Mrs. Rohinson, Miss Mai'Y Phillips, a young- lady oi' i-ai-e accom])lishments, whose charms made a deep impression on the heai't of the Virginia Colonel. He resolved to pay her his addresses, imparting the secret of his feelings to an intimate friend, who kept him informed of the state of affairs. — He was notified that a rival had a])])eared in the held, in the person of a Captain Morris, a former associate of his in Irraddock's cam]>aign, and advised to renew his visits. But she married Ca])t. Morris, and thus, instead of Ijccoming iViC wife of a Washington, and united in name and ijnmortality with the founder of a nation, she has passed away as but the, wife of a British officer. How strange are the secret inffuences that shape our destiny? This first known love of Washington, did not seem to have a very fatal effect on his affections — as, within two years after, while on an expedition which demanded des])atch,he stopped with his servant at a certain house for refreshments, leaving his horse with his servant, charging him to retain his post as he would soon return. — But the hours came and passed and n(.) note was taken of time, until far into the night, before the young officer emerged from tlie house into which he had entered to tarry btit for a few moments. He found there, and became charmed by a young and beautil'ul widow — Mrs. Martha Custis, and within a year he married her, and received with her (what would ])ro1)a1)ly make most any young widow look Ijeautiful) more than a hundred thousand dollars. With such an accession to his sources of hapi»iness, he I'ctired from military life, to the delightful retreat of Mount Vernon, three months after his marriage, and gave himself uj) to domestic pursuits. This union was in every respect fflicitous, and con- tinued forty years — showing that first love is not always the only Ifap- py oJie. C)n his a])pointment as commander-in-chief of the forces of the Colonies by the C/ontinental Congress, of which he 1\^as a member, then sitting in Philadelphia, he wrote his wife as follows: — " Mt Deakest : I am now set down to write to joii on a subject which fills me with inexpressible concern, and this concern is greatly aggravated and increased, when I reflect upon the uneasiness I know it will give you. It has been determined in Congress that the whole army raised for the defence of the American cause, shall be put under my care, and that it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take upon, me the command of it. " You may believe me, when I assure you in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this apjiointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my iniwilliugness to part with you and the family, but from the consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity, and that I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home, than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad, if my stay Avere to be seven times seven years. But it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service. I shall hope that my imder- taking is designed to answer some good purpose. You might, and I 13 suppose did psrceive, from the tc-iioi" of my letters, that I wan apprehensive I could not avoid tliis appointment, witliout exposing my character to such censures as would have reflected dishonor upon myself, and given pain to my friends. Tliis I am sure could not and ouglit not to be pleasing to you, and must have lessened me considerably in my own esteem. I shall rely, therefore, conlidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me." ;Mrs. Wasliiuu'ton made it a rule always to spend tlie winters in ca'nip with her husband durino- his campait>-n of the devolution, and shed a cheerful and relinin^- influence over the life of her husband and his military family. 8ucli are the revelations of the afi«ctionatc fcelirigs, and tender emotions as a husband, of our model man< Every ,yonn,i>' nuin,as soon as circumstances will justify him, should se- cure the su])})oi't, refining' and elevatiiiu' influences, the (juicker and clearer perce])tions as counsellor, of woman, !ty making the object of his aflections his wife. And every young woman should by her virtues, cultivation of economical habits, and acquirement of such a domestic and intellectnal education and a])plication to household duties, as Avill fit and adapt her to make a good wife, and I'cnder her home the holiest and ha])piest place on earth to her husband. Extravagance, fashionalde dis])lay, a superficial education, dcs])ising domestic duties and laboi-s, have wrecked many a man, deterod liundrcds IVom marrying, left desolate mriny a lieart, and in singleness thousands of females, Avho by cultivating the habits designed by Providence to render -woman a liclp-meet, as tvell as secure her liappiness, would have adorned lier life, blessed the heart and rescued the life of some young man from dissipation and vice. — The systems of female education of the ])resent day are mainly illy adapted to this. I'liey arc thoi-oughly at war with nature and truth — and the wonder is that those edhcated at fashionable boarding schools escape as well as some do the coJitnniinating influences of such teaching. True education does not consist \Vholly in intellectual advancement. — The lieart needs a gtiide and directing ])ower as well as the head, and the great defect in the system alluded to is that the former is for the most ])ai-t wholly neglected, the fashionable graces of life are cultivated with the utmost cai'C, whilst the heart lies fallow, so that weeds rank and foul possess it merely. " (iod helji the fireside which is presided over by one of these forced growths of a fashionable education, for the liousehold deities wliich surround the hearth of the g<)od man Avith joy, fly at her approach and will have no communion witli hei'. The young woman who spends the morning of lior Hie in trifling lollies, will have a weary noon and a night of self-r(-j)roacli and merited contempt. The young man in search of domestic happiness will beWare how he trusts ids hopes to one of these things of muslin, whaleb(nie and rouge. She is in seai-ch of an estaldishment, not of a heart J' To the young Ladies 1 would give the advice of Themi?to(des, in rejdy to an Athenian who was hesitating whether to give In's daughter in marriage to a man of worth with a small fortune, or to a rich man, wlio had no other recom- mendation : " r Would bestow my daughter," said Themistocles, " upon a man without money, rather than ujion money without a man.'' 14 The love of liomo, of AVJIb and childrrii, in the l)cst j)roi!i()tcr of lovoof coiinti'v, rind sucIj as feel t!ii8 are, as was Washinjiton, generally fouiul the most, tiiie to tlieir o-ovemnieiit and flap", and the niost rcad_y to fly to their defeuee. It is to tlie truc-liearted, nolde mothers, wives and sisters of oiir land that we are mainly indebted for the loyalty, the patriotism, Unci the heroic valor of our fathers, brothers and sons, on the many stained battle-fields of the ]Jc]atblic, in this war with traitoi-s to tlieir flag' and country. Fifth, Jls a Legislator and Statesman. — At the age of 27, Wash- ington was elc-cted to the Plouse of Burgesses, oi- Legislature of Virginia, and he served in that capacity constantly for fifteen }-ears — to the beginning of the Revolution — being returned l)y a majority of votes at each election, first from the county of Frederick and afterwards from the county of P'iiirfax. There were commonly tvro sessions, and some- times three, in a year. He gavd his attendance regtdarly and punctil- ally from the beginning to the end of almost e'ver)' session. His inllu- ence was remarkable in public bodies, caused l)y the soundness of his Judgment, (juickiiess of ])orception, and his directness and sniceritvy rather than l»y elociuence or art. He seldom spoke, never harrangucd, and it is not kno^vn that he ever made a set speech. His practice may be infei-red by fliG following counsel given by him in a letter to a nephew, avIio had lieon chosen to a seat in the assembly. He says : — *' The only advice 1 will offer, if you have a mind to command the attention of the hoiise, is to speak seldom, but on important subjects, except such as jiroperly relate to your constituency, and in the Ibriuer case make yourself perfectly master of the su])ject. Never exceed a decent warmth and submit your sentiments with difhdence. A dicta- torial style, though it maj' carry conviction, is ahvays accompanied with disgust." Though he did not expend his efforts in speeches, he Avas ahvays attentive and ready to act Avith decision and firumess. He took decided gi-ound in f)ppositi()n to all the acts of (li-eat ]>ritain oppi-essing the Colonies, and sustained resolutions of sympathy and co-operation Avith the northern Colonies in their acts of resistance, and thus took the first steps toward Union. When the news Avas I'oceiA'ed by the Virginia Asseml)ly, of tlie act of the British l^arliament, shut- ting up tlie ]-*(U't of Boston, it jr.isse 1 an ordei' setting a}>ar! a day of fasting and prayer for the Colonies, and Avhen Loi'd I)nnniore, ))ecause of its course, dissolved the Assembly, Washington, Avith others assem- bled and formed an Association for promotion of Union, and advised Committees of Correspondence Avith tlie other Colonies, He Avith twenty-four other delegates, issued a circrilar letter to the people of A^irginia, calling Conventions for more full and deliberate discussions, Avliich Avere held in several counties. In Fairfax county, Washington ]»resided as Chairman, and the resolutions then passed presented a luminous vicAv of the ])oiiits at issue Avitli Great Britain and shoAv the opinions of Washington at this critical juncture of American affaii-s. NVasliingfon used no doul)tful or double meaning phrases, Avliich Avere pusce])table of ])eiiig construed in favor of either side. He Avas no Union man and toi-v at the same time', nor Avas he CA'cr claimed hi 15 botli si.lcR. Ill a letter ulujiit this time, he says: — " Tlic crisis liaa arrived when we must ;issert our ri,:ress, re])lied : — '• If yoii s))eak of el()(iuence, ^Ir. Kutledue, of South Carolina, i,s l)y far the Ji'ieatest oi'atoi-. 1 ut if ytu sjieak (/f solid infor- mation and sound judunieiit, Colonel Wasldnytou is un(|uestional)ly tho jz:reatcst man on the floor." As a mendier of the second \'iri!;inia Con- vention, held aftei' the adjounmiejit of the Continental Congress, he reported a plan of defeiife — was a!s(^ on a committee to devise a plan to encoura,2:e domestic arts and manufacturers, and liimself used Inunc^ manufactures in preference to any otheis. Auain a member of the second Continenta 1 Con_<>'ress, his influence was universally acknowledros- perity of tlie people, by l)j-i!jes or ap]iliances, or Avho brings disrej)ute ujion the station he occuj)ies, by intem])era.nce. immoralities and pro- fanity — no censuies of the public or of the ])ress should lie s])ared to dri\e such a person not only into retirement, but jiublic disgrace, where he will forever remain, " unwe]>t, unhonored and unsung." The Legis- lator who makes laws under the Spiritual intluence of the dram shops, and the power of ])artizan feeling, degi-ades the name of an American Statesman, and is unworthy to be delegated with power by a freo people. Sixth, As a Great Soldier and General. — Li this day of numerous (icnerals and aspirants for military fame, how bright and glorious does the military genius and acts of Washington soar above them all. Like 16 n, Napoleon, ho inanifestcd hi;^ militarv tondeiicy in liirf boyhood, and like him, commanded forces at a very early a2;G in life, and also, like him believed in his " star" or destiny. His expedition thi-ouorh the wilderness to the Ohio lliver, by command of Lt. Oov. Diinvi(h]ie, at the a,i>"e of twenty-one, was nndei'tnken the very day on ivhich he was commissioned. And for sixty days ho was ex])osed to hardships, fatigue and danger from the iiostile Indians, instigated l)y the French, who claimed to hold jjossession of tlie country from Canada to Louisiana north and west of tlie Ohio and ]\Iississippi Rivers. His campaigns as commander of tlio A^irginia forces against tlie French and Indians the 8ul)se(pient year. His conduct in the Braddock Expedition, aiul that against Fort Dusasna. exhil)itcd liis wisdom, foresight, alarcity and ])ravery, and established forever his abilities as a couimandei-, which led to his appointment as Counnandei'-in-Chief of the ('ontinental Army, (as we have seen), by the Continental Congress. This was done on the recommendation of tlio New Englaml Delegation— headed by John Adams, — that section of the country, being then, as now, among the foremost in the ranks for the pronation of the nation. Tlie appoint- ment was made on the lotli of June, 1775. He was commissioned four days after, and in tioo days, was on his way from Fhiladeli)hia, to join the Continental Army at Canii)ridge, near Boston. From wliich time to the close of the long war of the Revolution — through all its toils, privations, gloom and trials, he was the same reliable, earnest, able, active Oeneral ; ever moving with the same alarcity. It was by his promptness, and the l»oldness of his movements as Commandei" of the Continental Army, as well as his skill and tactics tliat caused tlie tri- nmph of our cause in the Revolution. His fight with Howe, and cross- ing Fast River — his cam})aign in New Jei-sey — his crossing the Dela- ware amidst floating ice, the battle of Trenton in winter, his i-ecrossing the river the same day with his prisoners of war — liis outflanking the enemy and nuirch npon Noav Brunswick — the battle of Frinceton — illustrate his alarcity and consunnuate skill as a connnander, and which is but a sample of his Avhole career as a Ceneral. Seventh, As a Patriot. — At tlie present period of our history, Wash- ington's exani])le and teacliings n])peal to us Avitli I'cmarkablo foi'ce. God seems to have raised up certain men througliout the history of the woi'ld, whose acts and teachings made them as lights to all coming generations, as so many finger boards on the path of time, pointing the way to truth, to honor, tu virtue, to piety aiid patriotism. Moses, Abraham, David, Faul, Lutlier. Cromwell, Washington, men of this class, with many others of ancient and modern times. Even in our own day, Jackson, Clay and Welister, ])artake of this character. ]\Ien that seemed to be inspired to utter words, to do deeds, that mould the des- tiny of ages, and become the talismen to millions, the lights flaming across the horizon of time to direct all who come after them in duty. In this aspect, Washington rises in imposing, in sublime grandeur as a beacon to cheer, to warm, to enlighten, to energize every lover of his country — to Americans to stand by their own, " their native land," in every trial, in all hours of darkness, and especially when wrestling with 17 t'.ie Demon, Treasuu. ll'auy luuu is iu douljt as to Y*hat he is to do, ho has but to see what Washing-ton did. He always stood by his country in every position he was placed — as private citizen, as IJe,2:i?lator, as Commander of armies, and as ChieC-Mairistrate. He was ag-ainHt ov(?ry- thing and all persons — whether lbi-ei,trn foes, or fai- worse, domestic ones, who opposed the (lovernment of his comitry. He acted boldly, with no honied words for those who, while enjoying the l)lessin,2fs of tho country were in sympathy with her foes — he neither called them " my f/ear friends," nor " our erring brethern." 1 have not time here to quote his words or cite his acts — they are recorded in liistory — and read and cherished by every child born to the royal heritage of an American — ^unless he has his heart hardened and his mind ])ervcrted by parents M'ho are incapable of a]ipi-eciatiiig that heritage. When Washington entered New York to meet a foreign foe — Gon'l. Howe and his army — he found that city, as it is now, full of traitors, and it was by his instmmentality that they were arrested by scores and put out of the way of poisoning the pul)lic feeling. The ancestors of the sympathizers with traitors tiien, as now, cried (mt in similar strains as does ilk now, — " Constitution," " Habeas Corjms," " Tyranny," " Right of i-^peech:" but Washington looked upon all traitors to theii- country alike ; whether found in arms against it, or more cowardly and culpable — consi)iring against its government at home — and treated the one to open andhonorable warfare, and the other to prison and shame. He believed with the eccentric and celebrated Irishman, .Sir Bo}'l(} Roche, when he said with characteristic Irishism, " Sir, I would give up half — nay the whole of the Constitution t-o preserve the remainder." Jf there was one sentiment that animated Washington more than any other politically, it was the ■permanent Union oi" these United States. It was for this he labored as a Man — that he strove for as a Statesman, that he fought for as a Warrior, and that he prayed for as a Christian. And oh, how solemnly impressive, how sublimely eloquent, ring liack his words as coming up from the grave, as echoing from enternity, in this day of our nati(mal struggle. " The unity of government Avhich constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main ])illar in the edifice of your real independence, the sup])ort of your tran(juility at home, your ]>eace alu'oad, of your safety, of youi- prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize." " It is of infinite moment that you should pro]:)erly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness, that you should chei-ish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it, accustoming yourselves to think and siieak of it as a palladium of your political rtil'ety and ])rosperity. Watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety, discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspi- cion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of any attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts." " While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in Union, all the part"" combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts 3 18 greater strengtli, greater resources, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less freqtient interruption of their peace by foreign nations, and what is of inestimable value, they must derive' from Union an exemption from those broils and "\va?s between them- selves, Avhich so frecpiently afflict neigh) joringcounti'ies not tied together by the same government, which their OAvn rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments and intrigues would stimulate and embitter." No wonder that under these prophetic and inspiring teachings, men Avill do, dare and die, and lovely women will stimulate, strenghten, and give u}i her i-elatives, for their country — to perpetuate its Union, Nc^ wonder We love and honor the brave soldier, who suft'ers, fights and falls for it; God bless hhn, and reward him as his country cannot do. And no wonder we loathe and si»urn the cold, selfisli, plotting traitor, who lives in our midst, not only breathing sentiments of disunion, but aiding by sympathy, by words, and legislative action, the bolder' and braver traitor in arms for the dismemljerment of the Union, the over- tlirow of liberty, and the perpetuation of slavery. May God have mercy on the wretches, and give them a Ijetter mind, for they will find no mercy from an outraged, indignant public sentiment, wlien the blood of our Ijrotliors and sons slain in this Atar perpetuated by them, cries for vengeance from the ground. Eighth, Washington as a Christian. — It has Ijeen truly and beauti- fully said, " The goodness of Washington was his greatness, and his greatness consisted in his goodness." As in his political, so in his religious character, there was no ambiguity, no one could doul)t what were his sentiments on the most vitial of all questions. Though vali- ent in battle, ho trusted not to his OAvn arms; thougli prudent, he relied not on his own skill when perils gathered around him. He triistednot in the wisdom of Congress or the counsels of his advisers — in all he' rested in humble trust upon the Supreme Being and ever sought strength, wisdom and blessings from Him. When a Colonel of Virginia troojts he issued an order, expressing his displeasure at profaneness, and declaring that if his men did not leave it oft" they would be severely ])Unislied. He was not ashamed to come to the Lord's table, and to own Christ before the world. While the army was encamped at Morristown, Ne^^ Jersey, though educated an E])iscopaiean, he exhibited his absence of bigotry by connnuning with the Presbyterian church there. While stationed at Valley Forge, Washington was frequently observed to visit a secluded grove. This excited the attention of a Mr. Potts, of the denomination of Friends, who watched his movements, and discov- ered him on his knees in prayer. Mr. Potts returned to his family, and Ijeing himself a Tory, said, " Our cause is lost — Washington is m prayer." Let us strive to be like Washington, in truthfulness, in filial obedience, industry, domestic habits, and as a Statesnmn, Warrior, Patriot, and Christian. Mr. Chairman — We have met to-night to celebrate the triumph and progress of the principles as traced of Washington. Four years since a new and unknown flas; was flaunted in the face of the nation. It 19 represented what claimed to be a Confederacy of States, who had rebelled against the Constitution formed ])y Washington and his associ- ates. It was raised lirst over tlie city of Charleston, South Carolina, whose citizens insolently and haughtily re]Hidiated the bjinner of the Union, and with contempt for its sacred character basely iircd upon it as it waved over Fort Suni])ter, and inaugurated one of the bloodiest civil wars the world has e\'er ex])oi'icnced. To-day we celebrate the restoration of that glorious flag — the emblem of Liberty — over that shattered and ragged Fortress, Avhosc dilapidated condition fitly repre- sents the position of the boasted Confederacy ; and the hour is near at hand when it too will fall, and the Union once more be restored — a, Free, a mighty Christian Eopublic, which will eventually cover the ^vholc continent from the frozen North to the Isthmus of Daricn. SPEECH OF HON. LEON ABBETT. The Chairman then introduced Hon. Leon" Abbett, of Iludson. who addressed tlio meeting as follows : — Mr. Chairman : — I shall not attempt any analysis of the life and character of Washing- ton. The gentleman wlio hjis pj'oceded me, has most aljly and elo- quently reviewed thejn both. 1 shall allude briefly to a few prominent traits in his character. We meet this evening to do honor to his memory. To-day is tho anniversary of his birth, A nation celebrates it. The stillness of this peaceful city has l:)een broken by tho thunders of artillery — a military honor to the General whose genius and patriotism guided the infant energies of our people to success and independence. Throughout the land, the peo])le gather in masses to listen to the well knov\-n story of his deeds and virtues. A peaceful triliute to the statesman who assisted to frame our glorious Constitution. Trenton is classic ground. Here Washington in the darkest hour of our history executed one of those brilliant deeds which revived the drooping sjnrits of the nation. The battle ground is now covered with peaceful dwellings. No traces are leit of the struggle. Nothing to tell of the victory ; but we shall never forget it. We need no monument to mark the spot. The history of the Revolution is engravened on our hearts. Hs most l)rilliant recanger no peril that could aj-pal. Through the long years of the revo- lution his name was the rallying cry of the nation. In despondency men looked to him for encouragement. In victory they hailed him as the saviour of his country. We call him the Father of his Country. No name can beteer express a nations' love and reverence. We are too apt in times of civil commotion to forget the sublime virtues embodied in human character and exemplified in human conduct. These annivor- 21 saries recall the labors of the Ibuuders of the Republic. Love ofcoiiu- try is kindled anew by the associations of the hour. It should ever be a [)h:>asure to contemplate the purest models of patriotism. "We associate with the name of Washington all tlm virtues of a ]»atriot. lli^j name will always rally tlie nation. Washington achieved our liberties b}- the sword. Ife ))roserved and secured them l;)y a written Constitution. Ho was Pi-osidcnt of the Con- vention that framed it. Its adoption was the bii'tji of a new nation. Under its benehcent provisions we have attained u ]»roud and envialdo position among the powers of the eartln We maintained this ])Osition until men disregarded its provisions and attempted to overthrow it by armed rebellion. Washington deemed the Tuion of the Htates, under tlie Constitution necessary to the preservation of the liberties of the people. I am impressed Avith the same convictions. The Union of the iStates is necessary to keep our people happy and prosperous. It is impossilde to look at the desolation that now fills this land, and com- pare it with our prosperity five years ago, without sorrow of the deepest kind. This Union can only be preserved by strict obedience to the Constitution. We must resj)ect its provisions in letter and spirit. The present civil war is the result of its infraction. In this hour of the nations' sorrow and travail, let us avoid the ex- jcesses of i)arty spirit. AVashington warns us against it. He speaks to us from his silent resting place. While we are endeavoring by arms to ^compel obedience to the Constitution, let us not allow party spirit to infiuence us in any of our deliberations. Let us try to conquer rebel- lion — not to cultivate a feeling of hatred for those who have rebelled. Never since this rebellion commencetl have I entertained for the people of the South, a spirit of hatred. I have felt that they must be com- pelled to sulunit to the authority of the Union. I have at the same time, remembered the struggles of the Revolution and our subsequent wars with foregn powers. Their blood has been mingled with our own in those struggles. Our independence was achieved by common valor and under one flag. The honor of the nation has been maintained, ter- ritory added, and its power and influence extended by the brave men of both sections battling together in one common cause. CJod grant the hour may soon come, when the desperate valor of the Southern soldiers may lie turned from its assault upon our common government, and united with our own. be turned against a foreign foe. Sori'ow, not hatred, is the feeling in my mind, when I review the incidents of this cruel civil strife. If the peojdc oj'the Sou.th would 1h)w to the su])rem- acy of the laws. I would receive them willingly. I would not stop to exact conditions, except those found in that instrument AAhich Washing- ton helped to frame — the Constitution. I would never yield until the authority of the Union is acknowledged. With Washington, I regard this as the great and important point to se- cure the prosperity of om- people. When that hour comes, I am pre- pared for peace. We kno\v the great sacrifices nccessaiy to cai'ry on this war, and the long years of strugaie it has already required. I most *»amestly pray for a speedy return of that peace, which, five years ago •22 It TKa^ our pride and honor to live under. I feel satisfied that the peo- ple of the North will not require more as a eondition of ])eace, than is rerj'isiiX3l l)y the Constitution. T\\o South should not be asked to accept any other. My heart-felt desire is, to see all the ])eople of this land livinir under that Constitution, and oheying the laws enacted under it. My desire — the desire of the nation is — jjeace and a restored Union. When we shall see this, all men will he satisfied. Let us 1)0 I'cady to make e^'ci'y sacrifice necessar}" to preserve our country. Remember tlie hours of trial and the years of sufferino; and jn-ivation that Washinn-ton endured. We cannot read the history of that time without a thrill of emotion. We have not been called on. in our present strife, to endure tlie hardships of the Kevolution. l>e ready to count all things u'ained. if we can luit save our country in this strug-- 'gle, as Washin<)-ton left it. and as it g-rew up under the benehcent influ- ■ences of the Constitution. IMiis is all the country wants. Tliis is all it demands of its rulers. 1 hail every report of victcny. 1 feel that every trium])h ln-in,o's us nearer to that peace, which all so ardently desire. The passions of men and excess of ])arty S])irit may tend to ])rolong- the war, l)ut deep se;it(Kl in the heart of every hiver of his country, is nursed the hope of peace. [ watch with intense interest the mig-hty gathering of forces for liattle. The hour is aj)proaching when this continent will be shaken by the struggle of contending armies. The shock will lie terrilile — but I feel that the Cod of Battles will fight with us in that great day. He will listen to the prayers of his jseople and preserve this nation. I rest assured that when these mighty hosts shall meet, our brave army will shatter the ]>ower of the Confederacy. Victory will unite us all, once more, against our foreign foes. Brother shall no more war against brother. The time is approaching when we shall need all our energies and resources for foreign wars. The storm clouds are rolling up, black and threatening over the liosom of the Atlantic. Monarchical institutions are enci-oaching upon us from the South. We need Tniou. Our j^trength will v.in against a world in arms, if we are united. Do notliy any measure delay or retard the restoration of the Union. Cultivat(3 kindly feelings towards the people of the South. It was the home and grave of our immortal Washington. Let our love for him cause us to think kindly of his kindred. We Avish hereafter, not '• a Union pinned together witli l»ayonets," luit a Union of tlie hearts of the people. Let us fight against armed reliellion in the South and against that excess of party spirit in the North, of Avhich Washington said, it Avould lead to our destruction. Let us sulidue both — then when this war ceases, it ceases forever, and this country Avill lie again happy and prosperous under one flag and one Constitution. Lion. Mr. Culver, of Hudson, moved a vote of thanks to the speakers which was unanimously carried. N. S. ABBOTT. Chairman. P^R.WKLix S. MiiJ.s, Secretary. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012 028 375 3 g X LIBRARY OF CONGRE HoUinger pH8.5 Mill Run F3-195i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Hollinger pH8.5 Mill Run F3-1955