tyyt4^'L-^:^C^ /m- n Qass Lk Book xLlA1_ i n4 IJ E- / «^" W^ Jc^k'?rc n^ HAYNES A:f:^ ORATION. JULY 4, 1814. :,,... 4... >■ i . ^ ^- 1 A.C C.^'UiiJS AN ORATION, DELIVERED In 8T. PHILIP^S CIIURCIi; BEFORE THE INHABITANTS OF CILSRLESTOuY, SOUTH CJllOLIM^, ON MONDAY THE 4tii OF JULY, ISI IN' COMMI^MORATIOX OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE i BY APPOINTMENT OF THE '7G ASSOCIATION, ^ND PUBLISHED AT THE REqUEST OF THAT SOCIETY. BY ROBERT YOUNG HAYNE, .1 Member of the '76 Association. CHARLESTQ.Y: IXTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE CH ARLESTON GAZETTE 1814 'i- ^ V / ©RATION Fellov,--Citzens ! OUR COUNTRY, at this moment, exhibits one of the most interesting spectacles, the world has ever seen. A spectacle, so august, so splendid, so sublime, that it must be grateful, to the sight of God and Man. Millions of freemen, now croud the temples of the Most High, and offer the incense of gratitude on his holy altars. Ten thousand voices, now chant " a nations choral hymn for tyranny overthrown." The war-worn veteran, <^' low-bowed" beneath the weight of years, comes forth once more to witness our joy. Assenting to the story of our na- tion's birth, he shakes his silver locks in mild applause, lives o*er each scene of former triumph, and offers his fervent prayer for the perpetuation of our liberties. Let us then, on this day, forgetting the cares and misfortunes of life, give ourselves wholly to our country, and like the children of one great family, celebrate the natal day of our common parent. There was a period, feilow-citizens, when the pcoud emo- tions of this day, were not mingled with one uncongenial feeling. With the first ray of morning light, every eye awoke to pleasure, every bosom expanded with joy. The rapturous enthusiasm which encircled the whole community, gave a character to our national festival, and eloquently told the world, that we were the members of a republic. No un- hallowed doubt, dared to intrude itself on our sacred joy. But have we not heard an orator* in a sister state exclaim^ *' that he was ready to exchange our government, for the * A member of the Slassachusets senate. 6 r^ritish constitution, monarchy and all ?" The benefits of our '- xioN have been questioned, and we are called upon, to es- tablish by reasoning, what once rested on the basis of uni- versal public feeling. It may not, therefore, be improper, on this occasion, brieily to consider the high priviieo;es of our country. In what then, my countrymen, does your superior lot con- sist ? Does the verdure of }-our fields (lelight the eye ? The vineyards of France and of Italy display equal heautv. Are your mountains, the objects of admiration ? Visit that unfor- tunate, though magnanimous people, who, once like your- selves triumphed over oppression, and in the Glaciers of Switzerland you will behold nature in all her grandeur and sublimity. It is not then, the superior natural advantages we enjoy, but the happy government under which we live, the government of laws, and not of men, that eminently distinguishes the American citizen, from iho subject of "a King. Theorists may speculate, and slaves affirm, that mo- narchy is best suited to the condition of our nature, but no country can be free in which the sovereign authority does not reside in the people. It has been said that rnan is not capa- ble of self-government^ '-hew then is he capable of s:overn- ing otiiers ?" The United States of America, is the only fvcc country on earth. In what period of the world has there existed a nation enjoying so much liberty, and so mucli rational hap- piness .^ In vain do we tread the mazes of history; that re- ciird of ambition, tyranny, and crime, affords no parallel. Home in all her greatness was an aristrocracv. The people possessed no privilege that was not extorted "by force. Tlie pressure of war alone, could relieve her from the convul- sions of civil discord. Hence Rome became "^* the mistress ot the world,"' but never was mistress of the affections of her citizens ; she was great, but not happy, enlightened, but not iree. Athens, with more practical liberty, had less se- curity. The dearest rignts of the citizen, were subject to the arbitrary control of' a giddy multitude, who, under the influence of bad men, and bad passions, gave Hemlock to Socrates, the greatest pliilosopher on earth; and banished their noblest defender, because he was called The Just. Sparta, is not to be named among the civilized nations of tlie world. Her citizens had no social feelings, no domestic aiFoclions, which render life worth possessing. The small r-^niiblics, %vhich have in inodciii times, gleamed on the ejs ot the patriot, like the cheeriny; rays of iporning portending -^jiQ, return of lif^ht and comfort, exist no longer. The de- fcendants of Tell and Rienzi,* wear the chains of oppre?- ,sion. If we now turn our eyes to Europe, we behold two nations superior in power, science, and the arts, to the rest of the world. It will, therefore, be sufficient for our pur- pose, to compare the American government, Avith those oi France, and Great-Britain. France, though once free, has ocen i]\€. footstool of a despot. Her citizens, with chains about their neckf?, were dragged to fight tiie battles of a tj- )ant. who, drunk with power, regardless of the cry of in- nocence — the tear of beauty — the voice of humanity — and the mandate of heaven, rioted in blood. Like the " blast of the desert," he carried destruction in his train. Jiut France haa received another master. She is prostrate at the feet of her enemy. The clouds of despotism han^ over her, brightened by no rays of glory. To escape the whirlwind — she has sought the pestilence. When ^ve meet the cataract in its mighty course, we admire its grarideur, though we know our doom; but the noxious vapours of a standing pool, steal on the Vvings of the wind, poison the sources of life, and prey on the vitals of society. France is no more, the sun of her glory has set in blood." Can we then, in the English constitution, discover that O-eedom of which the Briton boasts ? Britain has no great fundamental principles above the control of her rulers. ' The trial by jury, " magna charta-' and even " habeas corpus,*' like the most insigniticant statute, may be repealed by an act of parliament. Every privilege of the subject can be wres- ted from him ; his happiness may be immolated on t\\c altars uf ambition, with all the form/ of the constitution.* And ^ * A. D. ICyiT' " Nicholas Rlenzl, a private citizen of Iiome» but aa eloquent, bold, enterprizing man, and a patriot, set himself up as the restorci- of Koman liberty. Proclaimed Trli)ti]ie by the people, and put in possession of the capitol, he declared all t!ie i'nliubitants olTtaly i'i-ce. But these convulsive strug-g-les orionz^-expiring- Ireeiloni proved incfrectual Rienzi, as he attempted to imitate the Gracclij, met thf same (ate, bein^^ murdered by the patrician fuction.^' llussell's modei a Europe, 1 vol. p. 554. . * "V\^ ^*^^'» ^^^y^ Blackstone, 1 vol. p. 24G), ascribes to the king- in his political capacity uho'aue perfection. The king can do no v/rong- " A.id in p. 242, i:e says "her.ce it is likewise that bv lav,' the DorRo,'i'^.,f 8 will his fate be less severe, because, like the victim, he is les only, are ?idmitted to a fall equaiiiy in civil and political privileges ; and can that country be happy or free, in whicli men dare Jegipjate for he^-ven^ and would in- trude the opinions of a sect, between the soul of man and its creator ? ll>;v/ mild, how l^enign, ho.\y beauteous is the coun- tenance of Religion, in t)iis happy land. Ifere we behold man^ bringing to hx$ maker the fruits of h^s heai t. In ;the apirit of t-ie meek and lowly Jesu-;, we exhort^ entreat pnd persuad;; men, we persecute none ; — thus truth triumphs over errpr, and fnen infidelity must rfev.erence the tj^^^tiii^es of the cros.?. Should the. siiis of this people provoke the vengeance of the A i mighty, may w.e not liope,.that this beautiful tra;,t in their rliaracter will intercede for themy and stay the uplifted arm. XV'ould not the recording angel, as he writes down the history of their oifejiccs^, drop a tear and blot them out forever ? Such, feUow-citizenSj ;s your greatly happy lot. Such is the legacy bequeathed to ng by our fathers, in trust, how- ever, for millions yet unborno From a survey of these blessings, we are naturally led to consider, the. causes which have produced them. America ^vas destined by Heaven as the land of freedom. The enter- pri^slng genius of a llepublican, led the footsteps of Europe to this unknowii region. Cliristopher Columbus, a native of the repuiilic of Genoa, '• introduced the old world to an acquaintance with the new." Here the diiUren of nature roamed at large, free as the air they breathed. The Euro.- pean settlers fied from oppression, preferring the toils and dangers of a wilderness, to all the comforts of society bereft of freedom. Yet even here, they v/ere not permitted tQ .en- joy, t'le blessings tbey had secured to themselves. Britain reared in tlie school of oppression, e vtended the arm of pow'er across the Atlantic, and struck at the dearest rights of the colonists. It does not suit a freeman's spirit, or a patriot's pride, nor is it congenial with the proud feelings of this Ijay, to tell the degrading story of past wrongs. Our fathers drew not the-^ reluctant sword"against the mother country, un til she ^ad left them nothing they could call their own. En- treaty and remonstrance had been exhausted, in vain, to divert her from her rruel and bloodv mirpose. 8uch then, was the 10 ori^'^iri, of our glorious revolution. At the tii^t sound of tl.c tocsin a nation fiew to arms — the banner of freedom was un- furled, and planted on the ramparts of our country. Around it, vras rallied, genius, enterprise, and courage. In the front, youth emulous of glorj, marched to battle—- >in the rear, ago silvered o^er by time, moved v.ith slow but steady pace I — while remote from the bustle of the camp, was to be seen Beauty, shcddiDg tears over the wounds of the soldier, m\d Religio?? pouring orit her soul in supplications to heaven. Kcver has theic been displayed on earth, such noble enthusi- asm, such exalted patriotism, such wonderful unanimity. If we enter into tlie councils of our statesmen, or trace the inarch of our armies,, we find that '• equal in action as in high resolvcj" they conferred immortal honor on the American name. The Congress of seventy-sla:, exhibited a constella- tion of talent, that commanded the admiration of the world. We are assembled, to celebrate the anniversary of the great day, when that august body solemnly declared that ' these United Colonies are, and of riglit ought to be, free and inde- pendent States^ and wi^th a firm reliance on the protection of Divine providence, mutually pled,o;ed to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honour." Ail " head to counsel" and all '^ heart to act," they at once resolved, and made a nation free. The soldiers of the revolution, were not actuated by the common motives that lead men to tlie field of l)iood. They Avere not the humble instruments of a despot's vengeance ; tlioy did not foUovv' the car of the conqueror, triumphing over the liberties of prostrate and bleeding nations. With them " mercenary murder" was no trade. The soldiers of liber- ty, fought for their altars and their firesides. The temple of Janus v/as not thrown open, until propitiatory sacrifices had been oHered in vain. But when submission to the claims of Great-liritain, was the only condition on which peace could be preserved, they flew to arms. Then it was, that rallying arc ml the standard of their country, and " appealing to the Supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of their inten- tions," they marched to tlie field as citizens, fighting for themselves and their posterity ** AVho'e pay was glory, and their best rewAi'd Tlie approYiug smiles of heaven." Equally distinguished was the conduct of every class in 11 the comiaiimty. Even in prison aiid in cliains ; the diinp:eon and the prison-ship, the patient lortitiide ol the Anici'lcau captive never once I'orsook him. And even thev, ^vho cast in nature's finest mould, sway with resistless power, the hest affections of ;he soul, checriully encountered poverty and wretchedness, without a tear. Their beloved country, deluged by the waters of affliction, oiTered no peaceful olive, ill which, the friglited dove, could find safety and repose. In tiie progress of a revolution, where ail performed so much, there are still examples of men, who pre-eminently distinguished themselves in the cause of liberty* On every return of this great day, they have lived in the aHectionati^ remembrance of their country. EnN ious time, cannot snatcii their names from the rolls of iame* They " sleep in blessings," their memory embalmed by a grateful country, their names registered in our hearts. They demand no eu- logy, but the recollection of their virtues; no tribute, but the imitation of their example. Yetwlien the achivements of our glorious revolution, or the high privileges of our country, are the subjects of contemplation, we must oiler the tribute of gratitude to the father of his country. The name of Washingtoic, is associated with all of these subjects, he was the child of liberty, he led us to triumph in war, and secur- ed us the blessings of peace. '" His soul was firm in danger, his arm like the tliunder of heaven." Methinks ! I see him now, as on that day when the sword of Aineiica was com- mitted to his care* ** See what a grace is seated on liis brow ! • the iront of jove Inmself, An eye hke Mars to tlii-eatcn and command A staiion like the Ileruld-.Mercury Ke\v-ligl)led on a heaven-kissing- hill, A combnialion, andaiorm indeed Where every God did seem to set his seal To give the world assurance of a AIak." But who can follow this hero in his glorious cour-x .^ My pen refuses its office ; *' Come then expressive silence muse his praise." The peace that succeeded the revolution, soon recruited tlie exiiausted strength of the county, and tauglit us tl.e value of ration.ll liberty. Enterprise, freed from tlie rcutiainis of I2i p6v.-er, foimd out ncv/ channels of usefulness ; an<4 industrV/ secure of its reward, was led to greater excrtior.. Commerce once more reared her drooping head, unfurled her sails, and whitened the surface of tlie deep. Already hr^d the assuaging "hand of time, soothed tlie wounds of the revsintion, and th« .iiahle weeds of woe, been excliainged for the garments of jo}^* Cities emerged from the ocean, the " wilderness blossomed as the rose." Seated under" our owrivine and ourownfi|?,-tree,^' we beheld the convulsive struggles of Europe, without being lirciwil into the vortexi and treated all thB world " as enemies in w ar, in peace friends." But short was the duration of our repose. Britain could nCt behold the sudden prosperity of the Unit- ed States^ without recollecting that they w ere once her colo- zxtas. She looked with an eye of jealousy, on the rising greatness of a new republic. Long had she detlared herself the " Mistress of the Seas," and ih " Rule the Waves" was regarded by her as an inherent right. A determined spirit of commercial monopoly, presided in her councils, and dic- tated all her public measures. This spirit, had once before arrayed her against "a world in arms;" and was now again displayed, in the violation of our dearest rights.. Our com- rnercc was subjected to h^t arbitrary decrees ; new and mon- stroiis principles of blockade were promulgated ; our shij-'S were captured on i5\erj sea; and our citizens were enslaved. To submit to insult, ever invites aggression. France rcad- i'y followed the example of her eneuiv, and the nations $)f Europe s:.haied the spoils. It was impossible not to see, that resistance had become necessary, to the preservation of our independence. Now all national resistance must termi- nate in w ar, unless its cause be rcimoved. At every stage of these proceedings, v,e remonstrated without cifect, and nego- ciation was continued, until that word was hfiteful to the ear. But tliere is a point, beyond which, naticno/i feeling cannot be outraged with impunity. The blood of our seamen, slaugh- tered in the cowardly attack on the Chesapeake, had ascend- ed to heaven. The cries of thousands cf our fellow-citizens, immured in the iioatiiig dungeons of Britain, had pierced oUr ears. Even now while I speak, behold the impressed Ameri- can treated as a slave ! D5=;pair sits enthroned upon his brow, honor gleams in his eye, he casts a** longing lingering look," towards tliosc happy shores, he is destined to behold no more. 'I'he wind noAv \vhi.>tles in the shrouds." and the careless watchman, declares thai '' all is wr^lL" We look into hi" 18 dungeon, and behold the torture of chains; the lasli of tyran- ny, employed in reducing to obedience, the free spirit of the, impressed American. Lacerated, and in despair, he at lenolh submits. Hard is his lot. To fight the battles of his enemy — to dye his sword in a brother's bloodj — ^to raise a parricidal arm against his country, and " like a Cockatrice, sting the bosom that has given liim life." Is this fancy .^ Have v> e not beheld the tear which started in his eye, as he thought of the joys which were past, and, beholding it, liave we not felt " what kind of sickness of the heart it is, -which arises from hope deferred f'' Have we not beheld the lifeless body of the American citizen, slain by his own coun- trymen, Ms precious blood streaming on a British deck .'* Who with the feelings of a man, can fold his arms at such a scei e, and say "'tis well P'' It is in vain to say that Britain wants not our seamen, and only seeks her own. The asser* tion is contradicted by the well-knovm fact, that she claims the subjects of other nations, who have entered into our trade. The immense number of Americans impressed, the absurd pretexts on which many of them have been taken, and the fast hold by v/hich they are detained, sp<*ak a language not to be misunderstood. But even this pretext has been removed; the American government has, by an ofticiai act, declared that they v/ould exclude British seamen from their service. Yet such offers are vain. The practice of impressment in j'act, originates in the w^ants of Great Britain, and its exercise will be limited only by tho<^;e wants. But it is not for us to enquire into the motives of Great Britain. It is enough for iis to know, that an American citizen has been enslaved, and we are bound to restore him to freedon. We are not to cn- ■quire, into the alledj^ed necessity oi the practice, for the pre- servation of the British navy. Have we no country of our ov.n ? No liberties to preserve ? No rights to secure ? No flag to protect } In the best days of Rome, the name of a Roman citizen was a passport through the world; and sliall vre, so jealous of our rights, permit the sacred character of an American citizen to be outraged ? We are not worth.y of ihQ constitution under v.hich we live, if a wrong inflicted on the mv?anest individual of our country, is not felt as an injury to the v/hole community. Can that war then be unjust, which was waged for the preservation of our commerce, tl.'e honor of our fJao;? and the liberty of the citizen ? Our fathers fiev/ to arms to^ resist the, operation of a tax, and shall we do le^is for the personal 14 rights of tlie citizen ? they purchased witii their blood the independence of their country, and shall we surrender it without a struggle r Forhid it lieaA^n ! The spirits of our de- parted heroes, would mourn over our degeneracy, and liber- ty slied tears at the apostacy of her sons. What means the distinction that has been made, between the citizen who en- riches his country by honest industry at home, and him who more adventurous linds a home on tlie " mountain wave r" Are they not equally entitled to our care ? Our gallant tars, have proved themselves wortliy of protection ; their bosoms have been bared to the sword of the enemy 5 they have bled for us. And where is the American, who would surrender to his enemy the heroes who have humbled his pride ? The war in which we are engaged my fellow-citizens, was called for hy public feeling, it was sanctioned by justice, and demand- ed by public necessity. This is not a war of ambition ; we .can have no such end to answer 5 it was not wdged for con- quest, but in defence of our essential rights. In tlie conduct and result of this war, what noble subjects, ^viil be furnished to the bard of future times ; what a theme for the orator ; what facts for the historian ! The <•' tide of song" will swc-ll again with the tale of other times, and the harp of anotJier Ossian, will sound the praises of the heroes who have stink in t!ie dark blue wave. The orator of our anni- versary will point to the tomb of the warrior, and kindle the iires of patriotism as he recounts the deeds of our heroes and the triumphs of our arms. Bear with me fcllow-^citizens, while 1 dwell on the animat- ing llieme. It would be unpardonable on this occason, to pass lightly over the events of this interesting period, or to ior- gct those, who have fallen ia the cause of their country. This has not been an inglorious war. Our misfortunes on thcland,have been compensated by our victories on the o- cean. Yetletit not be supposed, that we can boast of no trophies at hom??. Had not the exploits of our soldiers, been eclipsed )iy tlie splendor of our naval victories, the patriot would have found abundant cause of triumph, in the achievements of our army. Must we not survey with delight, the spirit that led our western aiid southern brethren, in numbers iim- iled only by tiie wants of their country to encounter all the horrors of savage w arfare r The prayers of * Carolina at- * A regiment from South-Carolina, under Col. Nash, were attacbea to Cicn. I'incki^ev'* iin.^ ^iMr.k»\r'l ■^gz'imx the Indiuus, and .ue s'ill ou ihini icrvice. 15 tend them to the field — ^her sons are with them. How am- jnating to behold the youthful Cro,^han, like another Leoni- das, with one hundred and forty followers defeating twelve hundred of the enemy! And to see the venerable Shelb}" his silver locks streaming in the winter's blast, leading once more to the field the sokliers of libqjrty ? Does the defeat of Proctor and the triumph of Harrison, afford no subject for congi^atulation ? Is the battle of Sackefs harbor, where Backus nobly bled — are tlie exploits of Johnson, Mitchell, Holmes, Forsythe and Appling, worthy of no eulojsy ? Yes ! these furnish abundant cause of triumph ; and were they the only trophies we could boast, this had notbeen an inglorious wai'. Let it be considered too, that the nature of our govern- ment, and the habits of the people, were unsuited to war. The people of the United States, inhabitiui^ a country ricli with every earthly good, were instinctively led to tlie love of peace. The principles of free government, do not incid- cate that rigid, blind obedience, wliich is the life of military enterprise. The citizens of a republic, can liardly be per- suaded to put on their armour, before they are marched to the field.* For more than thirty years, had the sword slept within its scabbard, when the thunders of war sounded in our ears. The citizen became at once a soldier — the sword of the revolution was unsheathed — ^but its blade was to be freed from the rust of thirty winters. From these causes, the commencementof this war was mark- ed by many unfortunate reverses. At the heights of Qiieen. - town, untutored valor had been forced to yield to the discipli- ned numbers of the enemy ; at the river Raisin, the incautious Winchester had been ensnared. The cowardice of Hull, had surrendered a gallant army to the enemy. But their's wa3 " a victory witliout a battle, tropliies v/iVnout danger, and success without glory." The pride and spirit of freemen, whicli with elastic force ever rises in proportion to the greatness of * This is an an=!wer to the arn^umcnt that war was declared without sufficient prcpanition. To support lar^^'e standing annies in time oi' peace would be impolitic, and experience has shewn it to be impracti- cable to enlist men extensively except in time of war. Every man in this country has some ready means of support, he is attached to his home ; in Europe it is otherwise. It is believed tlie United sitates were in as ^reat a state of preparation as could have been anuined in one or two years. It had been already industriously circvdated, Uiat there was no serious intention of declaring war. This must have been believed had it been lont^er delayed, and tlien all further prenarAli^n woul'^ ii&ve become extremely difficult if not impossible. 16 the pressure, now mounted to a noble elevation. Thougii ilcs- pondence was here and there visible on the countenance of timidity; and disaSection impiously pretended toseethcfmger of heaven pointing to a dishonorable peacf*, yet tlie *^reat body of t\ic American people, looked anxiously around for some Washington to lead their armies to victoi-y. It was ai this moment tiiat the Immortal Piue joined the standard of liberty. What tremulous emotion is that, which at the ment tiom of his name, plays around the heart ? It is the " secret sympathy*' which binds us to the tomb of the patriot-sol- dier, whos'^ life was virtue, and whose death was fame. To dwell on t-ie history of departed worth is " softly pleasing- though it saddens the soul." Who on this sacred day, could refuse the tribute of his allectionate remembrance, to this lic^ ro of deathless fame ? l( we contemplate the character of ge- neral Pike, €i\e mmd is as fo"cibly struck with the remarkable incidents of a life devoted to hardship and danger, and en- riched by the constant display of unexampled fortitude and perseverance, as by a death, Vhich singular in all its atten- dant circunjstances, conferred immortal honor on the Ameri- can name. He became the chosen leader, of a patriot band, destined to tarn the scale of war. To judge of the noble feelings v/hich animated the bosom of our chief, let us behold with reverence, his last adieu to a beloved parent, xis a tri- bute of alfectionaie regard for an aged lather, he thus writes.* «< I embarkto-morrow.3 at the head of fifteen hundred choice 'i troops on a secret expedition. If s'^ccess attend niy steps. " honor and glory await my name, if defeat, still shall it be " said, we died like brave men, and conferred honor even in «• death, on the American name. Should I be the happy - mortal destined to turn the scale of war, vnil you not re-- ^'joice, oh! my father ? May heaven be propitious and smile '• on the cause of my country ! But if we are destined to falK .« may my fall be like Wolfe's, sleep in the arms of victory.'' You all know fellow-citizens, the history of that day, which eventuated in the capture of York. You well remember that dreadful explosion,which spread death and devastation througn our ranks. Yet our unpracticed troops, catching a spark oi that patriotic tire which glowed in the bosom of their leader, stood undismaved •' amid the mighty ruin," and marched forward to victory. But their beloved commander was des- * See " Xalional Ir.telll.qrencev'' 2d July, 1813. Letter coromunlcated to the editor. 17 iinedtofall. Yet was he gratified in Ms every wish. Heaven was propitious," and did " smile on the cause of his country" }iQ yjas " destined to turn the scale of war," and his death « like that of Wolfe, was sleep in the arms of victory." See the Godlike Man ! As ebbing life flows from his bleeding bounds, invoking the blessings of heaven on his country, and breathing his last sigh over the sufferings of his patriot band ! The standard of the enemy, at once the evidence and re- ward of Victory, is placed beneath his head — ^he dies content. « The tears of his countrymen will be his perennial monu- ment, and heaven will shed her holiest dew-drops on his grave." ** Yet o'er his tomb, let no weak tears be shed. The common tribute, to the common dea^ But let the greai, the gen'rous, and the brave With noble envy sigh for such a grave." What blest spirit is that, which rises from the snows of Canada, and wrapt in clouds of glory, wings it way from earth ! It is the shade of C6vinpt'on ! Spotless as the snows on which he breatheji his last; bright as the cloud in which he ascended to heaven. See! it points to the walls of Que- bec, and seems to beckon his countrymen to follow him to glory. When the Amei'ican eagle shall be planted on the plains of Abraham, may thy spirit, illustrious chief! hover over us ; and ^vith the same devotion to our countrjy, which led you from the scenes of domestic ease, to brave the perils of war, we will march to victory or defith.* There is one theme connected with this war, that cannot fail to delight the heart of ^vtrj American. iPhe glory that has attended the career of our little navy, has shed a lustre on our land. This is the sun-beaiii, thdt will gild the darkest cloud of national adversity. In paying a just tribute to the achievements of our naval heroe^; I kijow that I carr with me the sympathies of all. Correctly to estimate the import tance of our victories on the ocean, we must advert to the character of the British navy. ; in the beginning, when the ♦ Gen. Coving^ton was a man of highly cultivated mind and elegant manners. He was blest with an amiable wife, and several young chil- dren, and was master of a large f irtune. He left all of the'se when he thought he could be useful to his country. He was attached to Gen. Wilkinson's army durmg the last campaign, and was killed in Canada a.t the batde of WiUiamsport. He was an exceil€iil officer, v.ery mucli beloved by those who served under hiip. 18 heavens arid the earth were created, and the spirit of God moving on the face of the deep, divided the high land from the waters, the limits of human dominion, were fixed by- bounds, as immoveable as the foundations of the earth. When God created man, and gave him dofninion over all the earth, he limited to the " fish of the sea," his power over that ele- ment. Consistently with the will of the Creator, nations have acknowledged the freedom of the seas. It was reserved for modern times, pregnant with strange events, to oppose the decrees of heaven. " Britain," says an eloquent orator^^ *' presumptuously entered into a contest with God, and called the Sea her element." A thousand ships of war, were necessary to support the supremacy of this self-stiled " Mistress of the Seas." Her giant navy, had triumphed over the maritime rights of the world. The fleets of Spain, of Holland, and of France, had been destroyed. Already, had this haugh- ty tyrant, enacted a code for the government of her conquered territory, and, like Xerxes, cast a chain up- on the ocean, to bind the waves obedient to her will. Europe, as if spell-bound, moved only in the magic circle prescribed by her. It vi'as at this moment, that we were called upon to wage a maritime war with this powerful enemy. Never had victory been known to desert the British mast; the world acknowledged her invincible at sea. Yet with a few scattered vessels, we sought the conflict. " We met the enemy, and they were ours!" The trident was rescued from the grasp of an usurper, — the assumed empire of the waves was overthrovv^n. In our astonishing success on that element, God himself has proclaimed the justice of our cause. " Never," says an enlightened statesman,* " had a nation, when first obliged to engage in the defence of naval rights, by naval means, never had such a nation, the advan- tages and successes of ours. The naval glory of other states has risen by continued effort, and by slow gradation ; that of the United State's, almost without a dawn, has burst upon the ^orld, in all the splendor of a tropical day." The history of our naval conflicts, is replete with incidents of the most interesting nature. Around the brow of every hero, the MTeath of victory is entwined, each however dis- tinguished by some appropriate emblem, which characterizes the conflict^ in which he subdued the enemy. The glory of ♦ The Hon. William Lowndes, in his speech on the resolutions ex- pressive of the sense of Congress of the brilliant acWeveraents of Com- modore Perry and others. 19 our country is formed of the achievements of her heroes, as the rainbow, is composed of the various bright colors that give it beauty. The first laurel graced the brows of the modest Hull. His was more than a common triumph— it was the morning- star of victory, the harbinger of a glorious day. The messen- ger that informed us of the victory of Jones, told us that he was a eaptive.* Decatur first brought into our ports a British frigate. Bainbridge rendered more glorious the name of the "Constitution," and reaped a rich harvest of renown, in subduing a chosen vessel of the enemy. And how enviable is the lot of Warrington ! — he defeated an equal enemy, and restored to his country her valued sons, not one untold. All — all survived to receive the gratitude of their country — to share her rich rewards. In other conflicts, the tiiumph of the hero, has been checked by the tear, that is shed in honor of the heroic dead. The memory of a comrade who expired by his side, must cast a shade over all his joy, and mingle with every emotion of pleasure. But here all was transport — no sigh half supprest, checked " the genial current of the soul"=^ — no private grief, darkened the counte- nance of patriotism. If the Romans were right, fellow-citi- zens, in bestowing the highest rewards on tnose who saved the life of a citizen, what honors are due from Columbia to her hero, who in an arduous conflict with a valiant enemy, by his skill and courage preserved every citizen for his country ! Carolina, too can boast of her sons. Shubrick, has thrice encountered, and thrice subdued the enemy; and the gallant conduct of M'Call is distinguished from that of all others in this, that notwithstanding the fall of his commander, the lieroic Burrows, victory never once hovered over the British iiag though nailed to the mast. . And we. too. Gentle- men of the '76 Association, can rejoice in the valor of our brother, yet that joy is chastened by the tear that consecrates the memory of the lamented Edwards.* He was the com- * As soon as Captain Jones had taken possessidti of the Frolic^ ' r« hoi-e in sight, and both vessels were taken by her and carried to Ber- muda. * Lieutenant John J. Edwards of this city, son of the late Major Ed- wards. Commodore Perry in his official letter makes honorable men- tion of the services of Lieut. Edwards in the battle of lake Erie. An eleg-ant sword with suitable devices, prepared for him by the *76 asso- ciation, of which he was a member, had just been completed, but he did not live to receive it. 20 panion of Perry—- Ke bled freely in the memorable battle of the tenth of September, and while we were preparing for him the offering of love, death, the cruel spoiler came, and snatch- ed him from our view. Yet his fame is immortal — ^it is asso- ciated with the battle of Lake Erie. In these conflicts how much precious blood has been shedy bow many heroes have been torn from the wishes and hopes of their country ! Among them the fate of Allen, is pecu- liarly entitled to sympathy. He had already gained a name in battle. A mystery hangs about his fate, which time only can reveal.* That he did his duty, no American can doubt. We know that he fell in the cause of his country; we must lament however, thathe should have fallen among his enemies, '«by strangers honored, and by strangers mourned." America had just witnessed her lifth naval victory, when she was called to register in tears a hero's death. With a noble daring known only to exalted souls, Lawrence had encountered a superior enemy, in the presence of another and equal foe. As the forked lightnings of heaven, rend the lofty oaky blasting in a moment its branching honors, so did the'thunder of our cannon, humble the pride of Britain. The muse of history, will with delight record of our Lawrence, that he lost more men in a noble >eftbrt to rescue the unfortu- nate, than in the battle-starm. '^ The sword of Fingal, v^as never stained with the blood of the vanquished — it never pierced a fallen foe.f" Hovvf bright the contrast with the con- duct of the enemy. His steel is crimsoned by the blood oi the'^prisoner— he invades the. security of sleeping innocence, and violates the. sajictity of. beauty-s tears. Lawrence, on his return^ was met by the love and grati- .. • No official account has yet reached us of the circKmstanoes attend- ing the Joss of the Arg-us. From some hints w]\irh have appeared in t'lie Engush papers it is behcvcd that her surrender was hastened if jiot occasiioned by the near approach of a ship of the Una. f When the Peacock struck her colors she was in a slnknig- state, and so g'veat was the exertion used to save the crew,iliat nearly the whiele ot' them .were picsened. When she sunk a h;w gallant Americans wlio were siill enc^aj^eo in. the noble work went down wiih her. The number txcecdcd those lost in the buttle. But when the Chesapeake was caj>- vurcd by U e Shar.non, Lawi\nce's crew were shot down alter resistance hadceused, and " Midsh pmau Livingston, a small boy, (savs nn officer v>f the navy in a letter to Im liientl,) was murdered while clinging^ to the shrouds" When the schooner Asp was captur^:d the official letter states i'uit quarter was rej'ussd- tutle of his country. Ke was soon advanced to a staflcn. which opened new avenues to glory. His preparations for sea were not complete, when the enemy appeared in view. _ His ardent soul, impatient of insult — alive to honor — anxious only for battle— urged him to tlie contest. You well remem- ber, fellowtcitizens, the anxiety of the whole countiy for the fate of our chief, and. the deep gloom which settled on every . countenance, when our anticipations were realized. Ko event since tlie death of Washington, had excited so much feeling. To tl;e fall of the commander alone, can be attributed the result of that dreadful day. Oh !. had some kind spirit hovered over him, and like VenUs before the gates of Troy,^ shielded her favorite from the assaults of fate, the result of that day would have added another trophy to cur arms.* Lawrence was born a hero. History affords no example of a ruling passion, strong even in death, worthy to be com- pared with that of our illustrious cliief. Sweden's favorite king, in the convulsive struggles of de*ath, instinctively grasp- ed his sword. But the soul of the hero had fled, and the action proved only the martial habits of the pian. . Behold our expiring chief! — though reason has left her mansioiinhis breast, still speech is not denied, him—his soul wrapt in visions of duty and of glor}^ is intent on defending at every hazard, the ship cominiiied to his chariEiie. ^^- Doi* j give lu' THE snip'"—- are the last words that hang upon his dying lip^- "i^ow intervvoven with hia very soul, mutt have been the sen- tiinent of glory ! Americans ! cherish his memory-,— lot it bft " dear to us as the {[^^ which was his shroud, bright as the tars which adorn it.'' : But a hero stUl 'survives to do us lienor, v>hos? name like iiat of Nelson, will outlive the assaults of time — a hero dolized by his countrymen, and admired even by his enemie-^. The mind instinctively turns to the hero of Lake Erie. It is 5ual when ^^ iields have l^een won," to bury in the cold grave f oblivion, the exploits of the private soldier, and if he fail, he escends to the silent tor.ib '' unwept, unhonored, and un- ung." The laurels reaped by all, uften grace the brows of neman. Reason, and feeling, cry aloud against so great a f It has been dedared by some of the officers of ihe Chesajreake tlirtt ad \here been i-w5d liavc been the case At ilic time of the aplui". the Shannon was m a tvorse fo:?di'.'.o:i tSan the Chesapeake. 22 v.Tonp;. Yd^lf in any instance, a commander could claim for himself ail the honor of victory, Perry is entitled to that dis- tinction. Our oilicers, and seamen, were brave, they did their duty. The blood that crimsoned the waves of Erie, sulliciently attests their heroism. And yet, had not Perry lived, their efforts must have been unavailing. He was the guardian-angel, that hovered over them in the hour of despair. To him, the survivors looked for. support and protection^ — the eyes of the wounded were rivett?,d on him — while the last CiTort of tlie expiring sailor, was to die by his side. AYonder- ful man !— his gallant crew lay bleeding around him — the Lawrence, (a name destined to be ^reat and unfortunate) is incapable, alike of annoyance or defence. But the fluctua- tions of the battle, were like waves about a .rock. The hero stood unmoved. Like Cesar he committed himself and his fortunes to a frail bark, and soonw'^. a^aiii behold him breaking tlirough opposing squadrons, and retrieving a battle that was lost. But v/hen he could exclaim " the enemy are ours," we see him bringing to the footstool of his God, the humble of- fering of a grateful heart, and devoting himself to the service cf the captive. What rev/ard does he claim from his country .^ l..ct it be recorded in our hearts — let it be proclaimed to the world, to the immortal honor of the gallant Ferry, that the only favor he bad to ask of a grateful country, v/as that his enemy, the unfortunate Barclay, might be r.estored to free- dom.* How does mercy, that (attribute of Goi^ himself, adorn the character of tlie hero ! Surely nature mig'ht stanJ up And sa> to all the v/orld, 'nUS V/A3 k xMAX. Let not, Fellow-Citizens, these bright examples be losfc V/hiie we pay the tribute of respect to those who have nobly conquered, or more nobly died, let us resolve to follow their example. We all have duties to perform ;■- -the most sacred are those which we owe to God, and our country. He cannot be a virtuous man, who is not a patiiotic citizen. Our couu- ti-y is at v/ar — and that state. brmg^s with it peculiar and ftiost sacred duties. It is a duty, to love our country in every sit- * Commodore Perry solicited as a personsl favor to himselftherelea.se cf the commander oV the i-'-'ritish iieet without his patoie---\vhich was done accordiiif^-iy. Cojnmodore Barclay has on a Ui:e public occaeiaii ^Jcclai-'^d ills opponent a ^^iisrvua eiiev-.y. 23 -aation ; but when she is overclouded by misfortune, we ought to adhrrcto her, with the most filial devotion. True patrio- tism, " like ivy to the ruined tower, clings most closely to its object, when tottering in Vae blasts of adversity." The recent events in Europe, are awful warnings to us. By a revolution more extraordinary, than that which subjected kiniUBMISSION." Is there a drop of bloqd in the veins of an American, that boils not at the debasing thought .^ " When the spoiler shall come, cursed be he, that keepeth back his sword from blood." Yet true to ourselves, we have nothing to fear. National difficulties should be shaken from the mind, as "dev.'-drops from the lion's mane." We have offered the .r'jhrp -branch, and will rejoice to receive a pledge of its ac- ■" mce. ■ But could we submit to the claims of the enemy, ■ ' at peace would be left 113 but the peace of slavery, v/iiai: '^< ;e but the grave ?" We arc fighting in a righteous cause. ' lanity and justice, march with us to battle. The enemy - irmed the savage for the fight, and with the tomahawk seal ping' knife, wages war against innocence and beauty, ember the massacre at Rj^isin — think of the scenes ex- .ed at Hampton. "Thrice is he armed, who hath his quarrel justj And he but naked, iho' locked up in steel. Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted. And what are £tty — what a thousand slaves Matched to the sinew of a single arm That strikes for freedom.'* 34 Let U3 resojve then, my countrymen, to r.rave every dan- ger, to encounter every diHiculty ; — and if a hostile foot shall touch this sacred soil, let us with patriotic ardor, fly to the standard of our country, let our bodies be her ramparts, and HEAVEN ITSELF WILL BE OUR SHIELD, FIJVIB.