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Class. 
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AN 
 
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 ^SISST; 
 
 PRONOUNCED 
 
 BEFORE THE ASSOCIATED CITIZENS 
 
 OP 
 ON THE MEMORABLE 
 
 FIFTISTH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 eF 
 
 JULY 4, 1S26» 
 
 By benjamin GLEASON. 
 
 " The achievement of American Independence was the practical annun- 
 ciation to created man, that he was created free ! and it will stand in historjr 
 the epoch, from which to compute the real duration of political liberty." 
 
 CHij Celebration, 182,'.. 
 
 HOWE & NORTON, PRINTERS, No. 14, STATE STREET, 
 
 isie. * 
 
r^ r^ 
 
 Xifs 
 
 Leehfnere Point, Cambridge, July 5, 1826 
 
 SIR, 
 
 At a meeting of the citizens of Lechmere Point, it was unanimously 
 voted, "that Ezra Stone, J. N. Howi;, Jr. and Anson Hooker, be » 
 Committee to tender the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Gleason, fol th« 
 patriotic Oration delivered by him on the 4th inst. and request a copy for 
 publication," which vote I am requested to •Bmmunicate to you 
 And am, respectfully, 
 
 WJM. PARMENTER, Chairman of the Meeting. 
 Benjamin Gleason, Esq. 
 
 July 5, 1826. 
 SIR, 
 
 The "Anniversary Jubilee of Freedom" having passed, with much 
 honour to the citizens of Cambridge, a day of most grateful associations ; 
 tl^e extraordinary coincidence of time, person and circumstance, with the 
 decline of the same d .y, in the decease of those venerable patriarchs of the 
 Revolution, asserters iind defenders of Liberty, John Adams and Thomas 
 Jefferson; the general interests of the occasion, and the particular atten- 
 tions of friendship, duly acknowledged, induce this cheerful compliance, 
 Respecthilly, &c. B. GLEASON. 
 
 William Parmenter, Esq. Chairman of Com. of 
 Arrangements, and Pres. of the Day. 
 
 Maj. Ezra Stone, ^ 
 
 Capt. Joseph N. Ho%ve, C CommiUee- 
 
 Dr. Anson Hooker, j 
 
 
 Cf 
 
ORATION. 
 
 ^'Tell your children, and teach them to tell 
 their children, and they the next generations," 
 of the glorious deeds of our renowned, revered, 
 and ever honoured fathers. 
 
 This great anniversary day is hallowed, and set 
 apart from the entire year, and devoted as a grand 
 festival Jubilee^ in commemmoration of their 
 achievements, their heroism, their virtues, their 
 triumphant victories and sufferings, and their 
 grand results in perpetual National Independence. 
 " The history of their lives, their children shall 
 venerate !" 
 
 The anniversary of American Independence, 
 which has been, is now and ever shall be, a theme 
 for the best and brightest abilities, with unremit- 
 ting zeal in the good old cause, for years, has been 
 celebrated, to the great honour of our country: 
 stimulated by a laudable ambition and the true 
 spirit of patriotism, we reach forth the hand, with 
 the best affections of our hearts, and proffer our 
 mite to the increasing honours, which consecrate 
 and immortalize the day. 
 
 The hearts of a free American People exult 
 and rejoice, and beat high, in perfect unison with 
 the joys of general festivity. Like the sons oC 
 
Fingal, while "the strength of the shell goes 
 round and the souls of warriors brighten with joy," 
 lejt us call on our "hundred harps to raise the song 
 of peace, to celebrate the exploits of our heroes," 
 and to cheer the mind, with the prospective future. 
 The incorruptible hearts of our fathers felt the 
 fire, the force, the ardour, the energies of free- 
 •bom! Who, that looks back upon those eventful 
 times long past, but must reverence their virtues, 
 and patience and steadfastness, through all their 
 toils, and trials and tribulations? Who, but must 
 admire that unsubdued, undismayed and reso- 
 lute perseverance, which overcame all the ob- 
 stacles of tyranny, met valiantly all the checks 
 of oppression, defeated all the stratagems of war, 
 and finally "broke the check-teeth of the great 
 Lion," by a wise, united and judicious bravery, 
 and determined spirit of opposition, on princi- 
 ples of public justice, honour and equity; with 
 the full conviction that the Charter of LibcrUj 
 and the sacred Rights of Man should be engross- 
 ed, with the purest and richest blood of a living 
 patriot's heart! 
 
 That our fathers made this sacrifice to the cause 
 of Virtue, to the cause of civil and religious Free- 
 dom, is most true; true, they never once deserted 
 this good cause; true, they never failed in duty; 
 true, they suffered almost insufferable impositions; 
 but it is as true, that favoured by Heaven, they 
 realized, at last, their utmost sanguine wishes, 
 in the glorious consummation of acknowledged 
 
 INDEPENDEIVCE. 
 
It is of high importance to us, children of fa^ 
 thers, who have done and sacrificed so much, for 
 the inestimable privileges we enjoy, to remem- 
 ber their heroic effort^ and examples, and to emu- 
 late their noble deeds and virtues. It will inspire 
 the true principles of patriotism. Will inspire 
 them, do I say? Let it for ever remain proble- 
 matical, whether it be possible for an individual, 
 born and educated on this side the waters of the 
 Atlantic, having exchanged the levity and thought- 
 lessness of youth, for maturity of years, sense and 
 understanding; I say, let it for ever be ques- 
 tionable, whether such an one can be a nesrative 
 patriot! No, on Freedom's soil and in Freedom's 
 atmosphere, 
 
 " The land of the free and the home of the bi-ave," 
 there lives and breathes no such insensible, in- 
 different personage. We all, in a greater or less 
 degree, feel the importance of our numerous obli- 
 gations in society; and it is presumed all must ra- 
 tionally believe, that patriotism is the only pub- 
 lic debt, which can really be a "public blessing;" 
 and for such a blessing, for such an honourable 
 debt, may we ever delight to pay ample interest, 
 without a diminution of the principal, or redemp- 
 tion of the capital stock. 
 
 That patriotic fervour, which animated our 
 Cathers in council, and on the embattled field, "dur- 
 ing a long and bloody war," is yet unextinguished 
 in their survivors' hearts, and all warm and glow- 
 ing, with the current of life, in those of their pos- 
 terity. 
 
6 
 
 Witness the grand and splendid half-century 
 celebration, the last year, in memory of the Bun- 
 ker-Hill heroes, Warren, Putnam, Pres- 
 COTT, and their compatriots; honoured by the 
 good, the great and the worthy of different orders 
 and ages, and of other nations, uniting with us in 
 the temple of our devotions; followed with the 
 unceasing admiration and plaudits of the rising 
 generation, the pride and promise of the Repub- 
 lic, like young Hannibals^ all — reaching forth 
 their guileless hands to pledge their vows, and 
 hopes and faithfulness, on the altars of their be- 
 loved country. 
 
 W^itness also the war of 1812, (June 18,) to 
 its triumphal termination 1815, (Jan. 8,) at New- 
 Orleans, under the distinguished chieftain, whose 
 very name, like that invincible one of reputed 
 "Ironsides," carried terror into all the ranks of our 
 enemies; where along the extensive frontiers, the 
 lakes and the ocean, in the persons of our young 
 heroes, as Perry and McDonough, and Bur- 
 rows and Lawrence, the glory of the Repub- 
 lic was well sustained in the severest conflicts, 
 and the world's applauding honours rendered to 
 the majesty of this great people 
 
 Witness the incessant efforts, mental and man- 
 ual, of all times, to redeem the pledge given, in per- 
 petuity of Right, at the first olympiad of Freedomj 
 and the common sympathy of all hearty, in the 
 constant excitement to enfranchise ajid socialize 
 the oppressed of all nations. 
 
May this patriotic flame, in general associa- 
 tion, relumed from year to year, mid the corrus- 
 cating splendours of improvement, brighten all the 
 stary heaven of freedom, v^^ith its illumination j 
 and, like "the pillar of a cloud by day and the 
 pillar of fire by night," guard from danger, and 
 guide, to security and felicity and glory, the in- 
 dissoluble Union of the States, in their fixed en- 
 campments along the "rich vales," streams and 
 hills of liberty, and grand march to empire. 
 
 Well may we exclaim~ho\v transcendent are 
 the blessings, which enrich the regions of our na- 
 tal soil, "wide and more wide" extending until 
 their utmost limits merge with the billows of the 
 farthest oceans ! Well may we boast ourselves 
 Americans. Our enjoyments, our individual 
 happiness and national independence are derived 
 from the high and constant sources of generous 
 volition and exertion, flowing through the chan- 
 nels of political and ecclesiastical toleration. Thus 
 free and independent, we regard with contemptu- 
 ous indifference the frauds and manacles of super- 
 stition, spurn the supercilious menaces of faction, 
 contemn the "threats of invasion," and hold in 
 utter abhorrence the terrors of despotism. The 
 altars of our independence are consecrated with 
 the highest dignities of a free people, and the 
 oil and wine of service, the smiles of gladness 
 and the joys of unfeigned and increasing affections, 
 flow around them, in richest plenteousness. 
 
 Oh! for how much do we all stand indebted, 
 this day, -at the remove of fifty years, from the 
 
DECLARATION of those good old patriots, who 
 put in "pledge their lives, their fortunes and their 
 sacred honour;" preferring the hardships of war, 
 poverty, distress, desolation, and the jeopardy of 
 death itself, to their colonial subjugation; to the 
 violation, nay, even the attempted infringement 
 of their rights and principles: for how much are 
 we indebted to them, for achieving the American 
 Revolution, considered in all its effects, as the 
 most brilliant and extraordinary recorded in the 
 annals of history, or "ever witnessed by the 
 world." 
 
 Shall we ask, wherefore they fought and bled? 
 wherefore their hazards and sacrifices in the com- 
 petition for mastery? wherefore their dangers and 
 distresses, in the political strife and revolutionary 
 storm? History, tradition, our feelings, promptly 
 meet these inquiries. Ask the young, they will 
 reply, with the tears of instant atFection sparkling 
 in their eyes, because they have been already 
 well instructed in these things, by parental love, 
 at home, at school, at the altar, and abroad, 
 where public gratitude has reared memorials of 
 *' the iiiighty dead." Ask tJieir seniors, their 
 teachers, and they will answer you with the smile 
 of generous satisfaction, because by the way, 
 or at the happy fire-side, or the bountiful table, 
 or the monumental records of the times, they 
 have often discoursed on these things; yes, and 
 often on the very grounds, where I^iberty took 
 her stand against the enemy; restrained their dar- 
 ings of ferocity, violence and depi-odation. 
 
9 
 
 "Their crimes confined'; 
 
 iJ'orbade to wade ttiro' slaughter to a throne, 
 And shut the gates of mercy, on mankind." 
 
 Ask the war-worn soldier; the dignified emotions 
 of his soul, in a flush of triumph, glowing on his 
 furrowed cheek and veteran brow, evince the 
 most grateful recollections. 
 
 They fought for freedom; they obtained it: fol; 
 their rights; Justice held the trembling beam-, 
 and with repellent sword vindicated the oppressed: 
 for their honour, and all that is dear to life, they 
 wrestled and struggled with the gigantic foe; and 
 to them, were the fresh laurels of victory awarded, 
 for they were worthy. The field of danger was, 
 their field of glory! 
 
 The prowess of American arms was unequalled, 
 by the best exertions of a well disciplined regulac 
 British soldiery, and the humiliation of the first 
 generals in Europe proves the assertion to be well 
 grounded. Wish you further proof ? From this 
 very centre, '■'■Fort Putnam^'''' the place, where 
 the first steps of hostility and resistance were 
 taken, and where the tasteful and elegant arrange- 
 ments, for this commemorative festal Day of Ju- 
 bilee, are now in complete preparation — f/om this 
 good point; sweep your horizon circle, and observe 
 the bold mounds of Liberty standing in the ex- 
 panse; together with Freedom's grand outworks, 
 towering, as in the pride of years, with all their 
 proud associations. These are fair examples; proofs 
 most positive, direct and ample; veritable witnesses 
 
*0 
 
 de facto; and testimony of the most indubitable 
 character. 
 
 jFf -re too, with your magazines and munitions 
 and armies gathering for the combat, was "Co- 
 lumbia's favourite son;" here commenced his and 
 their career of fame; here the first aggressions of 
 insolence were reptlled, the first inroads checked, 
 and the first blood poured out — the free-will offer- 
 ing of a free-born race ; here, the first hands rais- 
 ed to destroy were stayed in astonishment and 
 admiration ; and here, where the first American 
 press promulged " the freeman's oath," and the 
 first University expounded the canons of law, 
 literature, poesy and piety; here, first were the 
 champions of Freedom rallied and assembled; yet 
 unlike the Macedonian " invincible," in his freaks 
 and fancies, our countrymen never " wept for more 
 worlds " to conqufr; but having secured their unal- 
 ienable ri'^hts, they esteemed it a task sufficient 
 to subdue themselves; and in this, as citizens and 
 no longer subjects of royalty, they most worthily 
 succeeded. They became "one and indivisible" 
 in the social compact and community of inter- 
 ests, which, contrary to general expectation and 
 prediction, "grows with their growth, and strength- 
 ens with their strength." They are now rich, 
 happy and fhee; — the conquest of worlds was no 
 object with them; it was the acquisition of inde- 
 pendence; for what would it profit them, or us, 
 to have gained the whole world, with the loss of 
 such a treasure? 
 
11 
 
 They fought on the defensive, it was the right 
 of nature; and they sealed the "charter of their 
 •rights," with their hearts' best blood. Their con- 
 quest, their triumph, their glory, all are ours; 
 they obtained the invaluable prize, in possession, 
 for themselves and their posterity, for ever; be it 
 ours ever gratefully and considerately to enjoy. 
 
 Europe looks with wonder on the undulating 
 banners of Freedom, and to the list of enrolment 
 would fain affix the seal of her empire; but alas, the 
 'active oppression and passive suffering, with her rev- 
 enues, expenditures, taxes, armies, navies, wars 
 and allied governments, in multiplied and haggard 
 forms of aristocracy and despotism, are so many 
 obstacles to prevent an advancement to the Tem- 
 ple of Freedom. 
 
 The Greeks, on the outer borders of her ter- 
 ritory, after a subjugation of four hundred years, 
 have ventured again within the intrenchments of 
 Liberty; and if the bravery of Leonidas, or the 
 wisdom of Ulysses; if the sweet Albion muse, 
 or the powers of transatlantic oratory; if the aux- 
 iliary " ways and means," or co-operative tears 
 and sighs of Christendom, could keep them there, 
 their " ancient landmarks" would no more be re- 
 moved ; in renovated glory might they resume 
 their magnificent classic ground, and draw, to 
 their Olympic festivals, their academical groves, 
 their forums of eloquence, their halls of legislation 
 and capacious temples of worship, all the sur- 
 rounding nations. But the world, still anxious, 
 waits to know their final destiny. 
 
12 
 
 Asia in imaginary, but unreal greatness and 
 ostensive wealth and power, with all her millions 
 of population, would also fain be free; but the mis- 
 sionary, nor the inquisition, nor the arms and dis- 
 tributions of the " mistress of the isles," nor the 
 Magi, nor Confucius, nor even Brama himself 
 can arouse them from t!ie long slumber of ages, 
 or awaken them to the glad Founds of Liberty and 
 Equal Rights. Their casts are fixed and irre- 
 movable, their condition fatedly irredeemable. 
 
 U. happy Africa, far from thy sister nations, 
 thou art fallen prostrate, unable — but to mix thy 
 tears in the oblations of persecuted humiinity; yet 
 thou thyself shalt one day rise, and ihy oppressors 
 shall tremble! The poor slave rests on the oar, 
 the plaintive chants of home and friendship linger 
 in suspense; he hears from afar the shouts of the 
 *' festival of freedom," he is man, "and who is 
 more?" His pulse beats high, his heart burns 
 within him, he rises in the spirit of Wilberforce, 
 to avenge himself on the violaters of human 
 rights; but, alas, his chain! what can he do? its 
 dismal clanking penetrates his soul, the sigh of 
 despondence, and the tear of humiliation are his 
 only solace; or he falls insensible to pain oi- pleas- 
 ure. O Ciod, be merciful to the oppressed, and 
 hasten the day when man shall no more hold in 
 slavish subjection his brother man, when all shall 
 be free to perform thy will, and for their just 
 rights to "do or die," and when the illimitable 
 universe shall be cheered with the smiles an^ 
 blessings of independence. 
 
13 
 
 Liberty has of late become a mountain nymph, 
 promenading the lofty Andes, with the poetica,!- 
 elegance of lovely woman — 
 
 " Grace in all her steps — Heaven in her eye." 
 Her prospects interesting, delightful ! — 
 
 " Huge cliffs and cataracts and topling crags around. 
 The guards, with which, young Freedom lines 
 The path-way to his mountain shrines." 
 
 They call together the children of the Sun and 
 of the golden wave, of the Incas and Montezumas 
 of vast prolific climes, and inspiring an exalted 
 zeal throughout their tribes, with inefFabie smiles 
 and cheering presages, impart to all their auspi- 
 cious benediction. And the day is hastening on 
 when the extensive regions of South America^ 
 when the whole Western Continent shall be free: 
 even so; for with the "holy-alliance," Liberty 
 has no connection; she holds her levee with the 
 Congress of Panama: nor heeds she more the 
 griefs of Ferdinand, or Charles, or Nicholas; the 
 sceptred Bourbon, or the Boor; the Cortes, or 
 the Divmi', her rejoicings are in the successes of 
 the patriots and the triumphs of her friend and 
 favorite Gen. Simon Bolivar. 
 
 Centuries have now passed, since the great 
 Columbus weighed anchor on the European 
 shores, (Aug. 3, 1492,) " sought a new world and 
 prepared it for the happy residence of Liberty." 
 The voyage, the storm, the casket, the Te 
 Deums of discovery, the intrigues of envy and 
 malevolence, his chains, and the faithful Isabella 
 are well remembered. How prophetic these inci- 
 
dents of the Ship of State^ through our eoloniai 
 servitude — hardships — adventurous and perilous 
 efforts, for the "promised land." But behold, 
 we triumph, we are free! The Genius of Liber- 
 ty hath descended from heaven, the guardian an- 
 gel of our rights, fought our battles, secured our 
 independence, and taught us that union, and 
 freedom, and virtue should elevate our republic 
 to honor, and glory, and increasing felicity. 
 
 " Wisdom and Virtue are the glory of Re- 
 publics," says the learned Montesquieu. While 
 wisdom supports and virtue ornaments; while 
 wisdom plans and virtue executes; while wis- 
 dom is the basis and virtue the fabric of the civil 
 and social constituents of society; while such is 
 the deep and solid foundation, the elegant and 
 admirable supsrstructuj^c, a nation will flourish, 
 and a nation must be happy: but should power, 
 or gold, or perverseness, or pride, or luxury mur 
 tilatc the one, or corrupt the other, the natural con^ 
 sequence is inevitable ruin; and the passing stran- 
 ger must drop a tear, when he reads the hie jacet 
 of such a nation, fading on its mouldering mauso- 
 leum. 
 
 Since the year 1620, civilization, well ordered 
 society, the arts and sciences, social refinementj 
 valuable improvements, the interests of peace, 
 and the various blessings of life have increased in 
 an almost incalculable ratio. 
 
 Proscribed and persecuted (and mostly for reli- 
 gion's sake,) on their natal soil, our ancestors 
 sought an asylum in a distant "wide wilderness," 
 
15 
 
 secluded from the walks of civilized man; endur* 
 ing the severities of a dangerous enterprize; cross- 
 ing the western ocean at an unfavourable season, 
 in "distress of weather," and struggling through a 
 thousand difficulties of no common magnitude; sus- 
 taining innumerable misfortunes and afflictions, on 
 the rocky shores of Plymouth, and elsewhere; en- 
 countering untoward and discouraging vicissitudes 
 in the early settlement of the states, with the con- 
 comitant circumstances of progress, from age to 
 age; the continual hostility of Indian tribes and 
 neighbouring colonies; and at last, in arms against 
 the mother country, with undaunted fortitude and 
 perseverance, supporting the fatigues and trials 
 end sufferings of "an eight years'^ war;" follow- 
 ing these and those, and contrasting the deep 
 shades of the canvass, we contemplate the charm- 
 ing scenes and varying prospects before us, with 
 inexpressible delight. The American people are 
 now fast increasing in population, power, wealth 
 and fame, and with rapid strides advancing on the 
 scale of agricultural, mechanical, commercial and 
 philosophical improvements, towards the acme of 
 national glory and the gaol of human felicities. 
 
 Think, fellow citizens, where, even since that 
 memorable year, 1776, was spread the buffiilo couch 
 and bear-skin matrass at the tribunal of savage fero- 
 city; where were displayed the implements of In- 
 dian warfare; where echoed the long war-whoop 
 through the forest trails; where tumbled the huge 
 cataract down the awful and tremendous preci- 
 pice; where floated Xh^ periogue and birch canoe;- 
 
16 
 
 where rested the unstationary hovel; and where, 
 midst plumes and pendants, bows and belts of 
 wampum, in general "talk," was smoked the In- 
 dian warrior's pipe, are now gratefully realized 
 the blisses and blessings of civilization, continual 
 improvement, happy society, and inviolable Inde- 
 pendence; where indiscriminately appeared the 
 sycamore and bramble, the willow and the shrub; 
 now flourish the oak and the laurel, the cedar and 
 the fruit-tree. 
 
 Agriculture vigorous and blooming, now 
 sits under its own "vine and fig-tree," approving 
 and enjoying its numerous experiments; fearh^ss 
 of the corrosive canker-worm, and undisturbed 
 by the commotions surrounding its enclosure; for 
 it is guarded by the circumspective vigilance of 
 Cultivation, which, like the flaming sword of the 
 cherubim, in the paradise of Eden, " turning ev- 
 ery way," secures its blessings. 
 
 Commerce also, hath pointed her needle, hoist- 
 ed her sail, spread her colors, taken her insur- 
 ance, established her marts, and extended her 
 connections, among all the nations of the earth. 
 
 And the Mechanic Arts, what wonders have 
 they accomplished! What can they not do? They 
 plant their cities near the shore, and rear up whole 
 communities over-land; they channel the earth, and 
 control the elements; they climb the billows, and 
 hew their way through the impassable forests and 
 mountains; they set their types, "and the still small 
 voice" of their ubiquity, prevails over the whirl- 
 wind, tlie earthquake, and the fire. Their works 
 
17 
 
 lire like the miracles of faiths nothing impossible. 
 Their power-looms are multitudinous as the ocean 
 waves, and running spindles as their phospho- 
 rescent lights, and their variegated dyes beyond the 
 prism's power; their mechanism all replete, nor 
 "molten sea ofg'Zass" mire beautiful, nor the giant 
 "image of clay., iron, brass ^ silver and gold,^^ 
 in vision, or transmutation, more wonderful ! 
 They put their wheels in nntion, and directly the 
 east and the west are approaching the same longi- 
 tude; the waters of distant regions unite; the people 
 of different chmes, and languages, and latitudes ar6 
 in the same neighbourhood; participating by these 
 facilities a mutual friendship, and the great bene- 
 fits of improved society. Add education, if you 
 please, and every other earthly good; and still ad- 
 vancing, consider your religious privileges, and 
 your proportional immense debt of gratitude, youf 
 exalted condition, your enjoyments of the present, 
 and hopes of future happiness; for such are the 
 blessings of a free country ! Such the Inde- 
 pendence of a FREE and happy people ! 
 
 Oh! happy, happy those, who in this land of 
 freedom, with immunities superior, and equal 
 rights, are truly grateful for their eminent ad- 
 vantages; who profess and possess the Amor 
 Patrice, in the true spirit of citizens and freemen, 
 and thus freed from sordid avarice, local preju- 
 dices, and abasing ignorance, actuated by philan- 
 thropy and patriotism, contribute all their exer- 
 tions to the PUBLIC GOOD. Happy they, who in 
 pursuit of wealth and honours, and the public weal, 
 3 
 
18 
 
 consistent and uniform, like the bright luminar/ 
 of day, pursue their steady course, urged by no 
 incentive but that of duty, and by no impulse but 
 that truly patriotic ardour, which flames as a 
 golden censer lighted at the altars of benevolence. 
 
 Such have been; hence the " epocha of ages 
 abounding in republican virtue," — both Grecian 
 and Roman examples:— as Solon, Lycurgus, Epam- 
 inondas and Aristides: Junius, Cato, Fabius and 
 Cincinnatus: and in our own Republic, the corres- 
 ponding great, viz. Washington, Franklin, Han- 
 cock and Adams, etc. venerated patriots, whose 
 illustrious names adorn the sculptured marble, but 
 whose memory, and virtues, and worth are en- 
 shrined in every heart. 
 
 Forget not, I pray you, their wise teachings 
 and earnest injunctions; learn from this high au- 
 thority, that " Union ought to be considered the 
 main prop of our Republican Liberty;" that 
 UNION is the strong cemented foundation on 
 which stands secure the fabric of our Indepen- 
 dence: that "there is no evil to which govern- 
 ments are more exposed then the prevalence of 
 party spirit;" that " the extreme violence of this 
 spirit degrades the character of a nation, and vi- 
 tiates the morals of the people;" therefore we 
 should " unite with one heart and one mind;" 
 " our sentiments on particular subjects will be dif- 
 ferent," but " every defference of opinion is not 
 a diiference of jjrinciple;^'' "it is impossible we 
 should all be of one ojnnion, and it is a reasona- 
 ble indulgence to suffer every man to enjoy his 
 
19 
 
 own;" these are " true and faithful sayings," the 
 axioms of our political belief, founded on the experi- 
 ence of the best and wisest statesmen. And that 
 our UNION, social intercourse, harmony, and af- 
 fection may be perpetual, let us wisely give good 
 heed to their instructions: for Delusion hath here- 
 tofore barbed its arrows with party poison, and 
 gone forth in the guise of honour and patriotism, 
 yea, in the sweetly complacent smiles of Absalom, 
 peering under the ominous frowns of a Philistine, 
 to trample down our dearest rights with impuni- 
 ty, to corrupt our morals, contaminate our feehngs, 
 betray our confidence, derange our exertions, and 
 facilitate our ruin: but Delusion shall never pre- 
 vail—no, never! we are not only free, but en- 
 lightened; we have too much wisdom, virtue, m- 
 telligence, hterature, and sensibility in our national 
 character, to suffer or tamely submit, to its illusive 
 and facinating influence. 
 
 It is asked by Rousseau, "if Rome and Sparta 
 perished, what state can hope to last for ever?" 
 and subjoins, " in our endeavours to form a dura- 
 ble estabhshment, we must not think, therefore, 
 to make it eternal:" but with defference to the 
 opinions of one so celebrated, we dare believe, and 
 we do believe, that till the last pulsations of re- 
 publican virtue shall cease, in the bosom of our 
 country, till the last throb of expiring Liberty, 
 till the world's last tear, and time's last trump; our 
 principles, our free institutions and government, 
 shall have an existence, and that existence, shall 
 be glorious 
 
20 
 
 Education is the "one thing needful." It is 
 the strength and stability of repi:ibhcs, the vital 
 and availing principle of good order and good gov- 
 ernment, the greatest, most desirable, durable, and 
 important means of national prosperity and fehcity. 
 While a people are well informed, there is little 
 fear of being hurried down the streams of popular 
 delusion, into the vortex of folly, infamy and ruin; 
 while a people are well instructed, they can prop- 
 erly estimate the value of their rights and privi- 
 leges, and the blessings of existence; and while a 
 people distinguish themselves by their wisdom, in 
 cultivating the germ of virtue and knowledge in 
 the bud^ in the aspiring minds of the rising gene- 
 ration, they may rationally expect to realize an 
 abundant harvest of good, and all the advantages, 
 which comport and are connected with, a free, fed- 
 eral, American Republic. 
 
 In the triumvirate of Cccsai\ Pompry, and 
 Ci'Cissus, it is said, " every man sacrificed the pub- 
 lic good to his own private interest." Happy in- 
 deed the contrast, where citizens often devotedly 
 sacrifice their own plicate interests to the pub- 
 lic GOOD. We have no factions, no conspiracies, 
 no ostracism, noCatalines, not even — excuse me: — 
 
 [Excepting some small deviations from senatorial dignity, in rip-raps of 
 pota;ions, Evho! & con-grieve er-raniings, "sky highl" some occasional un- 
 holstercd faul s, and mistakes of honor; some trifling tact in electioneering 
 finesse; some little surprises, now and then, in taxes and expenses; some 
 few inconsistencies in policy ar.d politics; and some tolerable lack of free 
 bridges and ee roads, contravening the doctrine of " free ships, free trade, 
 and a free press;" wi'h some inconsiderable speculauons in weights and 
 measures, »*ock-jobbing, hazards, credits, banking, bankruptcy, and crferfs; 
 some grains, and scruples, and fractions of reveries of aristocracy, jun- 
 toism, favoritism, and monopoly; and perhaps a few fashionable vices afld 
 follies; — excepting these — and sundry Hf cetera!] 
 
21 
 
 how many are the evils and defaults of former re- 
 publics, altogether unknown in the archieves of our 
 Republicanism. The contrasted view is indeed 
 striking and felicitous. It is the Augustan age of 
 our improvements, hopes, virtues, and intellectual 
 pre-eminence. Our Julian suns are setting; a new 
 and splendid age advancing; the welcome Jubilee 
 of Freedom has even now arrived, fraught with 
 eventful destiny, and laden with the honors of nu- 
 merous rejoicing nations. Our stars and stripes 
 now crowding every port, portend a sequence of 
 transactions, great and marvellous, to emblazon on 
 a field of glory, the age of Adams and Lincoln. 
 Parents and their offspring are now ambitiously 
 emulous of those virtues, which ornament and dig- 
 nify humanity; and long may they cherish the ex- 
 cellence so worthy of their name. May those prin- 
 ciples of greatness, which distinguished the three 
 venerable sages of Vernon, Wolaston and Monti- 
 cello, and their three illustrious successors, Madi- 
 son, Monroe, and J. Q. Adams, be the benedic- 
 tion and glory of subsequent ages to the latest 
 posterity. Then should the threats of invasion 
 hover around us, our resources and resistance are 
 powerful. Should Despotism lift its bloody finger, 
 and point to the rack, the axe and the gibbet; bran- 
 dish its belted sabres; or, " let slip the dogs of 
 war, and cry havoc!^^ soon would our fields be 
 forested with tl?e arms of the vahant, thou- 
 sands of swords gleam from their scabbards to 
 avenge our wrongs, — and ten thousands of hearts 
 unite in the execution of defensive warfare, on th^ 
 
22 
 
 insolent temerity and monstrous darings of tyran- 
 ;ny and usurpation* 
 
 The day has been; when, with a high sense of 
 duty and strong resentments, these principles and 
 efforts were put in requisition; and let them look 
 to it, who dare invade our shores, usurp our rights, 
 or betray our friendships. " If offences must 
 needs come,'^ innovasion, imposition, and inso- 
 lence, we chastise; crime and cruelty we punish; 
 indignities and insults, we reveiige! The acts of 
 resistance of fifty to sixty years ago, (concerning 
 *' taxation and representation," the " divine right 
 of kings," &c.) against the whole British ministry, 
 their stamp acLs, port-b>lis, East-India teas, and 
 regular armies; when our whole population was 
 but sm&ll, r.nd the whole p'^iysical strength of the 
 colonies, not exceeding, not so much as the pres- 
 ent numbers in a single city! The firm, and exalt- 
 ed transactions of those days, I say, when "trou- 
 bled on every side, fears within and fighting with- 
 out," have consecrated the memory, and have im- 
 mortalized the intelligence, spirit and character 
 of our fathers; and whoever may adjudge the heirs, 
 in the rightful possession of their paternal inheri- 
 tance, may form a tolerably fair judgment of the 
 views, and designs, and duties of their children. 
 
 In those days, the capital of Massachusetts was 
 honoured as the " Cradle of American Liberty;'? 
 and greatly honoured, in the persons of its heroes 
 and statesmen. It was in fact tlie key-stone of 
 the political arch, in the old confederation; the 
 ballancing power, in the whole co-operative ma- 
 
tjtiinery of excited interests; and the axis -of tU 
 revolution; while Massachusetts and Virginia led 
 on the van of opposition, against the tyranny and 
 terrors of royalty. But the capital of New Hamp- 
 shire alone has the honour of an exhibit, or mani- 
 festo of a pecuhar kind, and in the finest allegory, 
 viz. Liberty is reported as dying, as deceased; the 
 multitude are alarmed; and this friend of man is 
 borne on the hearse, through the principal streets 
 and squares, followed by mourners and a pubHc 
 procession; bells tolling; drums unbraced and muf- 
 fled; arms reversed; minute guns firing; the citi- 
 zens in mourning dress, so their churches, their 
 halls, their shipping: slow and solemn they arrive 
 at the grave; they surround the coffin; on the lid 
 is engraved "Liberty, ^Et. 146," grief affects 
 the beholders; the eulogy is pronounced; and they 
 are about to consign this aged matron to the dust! 
 but signs of Ufe are observed; the cry is " Liber- 
 ty revives;" all rejoice— and Liberty! Liberty! 
 echoes to the remotest bounds: mourning is chang- 
 ed to joy; the bells resound a merry peal; the mu- 
 sic strikes up in sprightly measure; the cannons' 
 roar salutes the returning and dispersing crowds; 
 the halyards run up the yankee bunting, and lash 
 their colours to the highest peak; a universal fes- 
 tivity succeeds the " forlorn hope;" all around is 
 splendid joyfulness; and the grateful sentiment is— 
 ^' Where Liberty dwells, there is my country.^'' 
 
 This is a most interesting historical fact, (of 
 some sixty years since,) and in miniature and the 
 compass of a day, a complete pictured allegory 
 
H 
 
 bf years of those dangerous and dreadful " times 
 that tried men's souls," as in the crucible of af- 
 fliction; and prophetic too, for like the revival of 
 Liberty, and the subsequent festival joys — what do 
 you now behold, this day, throughout your coun- 
 try, of improvements, and interests and happiness? 
 What do you now witness, with its increasing 
 millions of population, of wealth, and power, and 
 greatness, and awarded honours, and immortal 
 fame? Then, O! then, forget not those, who, un- 
 der Heaven, have secured to you, and your succes- 
 sive generations, these inestimable blessings. 
 
 Behold! our political ship has beat through the 
 tempest of war; fearless " met the enemy," and 
 nail'jd her flag in the hour of battle; outrode the 
 currents and whirlpools of civil dissention; clear- 
 ed the tory shoal; the traitor rock; the surf and 
 breakers of intrigue and faction; "made all her 
 course and reckoning good;" and this day, freight- 
 ed with the reminiscences of Jifty years ago, and 
 a large invoice of between two and three hundred 
 years of special facts; in the haven of auspicious 
 secuj'ity, attired in richest national dress, and the 
 colours of all nations, rides at anchor, in safe moor- 
 ings, on the full tide of national prosperity. 
 
 It has been said that a standing army is 
 necessary to the well being of a people, and the 
 protection of Liberty; but with the best authority, 
 we controvert this assertion; our wisest politicians 
 and a national majority give their dissenting suf- 
 frage, and pronounce standing armies the bane of 
 nil free governments: so far from supporting the 
 
25 
 
 Constitution called the " Magna Charta of In^ 
 dependence," and the " Palladium of Liberty;'* 
 it is contrary to all its provisions; would be its ter- 
 ror; would wrest its powers; and hold in jeopardy 
 its very existence. If in Europe they are neces- 
 sary, and if debts are also necessary, they must^ 
 at best, be considered as "necessary evils." — 
 Allow they have standing armies, and allow the 
 ^'- JS'ational Debt of Eugland^^ alone to be near- 
 ly a thousand millions pounds sterling! (enough, 
 one would think, to break down a kingdom, or to 
 break up an empire, or to form a new planet, if 
 planets were made of specie, or bullion;) yet our 
 policy is to dispense with these perils and evils al- 
 together; so with court-titles, sceptres, thrones, 
 and all other appendages to JMonarchy, be they 
 what they may, as much as it may be possible. 
 
 Our people are " the only sovereign, in this hap- 
 py land;" our national debt. Gratitude; all others 
 sooner or later meet their fate, in one continual 
 ^'sinking fund;" our citizens — Soldiers, and each 
 soldier a Citizen, in republican simphcity, consti- 
 tuting that great body of Militia, over all the 
 States, with whom are the sayings: " millions for 
 defence, but not a cent for tribute;" " enemies 
 in war, in peace friends;" " Peace, commerce 
 and honest friendship with all nations, entangling 
 alliances with none." These are free men; ex^^ 
 pert, prompt, circumspect, ready "to meet the 
 invading foe at the shore, and to immolate them 
 jn their boats; or, overpowered, to dispute with 
 4 
 
them every inch of ground, burn every blade of 
 grass, break every lance, and make the last en- 
 trenchment of liberty their graves." 
 
 Happy people, may yon long be wise and grate- 
 ful, as enriched with the superiour blessings of In- 
 dependence. May peace diffuse her sweetest joys 
 throughout yoitr highly favoured land; may Heaven 
 crown the labours of your husbandmen with rosy 
 health and cheering plenty; may commerce con- 
 tinue to direct her magnet toward the cardinal 
 points of public prosperity, and the mechanic arts 
 to flourish, with all its machinery in geer, under 
 a generous patronage; and may the influx of treas- 
 ures, from the east, west, north and south, insure 
 the increase of rational enjoyment and true felici 
 ty, and these the immense duration of Republican 
 Virtue. 
 
 This day is, and shall be, devoted to the mem- 
 ory of our fathers; these are they, " who have 
 gone through much tribulation;" and if we " pre- 
 serve unchanged the same correct feelings of lib- 
 erty, purity of manners, principles of wisdom and 
 piety, seminaries of learning, temples of worship, 
 and castles of defence, which immortalized the 
 memory of our ancestors; we shall render our- 
 selves worthy of their names and fortunes, of the 
 soil enriched with their hands and often ivct ivith 
 their tears^ and of the freedom for which their 
 blood was the sacrifice;" to do this, is to " give 
 consistence, vigour, beauty and duration, to the gov- 
 ernment of our country;" and this result will be 
 the rich reward of our fidelity; while History, ever 
 
2fH 
 
 faithful to its trust, will record our ambitious do- 
 ings most honourably, in the stereotype of durabil- 
 ity, with the age of Washington and Adams. 
 
 Our fathers were themselves the children of an 
 illustrious ancestry. I speak not of rank, title, 
 or hereditary distinction; though their heraldry is 
 involumed with the empire of the "fast-anchored- 
 isle," and their title to fame is gloriously escutch- 
 eoned, in the archieves of a nation's love — in the 
 friendship of all surrounding nations. I speak of 
 them as the Alfreds of English History, in wis- 
 dom, forbearance and perseverance, and as the 
 most eminent of Grecian and Roman story; brave- 
 ly daring all things " for God and their Country." 
 But their sons were our fathers; acting with the 
 same spirit, excited by the same ardour, adventur- 
 ing on the same great purposes of change, and ac- 
 complishing the same great designs — to " live or 
 die FREE." 
 
 This spirited, hardy, resolute and unyielding 
 character may be traced back to the reformation 
 by Luther, (1520,) and onward with the events of 
 those epochs, which springing forth, from the pre- 
 ceding gloom of the dark ages, seemed to produce 
 a new era, in the history of the world; and if " not 
 all the blood of all the Howards," nor "the 
 fairest of the fair," among the errant-knights of 
 those or later da5^s; they may still boast among 
 them, of lawgivers, statesmen, heroes, some of the 
 most excellent and worthy, personified in the Car- 
 vers, Winthrops, Standishes, Winslows, and Brad> 
 fords, of more than two hundred years ago. 
 
28 
 
 Their peculiar traits of character passing through 
 different periods, in the ghding current of time, 
 cannot fail to be noticed and admired, by the nu- 
 merous readers of this age. A uniform, industri- 
 ous, provident, thoughtful, anxious, fearless, am- 
 bitious, intelHgent, and high-minded race; their 
 strongest characteristics, magnanimity, piety, for- 
 titude, untired and unceasing perseverance. As- 
 sailed by superstition, in the terrors of royal ven- 
 geance, and local witchcraft, — and the tremendous 
 doctrine of the " omnipotence of parliament to 
 bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever;" sub- 
 jected to unjust taxation, with the rigours and hard- 
 ships of colonial dependence; contesting with the 
 savage tribes; levelling forests, erecting schools 
 and churches, extending arts and institutions; 
 arousing the body with all its faculties to labour, 
 and the mind with all its abilities to the interests 
 of life; setting cities on the land, and fleets on the 
 ocean; multiplying the social improvements, and 
 civil and rehgious benefits of society, etc. In 
 these different lights and shades, are drawn the 
 character of our ancestors and their offspring; who, 
 when " petition and remonstrance" failed, could 
 spurn the divine and immaculate powers and pre- 
 tensions of the Crotvn Royaly and awe the most 
 gracious Majesty. 
 
 These are they, who have gone through "good 
 report and evil report, in perils by land, and perils 
 by sea; in dangers oft;" whose lives, liberties and 
 estates have been often jeopardized, by the hand 
 of violence, or more cunning hand of fraud; these, 
 
29 
 
 df not faultless, were magnanimous; for, their ef- 
 forts were a crusade, for man's inalienable rights; 
 and too often were they in consequence, the fated 
 victims and martyrs of proscription and tyranny; 
 literally " perplexed, but not in despair; perse- 
 cuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not de- 
 stroyed." 
 
 These are they, who, firm, fixed and substan- 
 tial as their Principles, now lift their reverend 
 forms, to our view, in the distant perspective of 
 years; like the mountain summits, in variety, in the 
 blue serene of the horizon, fondly regarded — and 
 never departing from us, only as we depart from, 
 
 them ! 
 
 They were Republicans of the highest order; 
 well instructed in the High Schools of duty, 
 and well engaged in the Gymnasium of Hercu- 
 lean labours. It was indeed a phenominon in the 
 natural world, that three milhons of such hearts 
 should all beat, and feel, and act as one heart, to 
 resist and revenge that pride and insolence and 
 parliamentary arrogance, which provoked even 
 "passive obedience," and submissiveness, and 
 lenity itself to desperation. 
 
 The Revolutionary ground once taken, they 
 neither regreted nor receded; their trust was in 
 the " God of armies," and they buckled on their 
 armour for the combat — to be their shroud of hon- 
 our, should they fall in battle — their robe of glo- 
 ry, should they triumph for their country. Then 
 with their stm^-spanglcd 6anner inscribed: ^'Ense 
 petit placidam sub libertate qiiietem;^^ and their 
 
Eagles bearing in their beaks, "£ Pluribus 
 Ununi;^^ the battle was " set in array — army 
 against army." Then the eye of the immortal 
 Washington, " lightning along the embattled 
 ranks" of horse and foot, on the fields and plains 
 of Liberty — a new vigour braces the frame; new 
 excitements, like inspiration, seize upon the mind; 
 and a re-action, in an impetuous rush of resistance, 
 drives back the adv^ancing enemy to bite the dust, 
 to surrender their proud trophies, or to evacuate the 
 rich soil of Freedom. Our fathers fought and 
 bled, and died in this glorious cause; as at Lex- 
 ington, Concord. Charlestown, Bennington, Sar- 
 atoga, Champlain, Trenton, Brandywine, York- 
 town; so every where! that we, their descendants, 
 might witness, on this ever memorable anniversary 
 day, their ancient military works demolished, by 
 the pick-axe and plough ; their fortress -grounds 
 broken up in pleasant domestic lots; their forts, 
 redoubts and piquets all removed, to give place to 
 the arts of peace; to the festive board, and the 
 invaluable blcsssings of freedom; and to insure us 
 a perpetual succession of the good things of this 
 life, with the most exalted views, and fairest pros- 
 pects of the future. Or in other words, " swords 
 turned to ploughshares, and spears to pruning 
 hooks; and the desert to blossom as the rose;" that 
 our rejoicings may be with gratefulness, in the 
 Most High; in the strength and " mighty arm of 
 our salvation;" in the smiles of " redeeming good- 
 ness;" in the " hidings of his power;" and the 
 abidings of his " everlasting love." 
 
31 
 
 From 1775 to 1783, the footsteps of the 
 hostile foe were marked with an immense deso- 
 lation of property, and waste of human blood ; 
 the dear-bought price of our Independence! But 
 Heaven every where raised up sympathizing 
 friends, who with the ken, the voice and heart of 
 Chatham, bid God speed to Liberty. 
 
 Never was the amiable female character more 
 distinguished, or deserving, or honoured than in 
 those days of peril. At the hospital, the camp, the 
 tented field and the tomb, with the dying and the 
 dead, these ministering guardian angels were seen 
 to comfort and console, with the tender mercies and 
 offices of kindness and of love: and while they were 
 rendering the last duties and consolations to the 
 dying, they were furnishing all possible encour- 
 agements to the living — to acquit themselves like 
 men, in the battles of their country. But who can 
 describe the meetings and partings of kindred 
 and dearest friends, (so like Hector and Androm- 
 ache,) the painful solicitude, the dubious cir- 
 cumstances, the anxious watchings, the pledges, 
 and prayers, and tears, and smiles of those event- 
 ful years? As we honour the JVation^s Guest 
 and his country, for their timely assistance and 
 friendships and as the ancients honoured their 
 household gods; so should we respect and bless 
 the memory of the fair ones of that remarkable 
 period, designated as the "honourable Matrons of 
 the Revolution," for neither privation, nor danger, 
 nor captivity, nor death itself, could discourage 
 them. The charm of innocence, the flush of 
 
32 
 
 beauty, the graces of deportment, and vivacity 
 of mind, were the elemental combination, which 
 so astonished and delighted the world, and even 
 on reflection, now soften to lovliness, the sad and 
 distressing picture of their times. "Many daugh- 
 ters have done virtuously, but they excelled." 
 Many have loved their country, but with this re- 
 membrance, it is ever lovely, and commands the 
 homage of our sincerest veneration. 
 
 With the seven worthies of the revolution 
 and their associates, Gen. Washington, Warren, 
 Lincoln, Putnam, Green, Gates, Montgomery — 
 let us also this day, honour with our remem- 
 brance, the seven distinguished foreigners, and 
 their associates, in the American service: La Fay- 
 ette, Kosciusko, Pulaski, Steuben, De Kalb, Ro- 
 chambeau and De Grasse. — And while we re- 
 member, with pride and pleasure, the six succes- 
 sions to the Presidency, from first to last most 
 wortliy — may we not forget the six master-spirits, 
 connected with the affairs of the first Provincial 
 Congress.^ leading the destinies of a nation: Han- 
 cock, Adams, Otis, Quincy, Gerry and the famed 
 Paul Revere — who, like the mighty men of Israel, 
 were "most honourable, sitting in the seat, chief 
 among the captains," and fearlessly "standing 
 before kings." These numbers are peculiar^ and 
 combined, are remarkably auspicious, in the origi- 
 nal compact, union and independence of our com- 
 mon country. And since that auspicious confeder- 
 ation, a superior wisdom hath practically effected 
 much, for this great people, in the organization of 
 
33 
 
 a general gorernment, establishment of state gov- 
 ernments, the protection of arts and commerce, 
 the extension of trade and literature; the supplies 
 ^nd marts of a vastly augmenting population, the 
 increase of agricultural improvements, and nation* 
 al benefits; a war of proud and far-famed achieve- 
 ments; the acquisition of the immense regions of 
 Louisiana, and of other important possessions, 
 and the extinguishment of all other titles and 
 claims; the public revenues, well ordered society, 
 
 institutions, and indefeasible rights but time 
 
 would fail us to be more particular 
 
 And now peace hath descended from heaven, ra- 
 diant as the lustre of the day, and mild as the moon- 
 beam on the mantle of night: the virtues, and muses, 
 and graces attend her along the extensive shores of 
 the Atlantic: even beyond the Alleghany, and the 
 vast tributaries of the Missisippi, over the Rocky 
 Mountains to the vast and extensive sea-board of 
 the Pacific, the rustic nymphs and sylvan deities, 
 civilization and refinement pay her the homage 
 of their devotion. She hath deserted the ram- 
 parts and bulwarks of the belligerants, and fled 
 the arena of the gladiators of political strife, in- 
 trigue and spoliation ! The ruins of the Bastile, 
 the pride of the Vatican, the reach of the Helles- 
 pont, the mausoleum of the Emperor of all the 
 Russias, and the grand exchequer of the Holy 
 Alliance, have no especial charm of interest for 
 her; nor has she planted her "olive-wand" on the 
 margin of the Tagus, or the Neva; the Nile, or 
 ttie Ganges ! From the richest vales of the Old 
 5 
 
34 
 
 Continent to the proudest "monuments of nature," 
 eternal as the globe, and rising with awful sub- 
 limity, from the very foundations of the deep; she 
 claims no inheritance. She finds her altars aban- 
 doned, her temples despoiled, her habitations for- 
 saken, her courts and palace-grounds filled with 
 commotion, outrage, and arbitrary sway. To the 
 mild and prolific regions of the New Continent, she 
 turns a hopeful eye, and sends an Embassy ex- 
 pressly charged to consult the happiness of mil- 
 lions. But where is her delightful abode? where 
 her place of rest and fellowship? 
 
 Thou, MY COUNTRY, thou hast taken her in thine 
 arms, as the daughter of thy love, and her abiding 
 is here. Here hath peace erected her triumphal 
 arch, and liberty ofl[iciates at her altars of wor- 
 ship. Here is their home, and here are they en- 
 throned in the affections of a richly blest and ever 
 grateful people: where the treasuries filled with 
 abundance, the hills and vales clothed in luxuri- 
 ance, and fields adorned with fruitfulness and 
 plenty, "laugh and sing," amid the multiplied 
 ]oys of nature. 
 
 Sec, on the one hand, stands Justice poising 
 the equal balance, and with the sword of equity 
 guarding her people for ever; on the other side, 
 V^irtue elegantly enrobed in the graceful drape- 
 jy of ti'uth and beneficence, displaying the Cap 
 of Liberty, and pointing to the Temple of Peace; 
 on the supporting pillars of which "the record^ 
 ing angel" hath written — "Union is the only 
 aure basis of national prosperity and felicity— ^ 
 
35 
 
 EDUCATION and the moral virtues the only 
 sure guarantee of independence for ever." 
 Peace, with dehght, beholds her sons suspend- 
 ing, and often burnishing their implements of war, 
 near her golden shrines ; to which her loved and 
 amiable daughters attach the ever-green laurel 
 and the ever-blooming garland; while millions in 
 her sacred fane, annually rejoicing, chaunt, in 
 grateful and perpetual thanksgiving, in the choral 
 songs of " Adams and Liberty," — 
 
 f'Ye sons of Columbia, who bravely have fought, 
 
 For those Rights, which unstain'd, from your sires had 
 descended; 
 May you long taste the blessings your valour has bought, 
 And your sons reap the soil, which their fathers defended. 
 'Mid the reign of mild Peace, 
 May your Nation increase, 
 With the glory of Rome, and the wisdom of Greece; 
 And ne'er may the sons of Columbia be slaves, 
 While the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls it waves," 
 
 "Let Fame to the world sound America's voice; 
 
 No INTRIGUE can her sons from their Government sever; 
 Her PRIDE is her ADAMS — his laws are her choice, 
 And shall flourish, till Liberty slumber for ever! 
 Then unite, heart and hand, 
 Like Leonidas' band, 
 And swear to the God of the ocean and land, 
 That ne'er shall the sons of Columbia be slaves, 
 |Vhile the earth bears a plant, or the sea rolls its wave§.'.^ 
 
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