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SUmBIART 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PUBLIC EXERCISES AND HONORS 
 
 AT THE 
 
 OF THE HONORABLE 
 
 C^SAR A. RODNEY, 
 
 MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNT 
 TED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 BUENOS AYRES : 
 
 VRINTED BY STEPHEN IIALLETj 
 ]824. 
 
•C 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 As a tribute of respect to the memory of a useful and 
 distinguished citizen, and from a zvish to offer some feeble 
 consolation, if possible, to his worthy and afflicted family, 
 tts well as to gratify friends and acquaintance abroad, the 
 particidars of the correspondence, public acts and Jionors^ 
 and other circumstances in relation to the interment of the 
 Honorable Mr, Rodney, together zuiih the substance of the 
 eidogy pronounced at his gi-ave, have been collected and. 
 committed to the press. The high estimation in which the 
 deceased was held by this people, as well as by his ozvn 
 counti'y, on account of his public services and private vir- 
 tues, renders, it is presumed, any further npolo<zy for th^y 
 publication unnecessary. 
 
 Buenos AyreSf Jun^, IP^-I, 
 
SUMMARY, &c. 
 
 Legation of the United States,) 
 Buenos Ayr es^ 1 0th June, 1824. 3 
 
 It lias become the truly distressing duty of the under- 
 signed, to announce to the Honorable Mr. Manuel Jose 
 Garcia, Secretary of Government and of Foreign Rela- 
 tions, the sudden death of the Honorable C^SAR AU- 
 GUSTUS RODNEY, Minister Plenipotentiary of the 
 United States of America, near this Government, who 
 departed this life at six o'clock this morning. 
 
 The humble testimony of the undersigned, to the vir- 
 tues of this truly good man, is wholly unworthy of one 
 who was above all praise. By nature sincere and cordial, 
 the lamented Mr. Rodney was the real philanthropist, the 
 devoted patriot and friend — the most zealous, enthusias- 
 tic and powerful advocate of the independence and pros- 
 perity of South America, especially of the provinces of 
 La Plata, for which his interest was much increased by 
 long and renewed intercourse. 
 
 The undersigned has the honor to renew to the Honor- 
 able Mr. Secretary of Foreign Relations, the assurances 
 of his most distinguished consideration and respect. 
 
 JOHN M, FORBES, 
 Secrdary of Legation. 
 
 Hon. Manuel Jose Garcia, 
 Secretary of Foreign Relations, 
 
[TRANSLATION.] 
 
 Buenos Ayres, 10th June, 1824. 
 
 The Minister Secretary of Foreign Relations, in the 
 name of his Government, and his own, has the honor to 
 address himseh' to Mr. John M. Forbes, Secretary of Le- 
 gation of the United States, manifesting, in reply to his 
 note of this day, that he has received the news of the 
 death of Mr. Caesar A. Rodney, Minister Plenipotentiary 
 of the United States, as an event the most lamentable 
 which could have befallen a country, interested by so ma- 
 ny motives in the preservation of the existence of a per- 
 son so distinguished, and so worthy its particular friend- 
 ship ; and trusting that Mr. Secretary will do him the ho- 
 nor to transmit these sentiments to the knowledge of his 
 Government, permits hiuiself to recommend him to do 
 the same with the enclosed Decrees, which have been is- 
 sued in testimony of the gratitude in which is preserved 
 the memory of the said distinguished citizen. In the 
 mean time the Minister, agitated with the deepest grief, 
 sympathizes in sentiment with Mr. Secretary of I^egation. 
 [Signed] MANUEL J. GARCIA. 
 
 Mr. JoHX 3L Forbes, Secretarii of Legation » 
 
 FIRST DECREE. 
 
 Buenos Ayres, 10th June, 1824. 
 
 The death of Mr. Caesar A. Rodney, Minister Plenipo- 
 tentiary of the United States, has produced in the minds 
 of the Government of Buenos Ayres, all that feeling 
 which the loss, for his country, of so distinguished a citi- 
 zen, and for all America, of a zealous defender of her 
 rights, more especially attached to the provinces of La 
 Plata, is calculated to inspire. — In pursuance of which, 
 the Government, desirous to give a public testimony of 
 that feeling, and of the gratitude with which it is preser- 
 ved, have granted and decreed — 
 
 Firsts A Sepulchral Monument at the expense of the 
 Government, shall be raised over the remains of the Ho- 
 norable Caesar A. Rodney, as a memorial of gratitude. 
 
Second^ The expenses of the monument shall be de- 
 Irayed out of the funds destined to the discretional ex- 
 penses of the Government. 
 
 Thirds Let the orders which the accomplishment of 
 this decree requires, be given, and inserted in the Official 
 Register. 
 
 (Signed) HERAS. 
 (Signed) MANUEL J. GARCLA. 
 A true copy. (Signed) Ignacio Nunes. 
 
 SECOND DECREE. 
 
 The government being informed, by a note passed this 
 day by Mr. Secretary of Legation of the United States, 
 of the death of Mr. Caesar A. Rodney, first Minister Ple- 
 nipotentiary of that Republic, near this state, have grantr 
 ed and decreed— 
 
 Firsts In the funeral rites observed towards so distin- 
 guished a citizen, the following honors shall be executed : 
 A battalion of infantry with four pieces of light artillery 
 shall be stationed at the place where the body is to be 
 buried. As the corpse leaves the house of his decease, 
 the Fort shall fire a national salute. Another similar sa- 
 lute shall be executed by the light artillery on the entry 
 of the corpse into the Cemetery. On putting it into the 
 grave, the battalion, being formed, shall fire a general 
 discharge. 
 
 Secondly^ By the department of Foreign Relations, the 
 general staff of the army and the chiefs of all the depart- 
 ments shall be invited to meet at the House of the Gov- 
 ernment to accompany the Ministers during the said fune- 
 ral rites. 
 
 Thirdly^ This decree shall be transcribed to whom it 
 appertains, and shall be inserted in the Official Register. 
 
 (Signed) HERAS. 
 (Signed) MANUEL J. GARCL4. 
 
 A true copy. (Signed) Ignacio Nunes. 
 
Legation of the United States, f 
 Buenos Ayr cs^ \0(h June, 1824. ^ 
 The citizens of the United States of America, now iu 
 Buenos Ayres, are respectfully requested to meet at Mrs. 
 Thome's Hotel, to-morrow, at 12 o'clock, to concert 
 proper measures to testify their respect for the virtues of 
 the distinguished philanthrophist and patriot, and frank 
 and sincere friend^ who has just departed this life, the 
 Hon. Caesar Augustus Rodney, Minister Plenipotentiary 
 of the United States. 
 
 JOHN M. FORBES, 
 Secretary of Legation, 
 
 Aisvery numeraus meeting of the citizens of the Uni- 
 ted States, held at Mrs. Thome's Hotel, on Friday evening, 
 11th of June instant, for the purpose of taking into consi- 
 deration the adoption of proper means to testify their re- 
 spect for the virtues and memory of the deceased Minis- 
 ter Plenipotentiary of the United States, Hon. Cassar A. 
 Rodney, Mr. Forbes was called to the Chair, and Mr. 
 Dana appointed Secretary. 
 
 The following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 
 
 1st. Resolved, That as a testimony of our respect for 
 the memory of our deceased fellow citizen, Cassar A. 
 Rodney, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to 
 the Republic of Buenos Ayres, who was alike eminently 
 distinguished for his public services and private virtues^ 
 we will wear crape on the left arm at the funeral to-mor- 
 row, and for thirty days next succeeding. 
 
 2d. Resolved, That a committee of five persons be 
 named by the Chairman, to address a letter to the widow 
 and family of the late Minister of the United States, ex- 
 pressing the sincere grief felt by the meeting for their 
 afflicting loss, enclosing, at the same time, a copy of these 
 proceedings. 
 
 3d. Resolved, That the preamble and first and second 
 
Fesolutiona of this meeting shall be signed by the Chair- 
 man and Secretary, and published, in two languages, ia 
 the Mercantile Gazette, and. Argos, of this city. 
 
 JOHN M. FORBES, Chairman. 
 William Dana, Secretary. 
 
 Translation from '''El Argos de Buenos Ayres,^'' a seini^ 
 official paper. 
 
 yUNERAL OF THE HON. GJESAR A. RODNEY, MINISTER TLE- 
 NIPOTENTIARY OP THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Buenos Ayres, June l'2th, 1824. 
 Atthe invitation of Mr. Forbes, Secretary of Legation of 
 the United States, and of the familyofMr. Rodney, a nume- 
 rous collection, as well of foreigners as of natives, assembled 
 in the morning at the house of the deceased* At half past 
 10 o'clock, the Minister of State, accompanied by the 
 heads of the Civil Department and Military Staff,, also 
 attended. At a quarter before 1 1, the religious ceremonies 
 of the Protestant Church, usual in such cases, were per- 
 formed.* — This act being concluded, at half past 1 1 the. 
 
 ^ * The relig-ious exercises were conducted by our countryman, Ihc: 
 Rev. IMr. Brig-ham, in a feeling- and appropriate manner. He com- 
 menced by reading- from the Scriptures the 90th Psalm, and then ob- 
 served, that " it might be expected that he should on this occasion ad- 
 *' dress the audience, and exhibit something- of the life and virtues ot' 
 ** the deceased ; but as it had been intimated that an address to that 
 ** effect would be delivered at the grave, and by one whom he knew to 
 *^be pre-eminentlj' qualified for such a performance, he should himself 
 *' say nothing-, as it mig-ht be an improper anticipation ; and he would 
 " merely invite the assembly to unite with him in imploring the divine 
 "blessing." 
 
 Mr. B. was solicited for a copy of the prayer offered on that .solemn 
 occasion, to be inserted in this pamphlet ; but as it was delivered ex- 
 tempore, and could be recalled only in substance, and as the publica- 
 tion of such an exercise is not common, he chose to decline a compli- 
 ance with the solicitation ; expressing, at the same time, liis earnet^t 
 
corphc^ was conducted by six North Americans to tlie 
 hearse, which was richly and appropriately decora - 
 fed with black plumes, &c. A national salute was 
 then tired from the Fort, as ordered by the Govern- 
 ment. The procession, (which consi sted of a great 
 number of carriages, besides those who walked, extended 
 nearly half a mile, not including the escort of Husars, by 
 which the whole was closed.) proceeded through Univer- 
 sity, Plata and Peru streets, to the Protestant Burying 
 Ground, situated by the side of the Parish Church of Suc- 
 cour. The streets were filled with^people of all classes, 
 joining in the general mourning, caused by the death of so 
 respectable a character. At the square of the Retiro, (a 
 short distance from the Burying Ground,) those in car- 
 riages alighted, and forming into a body with those who 
 had walked, moved slowly on towards the Cemetery. 
 
 On entering with the body into the Cemetery, the Fly- 
 ing Artillery, attached to the battalion of Infantry, com- 
 menced tiring the second national salute, which continued 
 until the body was placed in the grave. The most pro- 
 found silence now prevailed, when Senor Don Bernardino 
 Rivadavia (accompanied by the Hon. J. M. Forbes) took 
 a situation near the grave, and pronounced a most feeling 
 and eloquent address, before one of the most respectable 
 and numerous assemblages of people ever known in this 
 
 desire that the other proceedings relating to the funeral, with the ad- 
 dress of the Ex-Minister, should be published. 
 
 In addition to the Civil Autliorities who attended, it was peculiarly 
 pleasing to all the Protestants to observe the public respect shown by 
 the attendance of the Head of the Church and many of the most dis- 
 tinguished Catholic Clergymen, the Rector of the University &c. 
 proclaiming, in the most unequivocal manner, the increasing liberali- 
 ty of this Catholic people. They had before kindly granted the Pro- 
 testants t'iic privilege of a Burying Ground, and on this occasion they 
 attended with the greatest respect to all the e^xercises of the funeral, 
 and mingled their sympathies with ours in the loss of our lamented 
 Minister. Their hlgii-minded example in this instance, is at once in- 
 dicative of the elevation und nobleness cf their character, and wot- 
 'by the iinitatron of Christians pf every name and country. 
 
11 
 
 country. We could not, at this moment, get sufficientlj 
 near the orator to enable us to retain the multitude of 
 ideas which shone forth throughout his discourse. We 
 will, however, endeavour to give a sketch of it, as it is of 
 much importance to this country, and will justify the in- 
 terest which has been manifested in performing, as nearly 
 as possible, those ceremonies which, in the United States, 
 would have been consecrated to the memory of so re- 
 spectable a citizen : neither have we been able to obtain 
 from the orator a copy of his address, as it was the pro- 
 duction of the moment. It would be difficult, therefore, 
 to impart to paper tlie force of expression and animated 
 style with which he has always awakened tlie admiration 
 and enthusiasm of his hearers. 
 
 We give the following introduction, as near as we can 
 recollect, regretting that we cannot use the same eloquent 
 Janguage in which the original was given : 
 
 ADDRESS, 
 
 " Oh ! with what eloquence do these venerable re- 
 mains inspire my soul ! G^ntlen^n, had we even belong- 
 ed to one of those nations who have existed many centu- 
 ries, and whose history furnishes us with a long series of 
 great events and eminent men, still it would be impossible 
 to resist the force of the sensations excited by this mourn- 
 ful and highly interesting event. But when this scene is 
 presented for the tirst time in our country, and in the 
 -epoch of the commencement of our history, and operates 
 to fix the basis of our social organization, what circum^ 
 stance is there, of the many that occur, that may not pro- 
 duce a multitude of ideas, rivalling among themselves for 
 the preference in exciting our feeling? Such, at least, is 
 the situation in which I tind myself, and in which I consi- 
 -der }^u ; and the animated expression of your countenan- 
 •ces, assuring me that your sentiments accord with mine^ 
 removes all restraint, and sthnulates me to proceed. Ex- 
 peci not. iiowevcT, to hear from me any personal ettco- 
 
miums hi speaking of Ihe exemplary life of hini whose 
 lamentable death has assembJed us here. The illustrious 
 man who has so honorably fultilled the duties of his exis- 
 tence, lived not for himself, but for his family^ his conn- 
 try. and his felloru-men,''^ 
 
 The orator then proceede-d to consider separately the 
 above points, and divided his discourse into three parts. 
 In regard to the tirst he said — 
 
 The Honorable Ca3sar Augustus Rodney was the son 
 of Col. Thomas Rodney, one of those brave officers who 
 fearlessly placed themselves among the leaders of the first 
 armies raised in America, to assert her independence. He 
 was the nephew of Caesar Rodney, one of those undaunted 
 men who, sacrificing a large fortune, and rising above all 
 those reverses which his country suffered, (many exam- 
 ples of which we have had in ours,) had the noble firm- 
 ness to seal with his name that document which so highly 
 honors that country, and from which is dated the liberty of 
 America, and perhaps also of the human race. 
 
 Following these noble examples, the subject of these 
 remarks had scarcely arrived at the age of 22 years, ere 
 he was elected a Representative to the Legislature of his 
 native state, (Delaware.) From that time he manifested 
 those virtues which were to distinguish him as a public 
 man. Well knowing that the destiny to which he was 
 called by his country could not be honorably fulfilled with- 
 out devoting himself entirely to its duties, and that at the 
 age when the tender affections inflamed the heart with so 
 much force, it was necessary that he should bind him- 
 self by the strongest ties to society. He married, and 
 having been until then the model of sons, he now be 
 came that of husbands ; and as he had been a dutiful 
 child, he was also a good father." 
 
 The orator then proceeded to show, that the moral vir- 
 tues which had distinguished this illustrious individual, 
 could not fail to merit the esteem of all his countrymen, 
 and consequently he was elected a member of the Na- 
 tnonal Legislature, in which capacity he proved the love 
 
of country by which he was actuated, the moderation by^ 
 which he was di<itinguished, and the social virtues which 
 adorned his character. ♦ 
 
 Here the orator called the attention of the audience 
 more particularly to the relation and influence which that, 
 he was about to demonstrate, had upon our coun- 
 try. He observed, therefore, that, " entrusted with the 
 distinguished office of Representative of the Nation, at a 
 time when, in his native state, the giddiness of passion 
 scarcely gave place to reason, and in which the parties 
 contended on points closely affecting the interest of their 
 country, he was struck with the conviction, that the sa- 
 cred duty of a Representative is, in representing the peo- 
 ple, to enlighten them — that, in virtue thereof, he mani- 
 fested a character of moderation, without any pretentions- 
 to brilHancy, and always avoiding any thing personal, he 
 thus followed the path which justly led to the general 
 welfare; using the spirit of conciliation, with which he 
 was highly gifted by nature, and profiting by the opinions 
 and zeal of both parties, he always knew how to obtain a 
 result which would be useful to the general interests of the 
 nation. In this manner he became the natural magis- 
 trate of his country. By such conduct he made himself 
 worthy of the consideration of his government and was 
 appointed to serve in the Cabinet, where he discharged 
 the important duties of Attorney General of the United 
 States. He was a member, gentlemen, (said the orator) 
 of that cabinet who, by their wisdom and acts, deserve to 
 bear the name of the distinguished citizen, whose incon- 
 testible merit having exhausted all the epithets ofeulogium 
 and all the idioms of applause, has given to its name the 
 singular value of being the definition of the hero of liber- 
 ty andcivilization— WASHINGTON. That it was in this 
 situation where he manifested such profound knowledge, 
 and that, exercising justice, he enlightened the charac- 
 ter of humanity which distinguished him in all his actions ; 
 that he remained in this situation four years, and knowing 
 that he could not render his country all the service he 
 
 3 
 
vs^ished, he voiantanly rel'nquished his charge : he re- 
 linquished it, gentlemen, (added the orator) tor the same 
 reason wliich niduced him to accept of it — the general 
 good. He returned to the national representation to 
 await an opportunity of distinguishing himself for the love 
 of his felloiD-men. The orator then proceeded to state 
 the circumstances in which our caus3 was placed. Thejr 
 could not be looked upon with inditierence by the govern- 
 ment of a country whose principles were identified with 
 those which had engaged us in so glorious an undertaking. 
 But to proceed to the recognition of our independence 
 with due circumspection, and which our own interests 
 demanded, it was necessary to have a practical knowledge 
 of our real condition. To this etiect a Comission was 
 named ; among the individuals who composed it, the dis- 
 tinguished citizen whose death we lament was one. The 
 orator then related the circumstances under which the 
 Commissioners reached our shores. And you, (said he) 
 gentlemen, have seen the reports which w^ere individually 
 presented by the members of that Commission, and must 
 have observed the marked diiference which appeared in 
 that of the illustrious person deceased. He very well 
 knew (he added) the events which had preceded our re- 
 volution, and to obtain the proposed object of his go- 
 vernment, it was important to ascertain whether the 
 country w^as in a situation to hold the rank to which it 
 aspired. He could not say any thing, gentlemen, favour- 
 able to the state of our illustration, but he made a pro- 
 found observation, which proved sufficiently the philoso- 
 phical talents he possessed ; he observed, and informed 
 his government, that when our peasantry came to the city 
 they eagerly sought for public newspapers, and not know- 
 ing how to read, solicited some one to read for them, and 
 from this he inferred the disposition which this country 
 had for social improvement, and, in so far, to secure its 
 i;idepen«;cnce and liberty. The orator then observed, that 
 this philosophical observation was that which gained the 
 consideration of that government, and that which certain- 
 
13 
 
 ]y prepared theactof justice which it ha:, done us in ack'-ow- 
 ledgi ng our independence ; that when that government was 
 preparing for tiiis act, this illustrious citizen, animat^'^. 
 by the love he bore h\sfellow-7neii, used every effort in hij 
 power that it might be realized as soon as possible ; and 
 notwithstanding the bad state of his health, and regardless 
 of the dangers of the seas, he cheerfully oifered to revisit 
 us to satisfy in this way his feelings, and to be tlie first to 
 render such an homage to the sovereignty of this country. 
 The orator then reminded us that the second time he visited 
 our shores invested with the public character of Minister 
 Plenipotentiary, — he returned to testify to us his senti- 
 ments for the good of humanity, and the distinction with 
 which he beheld our soil, and that the last time he spoke 
 in public it was only to extol us, and to show how much 
 be loved us ; so much so that he wished to be counted as 
 one of our citizens, and tinallv to manifest his wishes for 
 the reorganization of the National Congress, which would 
 give to this country all the respectability and importance 
 which it deserves. He was filled with these sentiments 
 (said the orator) when death called him from us. He has 
 died — but he will live eternally in the hearts of every 
 American. His death will be lamented as a great loss to 
 his country, and a still greater one to ours, Avhich is so 
 much in want of his example of virtue, his council, and 
 his talents ; and we cannot give a more positive testi- 
 mon}' of the esteem we owe him, than by imitating his vir- 
 tues, having lived only for his famili/^ his countri/, and his 
 fellozv-meru Thus die the just, (he added) and behold 
 how bright appear the virtues of an honest man, and dig- 
 nified citizen. 
 
 The orator continued in demonstrating that, always 
 just without ambition, he had not left to his family a large 
 fortune, except a legacy of virtues, and a name that will 
 be respected by all those who knew him, from pole to 
 pole ; that in the service of his country he had given am- 
 ple proof how much he loved it, and promoted its glory 
 and prosperity ; that mankind could recognize in him one 
 
16 
 
 of their best frientls, and that his name, filling the present 
 generation with enthusiasm, will be handed down to those 
 who succeed us, with all the traits of character which so 
 truly distinguish the heroes of our age, and more particu- 
 larly an American hero, that is, simple^ useful, and benevo- 
 lent, and certainly not like those who are called heroes, 
 and who may be compared with the force of a torrent, 
 which, carrying away every thing before it, have caused 
 as many misfortunes and evils to the human race as they 
 have gained glory. The orator, full of enthusiasm, and 
 deeply affected with the sentiments which filled his soul, 
 exclaimed — " Illustrious soul of Caesar Augustus Rodney ! 
 return to the bosom of thy creator with the elevation and 
 confidence to which you are entitled! being his image 
 here on earth, separate not thy compassionate regard from 
 this country, which is so highly honoured in preserving 
 your remains ; yes, we will preserve them as the most pre- 
 cious treasure that this soil can receive." 
 
 The orator, (taking some earth in his hand,) then said — 
 " And thou earth ! that art going to cover these venerable 
 remains ! receive also the honor of being mingled with 
 the most fruitful seeds of virtue ! and cause it to produce 
 similar heroes that may immortalize the American name!" 
 
 This address concluded, the battalion fired a general 
 salute. The company then returned to the house of the 
 deceased, according to custom. 
 
 Legation of the United States, } 
 Buenos Aijres^ )Ath June, 18'24. ^ 
 
 The undersij^ncd, Socretary of Legation of the United States of 
 America, appioaclies the Supreme Government of Buenos Ayres with 
 a heait so full of g-tief and gratitude, as to defy and baffle any attempt 
 at appropriate expression* 
 
 In I aying- ; nbiic honors to a virtuous citizen — to a patriot without 
 reproach, who so much loved his country as to give his whole life to 
 lior service, we shed on such u life that bright radiance of glory which 
 encourages imitation and enriches the great stock of public vhtuei 
 
17 
 
 but the distinguished marks of respect lately shown to the memory ol' 
 the deceased JVIinister Plenipotentiary of the United States, tlie Hon. 
 Coesar A. Rodney, most emphaticall}- proclaim, as well that high de- 
 gree of illustration which so eminently characterizes the Supreme 
 Government of Buenos Ayres, as those spontaneous and geneious sen- 
 timents of sympathy and benevolence among the favoured sons of La 
 Plata, which are naturally inspired by their happy and hospitable 
 tjlime. The undersigned can only assure the Supreme Government 
 of Buenos Ayres, that all his fellow citizens now here most sincerely 
 partake of the warm sense of gratitude felt by him, and that both the 
 government and people of the United States will duly appreciate the 
 splendid evidences lately given of respect for the virtues of their de- 
 ceased fellow-citizen, whom they have ever delighted to honor. 
 
 The uriueisigned begs leave -to offer to the Hon. Mr. Manuel J. 
 Garcia, Minister of Government and of Foreign Relations, his most 
 cordial thanks for the sympathy he has manifested towards him on the 
 late distressing event, and the renewed assurances of his most distin- 
 guished consideration and respect. 
 
 JOHN M. FORBES. 
 
 Hon. MANUEL J. GARCIA, 
 
 Minister of Government and of Foreign Relations, 
 
 Letter of Condolence to the Widow and family of the 
 Hon. Ccesar A. Rodney^ deceased. 
 
 Bereaved Friends — 
 
 The undersigned, in behalf of the citizens of the United States new 
 in Buenos Ayres, take this method of expressing to you their un- 
 feigned sympathy in your late affliction, and also their sincere respect 
 for the memory of him, whom a wise providence has removed from 
 you. 
 
 We do not presume by this act, that we shall be able to restore an 
 equivalent for your loss, or assuage in any great degree, the deep grief 
 with which yuu are oppressed — this transcends the limits of our power, 
 and is the prerogative of Him only, who hath access to our spirits and 
 whom all events obey. Yet, if we can be so happy as to cast hut the 
 feeblest ray of consolation amidst that gloom which now envelop?; you, 
 we shall to no small extent gratify our own feelings, and shail remem- 
 ber with pleasure this effort for your condolence. 
 
 We are not unmindful, respected friends, that your present beieave- 
 
18 
 
 ment is attended with some peculiar agffrav9,tions. The loss of sucH 
 a worthy companion, such a parent and counsellor, under any circum- 
 stances, would have been painful : It is peculiarly so, placed as you 
 are among^ strangers of another hemisphere, far from that circle of 
 relatives and friends, amidst whose smiles your life has hitherto been 
 led, and who on an occasion like this, would have embraced you in 
 their affectionate arms, and poured into your hearts such balm as we 
 cannot hope to administer. 
 
 But while we remember that you are in a foreig-u land, we remember 
 too, with gratitude, and would affectionately remind you, that you are 
 not in a land of enemies. In addition to the little circle of friends whom 
 your own virtues and friendship have drawn around you, and who would 
 count no sacrifice dear which could contribute to your welfare, you 
 have also the consolation of reflecting*, that you enjoy amimg' this grate- 
 ful people, a thousand sympathies attracted by the greatness and good- 
 ness of the deceased. And while you may continue in this country, 
 when you are returning over a wide ocean to the land of your nativity, 
 and long, long we trust afterward, you will remember with pleasing 
 emotions the marked respect and atf-clions of this people to the depart- 
 ed head of your family, and will be assured that a part of those same 
 affections will be cherished towards his bereaved partner and offspring. 
 And when you shall again reach the shores of our own beloved coun- 
 try, you will receive the best wishes of thousands who will remember 
 the numerous services, the public and private virtues, of him whose 
 remains you leave on the banks of La Plata — this place, once so dear 
 to the heart of your departed friend. 
 
 It has been said by a great and good man, that the best legacy 
 which can be bequeathed to a child, is a falher''s good name. If this 
 sentiment is founded in truth, you, dear friends, have indeed a rich 
 and secure inheritance. In whatever part of the world our Great 
 Preserver may cast your lot, you will be sure to receive the smiles and 
 benedictions of all who had learned the worth of him for whom you 
 are now called to mourn. Yes, unless this people and our own shall 
 sink back into a degrading vassalage, and freedom take her flight 
 from these western shores, which event we trust, in the strong terms 
 of the deceased, God and Mature haoe decreed agaimt^ you will often 
 find that you are beloved for the sake of him who spent his life in ex- 
 tending the em[)ire and the blessings of liberty. 
 
 In closing this memorial of our regards, we would also suggest for 
 your encouragement the promise of Him who is more than man, that 
 the loidow and the fatherless shall not he forgotten. To the numerous 
 consolations of His word we would direct you in this hour of affliction ; 
 to Him would commend you in all your ways, praying that He would 
 smile on your path and direct all your steps, to the grave, and through 
 the riches of his grace, bring you in his own time to that world where 
 trials never come, and where you will no more be separated from 
 those vou love. 
 
With sentiments of unfeijrned respect, and our best wishes 
 tor your happiness, we are, dear friends-, yours, kc. 
 
 John C. Brigham, ^ 
 
 William Dana, | 
 
 Jacob Pearson, ^ Co.mmittee. 
 
 Cornelius Van Brunt, j 
 
 Jesse Eickleberger, J 
 
 To the Widow and Family of the 
 
 Hon, Ccesar A. Rodney^ deceased. 
 
 Buenos Ayrcs, 14th June. 1824. 
 
 ANSWER. 
 
 Buenos Ayres^ June VMh, 1824. 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 In the hour of distress it is consoling- to know, that those with whom 
 we have been in the habit of associating, sympathize with us in our 
 grief. In no country, not even in our own native laud, could we have 
 hoped, under such an affliction, for sympathy more affectionate, or 
 kindness more generous, than has been manifested, both by our own 
 countrymen, and by the government and inhabitants of this place. — 
 Our loss is indeed a painful one — one that can never be restored or 
 forgotten. It is, however, some alleviation to know that all the res- 
 pect and honors which a generous nation could bestow, were most 
 freely granted to the deceased head of our family ; and it is our pride, 
 as well as our happiness, to feel that he was in some degree worthy to 
 receive them. 
 
 To you. Gentlemen of the Committee, and, through you, to the 
 American Gentlemen in this place, permit me to say, that this is only 
 another proof of that kindness towards our family, which has ofien be- 
 fore been exhibited, and whose genuineness has never been doubted. 
 Accept from the family the assurance of their warmest gratitude, and 
 believe that they never, never, can forget the many friendly attentions 
 and marks of respect they have received during their short stay af 
 Buenos Ayres. 
 
 With the highest consideraition, I remain, Gentlemen, your's most 
 truly, THOMAS M. Fx^DNFT. 
 
 To John C. Brigham, 
 William Dana, 
 Jacob Pearson, 
 Cornelius Van Brunt, 
 Jesse Ei ckleberger. 
 
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