AN ORATION 
 
 ii k 1. 1 v !■: i- i: i> a i 
 
 QUEENS, (JAMAICA,)L.l. 
 
 ON JULY 4TH, 1861, 
 
 JOHN J. AKMSTEONG, ESQ. 
 
 OF JAMAICA, L. I 
 
 JAMAICA, L. I. 
 
 .1 A M B 8 .1 . B I! E N T N , P K I N T R R 
 
 1861. 
 
Class. 
 Book. 
 
 ifbl 
 
AN ORATION 
 
 DELIVE RED AT 
 
 QUEENS, (JAMAICA,)!.!. 
 
 ON JULY 4TH, 1861, 
 
 JOHN J. ABMSTKOJTO, ESQ., 
 
 OF JAMAICA, L. I, 
 
 JAMAICA, L. I. 
 
 JAMES J. BKENTON, PRINTER 
 
 1861. 
 
.€14 
 

 (correspondence.) 
 
 Queens, July 8, 1861. 
 John J. Armstrong, Esq., 
 
 Dear Sir : — In compliance with the request of a number of our citizens, 
 we solicit for publication, a copy of the interesting and patriotic oration 
 delivered by you at the celebration of the anniversary of American Inde- 
 pendence by the "Union Sabbath School" of this Village. 
 
 We believe its general circulation would be highly acceptable to all. 
 Very truly yours, 
 Abraham H. Smith, Daniel Hendrickson, 
 
 Jacob S. Bergen, Jacob Carpenter, 
 
 Daniel H. Carpenter, Abraham A. Hendrickson, 
 
 Thomas Callister. 
 
 Jamaica, July 11, 1861. 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 Herewith I send you a copy of my oration, as requested in yours of 
 the 8th inst. 
 
 Be pleased to accept my thanks for the complimentary manner in which 
 you have communicated to me the wishes of those whom you represent. 
 With great respect, I remain, 
 Yours truly, 
 
 J no. J. Armstrong. 
 To Abm. H. Smith, Jacob S. Bergen, and others. 
 
ORATION. 
 
 Memorable indeed, is the day we celebrate, in the an- 
 nals of our country — consecrated as it is to patriotic im- 
 pulses and proud recollections. It marks the commence- 
 ment of our existence as a nation, and a new era in the 
 government of the world. It is a day when the friends 
 of constitutional liberty and self government should cheer- 
 fully lay aside their differences of opinion, and with one 
 common voice unite in demonstrations like this ; and 
 when all should assemble not only to pay fitting honors 
 to the memory of those noble men, who here erected the 
 Temple of Liberty, but also to ponder upon the great 
 theme of American Freedom, to consider how it was won, 
 by what means it has been maintained, and above all, 
 how it may be preserved. 
 
 We come not to applaud our own works but to pay a 
 deserved tribute of gratitude and respect to those, by 
 whose noble and successful efforts, the rights of man 
 were vindicated and won. They felt that their struggles 
 were not alone for themselves, but for their children and 
 posterity. The most they could promise themselves was 
 that having placed upon this soil the tree of Liberty and 
 moistened its roots with their blood, that their children 
 would gather fruit from its branches, while they slept in 
 peace beneath its shade. 
 
 The event we meet to commemorate is all important 
 not merely as it relates to us as a people ; but as it marks 
 one of the great epochs in the history of the world. In 
 the histories of conquerors and princes, there may be 
 
6 
 
 muck to condemn, and perhaps but little in which the 
 world around us, takes an interest ; but in the history of 
 Liberty, of men struggling to be free, of those movements 
 by which Freedom is established and perpetuated, there 
 is an interest both deep and genuine, and this interest is 
 felt by us as a nation because we live under a form of 
 government, more favorable to its diffusion than any the 
 world has ever known. 
 
 Far-distant be the period when the " Fourth of July" 
 shall be forgotten, or when the American people will 
 consent that it may be unnoticed. It carries us back 
 to the time, when greater perils than now, environed the 
 land, and when a stronger bond of feeling and action 
 united the people. It calls from their beds of glory and 
 peace, the hosts who bled in the sacred cause, and who 
 this day gather around us, in saddened majesty and im- 
 ploringly beseech us by their sufferings and death, not 
 to permit our dissensions to destroy the Liberty they 
 purchased with their lives. It came to us 
 
 " N )t in the sunshine and smiles of Heaven, 
 But wrapt in whirlwinds and begirt with woes." 
 
 Let us not forget those whose hands reared the temple 
 in which we have reposed with safety and security for so 
 great a period of time and whose blood consecrates the 
 ground upon which it stands. And so too let us cherish 
 respect and reverence for the unnumbered and unknown 
 ones, who poured out their life's blood in the ranks ; who 
 followed the call of duty and of patriotism to the can- 
 non's mouth and who were never prompted by any sordid 
 or ambitious motive ; who pined in loathsome prison 
 ships, or languished with the diseases of the camp ; and 
 who, having returned from their country's service with 
 broken fortunes and ruined constitutions, sank into early 
 graves. 
 
" How sleep the brave, who sink to rest 
 With nil their country's wishes blest I 
 When Spring with dewy fingers cold 
 Returns to deck their hallowed mould, 
 She there shall dress a sweeter sod 
 Than fancy's feet have ever trod. 
 There Honor comes a pilgrim gray- 
 To bless the turf, that wraps their clay, 
 And Freedom shall a while repair 
 To dwell a weeping hermit there." 
 
 Eighty-five years have elapsed since the glorious an- 
 nouncement was made to the world that as a people we 
 were " and of right ought to be free and independent." 
 A crude confederacy has been supplanted by a Constitu- 
 tional Union, forming a free and happy government, 
 where all are protected and none oppressed, where labor 
 is bountifully rewarded, where learning is encouraged 
 and the arts and sciences fostered, where each man can 
 worship God according to the dictates of his own con- 
 science, and where want in the abodes of honest and vir- 
 tuous industry is unknown. 
 
 We need not repeat the oft-told and familiar record of 
 the deeds and sufferings of the men of '76. The world 
 knows it. While of other statesman and patriots the 
 pen of historians have differed, we may feel proud that 
 of those by whose privations and efforts, this " goodly 
 land of ours" was established, every nation and every pen 
 yield the grateful tribute of love, and pay to their mem- 
 ories the devotion due to their glorious deeds. And when 
 those who now inhabit these " United States" are num- 
 bered with the dead, may there be found a countless 
 multitude who will regard with reverence and esteem the 
 " Fathers of the Kepublic" and cherish their names as 
 the safeguards of Liberty, and from millions of hearts 
 may there ever ascend to Almighty God, a fervent prayer 
 for the welfare of our country and the perpetuity of her 
 institutions. 
 
 The change produced in the affairs of our native land, 
 
s 
 
 since we became an organized government, lias been such 
 as no other people or nation ever experienced. Then we 
 were weak and without any great experience in self-gov- 
 ernment. Now thirty-four stars glitter upon our nation's 
 ensign, and as a people we are great enough, and power- 
 ful enough, to repel all assaults upon the American Con- 
 stitution, whether they come from foreign powers, who 
 are jealous of our strength, or from internal parricides, 
 who basely seek to destroy the source of their prosperity 
 and happiness. Education with all of its blessed influ- 
 ences has widely disseminated the seeds of virtue, intelli- 
 gence and patriotism — so that it may be truly said that 
 our love for our country is guided by knowledge. Here 
 the sons of toil and oppression find shelter and refuge, 
 and our privileges both civil and religious, remain full of 
 their pristine vigor and beauty. Our general welfare is 
 written in letters of shining light upon every temple ded- 
 icated to the worship of the true and living God ; is 
 shaddowed forth from every school, academy and college 
 in the land ; is seen in the din incident to every commer- 
 cial mart, and in the productive fields of those who are 
 the tillers of the soil. It speaks from the bright eye and 
 honest countenance of every virtuous and law-abiding 
 citizen, in the joyous shout of childhood and the tender 
 tones of woman's gentle nature. 
 
 " Oh 1 surely a high destiny, which we alone can mar, 
 Is figured in the horoscope, where shines our risen star. 
 The monarchs all are looking on, in hopes some flaw to see 
 Among the yet unbroken links, that guard our Liberty ; 
 But may we disappoint the hopes of every despot lord 
 And keep our Union's Gordian knot uncleftby faction's sword, 
 And as with those girt of yore, new provinces are twined, 
 Still let us with fresh hands of love, the sheaf of Freedom bind '" 
 
 It is time however, that we turn from these medita- 
 tions, pleasant as they may be, to consider some of the 
 practical truths taught in the success of our country. It 
 is not enough for us to know that as a nation we are 
 
9 
 
 great and powerful. We should know how and by what 
 means this greatness has been attained, and upon what 
 principles the foundation of our Kepublic was placed. 
 Let us then consider these topics and learn the source of 
 our power and the means by which the nation may be 
 saved from the danger that now threatens it. 
 
 When the Kevolution had been brought to a success- 
 ful termination and the separation of our country from 
 Great Britain been consummated, it remained to organ- 
 ize* and perpetuate the independence which the men of 
 that period had secured, and to establish a government 
 by which the great design of the seven years conflict 
 would be accomplished, and thus satisfy the demands of 
 the friends of Freedom in other parts of the world. On 
 the one hand there was danger that the colonies in the 
 act of declaring themselves separate and independent 
 states would go to the extreme and refuse to admit any 
 authority beyond the limits of each particular State. 
 And on the other hand there was danger of placing too 
 much power in one general government. 
 
 Upon the successful termination of these two diffi- 
 culties depended the great benefit of the Revolution. The 
 articles of confederation had proven too weak, and as soon 
 as the war ceased, their inadequacy was felt. The coun- 
 try was in debt ; but they had no power by which the 
 means for its payment could be obtained. Eich in the 
 materials of commerce, they were without the ability to 
 collect a revenue. And although the country was filled 
 with the elements of wealth, yet it wanted the means to 
 pay the ordinary expenses of government. The distin- 
 guished authors of the Federalist thus stated the condi- 
 tion of the colonies at this period : — 
 
 " Each state yielding to the voice of immediate interest, 
 or convenience successively withdrew its support from 
 
10 
 
 the confederation, till the frail and tottering edifice was 
 ready to fall upon our heads and crush us beneath its 
 ruins." 
 
 It remained then to give tone and effect to all that 
 had been d< >ne for the cause of Liberty, and to organize 
 a government, by which the efforts and trials of the men 
 who bled in Freedom's cause should not be in vain and 
 by which the principles of a free and liberal government 
 might be perpetuated. Such was the task that the states- 
 men, who formed the Constitutional Convention of 1787, 
 and of which George Washington was the President, per- 
 formed. How well it was done, the success of the Uni- 
 ted States under that Constitution is the best witness. 
 
 Their first step was one of pain and regret. The old 
 confederation was to be abandoned — what doubts and 
 fears must this have excited. True, it was weak, but it 
 had carried them through the war. Could the new gov- 
 ernment do better than the old one ? And who could 
 say when the flag of the old thirteen was struck, that 
 the hearts of the people could be rallied to another ? 
 
 The world had almost settled down into the idea that 
 an hereditary monarchy, was necessary to give strength 
 and efficiency to the executive power. Those who framed 
 our Constitution denied this and make provision for the 
 election of a chief magistrate once in every four years. 
 
 In other countries, rank and distinction secured influ- 
 ence and power ; but the framers of our Constitution es- 
 tablished justice and equality — placed the elective fran- 
 chise where it might be exercised by every citizen, and 
 at the same time permitting all to contend for positions 
 of trust and power. 
 
 The governments of the old world had deemed it nec- 
 essary that there should be but one political head, to- 
 
11 
 
 wards which all power must tend, and at which it should 
 be exercised. Those who made our Constitution devised 
 a plan of confederated and sovereign states, (united in a 
 happy distribution of power) in which they reserved to 
 the states everything necessary to local administration, 
 and gave to the general government, those and those on- 
 ly, which were requisite for the whole. The object of 
 this they declared to be " to form a more perfect Union, 
 establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for 
 the common defence and secure the blessings of Liberty," 
 to themselves and their posterity. 
 
 Thus was completed the work of the Eevolution, and 
 thus it was that our fathers discharged the duties they 
 owed to themselves, their country and the world. A dis- 
 tinguished son of Massachusetts (the Hon. K. C. Win- 
 throp,) thus speaks of the Constitution : 
 
 " Like one of those wondrous rocking stones reared by 
 the Druid's which the finger of a child may vibrate to 
 the centre, yet the might of an army could not move 
 from its place, our Constitution is so nicely poised, that 
 it seems to sway with every breath of opinion, yet so 
 firmly rooted in the breast and affections of the people, 
 that the wildest storm of treason and fanaticism break 
 over it in vain." 
 
 In this work there lurks no gem of secession. They 
 organized a government, but did not provide that any 
 restive or uneasy member might be at liberty, only so 
 long as it suited her fancy, to remain loithin the Union, 
 and then be permitted to withdraw and break up the 
 government. No State has the right to withdraw it- 
 self from the Union at pleasure — the same formality 
 which forged the links of the Union, is necessary to dis- 
 solve it. Think you that as a nation, Ave would ever 
 have become what we are, if the doctrine of "secession" 
 had been the theory of our government ? Neither in the 
 
12 
 
 management of our domestic and internal affairs, nor in 
 the regulation of our foreign difficulties, could we with 
 such a doctrine maintain our position, or uphold the 
 honor of the flag. Admit such a principle and you at 
 once destroy that confidence so necessary for foreign na- 
 tions to have, and weaken the tie by which the States 
 are kept together. Secession tears to pieces our whole 
 fabric of government and makes sad havoc with the glo- 
 rious recollections of the past. Andrew Jackson — than 
 whom there was none more honest, more independent or 
 more patriotic — in his message upon the nullification 
 question declared that — 
 
 " The right of the people of a single State to absolve 
 themselves at will and without the consent of the other 
 States, from their most solemn obligations and hazard 
 the liberties of the millions composing this Union, can- 
 not be acknowledged. To say that any State may at 
 pleasure secede from the Union, is to say that the Uni- 
 ted States is not a nation." 
 
 Our Constitution was the work of the best talent, the 
 purest patriotism and the most comprehensive minds, 
 that the country then or ever since has possessed. It is 
 therefore a question whether an instrument so important 
 shall be destroyed ; whether this " Union of hearts and 
 Union of hands," shall be subverted, and ". the flag of 
 our Union," give way to the representative of the peli- 
 can and the rattle-snake. No, my countrymen, if there 
 breathes in the hearts of the people one spark of patrio- 
 tism, one single ray of love for the memories of the past, 
 one faint whispering of reverence for the names of Wash- 
 ington, of Jefferson, of Adams and their co-laborers, this 
 infamous dogma of " secession," will be destroyed and 
 that forever. Never breath it save with indignation and 
 contempt. Let all who march under its banner beware. 
 The day will come — and that soon — when it will become 
 
13 
 
 to them an unceasing reproach, and when they will he 
 ready to call upon the rocks and mountains to hide them 
 from the contempt of an outraged people. 
 
 This Union, the result of the Revolution and the states- 
 manship of those by whom the Constitution was framed, 
 is no ordinary gift. Purchased as it was at the expense 
 of toil and suffering, it has been preserved by care and 
 watchfulness. It imposes upon each citizen duties of a 
 high and responsible nature, and such as no individual 
 or set of men should hesitate to perform. It will not be 
 enough for us to guard with care and attention the bonds 
 by which the Union maybe kept safe from "faction's 
 sword," in order that we may enjoy the blessings it con- 
 fers ; but it is a duty we owe those who shall come after 
 us, that we transmit it to them unimpaired and full of 
 vigor. 
 
 When we remember that the example of America has 
 aroused in other lands a longing and thirsting desire for 
 Liberty ; that our conduct as a nation operates as a pow- 
 erful jjrecedent the world over, we can appreciate the 
 importance of the position assigned us by Providence 
 and the magnitude of the trust confided to our care. 
 By showing to the world a united, conciliatory and de- 
 termined spirit we give to the United States a far better 
 eulogium than we can by words, however eloquent or 
 appropriate they may be. We give then a living ex- 
 ample, worthy of imitation, and one by which others 
 may be induced to follow in the footsteps of freedom and 
 civilization. 
 
 Remember too, that the greatest engine of moral pow- 
 er, known to human affairs, is an organized, prosperous 
 and united people. All that man in his individual ca- 
 pacity can do — all that he can effect by his ingenious dis- 
 coveries and wonders of art, is but little when compar- 
 
14 
 
 ed with the marked influence on human affairs and human 
 happiness of a well-constituted, free and united people 
 — such as ours was designed to be, and such as we have 
 it in our power to make it. Acting thus we are enabled 
 to sow wide the seeds of intelligence n civilization and lib- 
 erty, and the world at large made the better by our in- 
 fluence and exanrple. 
 
 Break up the Union ! Who would dare to enter upon 
 a work so disastrous and deplorable in its results ? If it 
 were possible so to bury a magazine as to blast the conti- 
 nent into atoms, it would hardly produce the horrors inci- 
 dent to the dissolution of this Union and the overthrow 
 of the government. Those horrors would not be confined 
 to this continent, but would span the world. The bloodi- 
 est conflict that ere marked the history of any nation, 
 would not equal that one in which the liberties of the 
 American people was lost. We are told that 
 
 "Freedom shrieked when Kosciusko fell." 
 
 But when America falls, then liberty 
 
 " Sighing from her seat through all her works 
 Will give signs of wo, that all is lost." 
 
 And then it will be, that the expressive lines of Moore 
 will appropriately represent the scene upon which the 
 traveller will gaze with grief — 
 
 "The harp that once through Tara's halls 
 The soul of music shed, 
 Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls 
 As if that soul was fled. 
 
 No more to chiefs and ladies bright 
 
 The harp of Tara swells. 
 The chord that breaks alone at night 
 
 Its tale of ruin tells. 
 
 Thus freedom now so seldom wakes. 
 
 The only throb she gives 
 Is when some heart indignant breaks 
 
 To show that she still lives." 
 
15 
 
 But sir, the time for America to decline, has not yet 
 arrived, nor will it come, so long as there remain hearts 
 and arms, capable of loving and defending her from the 
 assaults of her adversaries. Let those who desire her 
 ruin plot as they may, they will find millions ready to 
 defend not only the institutions of our land, hut to 
 punish the arch agitators, as their crimes justly de- 
 serve. 
 
 There are to many glorious memories ; too much of 
 bright promise and of hope associated with this Union, to 
 leave any one indifferent to its fate, or with a desire for its 
 ruin. It has nobly and well served the design of those 
 who built it, and has given to the world the best evidence 
 of its power. Those who established it, erected a monu- 
 ment of fame and glory, as enduring as time itself. It 
 has been confided to our hands, to protect it from the 
 assaults of the spoiler and adorn it with the garlands of 
 veneration, fidelity and affection. Those wise and good 
 men lighted on our country's altar, the fire of Freedom, 
 left it burning brightly and gave to us the injunction to 
 keep it perpetual. If now we betray our trust, and 
 make ours the hand to tear down the monument here 
 erected and extinguish that fire, and the heaviest ven- 
 geance of Heaven, be not visited upon us, it will only be 
 because the Divine Kuler of the Universe will manifest 
 his power, more through his attribute of mercy than of 
 justice. 
 
 This monument shall not be destroyed. We will not 
 do it ourselves, nor will we permit others to do it. Let 
 the sentiments of the following ode, sang in the city of 
 Charleston, S. C, July 4, 1831, [oh ! that it could be 
 rej)eated there to day] be the promise and desire of every 
 American heart : 
 
 " By our altars pnre and free 
 By our laws deep-rooted tree 
 
16 
 
 By the past's dread memory 
 
 By our "Washington ! 
 By our common parent tongue 
 By our hopes, bright, bouyant, young 
 By the tie of country strong 
 
 "We -will still be one. 
 
 Fathers 1 have ye bled in vain ? 
 Ages ! must we droop again ? 
 Maker 1 must we rashly stain 
 
 Blessings sent by thee ? 
 No ! receive our solemn vow 
 While before thy throne we bow 
 Ever to maintain as now 
 
 ' l Union— Liberty." " 
 
 Our independence was achieved not alone that we 
 might live separate from Great Britain, or that we could 
 have a country to which the appellation of our " own 
 dear native land," might be appropriately given. They 
 who laid the foundation of this government were men 
 who knew full well that Liberty could not dwell where 
 virtue, intelligence and truth were not found. While 
 therefore we should esteem it our highest privilege to ex- 
 tend those principles, we should also see that respect for 
 and obedience to the laws enacted by the duly constitu- 
 ted authorities, should be made a cardinal doctrine with 
 all classes of men. We may regard the particular stat- 
 ute to be unjust and even tyrannical, but so long as it 
 remains upon the statute book, our duty is, submission, 
 if not respect. To inculcate the idea that laws may be 
 obeyed or not at the pleasure of any body of men, is to 
 countenance the spirit of nullification, and when this is 
 done, it is quite difficult to determine at what point the 
 evil would stop. " Life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap- 
 piness" depend upon our observance of the laws. The 
 fitness of a jieople for self-government is best exhibited 
 in a ready, willing and prompt submission to the will of 
 the majority when expressed in the form and manner re- 
 quired by the Constitution. Let a spirit of rebellion 
 become rampant in the land — let the authority of the 
 
17 
 
 Constitution be denied and soon you will find your leg- 
 islative bodies broken up and political cliieftains and 
 demagogues appealing from the will of the people to the 
 power of the sword. Those wise and good men who or- 
 ganized our government were too sagacious not to see 
 and too prudent not to provide, a remedy for such a dif- 
 ficulty. 
 
 Our system is so framed that if unwise laws are enact- 
 ed, or incompetent men chosen to office, that the people 
 can, at the proper time, repeal the one and remove the 
 other. Those men who teach the doctrine of resistance 
 to the law, are dangerous leaders, and are not deserving 
 the sympathy or confidence of those who believe that the 
 people have in their power and in the manner provided 
 by the Constitution, all that is requisite to remedy what- 
 ever may be wrong or unjust. 
 
 Let us remember that the liberty our ancestors here 
 established, and the blessings we have for eighty-five 
 years enjoyed, were based upon the idea of submission to 
 the "powers that be." Fidelity to the laws of the land, a 
 generous and cordial support of all of the requirements 
 of the Constitution and the laws enacted under it, and a 
 frowning down of every effort to introduce resistance to 
 the constituted authorities, must and should be the 
 course adopted by all those who desire the success of free 
 institutions and a wise government. 
 
 With us the peoj)le are sovereigns, and hence it is, 
 that all attempts to disregard the law, are not only bad 
 in their tendency, but altogether unnecessary. The 
 doctrine of the " divine right of kings," draws after it 
 obedience to an arbitrary and even despotic power, and 
 perchance of unlimited oppression. The adoption of the 
 " Declaration of Independence" and the American Con- 
 stitution destroyed this right, as it was regarded to be 
 
18 
 
 opposed to the interests of the people. We believe that 
 all government should be based upon a compact between 
 the supreme authority and its subjects ; and that the 
 great design of the government should be the happiness 
 of the governed. Under this theory, the property of the 
 humblest citizen is protected, the rights of all carefully 
 guarded, and the national power becomes fixed, effective 
 and immoveable. Under this system there can be no 
 favored few. Wealth and ancestral fame are not the sole 
 means by which promotion is secured. The road to pre- 
 ferment is open to all, and the history of the past teaches 
 us that the individual who has an honest heart, and clear 
 mind and a persevering industry to aid him — though for- 
 tune or fame never smiled upon him — is certain to ob- 
 tain that position his merits deserve. The people are not 
 slow to search out all such and reward them. In truth 
 and in fact our government is our people. It is founded 
 upon the authority of opinion, is upheld by the virtue 
 and intelligence of the masses, and becomes at once a 
 government of intelligence, humanity and peace. Be- 
 cause of this our foundation has been laid upon Freedom, 
 our nation has been sustained in every hour of danger by 
 the virtue and intelligence of the masses, and our great 
 strength has been our equality. 
 
 It is time that we consider other questions. We have 
 seen that the " Constitution, the Union and the enforce- 
 ment of the laws," have proven the source of our strength 
 in the past, and have undoubtedly been the means of 
 placing us in the front rank among the nations of the 
 earth, and of making our influence felt wherever and 
 whenever the occasion required. How is it to day ? Has 
 that Constitution lost its influence and power ? Has 
 that Union ceased to control by its benign and sacred 
 influence ? And have the laws lost their restraining and 
 protecting power ? Why is it this day, that in every 
 
19 
 
 part of the United States, there is not an awakening of 
 ' the people to do honor to the natal day of American In- 
 dependence ? Why is that the sound of tumult rings 
 through the land to day, and the tramp of marching 
 squadrons is heard, and the roar of the artillery startles 
 the nation with its death-dealing sound ? Who has 
 broken the peace, and now seeks to break down the Con- 
 stitution, destroy the Union and trample upon the laws 
 of the land ? Examine with a careful and candid mind 
 the present condition of national affairs and answer these 
 questions as the truth shall demand. 
 
 Whither away does our good ship drift? 
 
 Sentinels whither away ? 
 Do yon see her shrouds through the storms dark rift ? 
 
 Do the breezes still her pennons lift, 
 In the midst of the shadows gray ? 
 Oh 1 whither does our good ship drift? 
 
 Sentinels, whither away ? 
 
 Oh ! tell us where does our good ship drift ? 
 
 Of its unknown dangers tell. 
 Can you see her afloat, through the tempests rift ? 
 
 Does her proud flag, still to the sunbeams lift ? 
 Oh 1 say will it yet be well ? 
 
 Aye 1 aye 1 there's the chime of a fearless song, 
 
 From the seas through which we view her 
 On her noble yard, there's a clustering throng. 
 
 " She will right" 1 '" She will right" 1 for their hands are strong, 
 And their trust in God is sure." 
 
 Do you ask me what is the cause of this uprising of 
 the people ? And what is the principle for which they 
 abandon the endearments and charms of home, for the 
 dangers and difficulties of the soldier's life ? It is be- 
 cause they feel that the Union of these States has been 
 endangered by the efforts of ambitious and designing 
 men, and that it must at all hazards be preserved and 
 maintained. They look upon that Union as Washington 
 did, and regard it "as the main pillar in the edifice of 
 our real independence, the support of our tranquility at 
 
20 
 
 home, our safety, our prosperity, of that very liberty we 
 so highly prize." 
 
 Men have forgotten their little feuds in the perils of 
 the Constitution. The afflicted voice of the country in 
 its hour of danger has charmed down with sweet persua- 
 sion the angry passions of the day ; and all feel that they 
 have no heart to discuss minor topics, when the infinitely 
 more momentous and solemn question is before them — 
 " must the Union perish ?" 
 
 Strange, passing strange, that amid all our increase of 
 territoiy — our boasted intelligence and virtue — our pow- 
 er and glory — regardless of the hallowed memories of the 
 past, forgetful of the present and altogether unmindful 
 of the future — the Satanic proposition should be advanced 
 of a dissolution of these States. 
 
 "Palsied bo the lips that frame it, 
 
 nelpless fall the foeman's arm 
 Turn his fiercest strength t« weakness, 
 
 Who would do a brother harm. 
 And God 1 wilt thou take vengeance 
 
 On whoever by word or deed 
 Broadcast o'er our noblo country 
 
 Sowed die-union's fruitful seed? 
 
 Curse the tongue 
 
 Of old or young 
 
 Who shouts the battle-cry "secede." 
 
 They who have raised the standard of rebellion and re- 
 sistance to the Federal authority, stand without excuse 
 or justification for their madness and folly. All of their 
 rights under the Constitution were secure and it was not 
 in the power of those having the management of affairs 
 — even if they desired it, of which there is no evidence — 
 to do them any harm. Without waiting to know the ' 
 policy of the government, and without consulting the 
 people, a class of designing and ambitious men hurried 
 the seceding States into rebellion. They knew that un- 
 less the horrid din of battle was commenced, their schemes 
 
21 
 
 would be frustrated. They therefore seized the first op- 
 portunity of collision with the Federal authority — so that 
 under the panic and feeling connected with such an event, 
 they might the more easily and successfully appeal to the 
 passions and prejudices of their people. Fort Sumter 
 afforded the excuse. Its provisions were nearly exhaust- 
 ed and the President, as it was his duty, sought to fur- 
 nish food to the brave men within its walls. In the name 
 of humanity and peace, he informed those besieging the 
 fort of this desire, stating that the provisions would be 
 sent by an unarmed vessel. This however would not an- 
 swer their purpose, nor could they wait until the gallant 
 Anderson had been starved out — they sought the humili- 
 ation of the government and the dishonoring of the flag 
 that floated so proudly o'er the walls of Sumter. The 
 result is known. For more than twenty-four hours a 
 heavy cannonade was directed against the fort, and after 
 the noble band within it had defended it, as none but 
 Americans could do, the gallant officer in command 
 evacuated his post and left the broken walls of that fort 
 as the first movement of the maddening effort to destroy 
 the government ; but he brought with him his glorious 
 flag, and saluted it, as he left his rock bound prison. 
 The firing at that flag, touched a chord too near the 
 American heart, not to be resented. 
 
 That flag was the one the patriots of old loved 
 and blessed, and which they compelled their proud enemy 
 to acknowledge and respect. It is the symbol of our in- 
 dependence and glory — " the gorgeous ensign of the re- 
 public," so long " known and honored throughout the 
 world." What precious associations cluster around it ! 
 Through what clouds of dust and smoke — what storms 
 of shot and shell — what scenes of fire and blood, — has 
 it not passed. Wherever it has gone, it has been the 
 pride of its friends and the terror of its foes. How many 
 
22 
 
 heroes has it folded in death, and with what joy has the 
 American in foreign lands gazed upon its stars and 
 stripes, and there read the history of his nation's glory, 
 and drawn from it, the inspiration of patriotism — 
 
 " Flag of the free 1 on ocean wave 
 Thy stars shall glitter o'er the brave ; 
 When death careering on the gale, 
 Sweeps darkly round the bellied 6ail, 
 And frighted waves rush wildly back 
 Before the broadsides reeling rack, 
 Each dying wonder of the sea 
 
 Shall look at once to heaven and thee, 
 And smile to see thy splendors fly 
 In triumph o'er his closing eye. 
 
 Flag of the free ! heart's hope and home ! 
 By angel hands to valor given : 
 Thy stars havo lit the welkin dome 
 And all thy hues were born in heaven.) 
 Forever float that standard sheet, 
 Where breathes the foe but falls before us ? 
 With Freedom's soil beneath our feet, 
 And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us." 
 
 Following in quick succession the attempt to dishonor 
 the flag, the conspirators in their work of mischief have 
 g< >ne from one degree of wickedness and baseness, until 
 they themselves dread the result. 
 
 The history of the present effort to break up this Union 
 and subvert the government is a history of repeated 
 usurpations, having in view the establishment of a dan- 
 gerous form of government " over these States." "To 
 prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world." 
 
 In consequence of it the nation has been plunged into 
 a civil war ; the trade and business of the country seri- 
 ously interfered with, if not destroyed ; many of the 
 peaceful pursuits of life broken up ; and above all the 
 perpetuity of our fair government seriously jeopardized. 
 
 The public property has been seized and in some in- 
 stances destroyed ; the lives of those commisioned to 
 defend that property have been menaced, and alas ! that 
 
23 
 
 I should be compelled to say, been taken because of their 
 fidelity to their country ; and it has turned upon the high 
 seas a band of men whose business it is to prey upon the 
 vessels and property of those who trade under the Ameri- 
 can flag. 
 
 It has induced those who have embraced its doctrine 
 to repudiate their just and honest debts, and holds those 
 who prefer to live patriotic and honest lives as guilty of a 
 high offence and deserving of punishment. 
 
 It ignores the right of the people — the doctrine being, 
 as stated by Mason of Virginia, that all who do not favor 
 secession " must leave the State." Freedom of speech is 
 denied the people, unless it is employed to aid the cause 
 of rebellion. 
 
 It has become intolerant and overbearing ; has invol- 
 ved the States in which it exists, in a war where success 
 to them is hopeless and must ultimately lead to the ruin 
 of the people ; it is " now waging war against us" ; and 
 has constrained our fellow citizens "to bear arms against 
 their country, to become the executioners of their friends 
 and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands." 
 
 More might be added, but I forbear. 
 
 The effort cannot prove successful. The patriotic fire 
 and indignation of a whole people has been aroused, and 
 this day, we behold the painful yet glorious fact, that 
 the citizens of the North, East, and West, are prepared 
 by an appeal to arms, if necessary, to defend the Union 
 and see that the laws are enforced. 
 
 '• The grand old earth shakea at the tread of the men 
 Who meet aa of old, in the defence of the true ; 
 
 All hail to the stars that are set in their banner. 
 All hail to the red, the white and the blue. 
 
 The prayers of fair women like legions of angels 
 Watch over our soldiers by day and by night, 
 
24 
 
 And the king of all glory, the chief of all armies, 
 Shall love them, and lead them, who dare to be right. 
 As each column wheels by 
 Hear their hearts battle cry 
 '• 'Tis sweet for our country to die." " 
 
 They who are engaged in this contest upon the side of 
 the government are not imbued with hatred against the 
 South. The question is one not about the North, or any- 
 other portion of the country, but whether a part of the 
 people of one section shall be permitted to overthrow the 
 property, blessings and government of every section of 
 the same land. The glistening bayonet and the steady 
 tread of thousands now upon the " sacred soil" of the re- 
 bellious people, are there for the purpose of protecting 
 and defending the flag and the government. No excesses 
 mark their progress and no rights of persons or property 
 will be invaded — unless those rights and that property 
 are interposed to shield treason. 
 
 While we obey the Constitution and the laws, let them 
 do the same thing. No burden is imposed upon them, 
 that does not fall upon us, and we ask for no privileges 
 that they may not enjoy. Their country is ours, and 
 ours is theirs. And that unity of government and coun- 
 try so long our pride, we could not without self loathing 
 destroy — nor can we permit them to do it. 
 
 Civil war under all circumstances is a terrible calamity 
 and yet from the selfish and designing course of ambi- 
 tious men, the best governments have not escaped. But 
 there are things as bad. To have star after star taken 
 from our banner ; to have stripe after stripe erased or 
 obscured ; to have our fair women weep and our brave 
 men blush, for the fall of their nation — these are as bad 
 as the other. They who have rendered a resort to arms 
 necessary in order to strike for our " altars and sires," 
 for " G-od and our native land," have incurred a fearful 
 amount of guilt. May we not adopt the prayer of John 
 
25 
 
 Hampden — who turning aside from preferred titles, to de- 
 vote his time and great talents to the popular cause, and 
 while dying of his wounds exclaimed — " Oh ! Lord save 
 my bleeding country ! Confound and level in the dust 
 those who would rob the people of their liberty and law- 
 ful prerogative." 
 
 No contest so momentous as this has ever arisen. The 
 ordeal through which the people are passing, must in- 
 volve great suffering and loss ; but who is not prepared 
 to endure the one and submit to the other, if thereby the 
 land we so fondly love may be saved from destruction ? If 
 your government is destroyed what protection have you 
 for your property or your person ? 
 
 There are, I doubt not, thousands in the South, who 
 would this very hour, if they dare, celebrate this day ; 
 but the same influence by which their states were driven 
 into the vortex of secession, closes their lips and makes 
 them the unwilling victims of a dogma they loath and 
 despise. It is therefore as much the duty of the govern- 
 ment to relieve this Union sentiment from the oppression 
 under which it is now placed, as it is to maintain its own 
 authority in those states, or to plant the flag among those 
 who once worshipped beneath its folds. 
 
 However unfortunate the issue, we must be careful 
 that the trials and dangers through which our fathers 
 passed as well as the sacrifices they made, have not been 
 in vain. This government is the work of their hands, 
 the fruit of their toils, and the price of their lives freely 
 given, in order that their descendants might here enjoy a 
 government worthy of the adoration and love of succeed- 
 ing generations. Bravely they dared ; patiently and 
 heroically they struggled ; and side by side they fell, in- 
 voking Heaven's blessing upon the cause in which they 
 were engaged. 
 
26 
 
 While, therefore, we do our duty as men and patriots, 
 may we not hope that the madness and folly that now fires 
 the brain of those fighting against the government will 
 soon pass away, and they return to their allegiance, ere the 
 dreadful shock of battle shall overwhelm them ? But if 
 they will not do this, and shall defy the power by which 
 they have been protected, then let the arm raised more in 
 pity than anger, smite them, and let the blows be sharp, 
 quick, powerful and effective. All that we hold sacred is 
 involved in this contest and if true to our country and 
 her flag, we are safe ; but if we hesitate or doubt, as to 
 our duty now, the waves of faction and disorder may 
 sweep over us, carrying with them the glory and honor of 
 our common Union. 
 
 Do you ask me what your duty is now ? You are 
 bound by every principle of justice to sustain the honor, 
 maintain the integrity of the government, and defend with 
 unfaltering fidelity the Constitution. By every means in 
 your power " at every hazard and by every sacrifice this 
 Union must be preserved." Lukewarmness, indifference, 
 or unconcern is to be deprecated. This Union cemented 
 by the blood of patriots, the pride of America and the 
 wonder of the World, must not be sacrificed to the de- 
 signing motives and the ambitious hearts, of those who 
 prefer to destroy if they cannot rule. There is left but 
 one path of duty for those who truly and devotedly love 
 the Union — that duty brings them to the support of the 
 government, the execution of the laws, and the protec- 
 tion of the Union — 
 
 " By every sacred name, 
 By every glorious song, 
 By all we know and love of fame , 
 Our Country, right or wrong. " 
 
27 
 
 Pause my friends and listen to the voices that come 
 from the graves of American patriots. They are words 
 of warning, as well as of command. Who is bold enough 
 to despise them ? 
 
 From the grave at Mount Vernon there is heard a voice 
 deep-toned and solemn — "Let there be no change 
 by usurpation — it is the customary weapon by 
 which Free Governments are destroyed." 
 
 From the " Hermitage," where repose the remains of 
 Jackson, there comes a voice, whose tone is clear and dis- 
 tinct. The words are few, hut oh ! what courage do 
 they inspire — "The Union, — it must be preserv- 
 ed." 
 
 From Ashland, where the honored form of Clay sleeps 
 there floats in silvery notes, the patriotic declaration — "I 
 
 OWE A PARAMOUNT ALLEGIANCE TO THE WHOLE UN- 
 ION." 
 
 From Marshfield, where rests in solemn grandeur the 
 "last of earth" of the defender of the Constitution, I 
 hear the majestic tones of his voice, uttering that ever- 
 to-be remembered sentiment — "Liberty and Union, 
 
 NOW AND FOREVER, ONE AND INSEPARABLE." 
 
 And from the new made grave, upon which the tears 
 of a sorrowing people, have not yet ceased to fall, there 
 comes an injunction full of meaning. It is the legacy 
 left by Douglas, to his sons — " Support the Constitu- 
 tion AND OBEY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES." 
 
 These with other patriot voices are this day sounding 
 all over the land calling up the people to action and 
 duty. And from the council-chambers of those who 
 
2S 
 
 founded our institutions ; from every battle-field render- 
 ed sacred to the cause of American Liberty ; and from 
 the lips of millions of patriotic freemen, the response 
 goes forth not only that the Union must, but that it 
 SHALL be preserved. 
 
 " Sail on I Ship of State ! 
 Sail on ! O Union, strong and great ! 
 
 #***♦** 
 
 We know what master laid thy keel, 
 What workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, 
 Who made each mast, and sail, and rope, 
 What anvils rang, what hammers beat. 
 In what a forge, in what a heat 
 Were shaped, the anchors of thy hope. 
 
 ******* 
 
 In spite of rock and tempest roar 
 
 In spite of false lights on the shore, 
 
 Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea, 
 
 Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee. 
 
 Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, 
 
 Our faith, triumphant o'er our fears 
 
 Are all with thee ! are all with thee ! 
 
 Let us then, stimulated by the memories of the illus- 
 trious dead and the recollections of a glorious past, pre- 
 sent the cheering spectacle of an enlightened people har- 
 monious and powerful, standing by the rights of all, 
 under one Constitution ; let us instill its principles into 
 the minds of our children and bind our souls and theirs 
 to the National Union. Then shall we offer an accepta- 
 ble tribute to the memory of those who founded our 
 Republic ; then shall we present a cheering example to 
 other nations struggling to free themselves from the 
 galling chains of oppression, and thus true to our whole 
 country we may 
 
 " Still crown her counsels with success 
 With peace and joy her borders bless 
 And all her sacred rights maintain." 
 
ff 
 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS