ORATION

PRONOUNCED BY THE

HONORABLE ROBERT C. WINTHROP,

SPEAICIYJR. OF THE I-IOUSE OF RI§I’IU§SENTA'I'IVlC$ OF TI~IJ€1 UNITED STATES,

ON '.lI‘III:3

Fourtlx of July, 1848,

()N Tfillfrl (;)(MI(\.3AHl(.}N HF L.AY”I.N(‘3 "1‘I-W3 C301“iNI€-R.-$3'I‘(7)NJi‘a OF 'I'IsI1sIl

NA'l‘lU;’\"]/{L M0N%liVMIEN'l%‘ ’1‘() 7l‘II]i1 MIEMUILY OF WASl[IN(}’I‘()N”.

'W1'I"1[

AN IN7lA‘R(I)I)“U(3’l7IV0N AND AN AI’I’ENDI;IX.

I’11i>1i.s}md by urtlor of!’ mm NAutimml M0llIlIl1(:‘JltS()(5f0ty. A A

WASHINGTON:  
J. 52: G. S.G'rIDEON, I>1zINA'rI::Rs.  
  1848.

W.4Lsn1Ne'roN NATIONAL l\/IoNUMnN'r Ornrcn, July 5, 1848.

At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Wasliiiigton National Monument
Society held this day, the following resolution was unanimously adopted 2--

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to the HON. ROBERT C. WIN-
‘I£'lIIt‘O1’,fOI‘ the eloquent, instructive, patriotic and appropriate Address pronounced by
him yesterday, on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the National Monu-
ment to the memory of Washington: That he be requested to furnish the Board
with a copy of the address; and that a large and elegant edition of the same be
published in pamphlet form, under the direction of‘ a committee to be appointed for
that purpose. '

Mr. Fendall, Mr. Watterston, and Gen. Henderson were appointed as the commit-
tee, and presented a copy of the foregoing resolution to Mr. Winthrop.

mm. wrNr1moi~’s mewnrt.

WASIIINGTON, July 6, 1848.
Gnnrtnnnnz y y A M ‘ y
I am greatly honored hy the resolution of‘ the Managers of the Washington
National Monument Society. ‘
My Address is at their service, to be disposed of in any manner of‘ which they
shall think it Worthy.
I arn, most respectfully,
Your friend and servant,
ROBT. C. WINTHROP.
Mn. FENIMLL, '

Mn. WA'PTERS1?ON, Comarzittec, «St.
GENL. HEITDI-:.RSON,

INTRODUCTION.

o-...«.r-.r~./n..r~.  mm
v‘

A SUITABLE site for thca Natiorml Monumcmt having been gmnted by Congress,
the Bcmrcl of I.‘»(I::11‘1z1,gc:-.1's szocm ulmr aclc>ptc:(1 :1 msc»l1,1tlion, cleclming that the corner-
stone of tlm I‘)1‘C)I)(i)S(3)d .‘3T.I‘l.‘lC3tl”lI‘C2 sal1c>u‘lc,l be 'ln.ic;1 can tlm 4th of July, 1848, as the day
most app:-mpx-late to ac» patriotictza $11’! c.>l;>j<-mt. Application was mmrlo, at an early%
p<;:1'i(“)<], to 1110 ItT.(:m. R. G. VVint.ln~mp, to dcalivrzr an zxclcllress cm tlm. occasion, to which
n fzLVc:>1‘z‘1l.)l0 armvwzzr nvms 1‘<3c:t;!ivc2cl; :1 c:m1x'nittc:c:a wvms np1:aointa3c'l to 1"l‘1zELk<E3 all r1eces-
smry fl.I'1‘llI"1g‘(l?1.'I'1(lllttél for t.l.1c:e zlxllxtcz-,r¢:l.*.:‘:~xt:il:::zg__:; (:+.er¢;»11‘1(31'1im2a, wlliclx (:C)l“,lSl§ltf2*.C1 cu? Mcassrss. H¢:an~
<,lc3rsc,n~1, .lVI'zu:l1~y, zmcl Lmmzc, mu} :1. Bxlzilclixug Cornxnittce. was alsxr), at tlm sarmzs time,
crcmtml, (‘3(')1"l:é3l&¥ll1il"l§Ll,' of Mlwsxrs. ('3arl‘;m'y, Wuttcsrston, amcl W. A. I3m<.1ley, anal to which
Wm-9. 2-'x.l"tc:rw2:n‘cll.s;z :1¢‘lr,lmfl (301. Al)0.1*t.

'I"'l;m ll‘l'n~mm.- (::m.'I”.l1“I‘liN.(,’3(ITh pmc<tsc:sc;l.l::<{l ‘cc: uppclintz a 1"rw.1'lez1m.l—;iIn-czllielj, Mr. Joscpll IWI.
Brmllcy, zmcl witll l'llim to 1:'rmlcc:: tlm: mg-.<::(i:ss:~3mry :.1r1'ang,mn<;mts for laying the learner»-
$t<:m<:: cm “elm day llrzHig":.Ltc:.:cl.. ]‘r1vimtic‘»1-lxss wcaem scant; to 11110 c1ill1:~.rcmtSmtc:s of the
'U;nir:m, z~m}m:‘:.~4lirz,gz,‘ the": :'1.t,l;c:-.xlclz:mr.:¢;;a ml‘ lllc:1ehg,2,'zl1t:c;ee5 with l;>:.mnc:rs, Hill]. Qtllrar insignizxg
to tlm I’rm:zicll(liex*1t of tlm: 'IfJnitc2<l ffzltzltcelez, tlm lxcazxcls of (lupurtmcmta, c;lli:e:ti1‘lgulis1mc1 indiw
vidl.‘1z11.4,:‘x,r1"11y um}. navy €T)mc'3(.l1"l:l, tlm c;:nrfmrz'xtcz m1tlu:)rltic::s3 of Wz1sl'1ingtc;1a,Gcmrge~
mwn, mall Ale::xt1.r1cl1'ir1, &c:.., mml tc) :-:mr‘:c.2a of tlmsro irmvimticms urxsswexzs were received,
whicll will lm. tfl:l1:zm“l in tllcza Am:>cer‘l<lix..“'

‘Tlm. I31;lil<flim,g ('fL‘m1*1mlit.tm2 }_:n'c:a:l:ci:<i:c‘lml m rxmtwmlnt am arallitcczt, Mr. Rolat. Mills, who
lmd flxrrlisllllzcl 1:110, (’l¢Tlfi4i§;l,'fl cll'1;ll<:.~. I‘l"lC7J1’l1l1l:'lL"1€3l“l13; m c::x1.1sm tlm fi’;Jlf1l”l(1fl.lLi(‘)l'l of the strucztuw
tca lm c:::cc.:tw:1tm'l, it milway 11¢» lm ll;>rmml, ltlml ta) ruzmtrz-u::t liar tlm l'l“1i‘L1;(33“l'i&lll-3 r(;:c1t;1ir<::<1
liar than (.:(")l“l.‘éltI‘l.‘l.m.l(‘m cilll‘ tlm «'9.-c'l.iflci:r:. MT. Tl‘l(f1lYTll"lS filyx*r‘ximg;1t¢:llr1, ml” :Bl.11tiI”l’l tum, influ-
cancxcmcl by :1. z-fzpirit ml" 1m.h'lc:>l.i.~l1‘x1, pr(;rs;l:~.r:ltml 1:0 tlm Sclcziczety ax 1"ll1fl.‘:ll~‘5i‘V'(1l. l,;>Ic:u;:ls: cl!‘ mm:l2l¢<z~,
wcaigl*lir‘xg ‘.-i2~*1,l'l(.fi'l(l) l”l;.~;-5., t.z1.lcc;m l'mn:1 his-.5 q1:lz‘1,l*ry nmu: tlmt city-, ll::n- 1.111;: rmrncar-.9tc>rw,
wlil:i<":ll Wm: ¢::m“1vc-lyczcl, l“rlm ml‘ (“.71l£iLl‘;l,‘L%, by 1.11:: $1.1§lC]1lC:l,lm,’11ll$11, ztmcl 1:110 13:;Lltimc:arc: marl
Ollio R£1ilrC){1(l Cl‘cm‘11‘r>::xr1i<t;*.:5 to tlm (fl(1l[‘)t’.T)llZ.ll‘“1 Wz:mlling;t;c9:'2, mutl ”tl‘lC)I“1(":.(LB by tlw czitimrzs
to its p]a.c:c.~. ml‘ c.l.<3s3lir:z1ti<7>1l'1. 'I‘.l.m:i:c:a il"lll‘ll..l£*$T.I‘;l.(T)l.’1;‘il 1'r1::z.1-lam r;1;rt;tcm-3, Mczss$rs3.I)o1:l1gl'l¢;>rty,
Berry, mlcl Ilzmtllcerlbrcl, ml‘ Wzmllximggtrm, 1.mc‘Icm;cmlc 1:0 p1~<cpnru. tlm cmvczr :mc:1 c3xcuv:s.tc4:.
the storm. ;;mtx:1it:;>1;u—lly, :3. duty wlmlll tl-my pc;:r.l‘ox'rnm.1 tr.) the emtisllrlcxtilm of the Cowl»
mittmze. Tlm cmaing; or ‘lirrirug ml’ tllcz: t:2i§1’Vity,Yl1£l(lC3 mi‘ zirm, was p1‘eparc3c1Wit110ut
clmrgtsa, by Mr. Clmnent W(mdW:1rl.l, zmcfl tlm: :a1:<.:mc: scat, mul mller musczmry execzlztcacl
by scavcarul pxlxlglic-lezpiritecl zmnc rrxzmcztlrnsl cal‘ Wasll’xir::gmn, witlmut coslc, unctlcar the
llimczticm of Mr. .T:mhr;m. ]Dl.xr:m,%W11c;w lm.c“l VC‘)llll"lli(‘;lC91.‘C.’:(J1 m mat as estszpc-:rir1t<::nc:lr.zrzt till
mmtlmr zslxoulcl lye pmr2rr:mxnentl.y appolrxtcd. Mr. J. Pcattibmna ui1c.l.m'tc)c>lc, gratuitously,
m lat cmt sitcza on tlm grcptxncl (wl:1ic1.l l;l'1l.f.'& I3c):,m1 cal‘ M:;'lrmgr,c::rs has, by rescllution,
desigzmtecl “Monument Place”) to inclivialxxalss for 111:.» purpose: of erectinglbocvths,

"‘ See Appendix No. 1.

4

tents, and stands, for the accorntnodation- of spectators; and the Committee ordered
stands, or platforrns, to be erected, for the orator of the day, the President of the
United States, the heads of departments, officers of the Society, and members of
the Board of Managers, the Grand Master Mason, &c.; and also triumphal arches
to be built, one at the bridge on 14th street, and one near the foundation of the
Monument, which were handsomely decorated. On the lofty arch on the south
side, through which the masons entered, was placed a live eagle forty years old,
which had hailed the advent of‘ General Lafayette to Alexandria, and which has
since been presented to Mons. Vattentare, to be deposited, upon his return to France,
in the National Museum of Paris. The scene here presented was magnificent. The
whole plain was covered with human beings. The vast sloping arnphitheatre of
seats exhibited an unbroken sheet of human countenances, expressing a deep in-
terest in the ceremonies of the day, while over the whole the banner of the Union,
spread and displayed by the willing breeze, seemed proudly to extend its ornament
and protection. “It afforded one of the most beautiful subjects for the pencil which
painter could desire. The surface of the mall is undulating, and the Whole of it
covered with green sod, now fresh from the recent rains. The heights were occu--
pied by groups of carriages of every description, by booths with refreshtnents, and
by the various erections constructed for the display of fire works. As the space
was ample, the crowds that had been confined in the streets here burst abroad, and
spread and scattered themselves in all directions. From space to space arms were
stacked and guarded, while all along the grassy slopes ladies and gentlemen, citi~
sens and soldiers, on foot, and on horseback, strayed about in the cool breeze and
bright sun, seeming to enjoy their existence. Furtlter down was the seat of action.
Here, in a hollow spread with boards, and surrounded with seats, a crowd began
to gather to witness the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone, and to listen to the
addresses with which it was to be accompanied. Around two sides of this space
were high and solidly constructed ranges of seats, hired out to spectators, covered
with awnings, and aflbrding a favorable position for seeing and hearing.”

To a rneniber of the lduilding Cornrnittee was assigned the duty of collecting the
articles to be deposited in the cornerstone when laid."‘ Among these were two
beautiful Daguerreotype likenesses of General Wasliingtort and Mrs. Martha Wasl1~
ington, by Mr. I. S. Grubb, of Alexandria, the former from the last original paint-
ing ever taken of him, by Sharpless, in 1796, at Mount Vernon, and the latter from
one by the celebrated Robinson in 1790. Both these originals are in the possession
of Mr. Custis, of Arlington. This gentleman wasialso an invited guest on the
occasion, and he and Gen. Walter Jones accompanied Mrs. Hamilton, relict of
Alexander Hamilton, now in her 9151; year, and her daughter, Mrs. Holly, to the
ground. Mr. Custis hrouglit with him a sword presented to him by General Wash-
ington, with the date 1776 inscribed on the blade. The copper-plate, engraved by
D. O. Hare, and presented by him, contained an inscription of the names of the
officers of the Society and members of the Board of Managers, &c.T

The Board of Managers assembled at their oflice prior tothe departure of the
procession, which began to forum. in front of the City Hall about 10 o’cloclr.

The military musteringground, wliicli was well selected in one of the openest
and most elevated spots in the city, being the junction of two broad avenues, and

* See Appendix No. 2. T Ibid. No. 3.

5

imrnecliatoly in front of the City Hall, pro-sentozgl an ir11pos'ing Spoczmcle. Tho mili-

tary assemblage (commm:1<.hl-.:,l in chief‘, for the clay, by Mazjor-Goruzarzxl Quitrfmm of

the United States Army, zrmcyl G(;‘1’lC?1‘f.11C2,l(lVR’€LllZ1(1(3!Y aml Colonel May, cormr1zmc'l—
ing specially the infantrylwzmcll cavalry troops rospocztivoly) VV2155 unuoually huge, and
the a.ppea1'ance and discipline of t.h<:~, tl‘0O1'J$‘~, hoth rc:gL11ur;-:, xnmines, aml uniform
companies, was highly (:1'(3cy."litz1bl(3. Il)i:e;ti.rxg1:1isl:.e:cl olllczm-1's on their 1"m?ttl€3(,.l clxargers
were ourvoting about in I'1'ont of the. long lines of men, whose different colored
plumes and rich. and va.rimy.1s3 uni!‘orms gzzvo vzzxrles-ty to wlmt, in u logular arrnyl
would have too Imtugzh of stiff tmilhrmity.

A laemxtifixl bzmm:n', exc.ec:m,o<hl by several lollies of (:3?-ztlvcasston, and sent to General
Houston to be (.lCpOSitc;r(l, in tho I‘vlc»1mtl"1'1m1t_. marl. 1)r(=::€%(,,’31'ltecl in tl:u.=3mnr1o¢:)f -ex ctomrrxittoo
whoao oloqucmt lottor zmcaornpzmyiog; it‘, wwus renal to tho Boarcfl, by the Sc:<:::rotmy,*"
and the l:>a.r'mor homo in tho 1")I'(T)(‘!(\5.%‘~\l()')I‘l. hy Mr. J. F. Lovvis of‘ 'll‘oxm%, who, in tho
al::)sonco of (7}o,m_'21'z‘1l. .l}l'our3tlr.:m, wore: rct~,r1mr.~:=.:tt<:;~<.l to mm.-s¢;=:x'1t it. This ;llz1g was :“Ll;)cmt an
yagnl wixilo zmcl mm. nml. :1.-lrmll‘ l(T)l'l§;;‘, ho top whim, 1-Ina lixiattom pihlc, :.§ro11n<'1worl:
purple with o. 1z.n'_:.:o sztzayr in l.m’a\:v1"1 mufl yo-Ilow. "I,‘1*xii:s :l’lz:1g Vvzcxsl*:2om;1tilhl1y o.xcac::‘1:xlc::<l,
zmll l')1‘(3S(L.‘.l'lt£T§L1 hy Mi.~;ss'1"2s C‘. 1i5‘yc'lhm', Mary .'l‘32. '1L{Il(]l(1(:,f.‘$, Sll,lr:xl'1 $y(lt‘J()“1',Ci1T(JliI1t3 White,
Iiuto I-‘l'ylll<i!lr, Fztnny '1."1':‘lol.wm't, fIL1‘1<,:it1<hl :K.IlIi;.?,‘h‘t, zmcl fI!'3z'r11*1'm Wlxiito.

A.1'mt:lmr l:'n,-,zmtlifhl ly)::ll‘m(“i%1‘ wzxm also pm.~:u:mt(-.:<‘l hy Mr. Wgillimn A1m".:‘1nclca1', in tlw
munc;-. of :1 n. A.::::::~a<::m.i.:.Ltion of ycthrmxgg ll'l"1(;hl“1l in .l3nl1*l1*m>xro, who nmzllo mu alcilllrlzgss to tlm

CI3on.1-(l, '\vl‘1ic::lxy Wm; X‘(J."$“‘~I“)([ll"l(.1(Ml 11o lay‘ (“Eh-:r1x;~.1'z'xl\ Wnlmr .T(?Jl’l(‘3t:5.‘f' '1‘ll‘is. hmmor was of

whim...-. .‘~‘§1‘1l.ill, 1‘lm *\'i:,:;m,~t,lu, :1 ‘l“i::2'r:m.lc-V: l‘l;.7;1yxm lmltlirxgg in cnw lmml :1. <,lru'Wn sword, mall,
with tl1«;¢r.l»tlmr‘r.lm. l‘3c:~nl.~.s of.’ .ll'm-sr.ix.~.:::a; in tho <:'ll.est:.:n‘mc:32 ax. ship "evils scrrs-11 €51“lt(;’#.l“‘il”)§§ tslm
lxzitrlgacw, tlm whoh: onc:ir¢;:lm1 with 11. ;;r;:1l.‘l Wrc:.mt.l1. '.[‘l:'u$.: Imrho of tho .A..‘:%l:lC>Ui3.1l1i(‘)l1 was
in ;_.j;._-will 1c1ett:c:r:e3. l

Tlm .l‘<:>llmving was tho m'4:'lm.' ol"tl1c;a 1“21*occ3:+mic)x‘1.

Tim P.l‘lTP.‘I+lll,l(’;!l"l'l. of tho Uxxitocfl St.alt.m-4, tlm Sc;acl:r<:et:xry of.‘ Stnlzo, zmcl tlxo l"rc:rs:iclont’s 1”ri~
W1l.(f.lI §§c;.~<..:mt1:l1'y, in u <l;:’Ll'1fi:1g.,§(:, umm<l<.-:<Il by llslo .Mh.1°s~slml zmcl flhC)op’1.1t.y
MkilI'H1Xl,l1 of tllm Ilhltriltxt of ("fol1;:nhl:;>izx., lll’l(.1 .‘3£T’:V"(?!I‘£"1l =;u:+.~:si.3tz1r‘1t Mur-
salmlw, with l.;>z1tc:i>tm, rcnssciattcjm, mufl smslmss.

'.l;‘lm xxx¢:»x‘lx1.l_,»m?t5 (VV"i‘/‘t“1‘1ni“l§ "3ul.>ix'zl;et, in c:urx*img;m;.

Tho Mzmslml of tlm Ilhny (.CI”om~,-.pl1l I-I. ll?»rm.llloy, Tlflflmj.) cm l“x<\>r:~sc:lll>z.1<;;h, atlttcmclctacl hy llha
z:1i<.h+ on llry,»rsmlmol{, with mtor-ls maul 1*3E.l5*ll.l(Tl'l1'l.

Majczxr-(Sm:ca-ml Quitlxx*u1rx, (,,'.(I)l‘Il‘ll’l"l€ll'lt.1ilTlg"'ilf1-(’,:1‘ll€$l; zmcl, stzzfll
Military o:3cc>1‘t, <;:cfm.esis4lil1'xg' of’ film l};)llr;>Wl,hg; <2-hvnlry,mi»1*1;‘1rrmmlml hy Colonol May:
I.4f1lTlfl'tf3l '1"rc;.>op, Cfilzlphtlitx Czilprorx.

.l\/lzl1,r1lllyar;>1*r.mg,;,*lAx Cilzwzlxlry, ".Iz:ljptz:l.il*1 'fII‘uc-.l<.

Mo1mtm;1 C:t:,rl:ai1:xic';~.r:+3, :1 fI3z.x.ltlmom ’;l‘x'c:ac)p, Cnpmixm Murdock.

I{lmg:g;;z’;:lyc’l (fuvulry fiolzh A.lcaxo.ocl.l1'i21.

Eagle Artilloristzs of'I3nlti1“1“1orc3;,Chptuirl Kane.

Capitol Hill .A.1*ti1l€:1“i.t§t1-Ll, (.‘3n];'2t:».1ix‘1 Rol.>ir13c)z"1, 21 jl.1Vt'"3l”1il£'.3 corps.

y Imhmtry, ur“1<.lc2:1: $1.10 c:+,c:n"nrm*mc.l of Gcararmxlh Ca<.lwz11m;lor.

Unitocl States Marinem, with their powearlhl lmncl, unclear Major Walylwr.
Ir1dopa=:r1¢1e1'1t Blues of Baltirnorca, with their oxoollo1'1t ha.m;l, Captain Shim. y
Baltimore City Glxarcla, Lioutonzmt Mobormlcl.

=~ Appendix No. 4. A * A +1bia.No.5.

6
Independent Grays of Baltimore, with their excellent band, Captain Hall. °
Fredericksburg Guards, Virginia, Captain Jackson.
Washingtoii Light Infantry, Captain Tate.
National Blues of Washington, Captain Bacon.
Maryland Cadets, Captain Harris.
Baltimore Sharp-Shooters, with their excellent band, Captain Lilly.
Boston Light Guard, Captain Clarke.
Independent Grays of Georgetown, Captain Wriglit.
Mount Vernon Guards of Alexandria, (Va.,) Lieutenant Price.
Columbia Riflernen of Baltimore, with their excellent band, Captain M’Allister.

First Division, Major A. A. Nicholson, Marshal.
The Fire Companies in the following order:

Vigilant Fire Company of Baltimore, hauling their splendid Suction, 1’111l’nl)Bl‘i1‘lg'
58 men, each wearing,‘ a uniform cap, with the letter V in front.

Wasliingtoii Company of Baltimore, with their handsome Suction, numbering 35
men, nniilormed like the Vigilant, and having the letter W in front of their caps.

Howard Company of Baltimore, numbering 40 men, hauling their handsome new
Suction, uniformed like the preceding companies. with the letter H on their caps.

The Anacostia, Columbia, Franklin, and Perseverance Fire Companies of "Wash-
ington, and a delegation from the Northern Liberties, in full uniform. These four
companies numbered each about 50 men. Their engines were in splendid order,
and handsomely decorated with flowers, flags, &c. The firemen were red jackets
and white pantaloons, and made a handsome appearance.

The Fire Department was in charge of Mr. G. S. Gideon, as chief marshal, as-
sisted by Mr. Jonas B. Ellis of the Anacostia, Mr. John C. Whitvvell of the Columbia,
Mr. L. Leprenx of the Franklin, and Mr. John D. Thornpson. of the Perseverance.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, cornprehencling the oflicers and members

of various Lodges, in charge of Mr. Wm. F. Bayly and Mr. J. T. Towers.
A The Vice-President of the United States.
V Senators and Members of Congress.
The Order of Red Men, under Mr. C. W. Boteler, jr., as marshal.
A Delegations from the States.

Second Division, Major 8. R. Hobbie, Marshal.
Temperance Societies, under Mr. A. F. Cunningham as marshal, consisting of
The Freernen’s Vigilant Total Abstinence Society.
ThelSons of Temperance.
Junior Brothers of Temperance.
Knights of Temperance.
Delegatioiis of Temperance Societies from different States.
A Car, bearing a large cask of cold water, inscribed “Fountain of Health.”
t The Corporation of Washington. ‘
The "Washington Benevolent Society with their handsome banner.
The German Benevolent Society, with numerous banners.
. A , Literary Associations.
The Young Men’s Baltimore Delegation, with a handsome silk banner, representing
Justice on one side, and inscribed on the other “Young Men’s Balti-
more Delegation.”

7

Third Division, Wm. H. Gttnnoli, Marshal, vice Blake, sick.
Citiztms not cieltz-gates frorn States.
Carriage containing the vottomble Mrs. Hamilton, hE‘J." (laughter, Mrs. Holly, G. W,
I’. Cnstis, Esq., and General Walter J ones.

Carriage containing the Speaker of the I*Iouse of Ptepreseiitatives, orator of the day,
Mayor of VV€LS1"1i1’lgtOI1., arid the C1'1t‘.1iI‘1”1'm.n of the Committee of Arrangements.
Carriage containing the Architect of the l\/Iotmment, having in charge the books anti
other mtioios to he c.h*:posite<.i in the corner-stone.

The Monttmtmt Society.

The Masonic Fraternity, in full C!(.)S3ttl1l'l“163, 11onc.'loti by th<:~.ir niztrsthnl, .T. B. Thotnas.

The weatlter was SiX”1{,;‘I‘lit’t1‘}y’1“)I'C)}‘JititZ|uS. A time min had fn‘l1t=:n the provious day,
which had cooled tho nit nmfl laid tlto (Inst, mttl tho Betttificont Deity seetnocl to»:
similar ztnspiciionslly on tlita izttntnsting nncl ititpcnsing; oterotnoniots of the day. May it
be an otritm of time St§lt'.:t‘;!t1'!.“.5&3 of‘ tlrto g;,rrt=:z:tt c:1‘itc.ir1;it'is:ttai ’II;‘l1e proottsssioxt, "Whit-.h wan»
t.Tleoic.h=2t1ly tlsm most !'7r‘~I"1ltZ’.*X‘1t.1i(1 (min: tvitt'ittsst::c;1 in Wzudtittgttin, vvnn tthtmt ttn hour in
xettczlxirxg tho tire of tho tncrntttttorit, whnrti nvntyti'tin_:;\; was in totttiinm-is to lay t1n:i~
.~=:tonc»,ttr1xic:11 i'<:::t~rnss tho no1'imnnnt::tn"z'ttn:tt of 21!. t«st;tt:tnttt1'o, which, it 5.23 1topt':<;], will ntttitxrw
till time shall he no tinom. ]:)l.‘lI‘it"}§.;‘ \Iit:‘VqV tt<:ivttm;:tt i],1t’>bt1!U.‘;~t of‘ the city continncttl to toli
S()1C31Tl1'l1y. In thn I")1't?“t("t.tf.'.*.‘Tst.t‘:ifi(Z)1‘l‘V$/'(Lb1'(Z‘! t1t;tl€t§§€tti0I’1S ot‘t1:to C1-inroltoo, Cl‘li(:1§t1S£tW',Clil0U1:£1VV,
Creel: ~.=:m<_1 Sz:ittr1;irith_;t:: I1"1.t]i€,,l.l't§.-5,VV’]t'1CI5]J1‘¢‘)1.ig',‘1)I3 with t.1:tnm ssitvtr xm2citt1s,strno1t in 1786,
rep1'<::.~at;tz‘1tixti;;,§ Wt.L81tiI‘)gtt23I‘1 in the not of niittltingg; lmnth-gt with tho rtstfl mnn, nncl nitdot
ttrlitmn tztchnini:at;tt.ttitm tzhnir ti:n't-thtltotrs rnttciln &tC)t‘1’1(";5 of’ that (;3tt171.it?!$\ttr€tt1t‘i(’:3 of pence-.
To tittttttt I[ttdittn.‘~:: Worn tltsfiifflitttl &r5(Ji;I.t.‘i on tho liilntzihrnrt 1’1£!ttx' tho tin 't1ti'0r, to whom tlioy
litstcznteti with pt't:ifi::tttit:7i t:ttt:ortt.iot:i, as diet tho ititt“t'mti.~;to t,Tl.t:3St”31?'Xlb1y' he atldresstad. Aftoi:
than 1‘j)r(T‘>(ht.P.S%.‘it.it;m httti. 1'(‘?1l,tt!I1l§3(.1t thtit g..,~'t'::n:ttttI, tho (;t(“!t'tiP.l"I”1()I"lit?!-3 (i3C)1"1'1t'l”1C3tl71(5C*.t1 with an ttI)pro~
]")fl.'.it1‘t.t“:5 1:irnyt;rt' to tho ".II‘lt1'ot'm KWGI‘£L(f:('1t,iI)y t.h(«t C-J‘rt'ttnt1 Chmtlttitt of the Cirttnti Lodiggge. oat"
Mnryhti-it'I, that flhttt. Mr. :Ni:tt.TITI..'Pt)N', ‘Whit;-.11 was t~4t.tt:t;~.ttt:ciod byt.-'1. psn1t'n, to tho tune of
“Olr.1 IIt.tt1c.irt;~.c"l,” t—tt;1n,-2,; by that am-st;:.tn'IJi1t:t.i mnltittttln, with tint: .~:so1nrtntitytt.t1t1 ftattling.
Titti‘: It-Ton. R. C. Wtxtrttttrttttttiti, ot-nt<:>r of tho titty, tlttttt tt.t'titati anti dCt1iVt';‘.1'C:(i1 ttn tLt(1t1r(~‘:SS;
whittzh in ]fH;Jll'iiy‘ oi‘ t.1it::t..it;m, hu~.t:mt;y of tittylti and ttotttirttont, and {.§t;3IluiI’1€3 o1oqttot‘tnn,,
Inns, 1Jt3iri‘1$.t[JH, Iltftvm‘ 1,>t;mtt t%$I?t‘1'.]j.)t’t£~‘t-itL,‘.t1----tIIl.I'1(;Fi wliitsh with rt;-o<::ivc:ic.1, with m“1iV0rS£tl ttntt
Yt‘).t‘.".I'itt3t."l ttppltttgxstt. Wtlnm Mr. ‘Wttttxrttttnti Iimtl. mt:irtt:1ndn<;I, Mr. "B. .13. 1i‘;ttmsrc1-t, Grtintt
Mtttstor of they (§?3‘:ttttt1t'i Ll"..t1ic.htt;s of tho TIL).i.«:ttt'it:t tit‘ (L3olnn'iI:>.in., ttf1t.2l‘ivntttct1 mi nppropritttci
tt<.1cirtt:att, ttfteir Wllhjrll hit-i c.1ttttt.:c»t"tc1ml 13.‘t‘t1‘t’l tho 1>ltttii.:n'nn on within ho Ttittri. sstootl to tlltit
t-.ornor~.ttt.it1o,and 1.it*t:>t::nt:t_iit=:tl to (t1*tAr‘3Il’{tl|%ViI1: fltt‘H.t1'tif;:lt3t’:t t§it?31t;:(;ttL‘:t1 to has plttctttti in the ntttrity,
nntl to pctirgmrnt tho: tit-mnl tip1t:t't:ipi*itittttt%t Mmsottic: t;ttT!Jt";t1’:tt‘1t)ttititt~3 of lnying it. A pttt1'i(i)tit;t~
song was then ssurtg hy l\’.[r. Jiltittly, and tho 1;>tniocflic::tiott proriomiootilg ttnd thus tn-r1ni-
nattzcl t1‘1t“3!S0 iM(3:t'(.‘.t31;iI“1g anal t‘it‘31t1t1‘I’1I’1 c;:nrntinox1*itt.. t

Snc:l‘i httd hnott tho ititttrnttt ,t'ts1t by all in thin ttohlo tnttorprite, that it was founti
ditlicnilt to prnsttrvn tho tnttrblo Q.1'ti1',)t3,tt‘t]tt’tt) iiront tlto cavity of the corner stone».

which Wtero tmgorly tmitstzci 't1}p()t‘1 hy ”Vi8ii01'tét, to  limit as l'l“L(3ITt'1€3I1t0S of the want. o

Tho Iiottt-cl ordorml stqtxtttt: pintrzctti-1 of tho tttoxm to be Wtongltt, 1tthe1o<1,ttnc1 prettatttett
to the stavnrnl Sttttezt tlftlfifigtztticirlfii, tn he ct1tipo:ait‘cit.i. in tlte Library or l\/Interim oft each
Stato ttnc1'I‘t:rr.itory. T1'1t;‘§y horn tho thllowitm innariptionzm-“'1‘otIic State of ---M»
this pittott of the cornnr~ntnnt-. of tlio. Wttsltingtott Nzsttinnttl Monutm2nt,1aid July 4,.
1848, if-3 1T)L'(3$C§1"1tE’(1 by the Board. of Mttnagtntw’

After the core1nox'1it:n ntttmdttttt upon layittg tlm turner-stone were enthacl, that

8

procession returned to the Pennsylvania Avenue, where the military part of it was
reviewed by the President of the United States, and efterwercls disrnissed.

A fine banner, which had been borne in the procession, wes pre ented by the
Florida. Delegation to the Board of Mettagetts. Mr. Yele, on the part of the delega-
tion, addressed the cheirrnzm, Mr. P. R. Fendall, in an appropriate end. eloquent
rnannenand was responded to by the cl1ait'men."‘ The banner was of white satin,
éfringed with gold. In the centre is painted. the coat of arms of the State, with the
motto-—-»-“In God is our trust,” March 3d, 1845---vvhen she became :1 State. On
the reverse above, the words “Pascurt Florida, 1512,” appear; and in the centre
is painted the likeness of ifztan Ponce dc Leon. .

The interesting day was closed by a brilliant display of fireworks on Monument
Place, prepared by Mr. Brown, who had been employed by the Cornrnittee of Ar-
rangements for tltat purpose, and by the pyroteelmists at the Navy Yerd. and
Arsenal in this city. They reflected greet credit on the skill of those‘ who hnd pre~
pared them, and displayed this bent1ti:li.t1::trt in great perfection. Among the varied
and splendid tztblezztux of stars, ditttnonds, l;nt'rtririg mid revolvitig circles, pyrmnids,
&c:., exhibited on this ocetrsion to en irtrnfw-.nsc.t rn.rt1tittrdle, spread, in picturesque
groups, over the plain, Wes a. device representing the proposed monument, which
was "forty feet 1’lig‘l'1, and clispleying in letters of fire the r1ttrr1e'of“‘ WAS}IING’l‘0N.”
This terminated the exhibition of‘ those ttcfltnirzitbly prepared fireworks.

The 4th of July, 1848, will long be rerrlernberecl by all who witnessed and per-
ticipeted in the brilliant proc-ession end itnposirig cerernonies of that day, which has,
perhaps, never before been so eelebrttted. in this oountry. It is rexnarltnble, that this
is the first national enniversrtry whieh hes, in any pert of the Union, been 0X0l"tl-
sively devoted to rendering en elfeotiottttte end ggrntefttl lionmge to his rnemory.
The eirettmstenee that after the lttpse of nearly 11e.lf‘e, century since his death, it has
been so employed, is at gratifying iritlieetion tltet his rnernory is still fondly oherished
in every American heart, and tlrttt the noble enc:1 pmriotie nndertnlcirig in wlrzielr the
society hasterr1bttr1cecl,is destined to be erowned with complete end glorious sueeess.

"‘ Appendix No. 6.

 

ORATION.

FeZZom~citz'.aens Qf the Urzited Stczte.s'.:

We are assernhlecl to take the first step towards the
fulfilment of a long deferred obligation. In thiseight-
anti»-fo'rt.ieth year since his death, we have come together
to lay the cornerstone of a National Monument to WASI~I-
INGNTON. .

Other monuments to this illustrious person have long
ago been erected. By not a few of the great States of
our Union, by not a few of the great cities of our States,
the chiseled statue or the lofty eolurnn has been set up
in his honor. The highest art of the old world-~—--of
France, of Italy, and of England, successively----has been
put in requisition for the purpose. Houdon for Virginia,
Canova for North Carolina, Sir Francis Chantrey for
Massachusetts, have severally signalized their geniushy
portraying and perpetuating the form and features of the
Father of his Country.

Nor has the Congress of the Nation altogether failed
of its duty in this respect. The massive and majestic
figure which presides over the precincts of the Capitol,
and which seems almost in the act of challenging a new

10

vow of allegiance to the Constitution and the Union from
every one who approaches it, is a visible testimony---and
one not the less grateful to an American eye, as being the
masterly production of a native artist*——-that the govern-
ment of the country has not been unmindful of what it
owes to WASHINGTON.

One tribute to his memory is left to be rendered.
One monument remains to be reared. A monument
which shall bespeak the gratitude, not of States, or of
cities, or of governments ; not of separate communities,
or of official bodies; but of the people, the whole people
of the nation :--——a National Monument, erected by the
citizens of the United States of America. 1

Of such a monument we have come to lay the corner-
stone here and now. On this day, on this spot, in this
presence, and at this precise epoch in the history of our
country and of the world, we are about to commence this
crowning worlé: of commemoration.

The day, the place, the witnesses, the period in the
world’s history and in our own history---all, all are most

appropriate to the occasion.

The day is appropriate. On this 4th day of July--
emphatically thepeople’s day———we come most fitly to
acknowledge the people’s debt to their first and greatest
benefactor. i A A

WASHINGTON, indeed, had no immediate connection
with the immortal act of the 4th of July, 1776. l His
signature didnot attest the Declaration of Independence.
But the sword bywhich. that independence was to be

* Horatio Greenongh.

11

achieved, was already at his side, and already had he
struck the blow which rendered that declaration inevi-
table. c

“ Hostz'Zms przh/‘20 fugatis, Bostoniztm 7*ecupemtum,”
is the inscription on the medal which commemorates
Washington’s earliest triumph. And when the British
forces were compelled to evacuate Boston, on the 17th
day of March, 1776, bloodless though the victory was, the
question was irrevocably settled, that independence, and
not the mere redress of grievances, was to he the mo-
mentous stake of our colonial struggle.

Without the event of the 4th of July, it is true, Wash-
ington would have found no adequate opening for that full
career of military and civil glory which has rendered
him illustrious forever. But it is equally true, that with-
out Wasltiington, this day could never have acquired that
renown in the history of human liberty, which now,
above all other days, it enjoys. We may not say that the
man made the day, or the day the man; but we may say
that, by the blessing of God, they were made for each
other, and both for the lrighest and most enduring good
of America and of the world.

The place  appropriate. We are on the banks of his
own beloved and beautiful Potomac. On one side of us,
within a few hours’ sail, are the hallowed scenes amid
which Weishington spent all of his mature life, which
was not devoted to the public service of the country, and
where still repose, in their original resting-place, all that
remained of him when life was over. Onthe other side,

and within our more immediate view, isthe Capitol of

12

the Republic, standing on the site selected by himself, and
within whose walls the rights which he vindicated, the
principles which he established, the institutions which he

. founded, have been, and are still to be, maintained, deve-

loped, and advanced.

The witnesses are appropriate, and such as eminently
befit the occasion.

The President of the United States is here; and feels,
I am persuaded, that the official distinction which he
lends to the scene has no higher personal charm, if any
higher public dignity, than that which it derives from its
associations with his earliest and most illustrious prede-
cessor. “ I hold the place which Wasliingtori held,”
must be a reflection capable of sustaining a Chief lV[agis-
trate under any and every weight of responsibility and
care, and of elevating him to the pursuit of the purest
and loftiest ends.

Representatives of foreign nations are here; ready to

bear witness to the priceless example which America has

given to the world, in the character of him, whose fame
has long since ceased to be the property of any country
or of any age. A .

The Vice-President and Senate; the Heads of Depart-
ments; the Judiciary; the Authorities of the City and
District; the oflicers of the army and navy and marines,
from many a field and many a flood of earlier and or later
fame; veterans of the line and volunteers, fresh from the
scenes of trial and of triumph, with swords already
wreathed with myrtles, which every patriot prays may
prove as unfadingasthe laurels with which their brows

13

are bound; all are here; eager to attest their reverence
for the memory of one, whom statesmen and soldiers have
conspired in pronouncing to have been first alike in peace
and in war.

The Representatives of the People are here; and it
only as their organ that I have felt it incumbent on me,
in the midst of cares and duties which would have
formed an ample apology for declining any other service,
to say a few words on this occasion. Coming here in no
oflicial capacity, I yet feel thatl bring with me the sanc-
tion not merely of the lteprese1itativ*es of the people, but
of the People themselves, for all that I can say, andtfor
much more than I can say, in honor of Wasl1ing'ton.

And, indeed, the l3’ec>pletl1er"nselves are here; in masses
such  never before were seen within the shadows of the
Capitolwwa cloud of witnesses-—--—-to bring their own heart-
felt testimony to the occasion. From all the States of
the Union ; from all political parties; from all professions
and occupations; men of all sorts and conditions, and
those before whom men of all sorts and conditions bow,
as lending the chief ornament and grace to every scene
of life; the people,-was individual citizens, and in every
variety of association, military and masonic, moral, colle-~
giate, and charitable, Rechabites and Red Men, Sons of
Temperance and Firemen, United‘ Brothers and Odd
Fellows,-W-the people have come up this day to the tem-
ple gates of a. common and glorious republic, to fraternize
with each other in a fresh act of homage to the memory

of the man, who was, and t is, and will forever be, Ftfirst

in the hearts of his countrymen!” Welcome, welcome,

14

Americans all! “The name of American, which belongs
to you in your national capacity, (I borrow the Words of
Washington himself,) must always exalt the just pride
of patriotism more than any appellation derived from
local discrimination s.”

Nor can I feel, fellow-citizens, that I have yet made
mention of all who are with us at this hour. Wlrich of
us does not realize that unseen witnesses are around us?
Think ye, that the little band, whose feeble forms are
spared to bless our sight once more, are all of the army
of "Washington, who are uniting withus in this tribute
of reverence for his memory? Think ye, that the patriot
soldiers or the patriot statesmen, who stood around him
in War and in peace, are altogether absent from a scene
like this? Adams and lefferson, joint authors of the
Declaration, by whose lives and deaths this day has been
doubly hallowed ; Hamilton and Madison, joint framers
of the Constitution, present, visibly present, in the vene-
rated persons of those nearest and dearest to them in
life; Marshall, under whose auspices the work before us
was projected, and whose classic pen had already con-
structed a monument to his illustrious compeer and
friend more durable than marble or granite; Knox,
Lincoln, and Green; Franklin, Jay, Pickering, and
Morris; Schuyler and Putnam, Stark and Prescott,
Sumter and Marion, Steuben, Kosciusko, and Lafayette;
companions, counselors, supporters, friends, followers of
Wasliingtori, all,all: we hail them from their orbs on
high, and feel that we do them no wrong in counting
them among the gratified witnesses of this occasion!

15

But it is the precise epoch at which we have arrived
in the world’s history, and in our own history, which im»
parts to this occasion an interest and an importance
which cannot easily be over-estimated.

I can make but the merest allusion to the mighty
movements which have recently taken place on the con»-
tinent of Europe--———-where events which would have
given character to an age, have been crowded within the
changes of a moon. .

In1:erest'ir1g, intensely iriterestirig, as these events have
been to all who have witnessed them, they have been
tenfold more interesting to Americans. We see in them
the influence of our own institutions. We behold in
them the results of our own example. " We recognize
them as the spontaneous germination and growth of
seeds which have been wafted over the ocean, for half a
century past, from our own original Liberty Tree. V

The distinguishecl writer of the declaration which
made this day memorable, was full of apprehensions as
to the influence of theOld World upon the New. He
even wished, on one occasion, that “ an ocean of fire”
miglit roll between America and Europe, to cut ofl’ and
consume those serpent fascinations andjseductions which
were to corrupt, if not to strangle outright, our infant
freedom in its cradle. . .

Doubtless, these were no idle fears at the time. Doubt-
less, there are dangers still, which mightalmcst seem to
have justified such a wish. But it is plain that the cur»
rents of political lintluerrce thusfar have run deepest and
strongest inthe opposite direction. The irzflrrerzoe (gt the

16

New tvorlcl upon the Old . is the great moral of the events
of the day.

Mr. Jefl"erson’s “ocean of fire” has, indeed, been al««
most realized. A tremendous yenginery has covered the
sea with smoke and flame. The fiery dragon has ceased
to be a fable. The inspired description of Leviathan is
fulfilled to the letter. “ Out of his mouth go burning
lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils
goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot oncaldron. His
breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
He maketh the deep to boil like a pot; he maketh the
sea like a pot of ointment.” .

But the Saint George of modern civilization and sci-
ence, instead of slaying the dragon, has subdued him to
the yoke, and broken him in to the service of mankind.
The ocean of fire has only facilitated the intercourse
which it was invoked to destroy. And the result is be»-
fore the world. .

New modes of . communication, regular and more rapid
interchangesof information and opinion, freer and more
frequent comparisons of principles, of institutions, and of
conditions, have at length brought the political systems
of the two continents into conflict; and prostrate thrones
and reeling empires this day bear witness to the shock I

Yes, fellow—citizens, (if I may be allowed the figure,)
the great upward and downward trains on the track of
humanfreedom have at last come into collision! It is
too early as yet. for any one to pronounce upon the pre-—
cise consequences of the encounter. But we can see at
a glance what engines have been shattered, and what

 

 

17

engineers have been dashed from their seats. We can
see, too, that the great American built locomotive “ Li-
berty” still holds on its course, unimpeded and unim-
paired; gathering strength as it goes; developing new
erierggies to meet new exigencies; and bearing :11 r its
imperial train of twenty millions of people with a speed
which knows no parallel.

Nor onn we fell to observe tliint men are everywhere
hegir'1rii1<xg to exnniine the model of this rrtiiglity ei'igine,
end that not n tgliew h :1. ve {ill‘(3‘£j-ltjly l.:>egur1l to (30 p y its con‘-
st;r1:,xc:t.ic)r1'1 nncl to imitate its ’r”Y1t?i1,Gl‘1ll‘let‘y. The great doctrines»;
of our own '.l;ievolntion, thnt “ nll men nre ot*eetetl eqnel‘;
t.l1et they tire endovve<..’li hy their Crentor with oerteiri in-—~
elitiennlale r'i;_fl'1tts; tltint zrtrirticiiitng these are lite, liberrty, and
the pursuit til” liripriiness; tlntt. to secure these rights Go»-
verrtrnentzr ere instittttecfll ernong men, deriving their just
powers from the eorxeerit of the §__'g;overned ; that whenever
nny forrn of g;2;()V(»:t‘r‘trT1t3:I“1l3 heoornes destructive of these
ende it ie the rigltt tlf the people to elter or to abolish it
end to i,nstitnte at new (;lc>ver*r1rr1er1t, lriying its foundetion
on such prlnoiples nmgl ()rgitI"llKll]g‘ its powers in such.
fortn as to them shell seern most likely to efl"eot their
safety end hnppineesg” tliese ‘fundamental ninxims of

 

the rights of rnen 2;1I'(’5:[)‘t‘(I)C‘~ll.itllTl(E:(.l nsemphetioelly thiedey

in I’nris, as they were seventy-two years ago this clay in
Phileclelpliie.

And not in Paris alone. The wholeeivilizecl world
resounde with American opinions and American princi-
ples. Every vale is vooel with them. Every mountain
liesifonnrl a tongue for them.. ~ l t A

2 V

18

 

Sonitum toto Germ-ania ccelo
. Audiit, et insolilis tremnerunt motihus Alpes.

Everywhere , the people are heard calling their rulers
to account and holding them to a just responsibility.
EV%vhere the cry is raised for the elective franchise,
the trial by jury, the freedom of the press, written con-
stitutions, representative systems, republican forms.

In some cases, most fortunately, the rulers themselves
have not escaped some seasonable symptoms of the per-
vading‘ fervor for freedom, and have nobly anticipated
the demands of their subjects. To the sovereign Pontifi’
of the Roman States in particular, belongs the honor of
having led the way in the great movement of the day,
andlno American will withhold from him a cordial tri-
bute of respect and ad nniration for whatever he has done
or designed for the regeneration of Italy. Glorious, in-
deed, on the page of history will he the name of Pius IX.,
if the riseof another Rome shall be traced to his wise
and liberal policy. Yet not less truly glorious, if his
ownauthority should date its decline to his noble refusal
to lend his apostolical sanction to a war of conquest.

For Italy, however, and for France, and for the ‘whole
European world alike, a great work still remains. A
rational, practical, enduring liherty cannot be acquired in
a paroxysm, cannot be established by a proclamation.
It is not,-—-—our own history proves that it is not—+-

“ The hasty product of a day,
But the well-ripened fruit of wise delay.”

The redress of a few crying grievances, the reform of

 

19

a few glaring abuses, the baniehrnent of a minister, the
burning of a throne, the overthrow of a dynasty, these
are but scanty preparations for the mighty undertaking
upon which they have entered. New systems are to be
constructed; new forms to be establielied; new Gbiierri-
ments to be instituted, organized, and administered, upon
principles which shall reconcile the seeming con tlict be-

‘ tween liberty and law, and secure to every one the enjoy»-

ment of regulated oonsnitritional freedorn.

And it in at this moment, fellow--citizens, when this
vast labor is about to be commenced, when the filee of
the Old WOl‘ld are searched in Vain for precedents, and
the file-leaders of the Old World ere looked to in vain
for pioneers, and when all eyes; are etminod to find the
men, to find the man, who is suifficient for tliieee tliings,
it is at such  rnornent that we are aeeenfililecl on this
pinnacle of the American Republic-----I mi,gl"it almost; say
by some Divine impulsse and direction———--to hold up afresh
to the admiration and irznitation of rnanltind the character
and example of George Wrielii1igtoi'i.

Let us oonternplate that ol*1n‘rec:ter and that exarnple
for a moment, and tree whether there be aiiything in all
the treasures of our c:ount.ry’e fame, I do not nay merely
of equal intrinsic value, but of such eminent adaptation
to the exigerieiess of the time and tliie irnrnediate wants of
the world.

I will enter into no detailn of his pereonal hintory.
Washingtonls birthday is a Natiorial Feetival. Iiie
whole life, boyhood arid rnanhood, hae been learned by
heartby us all. Who knows not that hewasa self»

20

made man’? "Who knows not that the only education
which he enjoyed was that of the common schools of
Virginia, which, at that day, were of the very common-
est sort? Who remembers not those extraordinary
youthful adventures, by which he was trained up to the
great work of his destiny?’ VVho remembers not the
labors and exposures which he encountered as a land
surveyor at the early age of sixteen years? Vi/ho has
forgotten the perils of his journey of forty-one days, and
five hundred and sixty miles, from VVillian1shurg' to
French Greek, when sent, at the age of only twenty-one,
as commissioner from Gov. Dinwiddie, to demand of the
French forces their authority for invading the kings do-—
minions? Who has not followed him a hundred times,
with breathless anxiety, as he threads his way tliroirgh
that pathless wilderness, at one moment fired at by
Indians at fifteen paces, at the next wreclted upon a raft
amid snow and ice, and siilijected ‘LlTtt‘Ot1g'l’10t1t to every
danger, which treacherous elements or still more treache--
rous enemies‘ could involve? Who has forgotten his
hardly less miraculous escape, a few years later, on the
banks of the Monongahela, when, foremost in that fear-
ful fight, he was the only mounted officer of the British
troops who was not either killed or desperately wounded?

Let me not speak of Washi.r1gton as a merely sell?-rnade
man. There were influences employed in moulding and
making hirn,.,far, far above his own control. Bereft of
his fatherat the tender age of eleven years, he had a
wzother left, to whom , the world can never over-estimate
its debt. And higher,holierstill, was the guardianship

‘.21

so signally manif'ested in more than one event of his life
“ By the all»-powerful diepeneations of Providence,” wrote
Washingtori liimeelf to his venerated parent, after Brad-
doclfis defeat, “I have been protected beyond all human
probability or expectation ; for I load four bullets through
my coat, and two horses ehot under me; yet I eeoeped
unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on
every side of me.” "Well did the eloquent pastor of a
Il(%lg‘l"ll)0Fil’1gp‘£E1lI‘l.§-;l"l,(JI"l hi::=. return, “point outto the public
tliet heroic youth, Colonel Weehi1'1gton, whom (says: he)
I cannot but hope I.l3’rovi<;le1"1oe lime hitherto preserved in
eo eignril e rnenner for some important service to the
oountry.”

And not leee rietur::tl or lezee etriltirig were the teetirnony
of the Indian ohiefi who told Wael1ix‘igto1'1, fifteen years:
efterwmrde, “ T‘lmt ntthe battle of the Monongahela, he
had eirigletl him out rte a oonepiotione ohjeot, had fired
llie rifle at him many t.i.rnee, end directed his yoting wer--
riore to do the eerne, hut tl“1et, to l“1ie ntter eetoniehrnent,
none of their belle took effect; tlrlet he was then pereuec;led
that the y(i)ll'l1.'faf“al]'l\ hero tvee under the epeoiel g11e1~dier1el'1ip

of the Greet $["liK"ll‘,E1Ild irnrnedietely ceased to fire at

him; end tltiet he wee now come to pay lfroimege to the
men who wee the particular fevorite of Heeveri, and who
could never die in battle.”  

Our R.(:3\’0ll.lil.OIl23.Ty fathers lslrerl merry causes for edor—~
ing theinvieihle hand by which they were guided and
guarded in their great etroggle for liberty ; but none, none
stronger than this Prcavideritiel preparation and preserva-

tion of their destined ojhief.. Be it ours to prolong that

22

anthem of gratitude which may no more be heard from
their mute lips: “The grave cannot praise Thee; death
cannot celebrate Thee; but the living, the living, they
shall praise Thee, as we do this day I” '

Of the public services Of-VVASHINGTONr‘tO our own
country, for which he was thus prepared and preserved,
it is enougli to say, that in the three great epochs of our
national history he stands forth pre-eminent and peerless,
the master-spirit of the time.

In the war of the Revolution we see him the Leader
of our Armies.

In the formation of the Constitution, we see him the
President. of our Councils.

In the orgar1i.z.atio.n of the Federal Govern ment, we 
him the Chief Mag'ist.1*ate of our Republic.

Indeed, from the ‘memorable day when, under the
unheard but by no means inauspicious salute of hoth
British and American batteries, engaged in no holiday
exercise on Bunker Hill, it was unanimously resolved,
that, A George WaSl'1lf1»gtOh having been chosen corn-
mander-in-chief of such forces as are or shall he raised
for the maintenance and preservation of American liberty,
“ This Congress doth novv declare that they will maintain
and assist him, and adhere to him, the said George Wash-
ington, with their lives and fortunes in the same cause ;”
fromthis ever-memorable 17tlf1 of June, 1'?”/5——~—~a day on
which (as has heen well saiclii‘) Providence ltept an even
balance with the cause, and while it took from us a War-
ren gave us a .VVaslii.rigtc>1'1-M-1.0 the 14-t.li day of December

it By Edward Everett.

 

23

1799, when he died, We shall search the annals of our
land in vain for any important scene, in which he was
anything less than the principal figure.

It is, however, the character of Wasliiiigton, and not
the mere part which he played, which I would hold up
this day to the world as worthy of endless and universal
commemoration. The highest official distinctions may
be enjoyed, and the most important public servioes ren-
dered, by men whose lives will not %(-31‘1ClUI‘C~‘. examination.
It is the glory of Wasliington, that the virtues of the roan
outshone even the hrillianey of his acts, and that the re»
sults which. he fli(3('3(Ill1'1I'")llt‘3l“l€3C.l were only the legitimate
e>:;emplifioations of t.he p1‘i1*1oiples whioli he professed and
cherished. A

In the whole history of the world i.t may be doubted
whether any man can he found, who has exerted. a more
oont1*olling; influence over men and over events than
George Wasliirigtzori. To wliat did he owe that influence?
How did he win, how did he wield, thatrnagio power,
that majestic anthoritgv, over the minds and hearts of his
oountryrnen and of rnaxiliind C7 In what (lid the power of
"wasliington consist?

It was not the power of vast learning or varied acquire-
ments. He made no pretensions to soholarship, and had
no opportunity for €3Xlt3l,’1SlVB‘ readiiiig.

It was not the power of spa1*ltli1*1g wit or glowing‘
rhetoric. 'I‘hongh long; ‘associated with deliberative

t bodies, he never made a set speech in his life, nor ever

mingled in a stormy clehate. 1
i It was not the power of personal fasoinati.on. There

‘.36

of his wife’s annual Visit to the camp during the revolum
tionary war, with his passing allusion to the “self de-
nial” which the exigencies of his country had cost him,
furnishes a charming illustration of his habitual exact-
ness. The fact that every barrel of flour which bore the
brand of “ George Washington, Mount Vernon,” was
exempted from the customary inspection in the 
India ports----that name being rega.1*ded, as an ample
guaranty of the quality and quantity of any article to
which it was aflixedwwsupplies a not less striking proof
that his exactness was everywhere understood.

Everybody saw that VVashington sougli‘t r‘1otl"1i1ig for
himself. iEverybody knew that he sacrificed not‘.liir1g to
personal or to party ends. lclence, the mighty influence,
the rnatchless sway, which he exercised over all around
him. “ He was the only man in the United Stzittes who
possessed the confidence of all, (said Thomas JetI’erson ;)
there was no other one who was considered as a11ytl‘1ir“1g
more than a party leader.” . A

Who ever thinks of ‘Wasliington  a mere politician?
,VVho ever associates him with the petty arts and pitiful
intrigues of partisan oflice-seekers or partisan oflice-
holders? "Who ever pictures him canvassing for votes,
dealing; out prescription, or doling out patronage?

“ No part of my duty,” wrote "Washington to Gr0V6T-
nor Bowdoin, in a letter, the still unpublished original of
which is a precious inheritance of my own : “ No part of

my duty will he more delicate, and in many instances.

more unpleasant, than that of nominating and appciriting
persons to office. It will undoubtedly happen that there

27

will be several candidates for the sarn"’e oflice, whose pre-
tensions, abilities, and integrity may be nearly equal, and
who will come forward so equally supported in every
respect as almost to require the aid of supernatural intui-
tion to fix upon the right... I shall, however, in all events,
have the satisfaction to reflect that I entered upon my
administration unconfined by a single engagement, unin-
fluenced by any ties of blood or tiriendshi p, and with the
best intention and fullest determination to nominate to
office those persons only who, upon every consideration,
were the most deserving, and who would probably exe-
cute their several functions to the interest and credit of
the American Union; if such characters could be found
by my exploring every avenue of information respecting
their merits and pretensions that it was in my power to
obtain.” A
And there was as little of the vulgar hero about him,
 there was of the mere politician. At the head of a
victorious army, of which he was the idol-—---«an army too
often provoked to the very verge of mutiny by the neglect
of an inefficient Goverrimentm--—we find him the constant
counselor of subordination and submission to the civil
authority. Vi/'ith the sword of a conqueror at his side,
we find him the unceasing advocate of peace. Repeat»
edly invested with more than the power of a Roman Dic-
tator, we see him receiving that power with reluctance,
employing it with the utmost moderation, and eagerly
embracing I the earliest opportunity to resign it. The
offer of a Crown could not, did not, tempt him for an in»

r28

stant trorn his allegiance to libertyfilé He rejected it with
indignation and abhorrence, and proceeded to devote all
this energies and all his influence, all his popularity and
all his ability, to the establishrnent of that Republican
System, of which he was from first to last the uncompro-
mising advocate, and with the ultimate success of which
he believed the best interests of America and of the world
were inseparably connected.

It is thus that, in contern plating the character of Wash-
ington, the offices which he held, the acts which he per—-
formed, his successes as a statesman, his triumphs as a
soldier, almost fade from our sight. It is not the Wash-
ington of the Delaware, or the Brandywine, of German-
town, or of l\/Ionmouth; it is not VVashing'ton, the
President of the Convention, or the President of the
Republic, which we admire. We cast our eyes over his

life, not to be dazzled by the meteoric l.ustre of particular

passages, but to behold its whole pathway radiant, radiant
everywhere, with the true glory of a just, conscientious,
consurnrnate man! Of him we feel. it to he no exagge-
ration to say that A

“All the ends be aimed at
Were his Country"s, his God's, and Truth.’s."

Of him we feel it to he no exaggeration tosay, that he
stands upon the page of history the great modern illus-
tration and exam pleof thatexquisite and Divine precept,
which fell from the lips of the dying monarch of Israel--

“ He that ruleth overt men must be just, ruling in the
fear of God ;” i

5* Sparks’ Life of Wasliington, pp. 351»-5.

 

529

“And he shall be as the light of the morning when
the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds!”
And now, fellow-citizens, it is this incomparable and

transcendent character, which America, on this occasion,

holds up afresh to the admiration of mankind. Believing it
to be the only character which could have carried us safely
through our own revolutionary struggles, we present it,
especially, this day, to the wistful gaze of convulsed and

distracted Europe. May we not hope that there may be

kindred spirits over the sea, upon whom the example
may impress itself, till they shall be inflamed withia
noble rage to follow it? Shall we not call upon them to
turn from a. vain reliance upon their old idols, and to be-
hold here, in the mingled moderation and courage, in the
combined piety and patriotism, in the blended virtue,
principle, wisdom, valor, self-denial, and self-devotion of
ourVVashington, the express image of the man, the only
man, for their occasion?

Daphni, quid antiques signormn suspicis ortns,
Ecce Dionaei processit Cacsaris astrurn !

Let us rejoice that our call is anticipated. Wasl1ingt.on
is no new name to Europe. His star has been seen in
every sky, and wise men everywhere have done it horn-

age. To what other merely human being, indeed, has i

such homage ever before or since been rendered?

“ I have a large acquaintance among the most valuable

and exalted classes of men,” wrote Erskine to Wasl1ing~,
ton himself, “but you are the only being for whom lever
felt an awful reverence.” i

30

r “Illustrious man i” said Fox of him, in the British
lrlouse of Commons in 1794, “deriving honor less from
the splendor of his situation than from the dignity of his
mind; before whom all borrowed greatness sinks into in-
significance, and all the potentates of Europerlt become
little and contemptible.”

“Waslli11gtorl is dead!” proclaimed Napoleon, on hear»
ing of the event. “This great man fought against ty-
ranny; he established the liberty of his country. His
memory will be always dear to the French people, as it
will be to all free men of the two worlds.”

“ It will be the duty of the historian and the sage in
all ages,” says Lord Brougham, “ to let no occasion pass
of commemorating this illustrious man; and, until time
shall be no more, will a test of the progress which our
race has made in wisdom and virtue be derived from the
veneration‘ paid to the immortal name of “Washington.”

“ One thing  certain,” says G-uizot-—-—“one thing is
certain; that which ‘Washington did-—-—-—-the founding of a
free government by order and peace, at the close of the
revolution-——-no other policy than his could have accom-
plished.”

And later, better still: “Ell”-ace henceforth the name
of l\/lachiavel,” said Lamartine, within a few weeks past,
in his reply to the Italian association»-“ eflace henceforth
thename of Macljriavel from your titles of glory, and sub-
stitute for it the name of VVashington; that is the one

at It was not thought necessary to clisfigure the text, by inserting
the loyal parenthesis, “(excepting the mernhers of our own royal
family)..”

31

which should now be proclaimed; that is the name of

modern liberty. It is no longer the name of a politician
or a conqueror that is required; it is that of a man, the
most disinterested, the most devoted to the people. This
is the man required by liberty. The wantof the age
is a European \/Vashington !”

And who shall supply that want but he who so vividly
realizes it? Enthusiastic, eloquent,admirable Lamar-
tine! Though the magic wires may even now be trern»
bling with the tidings of his downfall, we will not yet
quite despair of him. Go on in the high career to which
you have been called! Fall in it, if it must be so; but
fall not, falter not, from it! Imitate the character you
have so nobly appreciated! Fulfil the pledges you have
so gloriously given! Plead still agairist the banner of
blood! Strive still against the reign of terror! Aim
still

“ By winning words to conquer willing hearts,
And make persuasion do the work of fear!”

May a gallant and generous people second you, and the
Power which preserved Washi,ngt.on sustain you, until
you have secured peace, order, freedom to your country!

“ Si qua fate aspera rumpas,
Tu Marcellus eris.”*‘

But, fellow-citizens, while wethus commend the char

it These forebodinge were but too soon fulfilled. The tidings of
Larna.rtine’s downfall were received a few days after this Address was
delivered.

32

racter and example of Washirigton to others, let us not
forget to imitate it ourselves. I have spoken of the pre-
cise period which we have reached in our own history,
as well as in that of the world at large, as giving some-
thing of peculiar interest to the proceedings in which we
are engaged. I may not, I will not, disturb the harmony
of the scene before me by the slightest allusion of a party
character. The circumstances of the occasion forbid it ;,

the associations of the day forbid it; the character of him "

in whose honor we are assembled, forbids it; my own
feelings revolt from it. But I may say, I must say, and
every one within the sound of my voice will sustain me
in sayirig, that there has been no moment since VVash-
ington himself was atnorig us, when it was more import-
ant than at this moment that the two great leading prin-

ciples of his policy should be remembered and chew

rished.

Those principles were, first, the most complete, cor»-
dial,\and indissoluble Union of the States; and, second,
the most entire separation and disentanglement of our
own country from all other countries. Perfect union
among ourselves, perfect neutrality towards others, and
peace, peace, domestic peace and foreign peace, as the
result; this was the chosen and consummate policy of
the Father of his Country.

I Butabove all, and before all, in the heart of Wasl1ing~
ton, wasitheillnion of the States; and no opportunity was
ever omitted by him, to impress upon his fellovwcitizens
the profound sense which be entertained, of its vital im—-
portance at once to their prosperity and their liberty.

33

In that incomparable address in which he bade fare-
well to his countrymen at the close of his Presidential
service, he touched upon many other topics vvith the ear?
nestness of a sincere conviction. He called upon them
in solemn terms, to “ cherish public credit. ;” to “observe
good faith. and justice towards all nations,” avoiding both
“inveterate antipathies, and passionate attachments” to-
wards any; to mitigate and assuage the unquenchable

fire of party spirit, “lest, instead of warming, it should‘-

consurne;” to ahstain from “characterizing parties by

geographical distinctions;” “to promote institutions for
A the general diffusion of knowledge;” to respect andup-

hold “religion and morality ; those great pillars of human
happiness, those firmest props of the duties of men and
of citizens.”

But what can exceed, What caiiequal, the accumulated

intensity of thought and of expression with which he

calls upon them to cling to the Union of the States. “It

is of infinite moment,” says he, in language which we
ought never to be weary of hearing or of repeating, “ that

you should properly estimate the immense value of your

National Union to your collective and individual happi-
ness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, immov-
able attachrnent to it; accustoming yourselves to think
and speak of it as of the palladiumof your political safety
and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jea-
lous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest
even a suspicion that it can, in any evjerzt, be abandoned ;
and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every,

attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the

3

34.-

rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link toge-

therthe Various parts.”
1 The Union, the Union in any event, was thus the sen-—

  timent of Wasliington. The Union, the Union in (my

event, let it be our sentiment this day! _

a Yes, today, fellow-citizens, at the very moment when
the extension of our boundaries and the multiplication of
our territories are producing, directly, and indirectly,
among the different members of our political eyetern, so
many marked and mourned centrifugal tendencies, let
us seize this occasion to renew to each other our vows; of
allegiance and devotion to the American Union, and let
us recogiiize in our common title to the nameand the
fame of Wael'1iiigtoii, and in our common veneration for
his example and his advice, the all-—-sufficient centripetal,
power, which shall hold the tlhick. clustering stars of our
confederacy in one g=lorious constellation forever! Let
thecolumn which we are about t.o construct, he at once a
pledge and an emblem of perpetual union! Let the
foundations be laid, let the superstructure he built up and
cemented, let each atone be raised and riveted, in a spirit
of national hrotherhoodl. And may the earliest ray of
the rising sun-—--—till that stun shall set to rise no more----

drawforth from it daily, as from the fabled statue of

antiquity, a. strain of national harmony, which shall
striltea res~:ponsive chord in every heart throughout the
Republic!

Proceed, then, fellow-citizens, with the work for which
you have assembled! Lay the corner-stone of a monu-

ment vvliich shellac adequately bespealt the gratitude of the

35

whole American people to the illustrious Father of his
country! Build it to the skies ; you cannot outreach the
loftiness of his principles! Found it upon the massive
and eternal rock; you cannot make it more enduring than
his fame! Construct it of the peerless Parian marble;
you cannot make it purer than his life! Exhaust upon
it the rules and principles of ancient and of modern art;
you cannot make it more proportionate than his cha-
racterl

t But let not your h.omage to his memory end here.

Think not to transfer to a tablet or a column, the tribute

which is due from yourselves. Just honor to VVashing--
ton can only be rendered by observing his precepts and
imitating his example. Sz"m2‘Z'2'mci’z’ne decoremus. He has
built his own monument. We, and these who come after
us in successive generations, are its appointed, its privi-
leged guardians. This vvide-spread Republic is the true
monument to W'ashi.ngton. Maintain its Independence.
Uphold its Constitution. Preserve its Union. Defend
its Liberty. Let it stand before the world in all its
original strength and beauty, securing peace, order, equa»
lity, and freedom to all within its boundaries, and shed-
ding light and hope and joy upon the pathwayoflhuman
liberty throughout the world; and Washington needs no

other monument. Other structures may fitly testify cur

veneration for him; this, this alone, can adequately illus-
trate his services to mankind. A r , ”

Nor does he need even this. i The Republic may pe-
rish ; the wide arch of our ranged Union may fall; star by

star its glories may expire; stone after stone its columns

36

and its capitol may moulder and crumble; all other names

which adorn its annals may be forgotten; but as long as

human hearts shall anywhere pant, or human t.o1'1gnes
shall anywhere plead, for a true, rational, constitutional
liberty, those hearts shall enshrine the memory, and
those tongues shall prolong the fame, of GEORGE WAsH~
1NeToN!

PRAYER

Delivered by the Rev. Mn. MCJILTON at the begittrzirtg of the
ceremonies.

 

Gmtar and glorious God! Ruler of nations and of" men! Thine
eye of watchful Vigilance surveys the vast universe of Thy creation,
and by Thy hand of‘ power is meted out the blessings of Thy crea-
tures. In Thy sight t.he globe we inhabit is but an atom, and the cen-
turies of its history but a passing moment. Between Thy character
and ours, as between the habitation of Thy Holiness in Heaven and
our dwelling place in the dust of t.he earth, there is immense disparity.
Great and wonderful is Thy eondeseension in stooping to behold us,
and in bending down from Thy lofty throne to preserve, protect, and
bless us.

In the movements of the multitudes of our race, nations have arisen
and flourished and fallen before Thee. Thou hast been the witness
of their deeds of good and evil; the good in which they were pros»
perous and happy, the evil in which they were unfortunate, and by
which they were overthrown. Amid the revolutions of empires and
the crumbling of" kingdoms upon a distant hemisphere, Thou didst
raise up a people and plant them upon these shores, far away from
the confusion and conflict, where they might be happyin the posses-
sion of peace, and in the enjoyment of the abundance the land was
capable of affording. Amid the continued convulsions of that distant
elime, while its revolutions have been prolonged and its kingdoms
perpetuated in decay, Thou hast preserved Thy people and permitted
them to grow and prosper. At the present ‘hour, while the tongue of
revolution is telling its tales of trouble and sorrow, we are happy in
our possessions,and highly prosperous. Thou hast hedged us in on
every side, and from no human power have we anything to fear.

In our prosperity, O God, we recognize Thy hand of mercy, and
we acknowledge the obligations we are under to obey Thy command-
ments, aud to serve Thee with perfect hearts and with willing minds.
The arm of thy mysterious Providence is seen, not only in raising us

38

up from nothing to be a mighty nation, but also in the events of’ our
history, which thou hast overruled for the advancement of our interests
and for the increase of our fame.

As thou didst with Thine ancient people, in raising up prophets and
princes, and leaders in times when their services were needed, so hast
Thou done with us in providing us with men for the emergencies and
trials through which, as a nation, we have had to pass. It was Thy
wisdom that directed the great discoverer of modern years in his
search after the shores of this western world, and it was by Thine
arm of power that his adventurous band were protected during their
perilous journey over the ocean, and preserved among the savages of
the wilderness. It was through Thee that the daring efforts of those
adventurers were successful in revealing unknown treasures to the
world, and in giving an almost limitless territory to the industry and
enterprise of man.

By Thee our fathers were directed to the land of beauty thus dis-
closed. Encouraged by Thy smiles and favor they colonized upon
these shores. They spotted them over with flourishin.g cities, and
converted the gloom. of the wilderness into the habitation of happy
multitudes. In peace Thou wast their Protector; in war, their firm,
unfailing Friend. When the yoke of servitude was presented to their
necks, Thou didst break it in the hands of the oppressor. When the
fetters of tyranny were forged to enslave them, by Thee they were
snapped asunder before they were bound upon their arms. It was
under the notice of Thine appiroving; eye that they hurled resistance
to the tyrant’s law, and in the face of the Revolution, determined to
be free. In a day of peril they declared their independence, and pro»
claimed their Federal Constitution to the world. That Declaration
and that Constitution they rnanfully sustained at the risk of fortune,
life, and sacred honor; and in sustaining them they presented glori-
ously before the powers of the earth the anomaly of nations--~-a free
republic.

Fiercely and swiftly upon the decree of revolution the storm of war

same down. When clouds and darkness hung upon the shores of

Zolutnbia, amid the liglittii1tg’s tlarne Thy hand was secn-—--amid the
thunder’s peal Thy voice was heard. It was Thou, the Almighty
King of Irleaven, that didst lead Thy favored people of the earth in
safety through the storm. It was Thou that di<.lst: conduct them
tlirottglt the gloom of their dark and bloody trial to the place of honor
and renown. T p  , ,

In that time of trouble Thou didst provide men for the performance

39

‘oi’ peculiar oiliees that werenecessary to the nation’s security, and,
anointed with Thy blessing, they went forth for the accomplishment of
glorious purposes. ‘Thy gracious presence was with the first council
of the Federal States when they announced their Declaration of Ind'e-.-
pendence, and when, in preparing the Constitution for the government,
they presented the young American republic to the View of mankind.
That young republic stood up mighty in Thy strength. It was like
the stripling David with his shepherd’s bag and sling, and stone that
he had taken from the brook. And the enemy that opposed was the
Goliath ‘of power, inured to war, and bearing the sword, the shield,
and the spear. In the result the word of the Highest was fulfilled.
The race was not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The giant
tell before the strip1ing’s arm, and the nations were made to know that
there was a God in Israel.

As swept the tempest on its raven wing, at Thy cornrnand appeared
the greatest and most successful of human warriors. Called by his
eountry to occupy the post of danger, foremost and uppermost stood
the fearless, the intrepid, the rnatehless WAtSItING'l‘()N-\Vltll0ull his
purple mightier than Caesar; without his Sceptre greater than Alexan-
der. 7 It was in Thy name, 0 thou Ruler of all tltings, that the first
Anteriean Generaltook his place at the head of his undisciplined troops.
In the amine of God he fought his country’s hattles, and in the name
of God he eo-nque-red... In preparation for the great work. he had in
hand, he invoked protection from on High, and clothed with the pano-
ply of Heaven, he was invincible. It was not for the purple of power,
not for the glittering diadern, that thesword of Wasnrnercnsr was ,un--.
sheathed. He drew the steel for Lil)erty--for the protection of" human
right tlrorn the tyrannyof lnnrna-n power. He teugltt that nuillionsmight
he free. A i

«As directed by Thee, 0 Lord of Hosts, Columbus made the dis»
novery of the New ‘World, so under the sanction of Thy Divine will
and aid our illustrious chief procured its -freedom. We view him as
the instrutnent of Thy power in the accomplishment of Thy glorious
designs; and in the honors that we would heap upon his memory, we
would but honor 'I‘nzeu the more. Most devoutly do we thank. Thee
pm. the gift of the great, the good, the glorious Washingtoti; and when
in our ‘pride we would tell of his renown,it is our pleasure in thedeed
to speak. 'l‘nr praise. . -

t‘ In the peace of «death the patriot sleeps, hut deeply in the hearts of
his eountryrnen. his name -andcharaeter and deeds are enshrined. With
the o~ceupatio.n of the warr.ior.he mingled the eharacterof the Christian;

40

and, although his form has been laid in the dust, we hope and believe
that his spirit has returned to the God thatgave it,and is happy in the
place of the departed. In memorial of his character, his virtues, and
his fame, we eomethis day to rear a costly eenotaph—---a monument that
shall proclaim his praise to ages yet to come, to millions yet to be. We
plant in earth. the shaft that points to heaven. We rear the pile that
silently, yet eloquently, tells the story of his valor to the world below,
while it lifts its lofty head on higlt as if it would direct manltind to the
haven of bliss-—-the future home of the faithful and the good. More,
in the capital of his country, that bears his name, would we build the
monument of stone in honor of the illustrious dead, and do then, 0
Lord, look down from heaven and hless the deed. May this memorial
of marble, in this tnetropolis of freetlorn, be an instrument of 'I‘hine in
the perfort'nanee of Tliy wonderful works among the sons of men. It
tells of Christian virtue and of patriotio devotion. May it etiteottrttgca
American yontlt in the cultivation and practice of these holy principles,
It tells of pure and honorable motive, and higlt and ehivalrous eltaraeter.
May it inspire the American eitizen with holy ardor to emulate the
same! It tells of an eittttilirliiitg sense of duty and zeal for its discharge,
of lofty aims and purposes, and the rneetl of renown to be gained in
their pursuit. May its influence be etieetive in the extension of like
sentiment, and in the elevation of men in character and praeticel May
it animate the hearts of freetnen to imitate the example of Washington,
the good, that each in his respeetive sphere may be like Washington
the great‘.

~And now, 0 Lord of all power and majesty, we humbly beseech
thee to let the wing of Thy proteotion be ever outspread over the land
of Washington ! May his people he Thy people! May his God be
their God! Never from beneath the strong arm. of Thy providenee
may they be removetl; but, like their honored chief’, may they t’tt.':-
knowledge Thee in peace and in war, and ever serve thee with  will-~
ing, faithful, acceptable service 1 Heat‘ our prayer, we beseech Thee,
that the glory of this nation may never be obscured in the gloom of
guilt; thatits beauty may never be so marred by the foul impress of
sin that the lightof its religious character shall he dimmed. Open the
eyes of the people, and let them see that it is their true interest to study
Thy laws, to seek. 'l"‘hy favor, and to worship Thee with a faithful
worship. Teach them, and deeply impress upon them the important
political truth that opinions and personal feelings, private advantages,
and sectional interests areall as notlting; when eornpared with the great
interest that every American has in the union of the different States of

41

the Republic. Let them know and feel that as Americans they are at
common brotherhood, a single family, and that any principle or propow
sition that would regard the interests or advantages of the few to the
det.riment of the many is not American in its character, but is hostileto
American institutions, and must be destructive of our peace. May the
watchword of the nation ever be “nation,” and let the prayer [ascend
from every American heart that it may ever be preserved! May this
pile, sacred in memorial to the Father of his country, be the central
point of union for the north and the. south, the east and the west. And
when the people of every section of the land shall look upon it, or think
of it, may they feel that they are Americans, fellow citizens with the
venerated ‘Washington, and strike hands and hearts together in the
pletlge that everything shall fall before the federal union of the States
shall be dissolved l

Direct us, 0 Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor,
and further us with 'l"l'iy continued help. While we acltnowledge
'l‘hee t.o he the Lor<..l our God, and offer Thee the services of our lips,
may our he.arts he devoted to Thee, that we may luring; forth the fruits
of holiness in our lives, and show by our deeds that we are Thy
fait.hfnl servants! Be pleased to perpetuate our free gc)veri't1tte11t, and

eontin1.1e its l'>lessin,g*s to mankind. When the men of the present gene-

ration shall have passed away, may it he firmer and stronger than it
was when C'.t",)t’I1I'll”lllLt-ttl to their hands, and so may it continue, in the
succession of perpetual ,ge.t1er:.ttioits, the hlessing of the American peo-
ple, the envy and atltniration of the world. lilntlue us with wisdom
and innoccncy of life. and, when we shall have served Tliee intour

generation, tinny we be gzitltceretl to our fatliers having the testimony of

a good conscience in comnounion with 'I‘h y church; in the confidence
of a certain faith; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy
hope; in favor with 'I‘hee our God, and in perfect charity with all the
world. All these mercies and blessiitgs we ask in the name and me-
diation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

ADDRESS

or
BENJAMIN B. FRENCH, ESQ-9

(EUENISIIED FOR. PUBLICATION AT THE REQUEST on TIIE SOGIETY.)

».

lily sreepected Brethren of the Jllasomic Fraternity/, and Fellow»
Citizens:

W1-;IY have We assembled here to-day? What means this immense
crowd around us? For what, beneath a July sun, on this anniversary‘
of the birthday of a nation, has this vast multitude come up, as came
Israel of old to the dedication of the Temple of the Lord 2?

We are here to perlbrm a duty, which, were it possible, twenty
millions of people would, without a whisper of dissent, assemble here
to-day to witness, for it would be but the homage due to the memory‘
of one, whose name shall live in every American bosom as long as our
great and glorious Union shall exist. , p  

We are about to lay the foundation stone of a National Monument,
here, in the city that bears hisname, at this seat of the General Giovern-
merit, which hie exertions established, to be consecrated to the memory
of Gt«:ouoe Waetttnerron. , 7

“ The world---the whole civilized world,” says a most worthy and
eloquent writer,“ in an atldreee on the Masonic character of Washington,
“ bows with admiration to that name as the exponeutof all that is great
in patriotiern and lovely in public example. The furthest nations of the
earth take up praise when that nametis syllabled in their ear, as if hie
virtue were their inheritance. The broadest empires of Europe, while
tliey shut out the ll,t__jg‘l'tt of’ republican truths, acknowledge the lustre
whiczh our eouittryia tittber has thrown around the name of MAN; and
the little republic: of San Marino, situated above the clouds that play
uljmut tho tl“lltl-lielglll‘. of Mount Urbino---a republic too poor to have
jewelea--—-too small to boast of a treaeury—she cherishes, among the

* Joseph R. Cltandler, Esq.

44

valuables of her publicpossessions, the name and simple portrait of
Washington.”

It is peculiarly appropriate that the solemn and interesting ceremony,
of laying this corner-stone, should be performed by us, my Masonic
brethren, for he, whose name is to make it a great national landmark.
for all future time, was a Freemason. The soldier, the statesman, t.he
great and goodman, upon all proper occasions, clothed himself in the
regalia of our order, took his place among the craft, and avowed to the
world his affection and regard for our ancient institution.

We have all about us, my brethren, the evidences that VVasl1ingtoi1
was a Mason, and of his devotion to the craft. The Lodge from
Fredericzksbttrg, Virginia, is present, and its members bear with them
the ancient, and interesting records of their proceeclings, wherein is
recorded the entering, passing, and raising of “ Mr. George Wttslti11g-
ton,” and upon which may be seen the handwriting of the liatlier of
his Country. This apron and this sash, which I now have the honor

to wear, were VVashington’s, and were worn by him while l7’resident

of the United States, at the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol,
at which ceremony he used this gavel, which I shall use in the cere-
mony of laying this corner-stone. The chair upon the stand opposite,
which has been occupied by the gifted orator who has just addressed
you in words of eloquence, which shall be as immortal as the fame of
him whom he has so nobly (~31;ll(’)glZ(3(l, is the property of Alexandria
Washington Lotlge, No, 22; it was purchased for that Iaoclge by Wash-
ington, and occupied by him during the time in which he presided
over its deliberations. These sacred and invaluable relics are owned,
the gavel by Potomac Lodge, in Georgetown, the other articles by
Alexandria Washington Lotlgc. r

We come here, then, to-day, on this Sabbath of our national ea:ist-
ence, not only in the presence of this immense concourse of human
beings, but in the presence of the Almighty, whose blessing we have
invoked, to commence, in behalf of a. great nation, the performance of
a duty which that nation owes to the memory of VVashington.

The superstructure which is to rise above this corner-stone, will hear
such emblems as shall be calculated to remind the millions who may
look upon ithereafter, not only of the Father of his Country, but of
the country of which he was the father. ’

T A circular colonnade is to form the main feature of the structure,
from which, pointing to heaven, will spring a plain obelisk, five hun-‘
dred feet in height. ‘Near the apex of that obelisk is to he placed, in

alto relieve, a single star, Like that star of old, which gathered the

45

wise men at Bethlehem, in Judea, may this be the guiding point to
gather together the wise men of this land, should danger ever threaten
the existence of our beloved and cherished Union!

I feel, my fellow-citizens, while standing here on this consecrated
spot, set apart, as it has been, by the Congress of the United States for
a sacred purpose, as if I were almost inspired by the spirit of prophecy
when I say, that this Union shall be perpetual; for here, in this vast
crowd, among all these banners that are floating and waving about me,
nothing is seen but the emblems of union. The glittering arms, that
flash back the sunlight, are for protection and defence. Men of all
parties, and all Christian creeds, here stand side by side, shoulder to
shoulder, a. single brotherhood, ready to defend this Union in one
united mass, should ever that defence be necessary. Who, then, can
doubt its perpetual integrity? Who shall dare to predict that our con-
stitution, fraught with so many blessings to mankind, will ever be
broken in fragments, and scattered abroad? If there be a single speck
upon our political horizon----~if the faintest shadow of portending danger
is to be seen, there are in the North, in the South, in the East, and in
the West, patriots, statesmen, great, and gifted, and good men, the de-
scendants of the fathers of this Republic, W ho will stand by, and defend,

and preserve, this citadel of liberty whole, entire, perfect, as it new is,

to be the glory of after ages, as it is of this. V

First, in the name of the Most High, and next, in that great human
name, to manifest respect to which we have met here to-day-—--in the
name of George Washington»---let us, all here assembled, as the voice
of one man, pledge ourselves anew to maintain the constitution,lwhich
Washington so powerfully aided in establishing; and let us also implore
upon our common country, perpetuity, happiness, and peace. ‘4

It is very common, upon the erection of rnonuments to the dead, to
say that they are erected to commemorate the persons whose name
they bear; and, in most instances, this is said with truth. But the
erection of a marble monument, for no other purpose than to perpetuate
the memory of Washington, would be avain and useless task. He has
a monument that can never die, where his name shall never be for-
gotten; it was indelibly engravedupon the hearts of live millions of
people; now it is upon the hearts of twenty millions; hereafter it shall
be upon the hearts of hundreds of millions.

W2: shall all be gathered to our fathers, as the generations which
have preceded us have been gathered to theirs. They taught us to
pronouns», and venerate the name of the Father of his Country. It
was a holy lesson----and I say it with the utmost reverence, and with

 

46

a profountl conviction of the immensity which should ever separate the
name of Him, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, from the
purest and best of mortals----but still I say, it was a holy lesson, and
second only to that one, so much more holy, which teaches us to say,
“ Our Father who art in heaven.” We will teach it to our children,
and they shall teach it to theirs; and upon that glorious Monument of
human hearts, it shall be borne onward until Time shall he no more.
We erect not, then, this Monument of marble to enable us, or those
who may succeed us, to remember Washington, but we erect it as a.
mark of our aflection, our veneration for the memory of the great and
good man whose name it bears; and it shall hereafter be viewed,hy an
admiring world, as the evidence to all future time that this republic is
not ungrateful. We commence here, a. great, a patriotic, a glorious
work; and when it shall have been completed, who that shall visit this
city, but will come to this spot, and while contemplating the Monument
of a nation’s affection, but will feel his bosom warm, and his heart ex»
pand with the holy tire of patriotism? Irlis thoughts will not recur to
him alone whose name it shall bear, hut. also to that galaxy of great
names, who not only pledged everything, but risked every'tl1irtg, that
we might stand here, this day, in the proud position which we occupy
before the world.

Is there, then, a single individual among the millions who hail this
as their common country, who, possessing the ability, will refuse the
proffered honor of being permitted to contribute his mite to so noble,
so patriotic an enterprise? I trust not one!

The fraternity of Freemasons can recur, with proud satisfaction, to
our revolutionary struggle, when they remember that every general
officer of the American armies, save one, was a Freernason----at least
the pen of history has so made up the record, and he, whose eyes
never beheld

“ 'I‘hat: ltieroglyphie lzrigltt
Which none but craftsnien ever saw,”

died a. traitor tohis country ii"

"‘ This portion of the address was extemporaneous, and the language used was
such as the speaker’s mind. S1.1ggt'.’.*Ste(.'l. at the instant. He ouglit, perhaps, to have
said, trctditionary rttmor,tit'isteutl of “the pen of‘ history.l’ Since the address was
delivered, he has seen a newspaper statement that Gen. Arnold was at F1'CL’tC211"l&1£"$(')l‘l.
He is sure that he has often seen the contrary stated. One rumor may offset the
other, until proof is a(;iEltl0t:Cl,Wl'1t311 no one will more cheerfully bow to the evidence
than hirnself.--~B. B. F. M M

47

This grand and imposing assemblage is, at this moment, graced and
honored with the presence of the Royal Arch apron, owned, and worn
by General Joseph Warren, who fell at the battle of Bunker Hill, the
first heroic martyr of high rank, who poured out his blood in the cause
of American liberty.

General VVarren was Grand Master of Freemasons in America.
The apron, to which I have alluded, is now in the possession of a wor-
thy brother of the craft,"*“ who has journeyed from Boston to this city to
join in these ceremonies, and has brought with him that sacred relic of
the past, that the name of Warren, immortalized by his patriotism, his
valor, and his early but glorious death, might be associated here, in the
never-to-be-forgotten ceremonies of this day, with the name of Wash-
ington! Wreathe them together in your memories, my brethren, in
an unfading chaplet, and wear them in your hearts‘.

Our most worthy brother, from whose eloquent address on the Ma-
sonic character of Washington, I have before quoted, after alluding to
his retirement and death, pours out, as it were, from his soul, the fol-
lowing tribute to his memory, which will not be out of place here:

“He has gone indeed, but the brilliant track of his pathway shall
know no darkness. The zodiac through which he took his course
shall be bright in the lustre of his greatness; and star after star may
go out in every constellation of the political heavens, but where he
went the brightness shall he eternal; and the upturned faces of admir-
ing mortals shall catclt a reflection of that lustre from the very power
of appreciating; its purity. t it y t g g e

No more Washingtons shall come in our time. Mount Vernon shall
not give back. its sacred tlepoi-tit to bless a nation, and that human form
has not yet been shaped to receive the ethereal tire to make it another
Washington. But his virtues are stamped on the heart of mankind.
He who is great in the battle field looks upward. to the generalship of
Washington. He who grows wise in counsel feels that he is imitating
a Washington. He who can resign power against the wishes of a peo-
ple,has in his eye the bright example of Washington. The hnsbandrnan,
toiling in his field, is proud in the thought that Washington too was a
farmer. The mason, in the tnidst ofhis labors, remembers with pride
that Washington was a mason; and the man, struck down by rnisfor"
tune, solitary and unaided, who has no special claim of association,
with that great one, warms his heart, and strengthens his resolution in
the recollection that Washington, too, was a. man.” i

True virtue and true valor never go unrewarded by a virtuous and
patriotic people.

*' Capt. Josiah Sturgiss, U. S. Revenue Marine,

48

This republic is proud of herjewels. She forgets not her statesmen
and her heroes, but delights to honor them while living, and to com-
memorate them when dead.

Were the scroll, which contains the record of all the great and good
men of the Republic, now to be unrolled before us, at its head, sur—-
rounded by a halo of undying glory, would stand, in living light, pre-
eminent ahove all, the name of Genesis VVAsn1Ne'r0N.

“He burst the fetters of the land,
He tatruglit us to be free,
He raised the clliguity of man,
And bade a Nation be.”

MASONIC CEREl\/IONIES IN LAYING Tl-IE
COR'NER-STONE.

The Grand Master, having concluded his address, descended to the
cornerstone, and, liaving applied the square, level, and plumb to the
northeast corner thereof, pronounced it well squared, level, and plumb;
well laid, true, and trusty. Then, having deposited in the cavity the
several articles furnished, he said :

t I shall now proceed, to place upon this stone the ancient masonic
elements of consecration, the corn, wine, and oil.

This may appear to many an unrneaning ceremony ; if such be the
case, I can only say to those, who thus View it, that to them hundreds
of other ceremonies and emblems must appear equally so. The water
which is sprinkled upon the face of the infant; the solemn rite by
which age comes visibly before the world and announces its faith in the
redeeming power of a Saviour; the flag which floats at the head of the
military column; the plume that dances amid the charge of warring
hosts; the christening cl" the ship as she glides for the first time into
her destined element, without which no sailor could he found to trust
himself upon her deck-—-—these are all ceremonies and emblems, but
they are such as are solemnly recogtiized by the world. “ The taber-
nacle in the wilderness and all its holy vessels were, by God’s express
command, anointed with oil; Aaron and his two sons were set apart

end of time.

49

for the priesthood with the same ceremony, and the prophets and
kings of Israel were consecrated to their oflices by the same rite.”

To the reflecting mind all these ceremonies have a deep and abiding
meaning.

In placing upon this stone this CORN, I invoke the blessing of plenty
to the nation whose monument this ismto be. May bread, that great
staff of our physical existence, never be wanting to feed the hungry!

In pouring upon it the WINE, permit me to express a hope that the
wine of joy may ever be found in our broad land, and that happiness
may be a dweller in every hamlet, from the Rio Bravo to the Bay of
Fundy, from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans.

In pouring upon it the 0111., I invoke for all who may be in affliction
the healing‘ oil of consolation.

This corner-stone is now ready to receive the superstructure which
is to rise above it. May no accident attend its erection, and may the
cap-stone, that announces its comp1etion,_be laid under circumstances as
happy and as favorable as this foundation stone has now been placed !

The Grand Master then presented to the architect, Itonnrrr Mums,
(who is a l’reemasou,) the working tools of his profession, remarking,
as he did it;

I now present to you, my brother, the square, level, and plumb,
which are the working tools you are to use in the erection of this
monument. You, as a freernason, know to what they morally allude:
the plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations be»-
fore God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue, and
re menibe1'ittg that we are travelling upon the level of time to that “ un-
discovered country from whose bourne no traveller returns.” Never
forgetting this sublime moral lesson, you are here to use them practi'-
zally in your professiott. Look well to the erection of this national
monument; see that every stone is well squared, and that it is placed
in its position both level and plumb, that the noble otl’ering of a nation,
to commemorate greatness, patriotism, and virtue, may stand until the

The masonic grand honors were then given, and the benediction was
pronounced.

 APPENDIX.

um“. .....

NO. I.
{INVITATIONS AND ANSWERS.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT Orrxcn, June 21st, 1848.
Mus. JAMES MADISON:

The Cornrnittee of Arrangements most respectfully invite you to attend the cere-
mony of laying the corner-stone of the Washington National Monument, on the
4th day of July next.

In accepting the presidency of the Society, Mr. l\’[edison said, “A monument
worthy the memory of Washington, reared by the menus proposed, will cornrnemc-
rate at the same time it virtue, at patriotism, and a. gratitude truly national, with
which the friends of liberty everywhere will syrnpathize, and of which our country
may always be proud.”

Wliile your illustrious hushaml did not survive to see the cornerstone of the
Monument laid, the committee, in common with your fel1ow~citizens, rejoice that
you are in the midst of us, and that on them devolves the pleasing duty of assuring
you that your presence on the occasion will greatly gratify the immense audience
that will be assembled.

Most respectfhlly yours,"
ARCH. HENDERSON, Cltairntan of Cotnmiltee.

 

To the Committee of ./flrrangcmeinls of the Wat7tir2.gton National Mommtent.
GEN'1‘ILI~:MEl\T :

In nccepting, with great sensibility, your fluttering invitation to be present with
you at the imposing scene of lnying the corxieretonc of the Wesiiingtort National
Monument, I feel the higliest grntifientinn; and believing that I can in no rnenner
so well express my lteertfelt concurrence in my 1‘mSban(1"s opinion, I will repeat

es you have done, his venerated worrle:---“A monument Worthy the rnentory oi‘

Washington, reared by the menus proposed, will commemorate at the saline time a.
virtue, e patriotism, and e grzttitutie truly national, with which the friends of liberty
everywhere will eyrnpntltize, end of which our country may always be proud.”
Be pleased to accept, Gentlemen, the eesurences or my great respect.
V D. P. MADISON.
WA$HINGTON, June 22, 1848.

52

WASHINGTON Nsrrorur. Monvrrnnr Orrrcrz, June ‘.30, 1848..

M113. ALEXANDER HAMILTON:

The Committee of Arrangements most respectfully invite you to attend the ce-re‘
mony of laying the corner-stone of the Washington National Monument on the 4th
of July next.

It has been your destiny to have descended from Gen. Schuyler, distinguished
for his valuable and arduous services during the American Revolution; and to have
been connected in the dearest relation in life with Gen. Alexander I~IarniIton, who
ranks with the most celebrated of his own, or any other age; both were the
friends, and possessed, in an eminent degree, the confidence of Washington.

In his family you were at all times a cherished. and beloved guest. Millions in
the present day would rejoice to have a glimpse of that face with which you were
familiar.

Those who may witness the ceremony of la-tying; the corner-stone of the Monu-
ment to he reared to perpetuate the rncrnory of a name hecorning more and more
clear to the friends cl‘ civil liberty as the riglits of’ men are hotter known and
more generally respected, will be gratified to have on opportunity to pay their
respects to you, who was so connected with so many of the important incidents of”
the Revolution, and endertrerl to the present gcticratiorr by so many associations of
the past, by the benevolence of your heart, and the purity of your life.

Most respectfully yours,
ARCH. HENDERSON, Uhcirmort of C'omm'ittce.

 

To Gen. .19. Ifcndersan, C’lta'z'.rmcm of C'o2mrr£ttce of ..d9"ra7tgement3.

VV.A8HI1t'(il'I.'0N Crrr, June 22, 1848.
Sin: l V
I hail the honor to i receive the invitation of the Waslritrgton Mornnncnt Associa-
tion, to attend. the ceremony ct‘ laying the corner-stone of a National Monument
on the /{lth of July next, at the moment Iwns about to leave this city, where I
have been for a very‘ long; time ettgttgctl in an application to Cortgrcss; which, in
the probable course of human events, will he the lost, as it is the roost iriter-est.ing
business of my protracted life. y
The ceremony in which Iarn invited to participate calls hack recollections so
deeply interesting; to me, from my early and intirnate association with the illustrious
man to whom this tribute of a nation’s gratitutle is so justly due, that I cannot
deny myself ‘the great gratification of witrressirtg it. i y
Have‘ thte’”go’od1icss to make my respects to the cont:-nittee, and to receive my
thanks for the flattering terms in which you have cornmnnicated their invitation. V
in   l wxzngremespecr
' ELIZA.l3E"I‘I-I IiIAMIL'1"ON.

 

l V‘ tpWAsntmWton NATIONAL Monnrrnnxr Orrrcrt, June 21st, 1848.
Mas. JOHN Qtrrncr ADAMS:

The Committee of Arrangements most respectfully invite you to attend the cere-

53

many of laying the corner-stone of the Washington National Monument, on the 4th
day of July next. ' ‘ it

It is within your knowledge that the Board of Managers first invited your distin-
guished husband to deliver an address on the cerernony of laying the cornerstone
of the Monument. He had spoken of the lives and characters of Monroe, Lafayette,
and Madison, in compliance with the wishes of. his fellovwcitizens, and theiipeople
without distinction of party, without sectional or geographical divisions, desired he
should deliver the address on the occasion mentioned. The subject was held ‘under
consideration by him. for a month, and when he finally declined, it was solely from
a prophetic conviction that he might not have the mental or physical ability to per-
form the service on the 22d oi‘ February, the-day then designated. A

The day, the association hoped, would have been ushcredlin by the usual demon-
strations of‘ rejoicitig, was a day of solemn sadness and gloom. The nation has
sytnpathized with you and with your family, in mourning the loss it has sufl‘ered..
Bowing with submission to the decree oi‘ an overruling Providence, the vast assem-
hlagc will be gratiiied hy your presence, if you can make it convenient and agree-
able to leave the 1'ctiretnent of Quincy, for a few days on this occasion.

Most respectftilly yours,
ARCH. IIENDERSC)N, Clzairntan of Committee.

 

Qurrrcr, Jame ‘.2C>th, 1848.
Gnu. Anon. Idetvritttttsmt, Chairman of Committee of ./2-rmngemc:nts of Waslrhtgtoar
National Jllonmrtmtt.

I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of the polite invitation of the
Cornrnitteo of Arrarigcmcnts of the Washinlgton National Monument, to witness the
laying of the cornerstone of’ the rnonurnent consecrated to the rnornory of‘ the Father
of his country, it'nrnortalicec.i hy the crowning fame of military achievement, blended
with the vvisdorn of the statestnnn; and possessed of all the solid virtues of a pure
and honcsttnan. i i t V i r i t i

In the choice of the crater whom. you had selected for this great occasion, allow
me to express my grief for a loss which We all deplore. Tlirougha long and merit-

torious life, he had loved and venerated the Gcneral,and fondly gloried in the living .

worth of the mom through his arduous trials, and splendid career; and who having
the felicity of his personal acquaintance, had enjoyed his favor and protection, which
led to all the honors, through his discernment of‘ youthful talent, which the nation

have so justly distingttisliccl and appreciated-——-and who would, had it pleased God ,

to spare him yet a little longer, have done ample justice to a theme in which both
heart and mind would have reveled with delight. i

The infirrnitics of health, and the great debility under which I labor, must plead
my excuse for declining the flattering invitation which you have done me the honor
to send to me, not being able to undertake so long a journey in the heat of summer.
Pertnit me, dear General, to assure you, and the Committee of Arrangements, of the
high sense of‘ esteem and consideration of Your obedient servant,

‘ LOUISA CATHERINE ADAMS.

54

./.l»nswcr of C'h-iqf Justice Trmey.
BALTIMORE, July 1st, 1848.
GIWTLEMEN : ' l ‘
iltregpret very much thatl cannot avail myself of your kind. invitation to attend
the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the Washington Monument, on the 4th
inst; it is an event which, undoubteclly, every=A1nerican citizen would desire to
jwittiess. «But I fear that the fatigue. and exposure necessarily incident to the occa—
sion, would be more than I could safely venture upon at this season, in my state of
health. t ' , ‘
Returning you my tltanks for the invitation with which you have honored me,
i n I am, with great respect,
Your oheclient servant,
A R. B. TANEY.
To W. Irerrox, J as. H. Brunrnr, and
M. F. Mmitr, Esquires,
W'ash*ington.

 

dancer‘ of Mr. T""ttn Baron.
Lrnntcivwntn, June 2817;, 1848.
Dun Sm:

I lace; you to nialre the committee my very respectful aclrnowletlgments for the
honor they have conferred upon rnc,.in req_uesting; my presence at the ceremony of
laying; the corner-stone of the Wasl:1ing;tor1 N ationul Monument.

. Notliing could. affortl me more satisfitction than to he in a situation to avail myself
of their polhcness, but as I have to regret that such is not the case, I can only send;
thorn my best wishes for the sncccsss of the great object in which they are engaged.

Very respectfhlly your obedient servant,
, p p A V V , pp  VAN BUREN.

Gr::~*. Artczr._I~IsNnlrnsorr, C’hai*rm.cm.

 

.fl«nswtr of Gen. Cass.
‘ DE'l‘110IT, Jrme. 27th, 1848.
Cjéicnrrnrtrn :
 I have receiver], and thanlr you, for the invitation to attend the laying of the con
uer~stone of the Washingtonl Monument, on the 4th of July next. Circumstances
will lprevent me from being present upon that interesting occasion, but, though absent,
I shall fully participate in all the feelings it is so well calculated‘ to inspire. The
virtues and services of Washington are inscribed upon the firirest pages of Atnericran
history, and cherished in the hearts of the Amorir:an people. We neetl no monu-
ment to preserve their recollection. ‘ Itis not for liim, but for us, and for those who
are to corneafter us, that such a memorial is clemancled by public sentiment, and
will he consecrated by public gratitude. He has passed beyond the reach of even
it nat:lon’s praise; but he lives forus in the fruit of his labors, and in the bright ex-
ample which he offers new and hereafter, of a life devoted to his country, and of a
death crowned by the hopes of a Christian. Monuments to departed worth are hal-

 

55

l.-owecl by the usage of mztnklnd, and by the feelixtgs of human nzttute. They con-
nect the living with the dead, and stimulate men to noble deeds, by the contempla»
tion of the noble deeds of those who have gone before them, and the fame which
these bring with them. The memorygol‘ Washington will survive the structure you
are about to erect, however broztd and deep may be its foundation, and however
firrn its construction. But while it stands, it will tellthe---story of his days and deeds,
ttml will invite his countrymen to imitztte his example of petriotistn, in wlmtevei:
public spliere they may be called upon to act. l
‘ Iltave the honor to be, gentlemen, respectfully,
' Your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS.

GEN". Anon. Hmtnmtsox,
M. F. MAURY, 1 _
'W. Imnox, l Esgttires, Committee, tfict. «Sta, lVasIe7-zgton.
Joe. H. ’B.1tlmL‘mr,
E. WIIITTLESEY,

.l£rzstoeo-*'0_,f M‘. Fillmore.
ALBANY», Jone ‘Mil:-, 15-<;l8.
Gntwrntttttznz

‘I have the honor to ecltnowleclge the receipt of your letter, inclosing at resolution
of‘ the Committee of A1'rtmget‘ttente inviting me to be present at the Iztyitxg of the
eortter-stone of the Wes.lting;ton Mot'nu:no.nt on the rltlt day of July next, and regret
that my official engegertietlte me such as to deprive mo of tlmt p1ee.su1'e.

Hoping and trusting that this monurrtent, too long delayed, may be worthy of the
§_.l'I‘C’$.1l2 roan whose virtues it is intemlecl to eontmemorete, and tlmt it may stem! tin.
t-ntlnring memorial of e ne.tion’s grtttitude, to the purest of‘ patriots, and l noblest ot‘
beitefoetors, until time olutll be no longer, I ltttve the honor to remain % y l

' l Your friend and fellow eitizetr,
A A i MILLARI) F1LLMom«:.
, A. Ilnxnnneox, Ese. .t1~t1J owttnne, Uomtttittcc. l l i l

[Invitations were transniitted to G1t*:¢.Zltctmn3t TA.YI;.0lt,a.l1d GI-ZN. W. 0. Bmrmtzn,

to wlticb, in consequence probably of the remoteness of their positions, no ettetvere
}.tt;1V@l)B(2l’l received] l

NO. II.
LIST OF ARTICLES

Depositedin the C'o~rner-uS'tone qf the W’asIu?2'2,rrz‘o7z Natz'onal 1110:224-
ment on the 4th day of July, 1848.

Historical sketch of the Washington National l\Tormment Society, since its origin,
in 3315.

Copy of the grant for the site of the l\Iom:unent under tlm joim; rczsolutmn of Con-
gress. '

Constitutiorls of the Wazslxixngtcbrx, N.-=1,ticmu.1 I\rIonurr1eut Sc>c:icty, ::xc1drc::sses,circ1x1ar:s,
comznissions, it)SII‘1.1(;‘.T.iODS, 'f‘0rm of boncrl, from 18353 to 18:18.

Large design: of‘ the Wuslxirmgtoxx l\Tz1tic:rm.1 lV.[or1ument, with the fact. siftznile of the
nzunczs of the 1”1'c:sidrmt:3 of tha United States; u1u:1 otlnzm“-'.. Litlwgmplxenl.

Large design of 1116: Wzmslmitugtoru Nzztimml l\'I.cm1.1marr1t. Lithogmphccl.

Portrait of VVas1mir)gto1’1, from Stun.1't’s pa.imi1'1g, ]3‘2Lm.aui1 Mall.

$xnaI1 dcesigrx of Mcmurmmt zmcl 1ilw1:w:=3s of ‘V£'l.£-51'Li1'lg,'tC)t’l, with blank certificates for
contriblzxtors. % '

Com-atitutiorm of tlm Uniu3d’Stz,1tcs 21nd Dezclzxmtiatan of Iudc3pex1<.1ex1c::~; pmsentc::1 by
Mr. Hiczliey.

American C01'1stit111.icms; by W. Patton.

Plate engravcacl with the m:x.11"1(:-s M‘ the ofiicers and rnernbcrs of the Board of Mam.-
gers.

VV%itterston‘S New G‘El.i(1(3 to Wzmxixagtzon; by G. Wz.Lttt-2r$t«'>t1.

Map of the city of Waslmingtwrx; lny~J'r;>s<apI: Rntc:.Iii"1'.

Laws of the ‘Corpcaratican of W:ewl1ix'1g;tc)n; by  Rm.11w<'al1.

Statistics by Jolm Ses.:szfb1*<,1 of um nurnJ;rc:1: of d‘V‘VC3?”it”lf.f.,".‘1,'V’fl.I1.H? of irnprovmznerm,
zxssessnmrxts of 1:119 real and pm“sor1:;x1 tmc,&:<r.,ir1 tlim city at‘ VVasl%1ingto11,f1'oxr1
185?.r1- to 1848, print and 1‘nzmt:ts.c:ri[>t; by .Tc>lm Sm§s£i)r<i. ‘

J. B. V211-mum, Jr., on tlm Seat of Groverm"r'm1’1t.

The Statcestnmxkz Mzmutzxl,c:m:xmir1i11g I7’mssiLIcx'1ts’ l‘v'Ie:‘::-3:esz3Lge,=s fmm Awuslxirxgtozx to 17011:,
.1'rorn 1789 to 18:16, Vols. 1 and 53.

The Blue Book for 1847; C()rxgressiona1 Dircmtcbryg by J. 8: G’. S. Gidmm.
Messageof the Prcesidc;-rxt of r.1mUnited States and z'mco1‘r1pa%nying clomxzrmzm-_:, .1847.
M0rsc=:’s North A1n0Yi(3fl11 Atlas. %

Applotorfls Railroad zmd Srcmnxbcmt Cc>mpanicm.

True-=: Rep1zblican;. the liicerxesses of all the Prcsidtimts to 18«1t.3,zmd inmagmul ad-

dresses; by G. Tearnplcmzm. %
Clopies of the Union Magzmixue, Naticmzxl Magazine, Goc1ey’s Lz1dy’.~s Book, Grzflxam’
Magazine, and Columbian Magazine, for July", 1848; by Brooke 8: Slzillinagtong

African Repository and Colonial Journal,,1848.

Thirty-first Annual Report oftlme American Colonizatiorx Society.

Coast Survey Document; Army Register for 1848.

57

Navy Register, 1848; by C. Alexander.

Military Laws of the United States, 1846; by G. Templeman.

Description of the Magnetic Telegraph; by A. Vail. 

Daguerteotypc likenesses of General and Mrs. Mary Washington, with a description
of the Daguerreotype process; by John S. Grubb, Alexandria, Va.

Silver Medal representing General Washington and the National Monument; by
Jacob Seegar. ,

Report of the Joint Committee on the Library, May 4, 1848, and an engravi.t1;_;; by
M. Vattemare. ‘ . 
Constitution of the Smitl'.1sonian Association, on the Island, instituted November 9,

1847.

Smithsonian Institution---Report of the Commissioners on its organization; Reports
them the Board of Regents; by W. W. Seaton.

The Washington lllonnment-——-shall it be built? by J. S. Lyon.

I:Inrper’s Illttetrtttecl Catalogue; by S. Colman.

Guide to the Capitol; by R. Mills.

Al,)S_tl‘€1(:"l‘. Log for the use of American Navigators; by Lieutenant M. F. Maury,
U.  Navy.

Arnerican State Papers, 1832; National Intclligencer for 18«:l(3, (bound;) by Gales&
Seaton.

American Archives, rt Dootrrnentary I-Iisstory of the American Colonies to the present
time, f(.)1.'l1‘t1t seritrc, vol. 5; by Peter For-cc.

An American dollar; by llfiss f‘:lnrnl..1 Smith, Stnflbrtl, N. J.

Holy Bible, prceentocl by the Bible Society, iitetitrxtccl 1816.

Report of‘ I"t'ol‘c:s:sor Bncho, Snpc1'i1“ttcn.tlcnt; of the Cottst Survey; by C0t1Sl2sl11‘Vt’.‘9y
Ollice. , V

Annual Report of the Cotttptrcaller of the State of‘ New York, January 5, 1848; Tolls,
'1‘ra<1c, and Tonnage of the New York Canals, 1847 ;, State of N ew Yorlcmlifit
report of the Cc;imrnis:sit')ner, Practice and 1°lc2tclingc.; by I~Ion.i'l'V’assl.1irtg'tou Hunt.

Report of the Co1"t*1rnie:~sioricr of‘ Patents, 1847; byllthlmnrtd Burke. J ' 

1t‘aci.«3irnilc,ol‘ Waeltirigtone Aocotmtc; by Michael N curse. _

United Statcft Fiscal I})epartrnc.nt, vols. .1 and ‘.3; by R. Mayo, M. D. i

Sper:itnene of‘ Continental Money, 1776; by Thornas Atlarne.

Walton’s Vermont Regietc1* nntl 1i‘arr1*lt.~r.~.¥ Almanac, 18418; by Hon. Mr. Henry.

.l\Iaps and Charts of the Coast Survey; by Survey Ollicc.

l‘v'l".aury’.~.t Wind anti Current Clinrts of‘ the North Atlmiitic; by M. F. hltmry.

CILBES llrorn the scale of the Sons of Te.z‘1'1pornr‘1cc and Intlepenclent Ortler of Red
lllen; by J. W. Ecltlofli J A

A cent of 1783 of the United $tzttos of Ar'noric~n; by VV. G. Paine.

C-lnypolc’s American Daily Advo1'tiser, December £25, 1799, and the Pltilatlelpliia
Gazette, fDece1"nl,>cr €27, 1”799; containing 9. full account of the death and funeral
tseretnortice of‘ General Wt1all1i:1gttD1‘t, the oflicial proceedings of COl1gl‘tESS, 1Cxecu'-
tivc, &c.; by G. M. Cirottard.

Publication No. 1, Boston, 1833.

Letters of‘ John Quincy At;ltlTn$ to ‘W. L. Stone, and introcluetiota; letter.-3 of John.
Quincy Atlanta to _Etlsvnrcl I.alVil‘)§_.},'t5t(Z)l,‘l, Ci'rrautl l“Il{.§l1 l"rio:'~;t, &.c.-..; Vimlicaticrn of
General Wasliin;_;'tott, &c., by Jomplt Ritncr, Gl.T)V(;!1'tl('>l' of I’en'n.eylv:xnia, with a
letter to Daniel 'Wc-bstcr, and his reply, printctl in 1841: American Arxtinmson,
No. 1, vol. 1, I“Iartl‘ortl, Connecticut, 1839; llriaine. Free Press; Correspondence

58

Committee of York, Pennsylvania, to Richard Rush, April, 1831; his answer,
May 4, 18,41; Credentials of a Delegate from Jeflerson county, Missouri, and pro-
ceedings of a meeting of‘ citizens to make the appointment of a delegate; by

= Henry Gassitt, Boston, Massachusetts. .

Astronomical Observations for 1845, made under M. F. Maury, at the VVashington
‘Observatory; by M. F. Maury.

Journals of the Senate and House of Representatives of the 30th Congress, and
Documents; by R. P. Anderson.

Census of United States, 1840; I+‘oroe‘s Guide to Wasliingggton and vicinity, 1848; by
'W. Q. Force.

Memoir of a Tour to Northern Mexico, 1846-47; by R. P. Anderson.

Report on the Organization of the Smithsonian Institute; by Professor Henry.

A list of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, its Officers, with the
dates of their respective appointments; by W. '1‘. Carroll, Clerlt of the Suprerrrt7:
Court of the United States. v ' ‘ .

Dralte’s Poems; Catalogue of the Library of Congress, printed 1839; Catalogue front
1840 to 184-''/“, both inclusive ; by Joint Committee on the Library of Congress.

Census of the United States from 1790 to 18418, inclusive. “

Proceedings of the General Society of the Cincinnati, with the original institution of
the order and ‘fi‘l.C'. sitnile of the sigrtatmes of the original members of the State
Society of Pennsylvania; by Cliarles L. Coltman.

Constitution and General Laws of the Great Council of the Improved Order of Red
Men of the District of Colutnbia.

By-laws of‘ Powhatan Tribe No. 1, and General Laws of the Great Council of the
same Order. U

The Temple of‘ Liberty, two copies, one ornamented and lettered with red. The
letters are so arranged in each that the name of‘ Vvasliington may be spelled

Inore than one thousand times in connection: by John Kilbourn. '
flznerican Sill: Flag; presented by Joseph K. Boyd, citizen of VVashir1gton, District
of Colurnbia, on the rltlt of July 18-18.

Design of the Monurnent, small plate, produced by a process called electrotypeg by
Charles Fenderieh, Washington.

A copy of the Constitution of‘ the fit'stiorgariizecl Temperance Society in America;
by L. H. Spraguefifuly 4, 1848.

Sons of Temperance in the District of Colurnbia. e

Coat of Arms of the Washington family; by Mrs. Jane Charlotte Wasl'1ington, July
4, 1848. . ‘ i

All the coins of‘ the United States, from the eagle to the half‘-dirne, inclusive.

The “Baltimore Sun,” of July 4, 1848, containing letters of Mrs. Madison, Mrs.

t Hamilton, General Cass, and Mr. Fi1r,hnore; presented by tlarnes Lawrenson, J r;,
six years old, of Washington.

A large number of Newspapers frorn different parts “of the Union, containing pub-
lications relating to the National Monument Society; and at number of every
Newspaper ofithe latest date printed in the city of VVasl't—ington; a list of all
which is among the archives of v the Society. C ‘ L r r

A number of‘ cents, procured by B. 13. French, Esq., front the Treasurer of the Mint:
oi‘.the U. 8., which were handevd Mr. French while the procession was moving
to the corner-stone,iand no opportunity was atlbrded to exarnine them, or take
any note of the date of their coinage. t

59

LIST OF ARTICLES

Deposited in the C'ome~r-Stone of the National Monuvrzent, on the 4172
cf July, 1848, by the R. W’. Grand Lodge qf the District of Co-
lumbia.

A silver plate, containing on one side, the nmnes oi‘ the Grand Officers of the R.
W. Grand Lodge of the District of Colnrnltiin, and on the other, the narnes of the
Committee of Arrzmgements of said Gre.nt1Lodge, consisting of the W. Master of
enclr sttbordimttc Lotlgc under its juristliction.

A roll of copper coin of the U. S., fifteen or twenty in number, obtained from the
Mintttt Pl‘riltt<;lclpl'rin, comprising all the early extant specimens oi‘ that coin. Also
at cont ol‘ the ctoittngye of 1783, presented by Bro. W. Ht.t.rst, of this Gretttl Lodge.

A tnctellic irnpress of the seal of the snicl G-rettci Lotlge.

A copy of the Constitution, end. it copy of its last pulnlielred proceedings.

A pttrclttnent scroll, cotttttining cxtrttcts from the tmciettt records of Freclericl;.s—
lmrg Locglge, No. 4, showing the 5.1flititttiOI'l,p't‘tSSing,‘ and raising of Bro. George Wash-
ington hy that Lc>t:lgc.. Initiation, on the -51-til of November, 1752 ; passing on the 3d
of March, 1753; mid raising, on the 4th oi‘yAtigttst, 1"/".’.':y3. Also 3. list of the present
officers and ntczzrrtbers of said Lodge. t L L

A copy of the Corretitution and By-Lows of VVnsl1i11g,rt:c»11 Lodge, No. ,i of Alex-
etrclrizt, of which Bra». George VVtteltitt,gtcitt was the .W. Master.

A copy of Bro. Moore"‘s 1*‘ree1"nnsotr‘s Mngezine,ptil)lisl1cd at Boston, (No. 8 of
vol. 1.,) containing the rnusonic cltttrecter end correspondence of Bro. George W:.tsh—
ington. L L % V

A copy of the Constitution of the R. W. Grerttl Lodge of Texas. y

A paper containing it list of the officers and rnemhcrs of Mount Vernon Lodge‘,
No; 22, Georgie. Another containing those of Wosltington Loclge, No. 1; nnotlier
those of’ Temple Locglge, No. 11; another those of Lnfttyette Lotlge, No. 14 ; another
those of Lafayette R. ‘A. Uliapter, all of‘ Wilmington, Delnvvttte; and tuztother, at list
of the officers of the Grands R. ..A. Chapter, of the State of Delaware. L

A printed copy of the Masonic Register‘, for the State of Pennsylvania, for the
year 1848. L L

A copy of the “ Dry Goods Reporter,” of the date of July 1st, 1848, published in
New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

A silver plate containing the names of the officers of Wttsliitigton Encampment,
No. 1, of the District of Colutnlaia.

A paper containing the By-Laws, and it list of oflicers of Wheeling Encampment.
No. 1, Virginia, togctl'1er with resolutions and proceedings of said Enctunpt'nent, of‘
the 15th June, 1848. .

The foregoing articles were severally presented by the R. W. Grand Secretary, C.
S. Frttiley, to the R. W. Grrencl Master, Who, after announcing the sa.1ne,l1entlec1
them to the R. W. G-rt-tntl ’I‘reesnrer, Robert Clttrlto, by whom they were placed in
11 lenelcn l;>ox;, prepared. therefor, and said box and contents then deposited within the
cavity of the cornerstone. .flttest,

OHS. S. FRAILEY,
Grand Secrctczry

NO. III.

INSORIPTION ON PLATE.
4th JULY, 1776.

DECLARATION 01+‘ INDEPENDENCE on‘ THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA. A

4th JULY, 1848.

TI-[IS CORNER-STONE LAID OF A MONUMENT, BY THE PEOPLE OF
THE UNITED STATES, TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE WASHING-TON.

JAMES K. POLK, President of the United States, AND Ex Ormcxo President
of the Society.

WILLIAM BRENT, First Wce-P2'es'ident.

WILLLI%5lV.[  SEA’I‘ ON , Illa}/or of W113/civzglowz, and En: qflicio Second Vice-
‘ res-ic cm‘.

GENERAL TA. IIENDERSON, Third Vice-President.

J. B. H. SMI'I‘I*I, ’1’rcr.zsm'o7'.

GEORGE VVA'1"l‘ERS'I‘ON, Sec-rc£a9'g/.

.T30.A.l’LD O17‘ MANILGERB.

MAJOR GEN. WINFIELD sco'r'r, PET]':3R FORCE,
GIJN. N. 'I‘OWSON, 4 WM. A.BRADLE1",
COL. J. J.%ABI+?.R'1‘, P. R. FENDALL,
001.. J. ICEARNEY, TI-I()MAS MUNROE,
GEN. VVAL'1‘ER JoN1::s, WAL'1‘]i1R LENOX,

'1‘1€[OMAS CAIRKBERY, M. F. lVIAURY,
. THOMAS BLAG~DEN.
ELISIAIA ’WI’-I IT '1§‘LI§3S1*3Y, Gxamzxmn Am-zmr.

BUILDING? COMMITTEE.

THOMAS CARBERY, L GEORGIEJ WAT'1‘ER_STON,
A WILLIAM A. BRADLEY, 001.. J. J. ABERT.

C3OM‘MIT’I‘I.E3E 01:‘ .ARPuATNGrEME1¢fL=a3.

GEN. A,1~n«:ND1v.Rs0N, A A WALTER LENOX,
; LIEUT. M. F. IVIAURYO.

J OSEPH H.- BRALDLEY, C‘1um«?Ma.ngu.s.r._.
ROBERT MILLS, A1mu1‘r1acT.

NO. IV.

Correspondence concermhg the Texas Banner.

G.A.LVES'1‘0l\l', June 9th, 1848.
Gm‘. SAM HOUSTON.

Sir——-In accordance with :1 recommendation of the Washington Monument _Com-

mittee, oontzuinecl in these words, “As the monument is National, :1 <lel.egation is
invited to be p1'osent :l,‘rotn each. state and territory with at Banner inscribed with the
great soul of the State, and some otlier appropriate device, to bo depositocl liereaftol"
in the monument, with a. suitable il'1SC31‘.lptiOl"l to perpetuate to the latest posterity, a.
knowledge of their use, und origita, and the nnunes and services of the delegettions
that bore tl'zem—---it" wroti,t_,v;l1t and furnieliecl by l’<:u:na.les, their 1’lE1I1'1t‘tS to he recorded
uttel potpotuutod, with sstaitetnonte of the times and places; of presentation, to the
1'o.~3peotivo (,l(1t1¢‘3{.§t1tiC)l”lS :” We the undo1*siguo«.1 committee, on belu.-tlf‘ of the ladies of
Gri~J.1V(3.'élt(.T)t'l4,],l1t1.V(3 the 11(”)I‘1C)1']'1(;t1'(i!Wll.l‘l to trt”tI“1.“$t'1”1il$ to you the N utiouul Bonnet of Texas,
in the full l:topotl1ztt you, with the 1'C3St ol‘out' Rc3pt'oeo1"ttotiott ut the Capitol, will act
as tho 'I‘oxe.t1 dologntiott on tho upproztc:l.1ing; m'111iverstt1'y.
, The O(l!C!l_1$i0l‘l, hit, is one of liiglt and solonnn itupott. Notions have heretofore
sougltt to ootilhr in'unort:;tllty on tho utunos uud horoio nc:l1ie“veutentet>f their most
tlistingtiislmtl .stot‘1:3, by orootiug stately monuments to their memory. It hos helm
reserved for W n..~tlxing;tox1 ulone to porpetunte to the rotuoteet posterity t~tIl that is
nssoointetl with his mttne. Atneriou. oetn do nothing to brighten his renown. It is
ooevul with time. It onnttovot Ilttrit-ll'1. In building hie rnnusoletim she only lhopes
to oc>us3eom.to the rneutory of her own. virtues; tho strengtli of‘ her patriotism, the
eternity of her grsttltutle; i i e

To you, oh, the trust is now eonfidetl, to present our Banner. , At no other Iinncl
could it he so upptoprlutoly reooived. It if-3 fit, tlint the ettxne liotul which raised it
to the stuff, nftot liovitig unfurled it to tho l:u~oezo,wl1ioh erownecllit with incle-
pendenoo otter lutving covered it with glory, should he the hand Which, in full View
of Arnorioe end the world, shall lay it no on offering‘ on the tomb of Wnsltiington.

It is no unworthy tribute. It has lit 21. uu.tion's path to glory; it lies conducted her
to Liberty and to Incrlependenoo.

A participator in the august ceremony which gathered mound the grove of "Wash-
ington the only children with which ltoaven lune blessed him, Texas, 21 legitimate
and loyal child, after ltaving claimed ztttd received her portion of the lieritogo, now
minglos with lier s;isto1ro’ gifts the only one Whioh can properly decorate hie tomb,
the banner which was dyed in the blood of Fouuin, of Travis, of Crockett and of
Milam, which floated in triumph over the retnpatts of San Antonio, and the field of
Sun J oointo.

It was ordained of old, tliot 21. star ehoultl lead the world to the spot where the
hope of its future sulvo.t.ion- woe to he found. Should other liglits grow tli-t11,etud
other hopes he (1il1‘l~!C*.1'1e(‘l, should the night of cleepoir settle over the prospects of 01!!‘
country, that stat, wliioh shines upon our flag, which nroso otnid cloepotism end

62

desolation, and illumined our pathway to freedom, will yet conduct us, with heaven’s
unerring light to the tomb of Washington, and liberty, and the Republic be re-
deemed.

The Washington Monument Committee desires “ the names and services of the
Delegation which shall hear our flag.” .

Let it be recorded that Houston bore it, and history will proclaim his services.

We are, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient‘ servants,
W". H. RHODES,

T. M. JOSEPH, g Committee.
W. P. BALLINGER,

WASHINGTON CITY, July 3d, 1848.
Tar. Wrsnrneron Momzrmrnnr Comrrrrrnn.

Grentlen1en——The interesting ceremony which will talre place on the 4th instant,
the National Anniversary of our Independence, will awaken in every American
bosom the liveliest emotions of patriotism, as well as veneration for the Father of
his country. He was etnphatically the pioneer of Liberty in the western hemi-
sphere.

In looking to the interesting period referred to, Texas has not been unrnindful of
her duty, but has tendered the tribute of her veneration and respect, as well as her
love of country to the shrine which commands her filial devotion.

A portion of the fair and accomplished daughters of‘ Texas have prepared a Flag
as their offering, and token of acquiescence in the policy as well as the measure of
annexation of Texas to the Union.

It is the Flag that gtiided her amidst the gloom by which she was surrounded, the
star that lit her pathway in her achievements. Hence it has become her cherished
emblem.

This tribute has reached the Delegation from the State of‘ the “single star,” through
the medium of a committee of 1‘tig1i1y respectable and intelligent young gentlemen
of the City of Galveston.

I can only express my sincere regret, that, prior to any lnnmvletlge of the trust
being confided to us, I had consented to unite in the celebration of the 4th of July
in Pennsylvania, and, therefore, cannot witness the deliglitful ceremony which a
portion of our Delegation will enjoy.

I am, gentlernen, your fellow-citizen,

SAM HOUSTON.

 

GENTLEMEZN or was WASHINGTON Monurrmrr SOCIETY:

The flag that I hear is the one that a portion of the fair and accornplished daugh-
ters of the State of Texas have sent on to  Sam.,I-Iouston, to present to you, as
their tribute, on this occasion, to the memory of,'Was11ington, the cornerstone of
whose monument you are now about to lay. A i I I

Inthe absence of the distinguished gentleman to wltorn it was sent, and who,
but for prior engagernents elsewhere, would have done so himself‘, I have the plea-
sure of presenting it to you.

63

I feel 1'1ighly honored, although it is in a secondary capacity, in being the bearer
of it; as the State from Whzich it came is the one of my adoption, and the County in
Virginia, in which he, to whose memory it is given, lived so long and so beloved, is
that of my birth place.

In the names of the fair ones who wrought, and the one who commissioned me
to bear it, Ideliver it to you, as a small token of their, as well as his and my devo-
tion to, and admiration of, the great and good man to whose name you are about
to rear your fabric.

Respectfully,
July 4th, 1848. JOS. F. LEWIS.

NO. V.

Presentation of the Baltimore Banner, July 4th, 1848.

At the Presentation of the _Banner by the Baltiotnore Young Men’s Delegation, Mr. Wm.
fllexander, the P-resident, spoke as follows:
Mn. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN or COM}II'I"l‘1v1E:

I have the honor to he the medium through which the “Baltimore Young Men’s
Delegation” present to you this banner, to be deposited among the archives of that
sacred edifice, of which this dayls ceremonies are for the purpose of laying the corner-
stone; and to be there retained as a rneniorial that the young‘ men of the City of
Baltimore were represented on this interesting occasion: time does not permit me
more than to say, that the young men of the “Mon1.uncntal City,” o11e1*ishing in
common with the rest of their countryrnen for tlieir country’s political i’utl1er,n
feeling of love and venerntion which no language can express; 3. portion of them
are here present, on this dey--—-so appropriate for the purpose--to join in the pro-
cession, and take part in the ceremonies initiatory to the erection of a. rnonlurnent not
the 1'1€lti01‘17t‘5‘ capitol, testamentary of o. nntionls gratitude to the great and good
Whsliington, and desire that this banner may be kept, so long as it shall endure,
within the sacred wells of the temple to be erected to the memory of Liberty's Sure,
us a sligltt memento that we cherish, in our lrienrts, n grntellul recollection of him
who was “first in war, first in peace, and titer in the hearts of his countrymen."

Q® 

Gmt. WALTER J onus, on behalf of the .Mcmcgers, responded osfollows:
Yonne MEN oryflurxrrttonnz i

We, .Managers of‘ the WflS11ifigtO1lt Monument Society, accept, with sincere plan»
sure, your offering of this beeutilhl flog, to be clcpossitod tttnong the rncmoriele of‘
this ever~rne.moreble day, which is now to witncee the laying of the cornerstone of
the l/Vashington Monument.

The glorious title of the “ City of Monuments” has been well earned for your city
by the patriotism of her citizens, and by their breve devotion to her clcfence, when-
ever the stormy clouds of danger have gathered thickest and dttrltcct ahout her.
Nothing less was to be expected from the gullnnt and generous youth of euch at city,
than the noble and patriotic enthusiasm that impale you, with united hearts and
hands, to 8.3.‘3iStr-—11OW,tO lay the foundatione--éeliereelter, to raise to its sunny pin-
nacle, the truly national monument, which is to be associated in the rnirtds of conno-
less geiieretione, with the exalted mernories of this ever-glorious dny.

Your desired recompense»---not exorbitant”-priceless thotiglr it be----is willingly
conceded. Your participation in this great work shall he identified with a record
that cannot perish till the very ruins of the monument itself shell have perished.

N 0. VI.
Presentation of the Florida Banner, July 6th, 1848.

MR. Gneeonr YALE, on presenting the Florida Banner, made the following address:
Mr. PIlESID1lN'1‘ nun GENTLEMEN or cure NATIONAL Monornmvr Socttrrrr:

The Delegation representing the State of Florida, at the laying of the cornenstone
of the National Monument to George Washington, desire to present to your Society
the Banner which was borne by thorn on that occasion.

In making the presentation to the Society, through you, as they now do, it is their
fervent hope that the Banner may be accepted hy the Society as a reverential tribute
to the memory of Washington, by the Delegation, inclividually, end by the People of
the State they have the honor to represent, er the commencement of this great work
which is to perpetuate the gratitude of a. free nation to its illustrious founder; and
that it may be deposited among the tnuniments of the Society, as a pleasing remi-
niscence of the participation which our State had in the interesting proceedings of
the day. , - g 1

On one side of this Banner, you see exhibited the portrait and name of him who,
on Easter Sunday, 1512, landed upon the verdant shoresot‘ Florida, planted the
standard of Castile and Leon, and under the grateful shades of the live oak and the
magnolia, end amid the fragrance of the orange, the jessamine and the rose, returned
tlmnks to his maker ibr the fortunatedirection of his voyage. He then gave to this
land the name of Florida, which from that day to this, it has always borne, under
every vicissitude in its extraordinary history, and which, with the blessings of God,
it will continue to beat as long as your monument shall stand.

On the other side, you see inscribed the escutcheon of the State, with a reference
to the day when it was invested with the distinguished honor of the sovereignty of
one of‘ the Arnericanllnion, with e motto indicating a reliance on theartn of Deity.

You have in De Leon, the earliest discoverer of that portion of‘ the New World
now erected into a glorious confederacy of thirty States. You have in Washington,
the founder of this confederacy. In our motto, you see declared that spirit which
guided Washington from his youth to his death, and with which he inspired his corn-
patriots of the Revolution. , — .

Thus, Florida, first in the order of discovery among her sister states, and on the
anniversary of a tiny nternornble in the annals of the Christian era, While among the
lost in the order of‘ lhrnily precedent, will ever be foremost in preserving the fame of

‘W£tS1ltit1g‘I0ll,ftS fresh and enduring as the evergreensot‘ her own beautii'u1clirne,

she, trusting in God, will be among thclast in dcserting the Banner of the Union.

 

Mn. Frtnmtt, on behalf of the Managers, responded as follows : V

G-nnmtnnrzn or run F Lonrm. DEI.ItGn‘rI01¢:—-- S r p S  ,
"On behalf‘ of the N ational Monnrnent Society, end ‘by direction of itsManagers, I
thanlc you for the banner which you ltavci presented to  The Society receives

5

G6,

with sensibility this proud and beautiful emblem of the “ land of‘ flower-s,”---an em-
blem, to which the events you have noticed so impressively give at once the value
of historic truth and the interest of romance. Florida, though containing the oldest
town in the Union, is one of the youngest of‘ the States. Scarcely three years have
passed since she became a member of our great national confederacy; but within
that brief period she has redeemed the pledge given by her territorial history, that
her accession to the Union would add new elements to its strength--fresh lustre to
its fame. Her action through you, Gentlemen, as her representatives, in the celebra-
tion on Tuesday, and in theproceeding of this morning, declares that for the charge
of ingratitude, so often brought against Republics, the State of Florida is not, will not
be, justly responsible.

Monuments to public benefactors are consecrated by the best feelings of the hu-
man heart, and by the conforming custom of the wisest nations. So long as patriot»-
ism was the ruling passion of the Roman citizen, the Republic delighted to corn~
rnemorate the achievements of her great men by monuments, statues, paintings,
medals, inscriptions and other sensible forms of national approval. "With the origin
of this practice adulation had no concern. In their golden era, so degrading a“ sen-
timent was a stranger to the masters of the world. But that sagacious people saw
that enduring rnernorials of public gratitude for public services, quickened the spirit
of patriotism from which those services had sprung, and inspired the whole com-
munity with a generous rivalry of the individual actors. Rom; continued free while
she cherished the examples of her benefactors; her freedom soon perished, when
she had become careless of their deeds, and cold to their glory.

The decree of history has long since gone forth, sinking the loftiest name to which
even Rom-1 ever reared a monument, to an immeasurable distance below the name
of Wisarnaron. Since his death, nearly three generations have lived and died.
The warrior, whose sword struck down the mightiest of nations in the lieight of
her pride; and Who, even amid the clangor of arms, was the master statesman 2--
the founder of an empire a_1ready the marvel of the w'orld:~.-—-the patriot, who ac-
cepted power only at the call of duty, who wielded it only for his country’s good,

and to whom no moment of its possession was so pleasing as its end :---the man,

whose name“ is the Watchword of the friends of liberty in every land, and whose
character, the consenting voice of mankind proclaims to be the only consumrnate
model of human excellence which the Almighty has ever vouchsafed to his creatures :
--This man, the man of men, GEORGE Witsrrtnerorv, died nearly half‘ a century ago.

And yet it was only on the day before yestertlay---tlie 4th of J uly,-w-a day the brightest
in the political calendar, and which but for him, might never have been seen there,
that the first stone was laid of atmonument to his memory! Wlience, asks the
wondering foreigner, whence this delay’! Is there any good reason for it? And
he is sometirnestold that the aid of . marble is not needed to eternize the fame of"
Wnsnrneronttg that WASHINGTON lived to “read his history in a nation’s eyes,” that
his monument has already been built by his own rnatchless deeds, in war and in
peace, and by the influence, always and everywhere at work, of his Great example.
This, and much more in the same strain, is all truce--l-undoubtedly true. And yet,
gentlemen of Florida, you feel that it is all no answer to the question. Your under-
standings and your hearts alike repel the logic that extorts from the very magnitude

of the services to Wl‘llC.‘l1 America owes her freedom and her greatness, an argutnent

67

against aczlttiotvletlgittg the debt: you tltinlr,-—-——yot..t have said,---and the world thinks
and says with you, that the only suitable acknowledgment is that prescribed by uni-
versal custom, founded on universal feclincr.

It may not, must not, be supposed that at any n'10l"I1E3t’J.t the American people have
been insensible to the sacred duty of erecting at some time a monument to the
memory of WASHINGTON. But, they have felt that such a memorial, to be appro-
priate, must transcend all Former standards. Associating with it ideas of grandeur‘ at
once peculiar and indefinite, when opportunities of acting them out were suggcstecl,
they have shrunk: from their own conception, in despair or distrust of the possibility
of its being realized. This, and concurring occasional causes, have produced appa-
rent apathy on a subject intrinsically so animating. All believed that this apathy
was one day to terminate; and each seemed expecting his neighbor to rouse the
public mind. This ofiicowas at length assumed by an eminent citizen of this place.

He has since devoted to it years of toil and energy, and under his auspices the pre- _

sent organization was effected. The Managers have adopted for the proposed
monument a plan, which, with such modifications as further reflection may corn-
mend, will, it is hoped, be satisfactory to the country. They have, you are aware,
the prominent co-operation of a gentlernan clistittguisliecl in the public councils, and
Whose connection with the enterprise guaranties etliciency in its conduct. An im-
portant advancc in it has just been made. The rate of its future progress must, of
course, be regttlatetl by the contributions which may be made to it. Let but the
spirit of the young State of Florida pervade the Union, and within a few years the
long standing national reproach which every day’s delay tnaltes darker, will be
removed. The people of the United States will then have raised in houorof Wash»
ington, at the cyity selected by himself to be the capital of‘ the Republic, and bearing
his name, a monument, fit for such apeople to erect to the rnernory of such a man—-----
a monument standing among marble memorials as he stood atnorig men, as he
stands in history, urtcqualled, unapproachcd l

Permit me now, Gentlemen, to ofier you for the State of Florida, a piece, prepared
for her acceptance, of the cornerstone of the nionurnent,and to wish you a safe and
happy return froln your patriotic mission to your horucs.