YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 07223 7853

^K^&^m'i.

¦f J

Dickinc, lobury
Oration, Df. liver d in tUf i tpitol
in the City of v.ashin^ton. . .
••jashir.'^ton, 1C25

|^V>

Gbl9
YALE UNIVEESITY LIBRAET

FORMED BY
James Abraliam Hillliouse, B.A. 1749
James Hillliouse, B.A. 1773
James Abraham Hillhouse, B.A. 1808
James Hillhouse, B.A. 1875
Removed 1942 from the
Wanor Souse in Sachem's Wood
GIFT OF
GEOMGE DUDLEY SEYMOUR

DELIVERED IN THE CAPITOL

&its Of Wi^uiiinQto%

THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1825

J iU*«,

By asbury DICKINS.

Pubhshed at the request of the Committee of Arrangements.

WASHINGTON :
IHISTEl) BT GAIES 6? SEATON.
1825.

ORATION.

IN yielding to the call of my fellow-citizens, whose
partiality has assigned to one so humble as myself, the hon
or of addressing the enlightened auditory of the American
Metropolis, on an occason so solemn as the celebration of
the Independence of a great people, and the promulgation
of those eternal principles of political truth, on which the
freedom and social happiness of man are founded, the ap-
^ prehension of my own inability has been overcome in the
desire to do public homage to my country and to liberty.
And, though genius and learning have, here, poured forth
lich strains of eloquence in honor of this glorious day, I
still cherish the hope, that the devotion of a fervent heart
may not be a rejected offering.
In the high ministry to which you have called me, it
is not for me, in this year of jubilee, when peace and good
will should reign in every breast, to revive in you those
feelings which our fathers' wrongs produced in their bo
soms. Nobly were those wrongs avenged ; and gener
ously should they be forgotten. Happily, the occasion
offers other, and richer, and more congenial themes ; in
the blessings which the glorious event that we commemo.
rate, has brought to us and to mankind ; in the virtue and
courage of the patriots by whom it was achieved ; and in
grateful joy for what, under the favor of Heaven, we
owe to their sacrifices, their toils, and their example.

4
Whether as a philosopher or as a statesman, it is with
a swelling bosom that an American looks back to the ori
gin of the republic of which he is a citizen. Of his high
ancestry beyond the seas, the unfading verdure ofBritish
fame justly makes him proud. Yet, when he recollects
the circumstances under which his forefathers sought to
create for themselves a freer country in the wilderness of
this new and distant continent, he sees, in their high sense
of right, their strong love of liberty, their daring spirit
of enterprize, their hardy contempt of suffering and of
danger, the elements and the promise of a higher destiny.
But it is when he approaches nearer to his own times,
tbat he feels all the glory of the race from which he
springs ; when he finds his fathers, after resisting with
firmness and moderation the encroachments of power up
on their rights, casting off, with dignity, the authority
under which they had been born and had lived — ^not because
it had lost its force, but because it had forfeited their re
spect — and then, instead of suffering the social fabric to
fall into anarchy, or placing it under the protection of
other rulers, calmly investigating the elements of civil so
ciety, and the true object of political institutions, esta
blishing for themselves a system of self-government, and
identifying the foundation of their state with the promul
gation of the eternal principles of political truth.
In honoring, therefore, this glorious epoch, it is not
alone the foundation of pur republic, great and dear to us
as it is, tliat Ave now celebrate. We celebrate the ti'i
umph of light over force, of patriotism over ambition ; we
celebrate the liberation of a whole people from political
bondage ; and we celebrate their still more glorious eman-
cipatioh from moral thraldom. For what thraldom can
be more degrading to the human mind, than the belief
that man is incapable of self-government ? Man, whom
the Deity has formed after his own image, whom he lias

placed at the head of the created beings of this world ;
whom he has endowed with a soul so lofty, so great, and
so incomprehensible, as to be deemed an emanation of the
divine essence ; man, who is hereafter to dwell with God
in eternity ; — that a being so constituted, whose origin and
whose destiny are so noble, even with all the aids derived
from the revelation of the divine will, is incapable of self-
government ! Monstrous and profane dogma ! If the ac
quisition of national independence, or the triumph over
political oppression, be objects worthy of grateful and
proud remembrance, what honors are too great for the
epoch of that glorious liberty which restored man to the
dignity of his nature ? And, if to have achieved that in
dependence, and that tinumph, confer honor and renown,
what cause have we not to be proud of our name and our
country, since it was by the American people, by our ve
nerated fathers, that glorious liberty was proclaimed and
established ; not for our benefit only, but for the benefit
of all nations, kindreds, and tongues.
As the foundation of this republic was illustrious, so
was the struggle for its establishment glorious. Their
battles on the land and on the sea — battles which have im
mortalized many a hill and plain, many a town and vil
lage, many a stream and lake, and honored many a name
less spot on the desert ocean, — battles which have decked
the page of history with many a gallant name of heroes
who nobly conquered, and of champions who not less no
bly perished in the unequal fight,— these have given to
our fathers a renown in arms, which the most distant pos
terity will honor. Nor was their fortitude in suffering
less general or less exemplary than their bravery was
brilliant. During the many long and gloomy years of
tlie dread contest against their mighty adversary, anudst
the slaughter of fathers, husbands, and sons, the desolation
of wives and children, the destruction of their dwellings,

6
the ravaging of their fields ; amidst the poverty and ruin
that pervaded the whole land — never was the thought of
submission entertained : and, though but a nominal sub
mission would have restored peace and plenty to their
homes, every burden was borne, every sacrifice made,
every toil encountered, every suffering endured, with a
fixed resolution to triumph or to perish ; with a hope in
God whether for life or for death. But it was not more in
their bravery and fortitude than in the higher moral qua
lities, that they excelled. Amidst all the dangers and
sufferings and death, on the one side, and all the allure
ments of wealth and power on the other, but a solitary
traitor could be found ; no peculator dared to enrich
himself from the coffers of his suffering country ; and no
selfish ambition appeared, either in the council or in the
field, to seek power at the expense of the public liberties.
Though civil war called forth those passions which be
long peculiarly to itself, the cruelties which have stained
ihe histories of other nations were here unknown : and
though society was resolved into its simple elements, no
country, where even the wisest laws maintained their full
est authority, ever exhibited fewer crimes. And if in her
Washington, greatest of all great names, her FrAnkxin,
her Hancock, her Adamses, her Jefferson, her War
ren, and Greene, and Gates, and Montgomery, and
the whole high host of patriots, heroes, and sages, whose
names will live forever in her heart, and in the world's his
tory, she presented to mankind bright examples of great
ness ; so, in her citizens, did she exhibit a whole nation,
not less worthy by their virtues to share the triumphs
than the toils of the illustrious contest.
From such a struggle, in such a cause, and witii
such a people, there could be but one result. An hono
rable peace, founded on the acknowledgment of that in
dependence which our fathers had asserted, crowned their

heroic efforts: wise institutions followed 5 and public pros
perity and private happiness are the rich fruits.
Oh ! ye Patriots of the Revolution, nobly did you re
deem the pledge, which, in the day of peril, and in the
fervor of self-devotion, you made, before God and before
men, of your lives, your fortunes, and your sacred honor!
The toils which you endured, and the freedom which we
enjoy, are the proofs that you made no empty pledge.
Brave, generous, virtuous spirits, eternal remembrance
and eternal gratitude be yours ! You it was who gave to
us for our inheritance, freedom, country, fame, happi
ness. You it was who taught to the whole human race,
those sublime principles of human rights, which, in their
influence upon the well-being of mankind, are inferior
only to those sacred truths of religion which the Deity
himself hath condescended to reveal. You it was who
proved, by your conduct, that freedom is to be gained
without subverting social order, without violating the
restraints nf morality, and without sacrificing the affec
tions and sympathies of our nature. That liberty, these
institutions which we enjoy, precious as they be, are not
more precious than your example. And dear, ever dear,
to us and our children's children, be your memory.
Though ye be, now, almost all gone from us, to reap, in
a better world, the reward of your good deeds, some few
there are, venerated friends, whom heaven still permits
to dwell among us : and long, long may they live, to
behold the growing prosperity of this happy land, which
they made free, and to share in the gratitude which a
generous nation cherishes for her founders.
Withdrawing, awhile, from this grateful theme, let
us, on this jubilee of human freedom, survey the improved
condition of man since the memorable epoch which we
this day celebrate. Though the progress of truth and
liberty has been often obstructed, though the conflirl;

8
which they have maintained against tyranny and error,
has sometimes been of doubtful and wavering success,
and though, when almost at the moment of victory, a
melancholy reverse has sometimes thrown them far be
hind in the contest, still, throughout the civilized world,
the moral and political condition of man has improved.
Though no truths can be more certain than those which
constitute the peculiar basis of our political system, it is
not for me, standing here in the Capitol of a nation, which
alike respects thef rights of nations artd of men, to ar
raign the systems under which other nations and other
men may choose to live. The institutions of a country
must be adapted to the condition of the people ; when this
changes, those change with it. The generous and en
lightened spirit of philanthropy which distinguishes the
American character, wishes, for every nation, all the hap
piness of which their condition is susceptible ; and, what
ever may be their systems of government, it is too just to
withhold from any the applause that may be due.
Looking abroad, then, in this spirit, we see in
Europe that proud nation from whom we descended — a
nation famed in arts, in arms, and in empire, yet owing
her greatness most to the freedom of her people — still lead
ing in the career of political improvement. Imbued with
the light of the age, and profiting, as all enlightened
nations must profit, by the memorable example which
our prosperity affords of the transcendant influence of
liberty upon the well-being of states, she tempers with
its spirit those institutions which have descended to her
from feudal times. The sanguinary maxims of her penal
code, which the benevolence of her people had long re
fused to execute, are gradually abrogated. The restraints
which have so long fettered the industry and enterprize
of her subjects, she is now removing. But she owes it
to their patriotism, to her own honor, and to the spirit of

9
the times, to take from their conscience those bonds which
will not permit them to serve their countify without sacri
ficing their religious faith. If, under her authority, deeds
are sometimes done, at which the genius of her fame drops
a tear; if her government is sometimes betrayed into
measures adverse to liberty, or sometimes turns a deaf
car to the cries of suffering humanity ; yet her generous
people are never slow to regret wrongs done in her name,
and they are among the first to sympathise with the
oppressed and distressed in every quarter of the globe :
and the crown itself, yielding to the liberal sentiments
which pervade the nation, has readily followed our own
example, ih acknowledging the new republics of America.
In France, that nation, who, from her early friend
ship, and from the munificent aid whicli she afforded to
us in our time of need, will always hold a place in our
affections-^-that nation, who, from her natural policy, as
well as from the feelings of her inhabitarits, will always
be our friend-^that nation in whose reverses and in whose
glory we shall always sympathise — how different is the
political condition of the people ! A constitutional govern
ment, in which the principle of popular representation is
one of the great elements, exercises its sway under the
salutary influence of an enlightened public opinion ; jus
tice is administered under a wise and mild code ; the trial
by jury has taken place of the lettres tie cacliet; religious
liberty is secured ; the avenues to public honors are thrown
open to every class ; and vassalage is obliterated in the
rights given by the charter and the laws to all the French
people. If, to our eyes, her rulers seem to guard the
powers of the government with two many restraints upon
the people ', if, frightened by the excesses which have been
committed in the name of the rights of marl, they seek to
confine his conduct to the practice of his duties, some
apology may perhaps.be found in the recollection of the

10
past. But, whatever may be the errors of her present sys
tem, they will yield, as, among enlightened nations all
errors yield, to the instructions of (Experience.
In Russia, which, from her vast power, enjoys a
prominent place in the affairs of the world, and which,
from the good will that she has always manifested to
wards us, claims our best wishes, the progress of know
ledge prepares the way for liberal institutions. The
mighty Autocrat who controls her destinies, while he
guards with a watchful eye and firm hand, the interests
ofthe throne, dispenses among his subjects, according to
their wants and capacity, in the form of imperial edicts,
many a solid and wholesome improvement. By slow de
grees, he assimilates his system to those of more enlight
ened nations. In the abolition of servitude on the estates
of tlie crown, and the application of his revenue to pur
chase liberty for the serfs of his nobles ; in the total aboli
tion of torture ; in the suppression of the secret council of
inquisition, and the establishment of the Senate ; he in
spired the early hope that humanity would owe much to
his reign: and even at this late period, so great is his
power, that, if, leaving to other princes the adjustment
of the relations between them and their subjects, and list
ening only to the benevolence of his ow'ii heart, he would
devote Iiimself to the happiness of his vast empire, he
might still realize the hopes of his early friends, who,
desirous only of his true greatness, wished to see the
great conqueror's renown eclipsed in the higher glory of
tlie benefactor. In Portugal, where the spirit of freedom has beeu
kindled in the struggle against foreign domination, the
people look with confidence for the fulfilment of the pro
mise made to them by their King, of a National Cortes.
In Switzerland, they still preserve, with their simple
manners, their Republican feelings. In the Netherlands,

11
where the Government has changed only in name, a con
stitutional system exists, along with a practical acquaint
ance with the principles of freedom. In Sweden, tlie
new sovereign repays, by attention to tiie interests of his
kingdom, the confidence which she manifested by his se
lection. In Denmark, under a government despotic in
form, the subject is freed from oppression by the mild
and pacific character of its policy. In all these States,
the general progress of improvement is manifested in the
ameliorated condition of the people and the laws.
In some of the States of Germany, which, at the
epoch of our Independence, were despotic principalities,
constitutional governments exercise their paternal influ
ence : In others, though promised in the day of royal
need, they are still withheld. But, even the promise of
free institutions is a triumph to liberty — since it is an ac
knowledgment of the rights of man. Tliough by the in
ferior boon of good laws some governments seek to re
concile their people to the privation of that freedom wliich
is their natural right, let us hope that it will not be de
layed too long for their own welfare, or for the repose of
the world. The light has gone forth ; the hopes of people,
and the alarm of despots, show that its influence is felt,
Avhere it ought to be felt. And, if there be an alliance
for maintaining the rights of kings, it is but a tribute to
the power of freedom, and an evidence of the progress of
truth. It will be in vain for such an alliance, if indeed
such an alliance exists, to attempt to grasp in their own
hands the power of withholding or dispensing those rights
which the people seek, and which, sooner or later, they
must obtain. To stifle truth — to destroy liberty — thanks
to our own free institutions, and to the power of the
press, is now impossible. Men, now, know botli their
own rights, and the rights of those who govern. And,
if the peace of nations be dear to such an alliance ; if
their own tranquillity, and the welfare of their people.

IS
be precious to th6m, let them seek, as the best means of
securing all, not to break down and destroy the spirit of
truth and liberty, by chains, and by the sword, but, by
wise and free institutions, to foster and to lead it to its
only legitimate object, social happiness.
Though in Spain and in Italy — Sjiain, the discover
er of this new world — Spain, our early friend ; and Italy^
the preserver of letters, amidst the darkness of barba
rism — their former glories be now^ dimmed ; and though
bondage and exile, pain and want, ignominy and death,
are the hard rewards of many a gallant spirit who strug
gled in their cause, — still the struggle has not been alto
gether vain. The vestal flame of truth and liberty is
Still kept bright and pure on the altar of many a patriot
heart ; and, even in distant lands, many a fervent wish
is offered up, tbat its benign light may soon beam forth,
and illumine their fertile regions.
Extending our view, it is in Greece that the soul-
stirring prospect is presented, of a people rising in the
majesty of their strength, and resolving to live free or
die. Greece, the ancient land of patriots, heroes, and
sages, the Muses' birth-place, the Graces' home, and of
Genius the resplendent dwelling. Awakened, at last,
from the moral and intellectual lethargy, under which for
ages she has lain prostrate, the pity of the free, and the
Scorn of the oppressor, with tbe consciousness of her de
gradation has returned the memory of her former glory.
On her mountains, aniidst the ruins of her temples, in
her sacred groves, and on her sea-beaten shores, has the
voice of liberty resounded. From her fields, more proli
fic than in the fabled days of her origin, have sprung up
bands of soldiers | and her seas, not less fertile in the
means of her deliverance, have brought forth armed ships.
Wherever her enemy appears, he meets her victorious
defenders. With the spirit and the energy of her heroic
ancestors, proudly does she bear herself in the contest.

13
Though it is under the sacred banner of the Cross that
she fights for liberty and for knowledge, still no free, no
civilized, no Christian nation, aids in the holy struggle.
Yet, alone, but self-sustained, thus far, in victorious
splendor, she has waged the unequal war against her
mighty foe, her blood-stained oppressor. And, if there
be vii'tue in the prayers of the free, the brave, and the
good, who, in every clime, and in every nation, her
name, her cause, and her sufferings, have made her
friends, — liberty, peace, and happiness, will soon crown
her glorious efforts.
Fi^om the anxious contemplation of a people struggling
to be free, we look with joy to a whole family of nations,
which, in this new world, have passed through long and
great tribulation, from enslaved and dependent colonies,
to sovereign and free stateis. There, throughout a vast
region, which^ a few years ago, was shrouded in more
than barbaric darkness, and over a numerous people,
whose degraded condition the philosopher contemplated
with dismay, and the philanthropist in sorrow, light and
liberty are now enjoyed, and whole nations of freemen
now dwell. Of these, Colombia, Mexico, Guatimala,
Buenos Ayres, Chili, and Peru, all following the ex
ample given to them by our fathers on the great day
which vve here celebrate, have adopted, also, their politi
cal faith : Republicans in name and in principle, they
have founded their social system on the rights of man,
and now enjoy tiie glorious privilege of self-government.
Brazil, though preferring the form of the political insti
tutions of Europe, under a constitutional government, is,
nevertheless, united in the great policy which directs the
course of the American nations-j-justice and peace. It
is in this American family, of which it is our pride to be
tlie oldest member, that, whatever may betide the old
world, the elements of rational liberty will be preserved
to mankind ; it is by their joint wisdom that the princi-

14
pies which should govern nations, in their conduct to
wards each other, whether in peace or war, will be es
tablished ; it is over their vast territories, where liberty
reigns, that knowledge will diffuse her benign influence.
What event could be more worthy to mark this jubilee of
American liberty, than the enfranchisement of so many
American nations ; and it requires no spirit of prophecy,
to predict that, before another jubilee rolls round, the
whole American hemisphere will be a land of freemen.
In this hasty sketch of the improved condition of
the world, we are brought at length near home. But,
before we turn our eyes to the gay scene which our own
prosperity affords, let us not, on this occasion, overlook
the other benefits which mankind has derived from the
progress of truth — in the wide diffusion of the mild
precepts of Christianity; in the abolition of the slave
trade ; in the termination of Christian captivity among
the rovers of Barbary 5 in the revival of industry in
Egypt ; in the foundation of flourishing colonies, from
which civilization is to be spread through Australasia,
Polynesia, and even Africa itfelf; and, though last, not
least, in the extension and improvement of the useful and
polite arts, of literature and of science.
Come we now to our own home ; to this dear and
cherished spot, from which, liberal as you are, I feel
that I have too long detained you. It is here, in this
favorite abode of truth and liberty, in this land of peace,
gladness, and plenty, that, by the favor of Heaven, the true
results are to be seen of that glorious event which we this
day commemorate. Our little, neglected colony, changed
to a mighty republic ; our limits extended from ocean to
ocean ; our few hardy peasantry grown up into a nu
merous nation, rivalling the world in every art and every
pursuit to which the diversified genius of man is directed,
and, though loving peace, feeling, in the results of two

15
wars, no other regrets than for the brave men who fell in
their country's cause ; a nation rich in honor, that safe
guard of liberty and virtue, rich in the patriotism and
valor of her citizens, rich in their enterprise, their in
dustry, their knowledge, and their genius. Though the
pure manners and upright feelings of our fathers left
but little room for improvement in moral conduct, yet,
in all else that gives charms to social life, and prosperity
to nations, how have we surpassed the most sanguine
dreams of enthusiasm ! Where, then, the prowling
savage placed his solitary hut, populous cities now raise
their, stately piles ; towns and villages now occupy the
ground where then were the dens of the panther and the
bear ; golden fields and ruddy orchards have supplanted
the primeval forests; roads and canals now pass over
wilds through which the Indian had not then ventured to
make his hunting path ; and over rivers which were then
unknown,the steaniboat, man's proud triumph over nature
transports in safety the varied riches of every clime, in
return for the superabundant products which industry
now gathers from what were then but inaccessible
wildernesses. On every sea our commerce spreads its
flowing sail; and on every sea rides, our proud navy, pro
tecting by its renown not less than by its power, the
wealth and the people which American enterprize spreads
over the vast expanse of waters. Our coasts, no longer
inviting aggression by their defencelessness, are guarded
by batteries that defy attack : and, as a monument em
blematic of all our improvements, this vast and magnifi
cent edifice, where then stood the rugged oak, now rears its
lofty dome among the clouds, displaying for future ages
the patriotic munificence with which a free, powerful, and
polished people hoijors the seat of its national councils.
Nor is the happy condition of our country more
worthy of admiration then the benevolent .spirit which

16
pervades her policy. Unambitious of conquest, she
calmly pursues lier own happiness, without disturbing
the repose of others. What she needs of others she
repays by ample equivalents. Wrongs she inflicts on
none ; preferring, in every doubtful case, rather to suffer
than to injure : and, for her own wrongs, seeking justice
first by reason and persuasion. Though, when at last,
safety and honor compel her to strike, dreadful is she in
the hour qf retribution. Yet, even then, she seeks not
vengeance. Though the strength and bravery of her
arms would make her revenge terrible, yet ber wars are
but a last appeal for justice ; and, if she seeks victory, it is
only to maintain, by the sword, those rights which could
not be sustained by reason. But, though pacific in her
wishes, and moderate in her character, she has, in the
only two wars that her short history contains — one for
her liberty, the other for her rightsr-^established for her
self a renown in arms surpassed only by her fame in
peace. The achievements of those wars are too well
known to require a recapitulation. They form part of
the moral wealth of each citizen among us ; they are the
gems which he treasures up in the casket of his memory ;
and which, on the gala days of his country's glory, beam
with all their refulgence on his breast. From Lexington
and Bunker's Hill to York, in the first war; and, in the
second war, from the capture of the Guerriere, on one
ocean, to the capture of the Penguin on the other ; from
Chippewa, in tlie North, to New Orleans, in the South ;
over land and over sea, wherever a foe was to be met,
there shono tlie glory of her arms. Yet, it is not in wai-,
tliough there so glorioijs, that she places her chief glory :
It is in the happiness and in tlie affections of her people,
and in doing to all nations as she would have a}l nations
do to her.

17
Time is wanting to exhibit all the features of that
benign policy which she is striving to introduce into the
laws, and into the conduct of nations. Of these, among
which the abolition of the slave trade ranks first in im
portance, her statutes and her treaties are the best record.
Her internal policy bears the same benignant impress. A
government, whose power is never felt by her citizens,
but when stretched forth for their service or protection ;
a people relieved from taxation ; great portions of the
national domains set apart for the support of education ;
large sums applied from the public revenue to the open
ing of roads and construction of canals ; and the na-
iional munificence shown, not in monuments of pomp and
splendor, but, in providing for the old age of those who
bore arms in , the sacred war of her Revolution, and in
restoring to affluence the brave and good man who risked
more than affluence in her cause, and who, by his devo
tion to liberty in the new world and in the old, has lost
all but his own virtue and the gratitude of the free. With
all this, she is surrounding herself with ample means of
security on both elements ; and, instead of raising great
armies to endanger her own or other nations' tranquillity,
preserving military knowledge in her schools and her
garrisons ; and, for her chief safety, trusting, as she has
most gloriously trusted before, and as the martial and
patriotic ardor which now manifests itself among her
youth, assures her she may securely trust again, to the
only true defence of republics— arms in the hands of
freemen. These, Oh ! Liberty, are thy works ! These'are the
fruits of thy benignant influence ! Here, on the great day
which we commemorate, was thy reign proclaimed. Here,
alone, thy starry banner, planted by thy hand on our soil,
waves over peace, virtue, freedom, and happiness. It ia
here only that thy true attributes are known to man. If,
2

18
in other times, and in other lands, the mists of ignorance
or passion obscured the benignity of thy features; if the
brightness of thy eyes, sparkling only witli.innocence and
joy, seemed to thy too zealous votaries the glare of pas
sion; and if, in the olive branch which graced thy hand,
they saw only the lighted torch, here hast thou revealed
thyself in all thy charms, and in all the mild radiance of
thy full glory. Here mayst thou ever dwell; in the
hearts of this people mayst thou ever find pure and fer
vent altars.
But, in the midst of our joy and of our hopes, let us
not forget, that, on the Union which binds us together as
one people, and on that national feeling which connects
this whole people in their affections, both our freedom and
Our peace depend ; that it is the diffusion of knowledge
alone, that can preserve and perfect our social and poli
tical institutions; and that, without virtue, liberty itself
ceases to-be a blessing.
These sacred objects then, let us cherish. Here, in
this, the chosen temple of patriotism and freedom, and
on this, their glorious jubilee, while our bosoms are
warmed with the consciousness of the blessings which
We enjoy through the virtue, wisdom, and courage of our
fathers ; let us remember our solemn duty, to transmit
them improved to our children.
Here, too, in this Hall, where the Representatives of
a free people make laws to perpetuate freedom, and to
extend their country's happiness, and where are now as
sembled to do homage at their common shrine— the Chief
Magistrate of the nation ; the di-spensers and executors
of the laws ; the venerable patriots of the Revolution ;
the gallant men, who, by their exploits in the war just
waged for our rights and honor, have raised for their
country and for themselves, an imperishable renown ; the
martial bands, who have voluntarily enrolled themselves

19
for the first dangers of future wars ; the reverend minis
ters of religion ; the dear and beauteous beings, who give
to life its sweetest charm ; the ingenuous youth, who
form their country's hope; and this great company of
free, enlightened and happy citizens — ^here, let us all
unite in devotion to their common good. It is here that
foreign nations, whose respect we prize, and whose good
will we cherish, witness, by their worthy representatives,
the sincerity of our patriotism and the liberal spirit
which tempers it. And, if it be permitted to the spirits
of the just to revisit the earth, it is here, also, that the
shades of our patriots and heroes — whether their mortal
remains still slumber on the fields where, for their coun
try's weal, they made the fervent offering of their lives ;
or, whether they lie buried in the great deep, under that
flag whose stars are emblems of the immortality which
awaits its defenders ; or whether in the silent grave they
rest after their mortal toils were done ; — it is here, in
this consecrated spot, in the centre of that nation which
they founded, and on this solemn occasion, that they
would be assembled. And if, as our fond fancy dreams.
Oh venerated manes, in this space ye be now present,
invisible to human sight, you would we invoke to witness
our devotion, while, within these lofty walls, which, de
fying the ravages of time, will be seen in many an after
age, and now stand here as witnesses for posterity, we
offer up our pious vows for liberty and for our country —
imploring, in humble reverence, the favor of the Su
preme Being upon their sacred cause.