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Delivered by request of the Survivors of the
ETERAN CORPS IN THE WAR OF 1812,
IN THE CHURCH CORN BR CANAL AND GREENE STREETS,
CITY OF NEW-YORK,
ON THR FOURTH OF JULY, 1851,
BY
REV. P. J. VAN PELT, D. D.
(Late Chaplain of the Third Military District, T. S. Army.)

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NEW-YORK :
CASPER C. CHILDS, PRINTER, 178 FULTON STREET.
1851.

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" Head Quarters, 51 William Street, )
"New- York, June 21st, 1851. j
" The Corps will assemble on the Morning of the 4th day of July next'
at 8 o'clock, a. m., precisely at the Superior Court Room, New City Hall,
on Chambers Street, (Head Quarters for the day,) to celebrate the Anni
versary of our National Independence. All should provide themselves
with the Cockade adopted by the Corps, and dress of dark Coats and
white Pantaloons, as far as may be convenient.
" Those who wish to parade will be provided with Side Arms on that
morning. At 9 o'clock, a Banner, executed by a young lady, will be pre
sented to the Corps for her by his Honor the Mayor, Ambrose C. Kings-
land. "Immediately after the Review, the procession will be formed at the
Head Quarters of the day, and proceed to the Church, corner of Canal and
Greene Streets, where the Declaration of Independence will be read by
Gilbert S. Nexsen, Esq.. a member of the Corps, and subsequently, an
Oration will be delivered by the Rev. Doct. Peter J. Van Pelt, Chaplain of
the Corps.
" The Committee of Arrangement for the Church, are William Raynor,
Captain, J. P. Dieterich, and Captain A. W. Jones. The Committee on
Refreshments at Head Quarters are Captain A. Dally, Jr., Lieut. H. E.
Hoyt, aud Lieut., Wm. H. Miller, who will Report particulars to the Com
mandant, and continue their duties until regularly discharged. The
Treasurer will use all diligence in promoting the collection of dues, and
on the morning of the 4th be prepared to receive all money that may be
offered. " It is requested by the Commandant that each Officer and Member of
this Corps strive to increase the numbers of attendants by giving all pub
licity to this effort to celebrate the day in a proper and becoming manner,
after the lapse of thirty-six years estrangement from each other.
" By order, "NICHOLAS HAIGHT,
" Capt. Abr'm Dally, Jr., Adj't." Colonel."

(IV. )
under the union of stripes and eighteen stars ; and now
look, at this our national flag, presented on this fourth day
of July, 1851. The union of stripes, pure and unstained,
with thirty-one stars, and the motto on the scroll — true.
Indeed, sir, this appears like the production of a fairy hand.
The fancy picture of imagination, wrought and presented
to us, telling the past, and pointing to the future. Is it a
dream — is it fancy — is it fancy — or is it reality ? Sir, it is
no dream of fancy. It is true ! It is reality !
It is, sir, proverbial of American wives and daughters,
that the domestic hearth is the school of thought and ex
change of opinion on all matters relating to the ruling
topic of the day — civil, religious, philosophical and pohti
cal ; and I think, sir, the fingers that traced those lines
with the needle, and directed the painter in his work, have
been thoroughly schooled, and her mind well stored "with
our nation's history. And wherein is our nation's strength
which is so truly conveyed ? It is in union — one, one in
divisible Union.
This Corps received in 1812, the national flag, with thir
teen stripes and eighteen stars in union. They stood by it
in peril and in need, in war and in peace, until time has
numbered thirty-one all in union. We now receive this
flag from your honored hands as the representative of its
donor, still to be our guide, our polar star through the re
mainder of life, and pass down to posterity what we have
done. To stand firmly, boldly, truly, by word and by
deed, to the Union of these States as our common countiy.
They were then marched down stairs, formed in line in front of the new
City Hall, then marched round the old City Hall, into Broadway, thence
to the church corner Canal and Greene Streets, when the ceremonies were
commenced by the Rev. Dr. Spring, invoking a divine blessing; the De
claration of Independence was then read by Gilbert S. Nexsen, Esq., and
a discourse suitable to the occasion was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Peter
J. Van Pelt; after which they returned to Head Quarters, New City Hall,
and, with their invited guests, partook of a cold eolation.

A

DISCOURSE
Delivered by request of the Survivors of the
VETERAN CORPS IN THE WAR OF 1812,
IN THE CHURCH CORNER CANAL AND GREENE STREETS,
CITY OF NEW-YORK,
ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1851,
BY
REY. P. J. YAN PELT, D. D.
(Late Chaplain of the Third Military District, U. S. Army.)

NEW-YORK:
CASPER C. CHILDS, PRINTER, 178 FULTON STREET,
1851.

DISCOURSE.

Fellow Citizens :
We are assembled in accordance with the unanimous
resolve of the surviving Veteran Corps (of officers and
soldiers) who served in the War of 1812, '13, '14, passed
at a Meeting held in Military Hall, in the City of New-
York, the 6th June last, 1851.
It having pleased them with like unanimity to select me,
in their own words, as "the Orator of the day," I stand
before you to address you on this interesting, jubilant,
anniversary occasion. I say interesting and jubilant occa
sion, for so has this Anniversary been regarded and cele
brated from the first till this seventy-fifth year. So is it
regarded and celebrated by all American patriots and
lovers of freedom this day with congratulations of joy and
rejoicing. The day, and all who honor it, is the sentiment
which is shouted at the festive board, echoed through halls
and saloons, and not only pervades the land, but also all
places where Americans are found. And so, I apprehend,
will it be regarded and celebrated in all coming time, by
millions of generations yet unborn.
It is the Anniversary of our nation's birth-day, on which
the Delegates of the People in Congress assembled, de
clared these United States to be free, sovereign and inde
pendent. They resolved not to bear the burden of taxation,
imposed on them without the right of representation ; to
throw off" the yoke of oppression ; to unfurl the flag of
thirteen stripes and stars as their national banner of three

millions of people, and assume their equal, independent rank
among the powers of the earth.
It was a bold resolve — a hazardous enterprize, a mo
mentous undertaking ! because undertaken against an old,
warlike, and powerful nation. But the men who under
took and did it — who were selected and delegated in the
providence of God — were inspired and gifted with wisdom
and courage from above, and possessed the necessary quali
fications of integrity and patriotism. They appealed to
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the rectitude of their
intentions and the justice of their cause ; and for the sup
port of it, mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and
their sacred honor; having the testimony of approving con
sciences, endowed with patriotism, talent, integrity, firm
ness and fortitude, and having the encouraging hope of
divine approbation. They also had the confidence of their
constituency — a patriotic, virtuous and enlightened people ;
and under the smiles and the determinate counsel of
heaven, the glorious work, after seven years of anxious toil
and conflict, was accomplished. Their memories, virtues,
and extraordinary achievements are, as doubtless they
ought and will be, held in lasting and grateful remem
brance. The distinguished blessings of freedom, civil and re
ligious, they projected and labored for with unremitted
diligence, zeal and courage, we, with tens of thousands
from divers lands are enjoying, while there is none to make
us afraid.
They were a pure and rare race of men, who had grown
up in this new world, descended from chivalrous, pious
ancestry in the old world, who had encountered fierce op
position in high places, and endured contradiction, priva-

tion, persecution and suffering as well from the court of
high commission and Stair Chamber in England, as from
the revocation of the edict of Nants, and intolerant papal
bigotry in France ; and therefore knew how to prize the
boon of liberty.
Brought up and instructed in the cardinal principles of
the bible, and in knowledge of the liberty wherewith
Christ, the Saviour, makes his people free, they hated per
secution and oppression, and loved truth, justice, mercy,
and the rights of man.
To glance at and recount briefly their achievements, as
also of those who succeeded them and were engaged in the
second War of 1812, and show how we may best promote
and perpetuate the rich inheritance of liberty transmitted
us with the precious privileges we enjoy, are the points to
which I invite your attention.
The drama of the revolution, the first war for indepen
dence, being fully opened, to effect it without difficulty,
commotion, loss of life, blood and treasure, was not, could
not be expected.
Not only many valuable lives were immolated in free
dom's cause, but the temples of Jehovah's worship were
attacked, profaned, and demolished. Defenceless towns
and villages were set on fire and reduced to ashes ; cul
tured fields were desolated ; widows' houses plundered ;
the virtuous daughter ignominiously robbed of her chastity ;
the father bewailed his child ; the mother the loss of her
son — her darling son — whose youthful bosom glowed with
the love of liberty — who embarked in the contest for free
dom, and who died fighting for his country. Many a fair and
beauteous form was left on the cold ground, the miserable
appendage of a mangled corpse. The blood of the brave

and honorable stained the soil and crimsoned the brooks of
America, before she could be free and independent, and
elevated to that high rank to which she was destined by
the Supreme Arbiter of the fate of Nations.
Alas ! how fearful in prospective, the wide waste of
horror and devastation that lay before our fathers ! How
portentous that period when the congregated storms of proud
monarchy and aristocratic rage broke loose upon us — when
the onset for independence was made. It was then the time
that tried men's souls ; when the trump of war resounded
throughout our broad land, and summoned to our shores the
legions of arbitrary power ; that an army of American sol
diers — true, patriotic Whigs, fearless of danger and jeopard
ing life ! pressed around the elevated standards of freedom
and their country ; contending not for ambition, nor vain
honor and conquest, but for independence and their coun
try's rights. They endured privations, sufferings and hard
ships, offering their lives, their fortunes and honor in sacred
pledges of faithfulness to their cause. They risked their
all — confiscation of property, loss of life and reputation,
their altars and peaceful firesides, in the struggle for hber
ty. A struggle with an ancient, warhke, brave and
powerful nation. But He who was with us, who ruleth
in the armies of heaven, was more and mightier than they
who were against us.
Holding as we do all nations enemies in war, in peace
friends ; it is only with a view to refresh your memories,
and keep alive the spirit of the day, that we rehearse the
story and remark: Lexington opened the tragic scene, and
furnished the first public proofs of republican resolution
and valor. In looking back on the time, we see the raw
and undisciplined troops, organized and led on by brave

chiefs, rush to the battle field, and as if by the power of
inspiration, perform prodigies of valor.
Bunker Hill records the heroism of yeomanry and mar
tial prowess of a Warren. Alas ! there that brave officer
fell deeply lamented. Boston cradled the revolution, and
produced eminent champions in the cause. " Sink or
swim," said the elder Adams, "I go for independence."
The name of John Hancock stand pre-eminent on the roll
of our early and pure patriots.
In those days of pure and lofty patriotism, the South,
emulating the north, breathing a like spirit of gallantry
and of union; we hear the eloquent Patrick Henry ex
claiming in the deliberative Assembly, " Give me liberty or
give me death."
That illustrious citizen George Washington of Virginia,
having been appointed by Congress commander-in-chief of
our armies, we behold him at Cambridge, Massachusetts,
and then in New-York, crossing the East River, battling
with the foe on Long Island, (and as was said, against his
own private and better judgement.) It was there he was
heard to utter these memorable words to his officers, (hay
ing been told that the enemy had landed,) "If the enemy
advance and attack us to-night we are unprepared. But
we must trust in God, hope for the best, and do our duty."
We notice him recrossing the East River in the dead of
night to this city, with the manifest interposition of heaven.
Not a breath of air rippled the water to disturb the boats
deeply laden with officers and soldiers, and a dense fog
settled down between the two armies, (like to the cloud
that intervened between the armies of Pharoah and Moses
at the Red Sea,) which spread over the enemy's shipping
in New- York Bay, and prevented their coming up to the

city. Thus was Washington and his army marvelously
delivered in the memorable summer of 1776.
Pursued by the enemy, he skirmished, fought and re
treated till he came to White Plains, in Westchester ; where
he encamped, stood, and had a drawn battle. From
thence he crossed the North River, and proceeded through
New Jersey to Trenton, where having crossed the Dela
ware amidst the roaring ice, he attacked and captured the
mercenary body of Hessians, and kindling large fires in
his encampment to delude the enemy, he marched to Prince
ton, where he again grappled with the foe effectively, and
thence went into winter quarters at Morristown.
It was in the conflict at Princeton, that the gallant Gen.
Mercer fell, whose memory is engraven in New Jersey.
There flowed the purple stream of his life for freedom.
We notice also our Washington with the gallant La Fayette
at Monmouth, where, as Gen. La Fayette remarked when
last here, our troops behaved gallantly under the command
of his Excellency Gen. Washington, when he had disarmed
and put Gen. Lee under arrest for mal-conduct. So also
w,e might notice the triumphs of a 8chuyler and Gates, and
others at Saratoga, in the surrender of Burgoyne. The able
Generalship of Green, at Guilford and the Eutaw Springs.
As also the heroic deeds of the chivalrous Gen. Maiion of
South Carolina, and of others whose names adorn the pages
of our revolutionary annals. But time would fail, to recite
all the places and deeds cf those distinguished patriots of
the revolution, and the army of suffering brave soldiers
who achieved our Independence. We must not however
omit to notice the celebrated Yorktown in Virginia. Long
shall the fame of that siege — the last momentous conflict,
be remembered with profound gratitude to the mighty

power that overrules and directs the fate of battles, and
destiny of nations. There did the guardian angel protect
our beloved Washington by hair breadth escape, and there
did he shine as a star of the first magnitude, amid the shouts
of victory, and the splendour of a proud triumph. It
seems as if divine Providence had reserved this place in
the native States of the American Commander, for the last
brilliant display of great and glorious actions. With the
surrender of lord Cornwallis and his army, in the progress
of events, was ended the war of the revolution, and the
acknowledgment of our independence by the British Go
vernment. Washington acknowledged the good hand of God on our
counsels and arms, succored by the co-operation of the
gallant La Fayette and his brave countiymen, a generous
ally. Congress, the army and the nation ; gave thanks to
Almighty God for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men.
There were many circumstances of divine concurrence
and signal interposition during the arduous struggle for in
dependence, which displayed the arm of omnipotence, and
evinced the justice of the cause.
An incident of no small moment and worthy of mention,
occurred on this Island, (as is related,) at the house of Mr.
Robert Murray, (known as Murray Hill,) near which an en
counter took place between the troops of Washington and
the advancing enemy in command of Generals Howe and
Clinton ; at the close of which Washington sent an officer
to Mrs. wife of Robert Murray, with a request to her, to
detain, if possible, Generals Howe and Clinton with their
army at her house, until Gen. Putnam with a large body
of Washington's army, who were on the north side of the
2

10
City and Island, had passed by the Bloomingdale road ;
which the true and patriotic Mrs. R. Murray accomplished.
By going down the lawn to the gate leading to the house,
by the road side where the Generals, Howe and Clinton
with the British army just at the time came on the advanc
ing march. She invited them to her house to take some
refreshment, as it was a hot day, and as they had been
engaged in hot work, (a battle.) Gen. Howe said to Gen.
Clinton ; " Clinton, shall we accept the lady's invitation?"
to which Clinton answered in the affirmative ; the army
was ordered to halt. It was during that halt, when the
chief officers of the British army were taking refreshments
at Mrs. Murray's, that Gen. Putnam passed by the Bloom
ingdale road, joined Washington, and made a narrow and
providential escape. But for the forethought of Washington,
the hospitality and fidelity of Mrs. Murray, it was thought
the brave Gen. Putnam with his division would have been
surrounded and cut off, and Washington's army would have
been greatly weakened, if not destroyed. What effect,
such loss at this interesting period of the war would have
had, is not for us to say. Thus was Washington and his
artery, by his inventive genius, the hospitable disposition,
and true patriotism of a New York and an American Lady,
delivered at that time from the grasp of the enemy — in a
providential, signal manner.
Thus is it that the most high who ruleth over men, makes
the wrath of man to praise him, and restrains the remainder
of their wrath.
The fact of having a man in our country at that juncture
as was George Washington ; who in the purity of his char
acter, his industrious habits — his sound, discriminating judg
ment — his honesty and fixedness of purpose — his enlight-

11
ened understanding — his reverence for God, his word and
truth, and therefore blessed in his counsels and arms — his
prudent caution, military tact and prowess, as was early
evinced at the defeat of Braddock; where his life was
most signally preserved ! together with his undeviating
patriotism — love of liberty and the rights of the people !
possessing such qualifications, he was eminently fitted for
a leader and commander of the American- army. And
under divine auspices he did lead the army to victory, and
brought the country in union and renown far and wide — to
the establishment of peace', liberty and independence.
The tears and mourning of the nation, when he was
removed by death, (on which occassion he who now ad
dresses you delivered an oration by request, on the day
set apart by Congress to observe his obsequies, and com
memorate his virtues) best demonstrated the universal
sympathy and love for his rare and exalted character.
And even now on this national anniversary, with a vastly
increased and still increasing population, methinks I see
more than 22 millions of freemen, doing the homage of re
spect, gratitude and affection to his memory, thanking God
for so distinguished a gift, and with one accord pronouncing
him father of his country — " first in war, first in peace, and
first in the hearts of his countrymen."
He might when he felt power have forgot right, and
seizing the critical moment when the army was disbanded,
and taking advantage of the anonymous seditious letters
which were then published and scattered through the
army, have sought to make himself a military despot.
We have an instructive example of such dereliction of
principle in Napoleon Bonaparte, the first of the Gaelic
Caesars, who sat on the throne of the Bourbons, who sub-

12
jugated almost all the eastern continent, and seemed to set
out in his career, with love of liberty and republican prin
ciples. But Washington, honest and honorable in his prin
ciples and engagements ; proved true and faithful to the
interests and rights of the people. In taking leave of the
army, he said : "Brave soldiers ! having fought for hberty
and attained by the blessing of Providence, the object ; let
us go to our homes — and work for property."
The people of the United States having by their dele
gates in convention made, ratified and confirmed a general
and federal constitution, in order" to " establish justice, insure
domestic tranquility^ and form a more perfect union between
the States ; to promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of hberty to themselves and their posterity:"
organized the Government, and elected George Washington
the first President.
The Government being thus organized, and going on in
successful operation ; the country prosperous in its various
departments of agriculture, commerce, manufactures, arts
and sciences : it was soon discovered, that crowned heads
in Europe with their minions of royalty, envied our
peaceable and flourishing condition ; became jealous of our
unexampled growth and prosperity, and manifested a dis
position of unfriendliness toward us. Arising as well from
our free institutions, republican principles, and structure of
our Government, placing the power in the hands of the
people, by the right of, suffrage through the ballot box, and
leaving each one free to worship God according to the
dictates of conscience ; without connection with, or exclu
sive patronage from the civil Government ; as also from
our prosperity, peace and happiness. And moreover re
garding our Government as imbecile and indigent; our

13
Union, a rope of sand, our people inefficient, who could not
be goaded into war.
Hence, already in the administration of President
Washington, serious collisions and disagreements began to
take place, which were coeval with the treaty that termi
nated the first American war. Which were afterwards
partially adjusted by Mr. Jay's treaty.
In the administration of President Adams, another col
lision and disagreement took place with Spain, which was
however soon amicably settled. And another with France,
which had begun under the former administration, and
which was of a more grave and aggravated character.
This was also afterwards in a manner palliated.
In the administration of Presidents Jefferson and Madi
son, the disrespectful ' and hostile spirit of the British
pursued us not only at sea, the highway of nations, but
penetrated the mouth of our harbour.
The great matter at issue between the two countries, be
sides other differences, was the interruption of our ships
and vessels at sea, and the impressment of seamen from
on board of them. Seizing and searching our ships at sea
by the British for persons and property ; we being a neutral
nation. Our Government claiming by the law of nations,
that our flag should protect our ships, citizens — crews and
property under it. That it should be a guaranty and pass
port to our respect, honor and safety in all places on the
high seas.
It was this that brought on the second war of independ
ence, so called, in 1812. The justice and necessity of
which was eloquently advocated in Congress by that emi
nent Statesman and Senator, Henry Clay, "Who spoke
to the heart, and bore the palm away ;" who was after-

14
wards one of the Commissioners appointed ; that made
the treaty of peace between the two nations at Ghent.
In this conflict which was near three years, battles at
sea and on land were fought — and were won and lost, as
is the fate and fortune of war. In this war, you the sur
vivors of the Veteran Corps bore a manly and distin
guished part, and were engaged in defending and main
taining the honor and rights of your independent Govern
ment ; of your flag and your Country.
In doing this, many privations, losses, and hardships
were endured, many obstacles encountered, much treasure
expended, and many fives lost. It was feared by some
when the war commenced, that in contending with so
powerful a nation for our just and equal rights in navigat
ing the ocean — a nation which assumed to be mistress of
the seas ! — our small navy would be swept from it, or
covered with disgrace.
But he who ruleth among the nations, whose is the sea ;
who made it for the good of all — an element for ships to
move in, and appointed its bounds — favored us also there
on the mighty deep, as it pleased him to do for us on the
land ; crowned our infant or youthful navy, as well on the
wide ocean, as on the inland seas of the lakes, with great
and signal and glorious victories — testifying to the able
seamanship, the nautical skill and bravery of officers and
men, and bearing the pledges of defence, prosperity and
protection — to the justice of our cause on the ocean, to free
trade and sailors' rights.
It was in those naval engagements that the genius and
courage of the distinguished heroes, Hull, Bainbridge,
Lawrence, Perry, Macdonough and Decatur, were de
veloped, and eulogized by the nation. So also in that war

15
were developed the elevated patriotism and prowess, the
intellectual and military resources of intrepid officers and
soldiers on land, who by their valorous deeds became re
nowned ! were honored and esteemed by a grateful peo
ple with bursts of applause. Such as Brown at Sackett's
Harbor, McComb at Plattsburg, and Scott the hero of Chip
pewa and Lundy's Lane. And last and greatest of all,
to cap the climax, and end the strife of an unnatural war !
the masterly and brilliantly crowning battle of New Or
leans under Gen. Jackson, where a righteous Providence
seemed to say to the invading enemy, " Such of you as
are left alive on the field of battle, haste to your ships of
war and go home to your own rich and cultivated lands
in good old England, and let your brethren and kindred in
America alone, and molest them not ! " And to us, in
the same eventful battle, a kind Providence seemed to pro
nounce our cause just, in defending the country against
valiant and powerful invaders, maintaining our honor and
dignity among the nations, vindicating our rights on sea
and land, and preserving our union and independence un
impaired. I have said that war was unnatural : and is it not unnatu
ral for nations as Great Britain and the United States of
Ameriea, speaking the same rich and beautiful language,
from whose chivalric ancestry we have descended, and
taught by their noble example, as furnished in their in
structive history, to resist aggression, and defend our coun
try, her liberties and rights ; . each boasting of its excellent
institutions and liberty ; each brave and honorable, pro
fessing the same religion, pure and unadulterated, and
each co-operating in Christian union to exhibit Christianity
in its most excellent character, and by all laudable efforts

16
to evangelize the heathen nations ; to circulate the Bible —
the holy book of God — without note or comment, through
foreign, heathen lands, and spread the knowledge of salva
tion by Jesus Christ the Son of God, the only true Saviour,
broad cast all over the world.
Surely it is specially unnatural and wrong, for such en
lightened and Christian nations to be at war with each
other. And whence come wars and fightings ? Come they
not hence as an apostle says, "even of lusts that war in the
members." May wisdom, courage and power be so tempered, justice
and mercy so disposed, good faith and charity be so exercis
ed, that there shall be no more war between these nations.
With the last marvellous, successful struggle at New Or
leans, the second war of independence was ended. The
law of nations was vindicated and maintained. Our insti
tutions preserved in their purity and vigor. Our flag un
tarnished, floating in the breeze of seas and rivers among
distant nations. Our commerce, agriculture, arts and
sciences flourishing. Our country's right and liberties un
diminished and inviolate. The tide of emigration flowing
toward us with accumulated strength, giving us numerical
force. Our national union and honor cemented, consoli
dated and advanced. The importance and dignity of the
Government increased in estimation and renown in all
parts of the world.
In the words of the gallant La Fayette, who said to
me, " wherever the name of an American, especially the
presence of an American officer is announced in Europe ;
he is received with marked respect." "That war," he added,
" let the world see that what the fathers contended for in the
first war ; the sons were able and willing to defend and

17
maintain in the second." And truly the spirit evinced by
the fathers, survived in the sons.
O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and
for his wonderful works, for his guidance and direction and
great care of us as a nation ; for the victories achieved,
for the peace and prosperity we enjoy. In that war, our
number of States were " seventeen, and the number of
vessels captured was more than sixteen hundred, with more
than three thousand guns, and twelve thousand men."
Since then, besides Indian wars of minor importance,
we have had a war with the Mexicans.
This, as was said, originated in their refusing or with
holding and delaying the payment of moneys long and
justly due us ; together with a manifestation of trifling and
menace toward us of dishonor and disrespect, derogatory
to the honor and dignity of our Government.
In this late war whilst we deplore again the privations
and sufferings endured, the treasure expended, the profuse
effusion of human blood — the loss of dear and valuable
lives ; and sympathise with the widows and fatherless !
our arms were again signally blessed and favored by
divine interposition. With vastly inferior numbers, as at
Palo Alta, Resaca de la Palma, at Monterey and Buena
Vista, under Gen. Taylor with his small number of invin
cible volunteer soldiers. So also at the strong castle of
St. Juan de Ulloa, in Vera Cruz ; supposed to be impreg
nable. As also at Chapultepec, Molina Del Rey and the
City of Mexico, under Gen. Scott.
In which memorable battles and celebrated victories
obtained with triumphs and conquests by inferior numbers,
rarely equalled by military skill, science and bravery, the
New York volunteers bore a distinguished part, and gained
3

18
signal honor and applause ; not only for themselves, but
also for the Empire State, and the whole country. Show
ing to the world, that with such volunteer citizen-soldiers
as we have by hundreds of thousands in our various indus
trial employment, intelligent, active, hardy, patriotic and
brave ! under the blessing of the Almighty ruler of nations,
our independence and liberties will be defended, and
triumphantly maintained.
That in the hands of such patriots and men, led by offi
cers capable, faithful and true, with the fostering care and
propitious smiles of heaven ! the honor of the country, the
constitution, the union — and the republic are safe.
Having come out of the war with Mexico with our flag
unsulhed, and with a vast additional territory, abounding
with gold and precious metals contributing to the wealth
of the country ; which now stretches far along the Pacific
Ocean on the west, and running far into the interior ; with
the settlement of the dues, and annexation already of a
State, making our number thirty-one, and territory sufficient
soon to make several more States ; together with the de
velopment of mountains of gold, and vast physical resources
of wealth ; from minerals, agriculture, trade, commerce,
manufactures, arts and literature ; our free institutions,
civil and religious extensively diffused, the cause of tem
perance, education and good morals promoted, the bounda
ries of the republic enlarged — our rights and liberties pre
served in tranquil and happy enjoyment, with the shield
of the Gospel of grace for our sure protection ! Surely
we may say, what has God wrought for us ! What more
could have been done, that has not been done ! Sure'ly
the Almighty has not dealt so with any nation.
Possessing such a country as this ; abounding with all

19
the necessaries, and most of the luxuries of the world,
where we eat our bread without scarceness, and drink
our water from the pure fountains, and blessed with a con
stitution of Government, the result of a spirit of amity of
our fathers ; of mutual deference and compromise between
the- United States, so as to promote the general welfare,
"and secure the freedom and happiness of all ! A consti
tution which guaranties the right of suffrage, the rights of
civil and religious liberty to each and to all the people !
It remains to show how, and in what manner ; by what
rule of conduct we shall best preserve this country dear
to us all ! — with its constitution, union, liberty and inde
pendence, and transmit it inviolate to succeeding genera
tions. On this point, as on most subjects, there may be an honest
difference of opinion.
It seems however clear and reasonable, that the spirit
and way, in which our independence was achieved, the
constitution of our country was made, the Government or
ganized and put into operation ; is the spirit to be cherished
and way to be exercised, in order to preserve and perpetu
ate it. Now this was done according to the declaration of
the upright and renowned sages of our country, who framed
the constitution ; in the spirit of amity, and the way of
deference and concession to each State, entering into the
compact. Otherwise they could not have done it. So that
the union of all the States, in the confederacy, with their
different interests ; south and north being consulted, conso
lidated — formed into one compact ; all might share in the
common benefits of defence, prosperity, honor, harmony
and happiness. Such a union they considered so important
as to involve " the prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our

20
national existence." Therefore, in our legislation to have
due respect to the rights and interests of each and all !
how, and at all times, to cherish a like spirit of friendship
and good feeling by all our citizens towards each State in
the Union: is doubtless the most likely and best way to
preserve our national existence, promote our prosperity,
safety, honor and happiness, and transmit these inestimable
blessings to posterity. It was in the spirit of friendship,
love and good will to man, by the great Creator, Redeemer
and Sanctifier of the world, that the Gospel was ordained
to be preached, the way of salvation made known by the
cross of Christ, the true, holy Catholic Church instituted,
the people exhorted to repent and believe, to love God and
each other ; to do to others, as they would have others do
to them ; and as an incentive to duty ; peace on earth with
gracious consolation — and the glorious inheritance reserved
in heaven, was the reward — promised.
In such a spirit of amity did our virtuous and honored
fathers achieve our independence, frame the constitution,
model and establish our excellent Government.
They had imbibed the firm and generous, and kindly af-
fectioned spirit of the Gospel, and they acted it out, as is
manifested in the first prayer in Congress. As also by
Washington on the eve of one of the first eventful battles for
freedom; when he said, "Let us trust in God, hope for the
best, and do our duty."
And again, as he said in his farewell address to the
people of the United States. Enjoining it on all to adhere
to the union, and support the constitution as the palladium
of our liberties, our peace at home, our safety and respect
abroad. To frown indignantly on the first dawning of
every attempt to sever the union of the States, or to alien-

21
ate one portion of our country from the rest. To cultivate
good morals and respectful behaviour towards each other.
Such a spirit of friendship or amity evinced to one
another, in connection with the paramount desire to ad
vance the cause and kingSom of the divine Redeemer in
the hearts and lives of men, with a view to their temporal
and everlasting happiness ; such a rule of conduct and vir
tuous course of life, in the spirit of fraternal feeling, and
exercise of christian charity ; will be found to be the most
sure and effectual way to perpetuate our glorious Union,
preserve our admirable constitution, with the guarantees of
national and State rights, of civil and religious freedom ;
as also to secure the continued enjoyment of the bless
ings of divine Providence. In this way we will maintain
our character as a nation — we will suppress unhallowed
passions — rivalships and jealousies ; and show that we are
capable of self-government, and of justly discriminating
between greater and lesser evils ! and spread the fame
and glory of the republic.
A republic, the purest, greatest and best ever formed by
men, which in its fundamental principles and structure is
similar to the Government, formed in divine wisdom and
goodness among the first chosen people of the most high
on earth, and bears a most striking resemblance, to the
ancient and pure commonwealth of Israel- In which the
people have the power, and choose their representatives
and officers ; where liberty is founded in justice, reason,
intelligence and law. Where the press is free, know
ledge diffused among the people, crime is punished,
and virtue rewarded ; where every man is protected in
his just rights, and left free by his reason to combat error
in principle and practice, in politics and religion, and
worship God according to the dictates of his conscience.

22
What a sublime and interesting spectacle does our coun
try present in the world. Moving onward — onward, m
freedom, in union, in wealth, resources, literature, science,
arts, numbers, distinction, and unexampled prosperity and
happiness. We may on this returning Anniversary, commemorative
of our Independence, having as we joyously hope and be
lieve, passed a crisis ! be indulged, exultingly to exclaim,
" Excelsior !" and adopting the sentiment, with a httle va
riation in words, of a distinguished divine,* who was both
poet and patriot of the revolution, say :
" United, United States, to higher glory arise ;
The Queen of the World, and the child of the skies ;
Thy genius commands thee, with rapture hehold,
While ages on ages, thy splendor unfold :
Thy reign is the last and the noblest of time,
Most fruitful thy soil, most inviting thy clime ;
May the crimes of the East ne'er crimson thy name,
Be freedom and science, and virtue thy fame."
Here in this country — man, whether native or adopted ;
free born or naturalized ; breathes free air. And though
poor, if he has respect for himself, his freedom and our in
stitutions ; if he is honest and honorable, industrious, moral,
just and virtuous in his conduct — is Nature's nobleman.
He will get employment, and be respected by others ; and
in common with his fellow-citizens, will be protected by
the laws in his rights ; beneath the broad expanse of the
Tree of Liberty, which is spread over thirty-one States;
reaching far along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans ; beT
sides a vast territory, growing, and soon to be added to
the glorious Union, in accordance with the Constitution.
* Rev. Dr. Dwight, President of New Haven College.

23
Having had the honor and pleasure in my early boy
hood and school-going days, to spend part of an afternoon
in the company of Gen. Washington, on Long Island, pre
vious to his inauguration in the City of New-York as the first
President of our Republic ! I remember well his grave,
majestic countenance — his dignified deportment — his bland
and amiable manners — his stately stepping and lofty bear
ing in walking — arrayed in his military uniform of buff and
blue — and towering above the officers then with him ; as
also his elegant appearance when mounted on horseback,
being in person, as was said, over six feet high.
Subsequently, and during my Collegiate years in Co
lumbia College, N. Y., Gov. Alexander Hamilton made the
remark : " That often as he was with his Excellency, Gen.
Washington, he invariably felt a degree of awe in his
presence ; and that this feeling, which was general, was
inspired because of a deep sense entertained of Washing
ton's greatness, justness and goodness."
Of the same import, was the remark of Gen. La Fayette,
to me, on his last visit to our country as the nation's guest,
at the house of Gov. Tompkins on Staten Island ; when by
request of the Governor, the honor was conferred on me of
delivering the salutatory address to Gen. La Fayette; with
cordial welcome, and congratulations on his safe arrival
once more in the country ; for whose civil and religious
liberties he fought gallantly in the days of his youth, by
the side of our illustrious Washington. On which inte
resting and memorable occasion, Gen. La Fayette also
made the following, further remark :
" That at the close of the revolutionary war, on a visit
to Mount Vernon, the seat of his Excellency Gen. Wash
ington, when he saw Mrs. Washington — the mother of the

24
General ; who was at the time when he got there, in the
garden, having on her head a large bonnet or hat, .superin
tending her culinary plants and vetgetables, was received
most cordially and affectionately without undue ceremony,
and then entertained by her in the house with instructive
conversation : his wonder ceased, that Washington, the
son of such a mother, should be so great a patriot — so pure
and great and good a man."
And added, "if such be the matrons of America; no
wonder that their sons should be such lovers of liberty,
such distinguished patriots, such illustrious citizens."
Having mentioned these reminisences to the late Gen.
Taylor at Washington, at the time of his inauguration as
President of the United States ; and wishing him the bless
ing of the Almighty on his Presidential career ! he replied
and said. " My dear Sir, I thank you for your good wishes
to me, and our beloved country. I shall administer the
Government to the best of my ability, after the manner of
our illustrious Washington ; irrespective of party — for the
good of the country. And do the best I can for the good
of all the people."
Now when we contemplate our country, these United
States of America, honored and blessed with so many pure
patriots and eminent citizens — with Washington as chief.
A country which illustrious fathers declared of right were
and ought to be free and independent ; the anniversary of
which we with millions are celebrating this day.
A country inhabited by people of various ancestry, and
united by States of great extent, embracing various soils and
climes, each and all sovereign, with written constitutions ;
under one general and federal written constitution; pro
tecting the rights and sovereignty of each State, and gua-

25
ranteeing the right, the safety and happiness of all ; united
in bonds of fraternal friendship and love !
Such a country, with such a Government and such a
republic ! far surpassing ancient Grecian and Roman re
publics, as well in the guarantees of hberty and excellence
of its institutions, as in wisdom and perfection of organiza
tion ! which has endured three quarters of a century, has
passed successfully severe ordeals that have tested its
strength, and nobly triumphed over the shocks of war !
leaving its citizens in honor, peace and prosperity ! Shall
such a republican Government, the best and noblest of
time ! formed by the wisdom, the patriotism and virtue of
illustrious fathers ; be rent asunder, have its unity broken,
its beauty marred and destroyed ! God forbid it.
If such should be the catastrophe, the fatal event and
final destiny of these United States, of free and indepen
dent America ! then may honest patriots, true Americans
and Christians weep indeed. Then would the lovers of
liberty, and the rights of man throughout Europe and the
world weep.
Then, methinks, if the sad tidings were borne by angels,
the ministering spirits of the most high ; to Washington
and the patriot sages and heroes of the revolution ! great
would be the wail of sorrow, for the severance and down
fall of the American Republic.
But whilst the " earth bears a plant, and the sea rolls a
wave ;" we hope in the mercy and power of God, the in
telligence, patriotism and virtue of the American people .
that such a deplorable event shall not happen. But that
the Union of the States shall be better and better cemented,
union and harmony prevail and be perpetuated. The con
stitution, the monument of the united wisdom, and admira-

26
tion of the world stand and remain like a rock in the ocean ;
unhurt amid the dashing waves of disaffection and dis
union. " So mote it be," brother Americans.
If then, as enlightened, free and faithful Americans ; you
are resolved to support a good Government — a Govern
ment of the people — founded in republican principles ; dis
tinct from and opposed to royalty and titled nobility in
Church and State ; won by the valor, through divine favor,
and endeared by the blood of many precious lives. If you
are determined that the Union, formed by our fathers —
must and shall be preserved ! That the Constitution
which guarantees your rights and privileges — shall stand
an enduring monument of American wisdom, patriotism,
union and virtue ! And, if it pleases the Almighty, that
it shall not be brokeu — nor surrendered to tyrants, nor in
sidious political demagogues !
If as true Americans, who have fought in defence of
liberty, your country and its rights, as your fathers did
before you, and are left in the full enjoyment of invalua
ble privileges ! let me implore you to be thankful to God,
and rightly to appreciate your blessings, by living honora
bly, virtuously, and usefully in the world. Above all to
love God, who loved us, and sent his son to be the pro
pitiation for our sins. Having so loved us, we ought to love
one another.
May the Spirit of Grace influence the hearts of the peo
ple, and excite them to greater friendship, love and grati
tude ! to the honor of themselves — their country, and the
preservation of their rights and liberties.
And as a further means, to preserve the Union, and your
dear bought privileges ; and transmit them to future gene
rations ! Be advised frequently to think and talk of — to

27
cherish and support the sentiment of our beloved and im
mortal Washington, as expressed in his farewell address
to the people of his country. He loved the Constitution,
the Union, and liberties of the country, whose army he led
to victory — whose Government he administered with suc
cess ; for which he periled his life, and devoted his time
and talents. Discountenance all vexatious, improper agi
tation of every matter, whether slavery, fugitive law, or
whatever else ; conflicting with the Constitution — arraying
citizen against citizen — and disturbing the peace and union
of the United States. The saying is no less true than old,
that "United we stand, divided we fall." And that
there have been designs to divide, in order to conquer us,
cannot be doubted. Whether you are inhabitants of the
North, South, East or West of this great and extensive re
public ; snpport the powers that are constituted, and obey
the laws enacted by the legitimate authority and voice of
a free people.
The banner that displays the eagle, the stripes and stars
of our beloved country — free and united America ; is the
same throughout the Union. On this flag is inscribed the
significant motto, "E Pluribus Unum." It is the star-
spangled standard of the States, known and honored by
the nations as the ensign of the model republic — the flag
of American freedom. United, under it — with the bles
sings of the God of our fathers, we shall rise higher and
higher in national importauce ; be protected in our rights
and hold our liberties safe and secure. Our country re
spected abroad, prosperous and happy at home, with Union
for her pole star — shall guide to the ultimate triumph of
liberty over the world ; and advancing in splendour, fame
and glory ; like the sun in the firmament, shine brighter
and brighter to the perfect day.

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