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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est filmA A partir de i'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustient !a mAthode. errata to I pelure. on d D 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 '^.'■>4^ ■.''■^ iv^ P' 5^ ^ -• >>.. 14' - .■'", ^a BISCOURSE OelirfMil kr rwiiMftof tb«(iturif«»of th« VETEMN eiMtPjS IN TBI WM OF 1812, IN TIfKCHUBCHCOKNKR CANAL AND OREKME BtW££T8, CITY OF Ni:3V-YORR,, ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, lisK BT REV. P. J. VAN PELT, P. D. ii i |i L »iii« rwwrm ( Late Chaplaiti of the Third Military Dittrfct, U. & Army. ) ' Jt,' NEW-YORK: CA8PERC. C»iLDS, PRINTfiR. 1T« PUtTON STREET. 1851 ..^ l^ttrrnii €atp ni tlit ttitir of 1812, '13, null 'Iff. -•-••»>- "Head Quarters, 51 William Street, ''New-York, June 2lst, 1851. "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., Adft:' Colonel.'' ( "• ) Agreeable to the before- written Orders, the Corps assembled and, shortly after nine his Hono"- the Mayor arrived, accompanied by the Ilev. Dr- Spring and the Rev. Dr. Van Pelt, and took their seats on the bench of the Superior Court Room, Dr. Spring on the right, and Dr. Van Pelt on the left of the Mayor. The Veterans were then marched into the room, after which the banner was unfurled, and there was a flourish of trumpets. The ceremony was then commenced with a prayer by Dr. Spring, invok- ing the Divine blessing ; after which the Mayor rose and spoke as follow :— Gentlemen — It is with pride, I can a.ssure you, that 1 am invited to be with you and, most of all, to perform the pleasing duty of presenting to you this banner. It is a tribute most justly due you. Gentlemen, from whatsoever source it might proceed, you will all no doubt agree with me that it is from the highest, noblest, and most pure. — The production of the fair fingers prompted by the warm and patriotic heart of a soldier's daughter. On this ban- ner are the stripes and stars of our national Union ; under its graceful folds, freedom and protection are dispensed to all, unsurpassed by any nation upon earth. This has been achieved and secured by the labors, privation, sacrifices, and deaths of very many of our citizens in the war of 1776 and the war of completion, declared June the 18th, 1812, of which last, yourselves are the honored survivors. I might recite from the pages of histoiy, circumstances and events which are to mine and every American heart, deeply interesting, but it would, I think, be superfluous, as you arc . well acqaintdd with diem : in many, very many cases, were you participants in the great straggle of 1812, which secured the liberty and happiness we now enjoy, which was commenced and contended for by your honored pre- decessors in the war of 1776. Under the ensign of the stripes and stars, and with the reveille of the soul-stirring drum and fife, did you and others cheerfully labor to form those entrenchments extending from Gowanas Bay to the Navy Yard, at Brooklyn, and on this island from Hurl Gate, to^ Manhattanville, and subsequently, under the command of His Excellency our then worthy and honored Governor, Daniel D. Tompkins, were you found, with others from adjoining counties, at your posts as soldiers, in those en- trenchments, and elsewhere in and about this harbor, formed an impenetrable wall of defence to this great city, against V ( HI. ) jiiiy force tlin.t our powerful cneniy could couiniancl, which fh1, The union of stripes, pure and unstained, witli thirty-otu! ntJirs, and the motto on the scroll — true. Indeed, sir, fhi.s .'ip[)ears like the production of a fairy hand. The fancy picture of imaginntion, wrought and ])resented 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 dorrKistic hearth is the school of thought antl ex- change of opinion on all matters relating to the ruling to|)ic oi' the day — civil, religious, philosophical and politi- cal ; and I ihirik, sir, the lingers that traced those lines with the necdh;, 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. ThisCor[)H rec(;ived in 1812, the national flag, with thir- teen stripes and eighteen stars in union. They stood by it in peril and in n(;ed, 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 country. 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 hy the liev, Dr. Spring:, invoking a divine blessing ; the De- claration of Independence was then read by Gilbert S. Nexsen, Esq., and a discourse Huitubic 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. DISCOURSE Dt'livficil l>y ruiiu'st of llit Survivors of tin VETERAN CORPS IN THE WAR OF 1812, IN THK CIUIUCU CORNER CANAI. AND GRKENK STRKETS. CITY OF NEW-YORK, ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1851, BY REY. P. J. VAN PELT, P. D. (Late Cliaiilaiii of tlie Tliird Military District, U. S. Army.) NEW-YORK : CASPER C. CHILDS, PRINTER, 178 FULTON STREET. 1851. ! DISCOURSE. 1 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 witii like unanimily to select me, in their own words, as "the Orator of the diiy," 1 stand before you to address you on this interesting, jubilant, anniversaiy 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 die 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 celeb.iated 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 die 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 *fH*i69 millions of people, and assume their equal, independent ri.nk among the powers of the enrth. It was a bold resolve— a hazardous enterprise, a mo- mentous undertaking! beeause 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 unaer 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, diey projected and labored fbr with unremitted dihgence, 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, T)ious ancestry in the old world, who had encountered fierce op- position in high places, and endured contradiction, priva- V^\ *\^ VV 6 tion, persecution nnd sufiering as well fwm the court of high commission and Star Chamber in England, as from the revocation of the edict of Nants, and intolerant papal bigotry in France ; and theretbre knew how to prize the l)oon 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 w^e 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 lile, 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 th(> brave 6 TleZ^Tr ''t"' "" "'■' '""' "■""^"■""^ the brooks of Amenca, before she couM be free and independent, and elevated to that high rank to whieh she was destined by the Supreme Arbiter of the fate of Nations. Alas! how fearful in prospective, the wide waste of honor and devastation that lay before our fitthers! How ponentous that penodwhenthecongregatedstotmsof proud mon-cl.y -d anstocratic rage broke loose upon ns-lhen he onset for .ndependence was made. Itwas then the time tjZr: "t/ ^^'^" *« '™"P °f -- -sounded htoughout onr broad land, and summoned to our shores the egionsof arbttraty power; that an army of Amerieal : ! d.ers- rue, patriofe Whigs, fearless of danger and jeopard- ^hfe! pressed around the elevated standards of freedom and their countty; contending not for ambition, nor vain honor and conquest, but for independence and their cZ ry '. nghts They endured privations, sufferings and h d- shtps. offenng their lives, their fortunes and honor in sacred Pledges of finthfulness to their cause. They risked the^r then altars and peaceful firesides, in the struggle L liber: ty. A struggle w.th an ancient, warlike, brave and powerful natton But He who was with ns, who rnlet vhl ir'"' "' ™ ™" ""'' ■™S'"'- "-" they Who were against us. "^ friend". 1 " "", '" "'I "'"™' "^"""'^^ '" ™- '" P-- fnends , tt ts only w.th a view to refresh your memories, and keep ahve the sp.rit of the day, that we rehearse the toty and remark : Lexington opened tl,e tragic scene, and and valor, n look.ng back on the tinte, we see the raw and und,sc>pbned 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 yeomaniy 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 ; w e hear the eloquent Patrick Henry ex- claiming in the deliberative Assembly, " Give me liberty or give mc 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, (hav- 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 8 city. Thus was Wusliington and liis army marvel ou.sly delivered in the memorable summer of 1770. Pursued by the enemy, he skirmished, fought and re- treated till became to White Plains, in Westchester; wliero 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 fbe 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 we might notice the triumphs of a Schuyler and Gates, and others at Saratoga, in the surrender of Burgoyne. The able Genei .iJship of Green, at Guilford and the Eutaw Springs! As also the heroic deeds of the chivalrous Gen. Marion'of South Carolina, nnd of others whose names adorn the pages of our revolutionary annals. But time would fbil, to redte all the places and deeds cf those distinguished patriots of the revolution, and the army of suffering brave soldiers who achieved our Lidependcnce. 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 9 i 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 countrymen, 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 INIurray 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 10 City and Island, had passed by the Bloomingdale ic.d ; which the true and patriotic Mrs. R. Murray accomphshed. By going down tlie 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. Chnton ; " Clinton, shall we accept the lady's invitation ?" to which Chnton answered in the affirmative ; the armv 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 hospitahty 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 army, by his inventive genius, the hospitable disposition and true patriotism of a New York and an American Lady, delivered at tiiat 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- s i 11 eiicd iinderstaiKling — his reverence for Cod, 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 lor 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 S3'mpathy 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, tlianking Cod lor 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 anon3'mous 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 Gaehc Caesars, who sat on the throne of the Bourbons, who sub- 11 I 13 jugated almost all the eastern continent, and seemed to ,et c MJe. But Washington, honest and honorable in his prin- cples and engagements; proved true and fimh.nl to the mterests and rights of the people. In taking leave of the arn.y, he sa,d : "Brave soldiers 1 having fought for 1 be y and atta,ned by the blessing of P^videnee, the obieet "^ us go to our homes-and work for property." ' . .Z'^^r^'" '"■ "'" ""?''"' ®'^'^' ''^""« ■'y "-- dele- gates ,„ convention made, ratified and confirmed a general and federal constitution, in order to " establish justic^Lsre btsst» of n'T'' 'I"' «""""' »-'«-■ and secure the blessmg, of hberty to then,selves and their posterity" .r;rp:^d!r™'"^"'--'^— ^-'-^^^'^^^^^^^^^^ The Government being thus organized, and goin.. on in departments of agneuhure, commerce, ma.t«faet„res, arts and sciences: ,t was soon discovered, that crowned heads peaceable and flourishmg condition; became jealous of onr une..ampled growth and prosperity, and manifested a di pos. .on of unfriendliness toward „s. Arising as well f^^ our free mstitntions, republican principles, aitd .struct !f our Government, placing the power in the hands of ,h people, by the right of suffijihrough the b^:" o:'nt leaving each one free to worship God according To t^J d-ctates o, conscience; without connection witl^":r e.cfu stve patronage from the civil Government; as a „"^: gaiding oui Government us imbecile and indigent; our 13 Vn'um, ft rope of ftarid, our people inefficient, who could not be goaded into war. Hence, alnjudy in the administration of President Wa«liington, serious collisions and disagreements began to take [)lace, which were coeval with the treaty tluit termi- nn,ted the firnt American war. Which were afterwards piirtially adju.stc^d by Mr. Jay's treaty. In tlie administration ot" President Adams, another col- lision mid dis.igrcement took place with Spain, which was lK)wev(!r Hoon niiiicably settled. And another with France, whi<;h had begnn under the former administration, and wlii(;li WiiM of a, more grave and aggravated character. This was also afterwards in a manner palliated. In the administration of Presidents Jefferson and Madi- son, ihe disrespjx-tful and hostile spirit of the British piirsiH'd us not only at sea, the highway of" nations, but pimetrated the mouth of our harbour. The griMJt matter at issue between the two countries, be- sides other dillc;rences, 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 l)y the liritislj f<)r persons and property ; we being a neutral nation. Our (Jovernment claiming by the law of nations, that Dur (lag should protect our ships, citizens — crews and property under it. That it should be a guaranty and pass- port to our res])ect, honor and safety in all places on the high acas. 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- m 14 >" "< my ,,l po,.cc between the two nations at Ghent Ii' lln» <-onflict which was ne,-u- three year, l..,„l 'H tho fate and fbrtunc of war Tn ti • men, ; of y„„ fl„g „„,, y^,_^ ^ y _^__.^ P^dent Oomn- -x . W „!; ^"^ ?'" r ™™™'--d, .n„ch treasure wiion the w.'ir comincnrpr] tl,..f • ,. ''^ I-worful „, nation .^^^t^ nT '1 "^ "'"' ■'" «ea„,a„„hi,, the „a„.ical skill and b -tve '!? m n.en, and bearing the pIcd^esTf d^r ^ '" ""'' l-eetion-to tht Justie' JC 1 f oTtli'"^''^*^ J"" trade and saih.rs' rights. °''°"' •" fr'"' It wan in those naval ongaireraent* tl,.,, ,u courage of the distinguish^ed her s Hul /"'," r"' Uwrencc, JWy, Maedonongh an 1 D^ir " f ' v.%«unde,,h,gi.edb,,h;„ati„n:::.ri„z,t 3i I 1. .^ were developed the elevated patriotism and prowe.^s, 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 ginteful 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 caj) the climax, and end the strife of an unnatural war ! the masterly and brilliantly crowning battle of New Or- tlcjuis 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 m America alone, and molest them not ! " And to us, in i the same eventfnl battle, a kind Providence seemed to pro- nounce our cause just, in defending the countiy 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 liave said that ivar was unnatural : and is it not unnatu- ral for nations as Great Britain and the United States of America., 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 m 16 to cvanQ[elize the hcuthon nations ; to circulate the Bible the holy book of God — without note or comment, throuo-h 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 ench 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 w^orld. 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 respecf." "That war," he added, ♦' let the world see that what the father^ ontended for in the Jirst war; the sors v. ere able and wii^.ng to defend and -. Bible— , through of salva- 1 Saviour, such en- ith each ome they ar in the d, justice 1 cxercis- 3 nations. New Or- h1. The 3ur insti- flag u fi- rs among arts and srties un- n flowing lumerical , consoli- ty of the m in all 3 said to nally the Europe ; le added, for in the fend and 17 maintain in the second^ And truly the spirit evinced by the fathers, survived in die sons. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works, fijr his guidance and direction and great care of us as a nation ; for the victories achievtul, 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 hundn^d, with more than three thousiiud 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 dela3ang 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 dej)lore 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 signall}^ blessed and favored by divine interposition. With vastly interior 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 iniprcg- iTPble. As also at Cliapultepcc, 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 a '^ IS signal honor and applau.se ; not only ihr 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 mdependence and liberties will be defended, and tnumphantly 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 alreadv 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 ; fi-on> minerals, agriculture, trade, commerce, manufactures, arts and literature ; our free institutions, civil and religious extensively diftused, 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 fbr us ! What more could have been done, that has not been done ! Surely the Almighty has not dealt so with any nation. Possessing such a country as this; abounding with all selves, but y. Show- sn-soldiers ious indus- Is riotic and 1 of nations, ■-4 ■ ided, and ;d by offi- f| care and untrv, the our flag bounding le wealth A 3 Pacific 1 or; with 1 xly of a 1 sufficient 1 the de- ^ m esources 1 iinnerce. 1 :itutions, B of tem- 1 bounda- m ;ies pre- fl 3 shield B Surely ■ It more -I^Hj^t- Surely B v^ith all 19 the necessaries, and most of the luxuries of the world, where w'e eat our bread without scarceness, and drink oiu- 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 nligious liberty to each and to all the people ! It remains to show how, and in what manner; by what rule of conduct w'e shall best preserve this country dear to us all!. — with its constitution, union, liberty and inde- pendence, and tmnsmit 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 s])irit and way, in which our independence W'as achieved, the constitution of our country was made, the Government or- ganized and put into operation ; is die 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 ■I 'i 20 national existence." Therefore, in „„r legislation to have due respeet to the rights an• ^ peace on earth wii gtacous eonsolat,on_and the glorious inheritance reserved tn heaven, was the reward-promised. In such a spirit of amity did our virtuous and honored fathers acheve our independence, frame the constit tio„ model and establish our excellent Government They had imbibed the iirm and generous, and kindly af fecttoned spn.. of the Gospel, and they acted it out as f mamfestod m the first prayer in Congress. As aisrbv Washmgtonon the eve of one of the firsteventful bat h., for freedom: when ho ^airl ur ^ • ^•^-iLutsioi *-, ««^ 1 »« 4" "' "' '''"• '"^'^^°^ ""^ And again, as he said in his farewell address to the people o, the United States. Enjoining it on all t adh ^ the umon and support the constitution as the palladium e ervt, ™ '"'"'8"''""^ ™ 'he first dawning of e^ ety attempt to sever the union of the States, or to afen- I M tion to have ^ and all! friendship h State in !st way to )rosperity, lestimable riendship, Eiedeemer ordained n by the nstituted, God and others do irth with reserved honored ititution, ndly af- it, as is also by ttles for 2 for the to the adhere ladium ■espect ling of I 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 kingdom 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 repubhc. 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 resemljlance, 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 poHtics and religion, and worship God according to the dictates of jiis eonscience. Ui 22 What a sublime and interesting spectacle does our coun- try present in the world. Moving onward— onward, in 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 little 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 behold, While ages on ages, thy splendor unfold : Thy reign is the last and the- noblest oi 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 adoptefl ; free l)orn 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 Ibllow-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 ; be- sides a vast territory, growing, and soon to be added to the glorious Union, in accordance with the Constitution. ♦ Uev. Dr. Dwight, President of New Haven College. • y'i i Having had the honor and pleasure in my curly 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, majesti countenance — his dignified deportment — his bland and amiable manners — his stately stepping and lofty bear- in"- 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 retjuest 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 youdi, 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 Gencnil ; who was at the time when he got there, in the garden, having on her head a large bonnet or hat, superin- tending her cuhnary 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 dlustrious 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 inliabited 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- 35 ranteeing the right, the safety and happiness of all ; united iu 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 liberty 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 strcngtli, and nobly triumphed over the shocks of war! leaving its citizens in honor, peace and prosperity ! Shall such a repul)lican Government, the best and noblest of time ! formed by the wisdom, the patriotism and virtue of illustrious i^'thers; be rent asunder, have its unity broken, its beauty marred and destroyed ! God Ibrbid it. If such should be the catastrophe, the fiital event and final destiny of these United States, of Iree 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 t ion of tlio world stand and remnin 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 fliithful 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 lavor, and endeared bv 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 broken— nor surrendered to tyrants, nor in- sidious political demagogues ! If as true Americans, who have fought in defence of liberty, vour country and its rights, as your fathers did before vou, 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 anotlier. 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 freijuently to think and talk of- to L'7 c'licrisli iiiul Hiippoil lli(! senliineiit oi' our b(!lov<'(l and iiii- f i f luorliil VVi iHlim^Mori, !iH <'xpr H <'xt)rcf