. *>v *K. -*if ,A* ^'^ T -% -.- ;.>? 2 **,. * - 5 r>4 ^ "' '* '* ' .ft" ( ^j - * ^ -V . >*-- * -- f % / -V ' v - > *'" ,./*"*' ' < . ' ' ; ' . - v. - - "^ ^ .. ' !* * THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES vv LITERARY REMAINS. (LtvwhAJtL BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES; ' ]\Jfl -73 WITH OTHEIl LITERARY REMAINS OF THE LATE JOHN W. CAMPBELL, Judge of the United States Court for the District of Ohio. -l- COMPILED BY HIS WIDOW. COLUMBUS, OHIO: PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHER BY SCOTT & GALLAGHER. 1838. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, BY ELEANOR W. CAMPBELL, in the Clerk's Office for the Dirtrict Court of Ohio. . ^j .. ..-'.; ; f \ ."< ,", : ; :; /. :*;;; ; ; r "; - ' .'.* I rf It **,*/'* .* %** < ' '' ' PS PREFACE. A VERY few words will suffice, as an introduction to the contents of this volume. The feelings of the compiler, on giving those contents to the world, could neither be obtruded upon the public with propriety, nor relieved by expression. In collecting and combining into a volume, the various literary fragments of him who was the light of her youth and the companion of her active life, but who has been called by Providence to that far country from whose bourne no traveler returns, she is influenced ^ by a triple motive: to do justice to his memory to leave a memento to ul his friends and relatives to record the sentiments of a reflective mind, tf> ^ and disseminate the opinions of a good man. < A number of years before his death, the author of the following pages S3 formed the design of writing, at greater or less length as their services to the public may have been many or few, the lives of the Western Pioneers. Much time had been spent in collecting the necessary data, and consid- !?? erable progress made with the work, when the hand that wrought it was W suddenly arrested in the midst of the task. The materials which had been gotten together with much trouble and labor, were not in a situation to be arranged by another hand than that which collected them. The only Biographical Sketches found completed among the papers of the O deceased, were those of RUFUS PUTNAM, WILLIAM A. TRIMBLE, PAUL Q FEARING, RETURN J. MEIGS, and GEORGE W. BURNET. These are pro- 03 ductions of much interest, and occupy the first hundred pages of the vol- w ume. They are followed by various Miscellaneous Papers, some of 5 which had received the last touches f the author's pen, others of which < were apparently first draughts. These again are succeeded by extracts from Speeches in Congress, and fragments of some of his earlier wri tings. That these latter portions of the volume are not what they would have become under the hand which hastily produced them, will at once appear by a reference to such of the contents as received his final care: 448104 ,P REFACE. but that they are worthy of the place which they occupy, is the belief of the compiler. Trusting that the work may prove acceptable to the public and do good where it is received, and returning her sincere thanks to the gentlemen who have assisted her for their kind attentions, the compiler subscribes herself, E. W. C. INDEX BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. John W. Campbell, (by a friend,} - - - Rufus Putnam, William A. Trimble, Paul Fearing, - - - Return J. Meigs, - George W. Burnet, ...... MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. On Imprisonment for Debt, - - - - - Advancement of Society, Principles and not Men, - Importance of undivided application, Essay on Dr. Knox, ...... On Slander, -------- On Usury, -------- The Girtys, - Moderate your expectations, Tammanyism, ------- Borrowing, - - - Fourth of July Celebrations, - Mrs. Tackett, the Captive, - To Kappa, - Common Schools, Illegal transfers, ------- Temperance, ------- Fellenberg, - - - - - - ->- American Female Writers, - - - Oration delivered July 4, 1808, Answer to Kappa, ------ Scraps, ----- . . . Colleges, -------- EPISTOLARY FRAGMENTS, Julius to Edwin, ------ Solon to Lycurgus, Beta to Alpha, - - - - - - - To a Friend, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another, - PAGE 1 - 16 34 - 54 65 - 92 103 119 124 128 133 138 143 147 150 151 153 181 185 188 192 196 199 205 239 251 254 258 157 159 164 167 168 INDEX. POETICAL EFFUSIONS. Death, the Destroyer, PAGE 170 Lines in imitation of "The .Negro's Complaint," ... 172 Ode for the Fourth of July, - - 173 Winone, - -- - 175 Friendship, 177 This earth is not our home, ....... 173 To my absent Wife, - 179 The Bible, -,180 An Album, 180 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. On the Ohio School Lands, - - - - - - - 211 On the Panama Mission, ........ 214 On an Appropriation for a Road in Ohio, ----- 225 On a Resolution concerning the Bank of Steubenville, ... 227 On a Contested Election, - - 231 ADDENDA. Remarks on the character of John W. Campbell, (by a friend,) - 271 A short nolice of Joseph N. Campbell, (by another friend,} - 275 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF THE LATE JUDGE CAMPBELL. NOTHING can be more instructive, or have a better moral effect, than the lives of men who have filled distinguished stations in society, with honor to themselves and usefulness to their country. If History teaches by examples, the lessons inculcated by Biography must be still more impressive. We see exhibited in the varieties of human character, un der different circumstances, something to instruct us in our duty, -and to encourage our efforts, under every emergency. And, perhaps, there is no concurrence of events which pro duces this effect more certainly, than the steps by which dis tinction has been acquired through the unaided efforts of youthful enterprise. It is, indeed, one of the most encouraging facts which can any where exist, that, in this country, a large proportion of those individuals who, by their public services, or their pro fessional acquirements and talents, have risen to a greater or less degree of eminence, have risen by their own exertions. They are felt in the great operations of science and of govern ment, whilst others more favored by fortune, who have wasted their time and money, remain undistinguished in the mass of society. The very short sketch which the writer proposes to give of the life of the Hon. JOHN W. CAMPBELL, will, he trusts, not be devoid of interest. There will be found in it some thing to encourage the exertions of those youths who, without fortune or influential friends, are struggling to overcome ob stacles in the acquirement of useful knowledge. They will see in the example before them, how difficulties were sur mounted, and what an enviable reputation was achieved, by perseverance and virtue. Judge CAMPBELL was born of respectable parents, Februa ry 23d, 1782, near Miller's. Iron Works, in Augusta county, 2 2 SKETCU OF State of Virginia. lie was about nine years old when hit> father removed to Bourbon county, in the State of Kentucky. Being in very limited circumstances, and having a numerous family, Mr. Campbell was not able to give his sons more than the imperfect rudiments of such an education as could, at that early day, be acquired at a common country school. Indeed, his necessities required the labor of his sons on the farm, as soon as they were able. The subject of this memoir not being, in early life, of a ro bust frame; and being liable to a pain in his head, which was greatly increased by labor in the open fields, it was soon found that he was not well fitted for the laborious occupation of a farmer. And in addition to this, from his earliest years he manifested a strong predilection for the attainment of know ledge. ' * 'i it did not ensure punctuality. That a man should have con tracted a debt at the hazard not only of being imprisoned, but of being scourged and enslaved, appears almost incredible. For many years after the establishment of the republican form of government, the angry contest between the two par ties was maintained with much obstinacy. The nobles were in the end constrained for their own safety to abate in their severities, and make concessions in favor of the people. The office of tribune was established. This office was the repre sentative of the popular class, having power to make known their grievances, seek redress, and watch the movements of the restless and encroaching nobility. Fifty-eight years after the republic was founded, when the tribunes, strongly sustained by the people, were likely to gain the ascendency in the government, the decemvirs were ap pointed to prepare a code of laws, whose labors it was hoped might eventuate in peace and tranquillity, securing to all their just rights. The result was the famous system called the Twelve Tables the necessarium carmen, which Cicero in timates, the Roman boys were required *o commit to memo ry. This body of law, we are informed, was received by all IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT. 107 with avidity; and doubtless it comprised many excellent provisions. Though it has heen handed down to us in frag ments, some of its features, it is very apparent, are marked with blood. It conferred upon the father a right to kill or expose his child, and treated bankruptcy as a crime, without any distinction of fraud or misfortune, exposed the insolvent debtors to the mercy of his creditors, who might put him to death, dissect or quarter him, and distribute his members among them. Upon adverting to the history of English jurisprudence, we find that imprisonment for debt, was wholly unknown to the common law. Personal property was responsible, but not the body of the owner. This exemption in favor of freedom, was owing in a great degree to the policy of the times, as we have it disclosed in the feudal system. At least this supposi tion appears well founded when we examine the relation which subsisted between the lord and his vassals. In many cases he was as much entitled to the services of his dependents as is the master in the United States to those of his slaves. It has often been said of imprisonment for debt, that it is a relick of the dark and barbarous ages. This is not strictly true if intended to be applied to England; for it began to re ceive countenance in the reign of Edward the I., in the 1 3th century. To this monarch, Lord Coke and Sir Mathew Hale, names familar to the most of us, have paid the highest compliment for the many salutary regulations adopted in his time, tending to the security of the people and the stern ad ministration of justice. Indeed he was denominated, on ac count of the many improvements which he made, the English Justinian. Since that period, till the present time, it has formed a striking feature in the English system of laws. It may perhaps be said with some truth, that this principle now so odious to many, received its being at a period when Eng land was about to emerge from barbarism, and literature to bo encouraged and cultivated. I will now present the substance of what Mr. Hume has of fered to the world, on this subject, in his history. As the laws now are moddled, says he, the debtor in some cases, lies, in a peculiar manner, at the mercy of his creditor. By the original common law, no man could be imprisoned for debt. 108 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. The body, land, and agricultural implements were exempt from- process. This indulgence being found prejudicial to commerce, a law was enacted in the reign of Edward L, al lowing execution against the person of the debtor, if his goods and chattels were found insufficient. In the same reign a second statute was enacted, granting immediate execution against the body, lands, and goods of the defendant, yet his ef fects could not be sold for the benefit of his creditors until the expiration of three months, during which, he himself might dispose of them for ready money, to meet the encumbrances. If at the end of this period, the creditor was not satisfied, he continued in possession of the debtor's lands, and detained the defendant himself, in prison, where he was obliged to supply him with bread and water, until the money was paid. By what process the debtor was committed, does not appear. Afterwards, however, in the time of Edward the III., other enactments on this subject took place, giving rise to the writ of capias ad satisfaciendum. Mr. Hume admits that the liberty of the subject, and the security of the landholder, were sacrificed, thus, to the new and growing interest, commerce. The imprisoned debtor was not, however, left entirely at the will of an unfeeling and inexorable creditor. If he made all the satisfaction in his power, and could show that his insol vency was owing to real misfortune, the court of chancery in terfered on his petition, and discharged him, when no good reason for his detention could be assigned. Chancellors through the lapse of three centuries, hesitated not to exercise this power in favor of freedom; but from some cause not set forth, courts of chancery after the restoration of Charles II., ceased to administer this relief, and the consequence was, the jails were crowded with prisoners. The character of the English bankrupt laws, which extends to traders only, is so generally known as to render it unneces sary for me to say much about them. If a trader lies in jail two months for debt, or does certain other acts evincive of a fraudulent temper, or unwillingness to pay, a commission of bankruptcy may be sued out by the creditors, and his estate be disposed of by commissioners, and the proceeds be applied to make payment. Should he be allowed a certificate by the IMPRISONMENT FOK DEBT. 109 creditors, he is forever exempt from liability for debts then in existence. Many very able jurists, in both England and America, have considered this system as eminently humane and useful, while others have condemned it as a tissue of per plexing, discordant and unjust provisions, conducing to frauds and perjuries beyond computation. Sir Samuel Rom- ily, justly distinguished for his political and legal acquire ments, as well as for his great love of justice and humani ty, was desirous of seeing the whole policy, embracing nine teen acts of parliament, and creating, if my memory be cor rect, 160 offenses, severely punishable, entirely repealed. The relief now extended to other insolvents in England, is not much unlike that of our own State. There is this differ ence, however, that the merciless creditor may keep his debtor confined at pleasure, upon paying three and sixpence per week, to defray the expense of his boarding. At this time, in England, the jails are literally crowded with prison ers, very many of whom are confined for debt. Of late years, the efforts of the benevolent have been more directed towards the condition of the incarcerated, in that country, than to effect any essential changes in the laws which consign to the same room, persons of good character and polished man ners, and those of the most dissolute and abandoned morals. The picture drawn by Goldsmith, of the prison scene, when Dr. Primrose was confined, it is said, represented realities, and that picture would not be less true now than then, with this difference, that now the jailors enforce a system of disci pline, favorable to the comfort, health and morals of the prisoners, which was then unknown. I am informed that in France, at this time, an insolvent debt or cannot be imprisoned, unless it be made appear that the debt originated in -some commercial transaction. By what rules the needful discriminations are made, I do not know. Many of our prominent politicians and law-givers say that in this State, imprisonment for debt is already abolished. This is not true. Indeed it is very far from the truth. In reply to a letter which I addressed to the Sheriff of Ross county, he informs me, nine persons were committed to jail in that county, between the 1st of January, 1831, and the 1st of 110 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. January, 1832. Mr. Riordan, who keeps the jail of this coun ty, has also obliged me with a statement, showing that with in the same periods, 18 were committed to the jail of this county. Perhaps it would be just in establishing an average number to take 8. Multiplying the number of counties by 8, would give between five and six hundred prisoners. In the city of Baltimore, in the last year, 959 were committed. Or take the United States at large, and it has been reported that about 100,000 persons arc annually sent to prison for debts and crimes. This I imagine is an exaggeration. I cannot believe the number is more than half so great, though here, we can scarely form an idea of the suits, judgments, and of fenses which the records of large cities disclose: of the num ber committed, it appears to me it is reasonable to conclude, at least one-half are debtors. It is but just to remark, that the confinement of many in this State, and such without doubt is the case elsewhere, is but for a day. Some arc discharged at the jail door, by pay ing the debt or causing it to be paid, while others availing themselves of the laws in reference to insolvency, are re leased. Those who speak of the abolition of imprisonment for debt in this State, defend the expression by appealing to the provisions of the act for the relief of insolvent debtors. To this statute, embracing 55 sections, I have paid some atten tion; and I am free to confess, it presents to my mind many repulsive features. The unfortunate applicant is required to take so many oaths, submit to so many inquisitions of the most painful description, and to pay so much cost in addition to the loss of time, as I presume will repress all gratitude to wards the authors of such a law. If the petitioner be honest and possesses a particle of delicacy, he must pass an ordeal almost as trying as that of Queen Emma, who had to walk among the red hot plough shares. The temptation to perju ry must be in many cases, as strong as self interest can pre sent. An upright man at every stage of the procedure, must feel appalled and mortified and when the commissioner of insolvency shall have made the most faithful disposition of the property assigned to him, in his power, it is one to ten if there be an ingot a-piece left for the impatient creditors. /MPRI50NMENT FOR DEBT. Ill It is a fact too notorious to be disputed, that when an exe cution is sued out, it is levied upon all the unexempt property of the insolvent defendant, which can be found. If it be as certained that he has fraudulently conveyed away his goods, the officer may seize upon them wherever he can find them. Then, why a man whose estate may have been thus exhausted, or who may have no estate at all, should be imprisoned, and subjected to trouble, vexation and cost, not easily calculated, to obtain his liberty, is a question of serious import The question, " has imprisonment any effect in conducing to punctuality in the payment of debts," is sometimes pro pounded, and is one worthy of consideration. I answer that I believe it has. The most of men, when they make engage ments, without doubt, intend to fulfill them. Their motives for doing so are various, and in general, compound. One may be influenced by a conscientious sense of duty another by a desire to preserve his credit and good standing unimpair ed another by the disgrace of being sued, and a fourth may prefer a fulfillment of his bargain, to the loss of his liberty and all these considerations may have a joint and almost im perceptible influence in determining the actions of men in such cases. It cannot be denied that the dread of evil is often a much more forcible principle of human action, than the prospect of good. The evil of a suit, judgment, costs, con finement, though it constitutes a less elevated and praisewor thy motive, than the love of integrity, is in many instances, more dominant. But, to ascertain what proportion of debt ors are frightened to honesty by a jail, is impossible. This one truth however, is incontestible, that all the advantages of truth and punctuality, and all the mischief and ruin of knave ry, falsehood, and horrors of the prison, with many men, ara wholly unavailing. They will not pay until compelled and thousands cannot, being entirely insolvent. Here I will say, that Montesquieu, who has distinguished himself for acuteness and penetration, defends imprisonment for debt, as necessary to the prosperity of commerce. He assumes it as fact, which well he may, that punctuality is the life of this branch of business. No country is more commer cial than England, yet in England there is a deficiency of MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. punctuality, which the ca. sa. and confinement have not been sufficient to obviate. The advocates of this restriction upon liberty, were among the powerful and wealthy, who were dis posed to treat debt rather as a crime than a misfortune. To this mode of seeking payment, it may be objected that it is not so often effectual as to justify its continuance Of the 959 who were committed to the jail in Baltimore, only 81 made payment; and it is probable many of those were releas ed at the expense of their friends. About 500 were dis charged by availing themselves of the benefit of the insolvent laws, or by the creditors declining to pay the maintenance fees. Those discharged in the manner last mentioned, of course, made no payments; and it is a fair presumption that the property of the applicants for the relief of the insolvent laws was exhausted without paying even the costs and the reason is as before stated, that but little was left by the officer before the levy of the ca. sa. If it were possible 1o determine how many, in the fear of imprisonment, fulfilled their engage ments punctually in Baltimore, it would enable us in some degree to determine the efficacy of confinement. But this is not practicable. The table from which I have derived the foregoing facts, also states that the expense of boarding the prisoners was $1,430 41, and the amount of debts paid in the jail, $466 06. The loss in days which was sustained by these prisoners, amounts to 7,657, which at 25 cents a day, would be $1,914 25. The cost and loss in time makes the sum of $3,344 66, from which let the aggregate of debts paid in the jail be deducted, and a clear loss of $2,878 60, is attributed to this policy. This, let it be observed, is not mere theory, but incontroverti ble facts, speaking the language of demonstration. Again, it is incompatible with moral principle, that all in solvent debtors should be exposed to the same punishment. Surely no one has the hardihood to say that insolvency and crime are always convertible terms. Our own observation will afford ample proof that some failures are the result of sheer misfortune, while others are of prodigality, dissipation or gambling; or by a fraudulent disposition of property to evade the payment of just debts. Yet the legislation of the country IMPRISONMENT FUK DEBT. . 113 knows no distinction. The innocent and the guilty are alike consignable to the prison house. Would it not be better that both classes should be exempt from seizure, than that this .* .... blind undistinguishing system should be retained with such pertinacity. The community at large, as it is composed of individuals, may well be supposed to have a deep interest in the freedom of all who do not transgress or forfeit this fight by crime. This is a general proposition Is it just then, that a member of this community should be confined as a felon, without the commission of any act made penal by the laws? Is it just that his liberty should be made to depend upon the caprice of a creditor? Is it just that he should be committed to the same jail for perhaps one dollar, where the thief who may have stolen property to the amount of $49 99 is confined, with some little difference in the mode of treatment in the debtor's favor? The one is a state prisoner, the other the prisoner of an angry insulting creditor. It is not unfrequently the case, that creditors treat their debtors with all the severity allowable, in hopes that their friends may interfere and pay their debts, or become their sureties. That law is odious which can be used for such pur poses. Satisfaction obtained in this way is little better, in a moral point of view, than that which is rendered under the influence of duress. A high-minded man would scorn such a resort. The present policy leads to the indulgence of the worst passions, which fall to our lot. The creditor as he advances in the process of the law, becomes irritated, vindictive and cruel; and often resolves he will have satisfaction, cost what it may. The debtor equally provoked, determines to pay nothing and the smaller the amount in controversy, the more bitter and unrelenting is the contest; and thus do both parties deprave themselves and greatly interrupt their own peace. When the debtor is confined he is totally disabled from be ing of use to himself or his country. He is lost to his family also, and worse than lost. His condition excites their un availing sympathies, and bears to them reproach and infamy. 15 114 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. If for the period he may le the inmate of a prison, he were made the slave or servant of his creditor, or of some one else less hard-hearted, as was the case at Athens and Rome, his in dustry might in time extinguish the debt. Again, if a man when about to contract a debt, were to pledge his freedom in positive terms, who would not, on hav ing account of such madness, denounce both parties in the strongest language; yet such is virtually the case. The truth is, a pledge of this kind would not be binding in law. Thus we see, that is done indirectly, which cannot be done di rectly. Some alledge that if imprisonment for debt were abolished, the poor would be the sufferers; inasmuch as there would be a diminution of their credit, which to them is of much conse quence. It has long been my opinion that our institutions have too much encouraged the use of credit. AV opposite tendency would be more likely to favor the wholesome and safe condition of society. The effects of the credit system, in the disposition of public lands, is not yet forgotten. Be fore it was changed, the debts from individuals to the United States, amounted to upwards of twenty millions cf dollars. There was not the least prospect of payment being made. The banks which had flooded the country with their notes had failed, and their paper was almost worthless. The pur chasers became clamorous for relief. They would elect no man to Congress who would not promise them favors. They succeeded. But had the Government declined doing any thing, and like Shylock demanded exact fulfilment of their bonds, scenes disgraceful to the country must have ensued, not unlike those exhibited at Athens, before Solon gave law. Let me ask if it would not be, generally speaking, much better for both the rich and poor to be more scrupulous about going in debt? It is the case, I am aware, that occasionally a specula tion, even a fortune, is made by a free use of credit^ But occurrences of this sort are almost as rare as drawing high prizes in a lottery. Happen, however, they do, once in a while, which induces many to hope, they too may be lucky. If we look around among our acquaintances, and examine their relative prosperity, I believe we shall determine in favor of IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT. 115 . those, who, to use a common expression, "pay as they go." A dependence upon present credit is too habitual. Many will deny themselves no comfort, no enjoyment, while they have money rand so it is with others while' credit lasts. Pay-day is looked to as distant, and calculations made upon data, as is hoped, unfailing data. Every man who ventures to pry into futurity, has his flattering hopes^and golden pros pects but how few realize them. To return to the poor man, if he must have his pound of coffee, or bottle of whis key, would it not be more prudent for him to earn the money with which he is tp pay, before the purchase is made. Then he will not disappoint the vendor, nor be subjected to the costs and vexations of a suit. When the article purchased is consumed, and long indulgence given, the debtor pays with reluctance, scarcely believing that value has been received. Another view of the main question is this. The parties to a contract, enter into it voluntarily. No debt is created but by the consent of two Upon the failure of payment, the debtor is supposed to be guilty of an offence, for which, the payee has a right to punish him. Now let me ask if the creditor himself has not, in some degree, participated in the guilt? He has aided in giving existence to the debt, which the other is unable to meet. Is his participation not evident, if, as is often the case, he pressed and urged the debtor to buy, when but for these solicitations, the debtor's consent would have been wanting? No man is willing to dispose of his property or money to another in bad credit, or who is insolvent at the time. The apparent ability to pay, or good name, is the basis of credit Then, if it be to the estate or honesty of the vendee, that the creditor looks at first, in the hopes of being paid, to them should he continue to look, without permission to play the tyrant over the liberty and feelings of a citizen. If insolvency is to be treated as a crime, or misdemeanor, as such should it always be treated. Now, one insolvent debtor is confined to jail perhaps for months, according to the wishes of a rigorous plaintiff; while another equally guilty is permitted to run at large. Now a citizen, an honest one too, who cannot pay a dollar, may be sent to jail for an indefinite llnis of education or rather it may he said, the keys are obtained, by which admittance to the rich stores of wisdom is secured. The supervening cares of a family, and pecuniary speculation. present no impediment to success. The contem plation of wealth to be acquired, and the anticipated joys of its appropriation, do not paralize the faculties, and render the means of instruction unavailing. It has been reported that a gentleman, who had devoted fifteen years to mercantile pursuits, with great assiduity and success, was disposed to engage in political life. After being elected to an office highly honorable, and which afforded an opportunity of making an exhibition of talent, and of being useful to his country,' he commenced a course of reading and study, suited to his situation. His books and good resolu tions were unavailing. His thoughts were tmcontrolable. Smith's Wealth of Nations. Titkins' Statistics, and the Fede ralist, afforded nothing to fix his attention. Every effort to read ended in a forget fulness of the subject the book was in- advertentlv closed and lard aside: the pen assumed, and hours spent in money calculations. His political career was short, being unpleasing to himself and fruitless to his country. This gentleman's mind having been long accustomed to calculations of profit and loss, received upon its countenance, the very impress of cash. To give it a new mould was beyond his power. Direct his thoughts as he might, they soon re turned to the idol of his adoration. An ability to command the thoughts, and regulate them at pleasure, is of vast importance. The wants and necessities of civilized man are numerous and demand convenient provision. Food, raiment, and shelter, he must have, and in the enjoy ment of these, he claims the protection of law. The acqui sition of necessaries so important to human comfort, offers abundant matter of deep interest for the employment of mind; and how, it may be asked, is so much to be performed, if over one topic the thoughts are to be permitted to hover inces- IMPORT.\Nrs PAPERS. LINES, AVritten in imitation of TUB. .NEGRO'S COMPLAINT, by W. Cowper, Esq. and published 21st July, in The Supporter. why tire my troubles growing? Why this increase of my pain? Must my tears ne'er cease their flowing? Must I always thus complain? . "" My crueL.my inhuman master, Author o^rny constant grief, Brings on me a sore disaster; Where, novi shall I find relief? 4* ' He, for the sake of golden treasure, Sends me to a foreign land; Parts me from my dearest pleasure; From -my helpless orphan band. * Adieu, dear_babes, your father leaves you, Whom you'll never see again; A savage white man now bereaves you; We may weep, but afl in vain. He cares not for our lamentation; 4 He's unjust, and hard his heart; Beca'use we're of the Afric nation, Ne'er to nicet we now must part. Your mother's gone: she dwells in heaven; There she sings immortal praise; But to Florida I'm driven, There to spend my wretched days. Why, Almighty God of Nature, Do the whites thus tyrannize? . * POETICAL EFFUSIONS. 173 Why with pride distort each feature With indifference hear our-^ighs? Hear them boast of freedom's blessing, A.nd equality of right! (Inconsistency displeasing:) Yet to vex us they delight. Are we brutes? Have we jio reason, That we thus are bought and sold o That we thus must, every season, Still accumulate their gold? But to reason is to trifle*: Power is laic and justice too: We must yield. The Christians rifle And deprive us of our due. ^T AN ODE, COMPOSED FOR THE FOURTH* OF JULY, 1809. While Mars and Bellona in Europe display Their banners encrimsoned with s;ore, CJ - . J Come, sons of Columbia, and hail the glad day, Which adds to your pleasures once more. Hail, period auspicious! which saw freedom rise Beheld her bright ensigns unfurl'd; .Which filled the proud Britons with wond'rous surprise; Astonished the rest of the world. 174 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. Forget not, amidst your expressions of glee, The heroes who fell in your cause; Remember the brave, who with toil set you free From Britain's tyrannical laws. . To your children relate how brave Warren expired; Be Mercer's sad exit revealed ; And how great Montgomery with valor was fired, And gloriously fell in the field. Be the name of great Washington always esteemed ; His achievments of glory renowned: Remember, by him our countVy redeemed, With peace and contentment as crowned. Though war and bloodshed are unknown in our land, Though peace, white clad peace, n^w doth reign, Be^ready each traitor, each foe -to withstand, Be ready your rights to maintain. ^ Columbians, with caution, with vigilant eyes With eyes which ne'er slumber noY sleep, Observe, and see whether more Burrs will arise, To plunge us in Anarchy% deep. Exult, happy nation ! with pleasure behold Great Mad'son his wisdom display; By him, British insolence shall be controlcd, And Frenchmen, bright justice obey. His wisdom shall license our vessels to float To cleave the Atlantic's proud wave; And commerce shall prosper, and Europe shall not Our country of seamen bereave. | Leok on your wise chief, he's your guardian and friend, Your parent; whene'er you complain, His arm of protection shall nobly defend Your rights on the land and the main. POETICAL EFFUSIONS. 175 WINONA. POUNDED ON A TRADITIONARY TALE. * On Mississippi's distant brink, Where savages th forest claim; And where, we are disposed to think, Love is unknown, nor has a name Lived Winona, who, though not Was -tall and of majestic mien: She was her parents' daily care, And of the wilderness the queen. Pohuska saw her, and -he loved Reciprocated was the flame; Their fondness full three winters p'roved, Anxl ever it remained the same. Winona's sire of warlike pride, Despised the lover, and forbade That e'er his child should be his bride, And quite dejected was the maid. Oft in the recess of a grove, Beneath a branching linden tree, They met and talking o'er their love, Bewailed the father's stern decree. Pohuska witnessing her grief, Advised her to receive his hand; To fly the unrelenting chief, And go with him to distant land. She soon replied, this I can't do; The overture must have my nay; Much as my heart is set on you. My fathers will I must obey. 176 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEKS. Perhaps, ere long, he may consent To see our wishes gratified; I'll offer him strong argument, And shed a flood of tears beside. . She plead in vain; her cruel sire ' Responding in imperious tone, "I ne'er will yield to your desire, Pohuska shall not wed Winoue." ' - . She soon retired; and through the grovr. Wandered' unseen by human eyes, Talking of cruelty and love, * And with the breezes mingling sighs. .^ Fled were her charms, an,cj fled her peace; Her hollow eye knew not repose; K;ieh day attested an increase Of sorrow and of saddening%oes. Pohuska tried to sooth her care To minister to her relief; She shunned him like a wounded deer, , Determined to indulge her grief. Close to her father's" wigwam stood A precipice of giddy height, Which overlooked the rolling flood, And thither she repaired one night. In purpose fixed, aloud she cries, Quite' from the summit of the steep, Farewell to all; Winona dies; And then she plunged into the deep ! The father heard the dying sound, And hastened to the precipice; But ah! his daughter was not found; She was entombed in the abyss! * POETICAL EFFUSIONS. 177 The weeping chief, when 'twas too late, Felt like a parent for his own; But sighs could not reverse her fate, Nor penitence, redeem Winone. FRIENDSHIP. Let plaintive authors loud exclaim, " Ah! what is friendship but a name," Or let the man who's been betrayed Pronounce it but a "charm," or "shade:" 'Tis more; it is a preciou^gem, More pleasing than the diadem; 'Tis fascinating when sincere; The heart that feels it knows 'tis dear. What is friendship? It is not love, In mercy granted from above: It is the cord by Heaven designed To link congenial mind to mind. It gives to life the sweetest charm, And doth the virtuous bosom warm; Prosperity will ever bless, And yield relief in deep distress. Without it, life were sad indeed, As every day its aid we need, To minister with tender care, An antidote against despair. 23 - 178 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. Friendship will constant joys impart; Bind up the broken, bleeding heart; It calms the breast that heaves the sigh Removes the tear that fills the eye. THIS EARTH IS NOT OUR HOME. Where e'er we cast our eyes around, The world exhibits toil and care; Pure happiness cannot.be found 'Tis not the lot of mortals here. Honors do no^contentment bring, And riches know but little joy; All from the peasant to the king Find with their comforts much alloy. In this probationary state, With difficulties all must meet, There's no exemption to the great, For bitter follows every sweet. It is the part of sober sense, When evils thicken in our way, Not to repine at Providence, Nor murmur, but his will obey. Where duty calls, there let us go; To wisdom's heavenly voice attend, And when death strikes the fatal blow, To the bright world we shall ascend. * **^ ; POETICAL EFFUSIONS. 179 TO MY ABSENT WISE. Return, my dear consort, return, And let me no longer complain, Your absence, too hard to be borne, By me is lamented in vain. Ere the visit you started to pay, No thought ever entered my mind But at home with delight I could stay, And amusement in reading could find. But how disappointed I was; My books all insipid appear; An hour is a day, and alas! A week is as long as a year. My consort, 0! when you are gone, . Where friendship and gaiety smiled Pale sadness erects her drear throne, And I look both frantic and wild. My fire burns dimly indeed, My candle refuses to glow; And sorrow doth sorrow succeed, And every reflection is woe. To increase my wretchedness more, Dread winter approaches again; Rude Boreas beats at my door, And I the more loudly complain. Kind Zephyrs no longer will blow, The birds are unwilling to sing; Earth whitens with showers of snow Adieu to the beauties of spring. . 180 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. Return, my kind consort, again, Bleak winter shall quickly depart; Your smiles shall give ease to my pain, And neace shall triumph in my heart. . f THE BIBLE. Without this book we ne'er had known That we immortal souls possess, Which during an eternity Must dwell in woe or dwell in bliss. From it we learn how frail we are To folly and to crime how prone; How we must live, how we must die, To win an everlasting crown; AN ALBUM. It is like the chaste, the immaculate mind, Without e'en a blot or a legible trace, In which the base lessons of folly oft find, As well as the lessons of wisdom, a place. MKS. TACKETT, THE CAPTIVE. 181 MRS. TACKETT, THE CAPTIVE. THE sufferings endured by the first emigrants to a new country, scarcely admit of description. These have always been greatly multiplied by an encroachment upon the rights and possessions of the aborigines. In reference to this coun try, where we have long been considered as unwelcome in truders, this has been peculiarly the case. The settlement of no part of the world has been more fruitful of incident than that of our own. Although many pens have been employed from time to time, in detailing our wars with the Indians, still many interesting occurrences have escaped the historian's notice. Some of these have appeared in the form of news paper paragraphs, while others of fcqual importance have escaped this ephemeral kind of repository. The writer of this article has several times traveled the road which lies on the banks of the Kenhawa. Although he found mountains whose tops pierced the clouds, and a beau tiful river whose margins smoked with salt furnaces, to amuse him by day, his entertainment was not diminished by the approach of darkness. He has usually sought lodging with some of the more ancient inhabitants, many of whom accom modate their guests with great hospitality. Like the early adventurers to new settlements, they are social, and delight in the recital of their dangerous enterprises and hair-breadth escapes. Mr. M., at whose comfortable mansion it was the writer's good fortune to tarry one night, the last time he passed through Western Virginia, gave him the following narrative. Just below the mouth of Cole river, on the farm owned by the heirs of Tays, to ensure safety the early settlers construct ed a fortress. It was formed exclusively of timber, without much labor, yet in such a manner as to be deemed adequate to their defense against Indian aggression. On the appre hension of danger, the gate was closed, and every one pre pared for resistance. When the demand for food became 182 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. imperious, a few of the most skilful hunters would leave this retreat before day, go a few miles distant, and return the succeeding night, loaded with game, unnoticed by the skulk ing savage. These measures of safety were at first consider ed indispensable. A few weeks of repose, however, seemed to render them inconvenient and unnecessary. Exemption from a morning attack was-thought a sufficient pledge of peace through the day. Familiarity with danger, as it always does, relaxed their vigilance and diminished their precaution. Even the women and children, who at first had been fright ened by the falling of a tree, or the hooting of an owl, lost their timidity. Indeed, the strife seemed to be, who should be boldest, and the least apprehensive of peril. On a beauti ful morning in the month of June, in the year 1778, as well as is recollected, the gate was thrown open. Confinement had become painful, nay, insupportable. It was considered rather as a voluntary punishment, than a condition of secu rity. Three of the fearless inhabitants set out on a hunting expedition. Some sought amusement in shooting at a mark; the younger men engaged in playing ball, while' the women and children were delighted spectators of the recreation. Scarcely had an hour elapsed in these cTieerful relaxations, before some twenty or thirty Indians suddenly ascended the river bank which had concealed their approach, fired upon the whites, and instantly took possession of the fort. Amidst the consternation which ensued, the savages put to death every white man on whom they conld lay hands, reserving the women and children for more trying occasions. Here it is proper to observe, a Mrs. W., who expected to lie in that day, had, at an early hour, retired with her hus band to a cabin, 160 yards from the fort* The attack was made about two hours after the birth of her infant. Those who were shooting for amusement, finding themselves unable to be of service to their friends at the fort, fled to the cabin. Their retreat did not escape the observation of the Indians, who made a hasty and fierce assault, but were repulsed with some loss. During the contest, Mr. W., with his wife and child, left their retreat, passed down a ravine to the river, got into a canoe, and gained the opposite shore before they MRS. TACKETT, THE CAPTIVE. 183 were discovered by the enemy. Mr. W. ascended to the mouth of Elk, fifteen miles above, where Charleston now stands, without the least injury to his wife and child. But to return to the disastrous spot. The wounded, who were unable to travel, without regard to age or sex, were butchered in the most shocking manner, of which descrip tion was James Tackett. The importunities and tears of his interesting wife were wholly unavailing. She was left with two fine boys, the one saven years old, and the other five. Apprehensive of pursuit by the whites, the Indians, after the destruction of every article which they could not remove, betook themselves to flight. When a prisoner be came too feeble, as was the case with several small children, all entreaties to avert the stroke of the tomahawk were fruit less. Although Mrs. Tackett afforded to her children all the aid which their situation and maternal tenderness could dic tate, at the distance of about five miles the youngest became exhausted. -Her extreme anxiety for his safety induced her to take him o'n her back; but alas, this act of kindness was but the signal for his despatch ! Two hours afterwards her only child began to fail. He grasped his mother's hand and said, "I must keep up with you or I'll be killed as poor James was." The exertions which she made for her child were be yond what she could sustain. For a time she inspired him with the hope of relief which the approaching night would bring. Nature, however, became overpowered, and a single blow sunk him to rest. The distracted parent would cheer fully have submitted to the same fate, but even this barbarous relief was denied her. About dark she lagged behind, regard less of consequences, in charge of a warrior who could speak a little English. He informed her that in the course of an hour they would reach a large encampment, where the pris oners must be divided; that sometimes quarrels ensued on such occasions, and the captives were put to death. He asked her if she could write. An affirmative answer seemed to please him much. He said he would take her to his own country in the South, to be his wife and to keep his accounts, as he was a trader. This Indian was a Cherokee, and named Chickahoula; aged about 35, and of good appearance. 184 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. He soon took the first step necessary for carrying his de signs into execution, by making a diversion to the left. After traveling about two miles the darkness of the night and abruptness of the country forbade their advancing farther. A small fire was made to defend them against the gnats and musketoes. After eating a little jerk, Chickahoula%>ld his captive to sleep; that he would watch lest they should be overtaken by pursuers. Early in the morning he directed his course towards the head of the Great Sandy and Kentucky rivers. Until he crossed Guyandotte, Chickahoula was con stantly on the lookout, as if he deemed himself exposed to the most imminent danger. After having traveled seven days, the warrior and ths captive reached Powell's Valley, in Ten nessee. By this time they were out of provisions; and the Indian thinking it safer, while passing through a settled dis trict, to steal food than to depend upon his gun, determined to avail himself of the first opportunity of supplying his wants in this manner. It was but a little while till ene presented itself. Following the meanderings of a small rivulet, he came suddenly upon a spring-house or dairy. This was several rods from the dwelling-house of the owner, and so situated that it could be approached unseen from thence. Well satis fied that it contained a rich store of milk, and thinking it probable that other provision was likewise deposited there, the warrior stationed his captive in a position to watch, while he went in to rifle the spring-house. Mrs. Tackett readily and willingly undertook the duty of acting as sentinel; but no sooner was the Indian fairly within the spring-house, than she stole up the slope, and then bounded towards the dwel ling. This reached, she instantly gave the alarm; but the Indian* escaped. Mrs. Tackett tarried for some time with her new acquaint ances, and spent several months in fhe different settlements of that section of the West. An opportunity then offering, she returned to Greenbriar. Her feelings on rejoining her friends and listening to the accounts of the massacre at the station, and those of her relatives on again beholding one whom they considered, if not dead, in hopeless captivity, may be ima gined: pen cannot describe them. 185 TO KAPPA." I' have read with pleasure and improvement the sundry ar ticles, with the exception of one, which have appeared over your signature, in the "> Messenger." Why .you should have in your last contributions, deemed it necessary to make an unkind allusion to Congress, is left to vague conjecture. Being a member of that body, and satisfied that the attack is an unmerited one, I am disposed to give you a hasty notice. You set out with a reference to the mortification you feel when monarchists declare that the national spirit of our Re public is "narrow and sordid." Permit me to say that this and similar sentiments, though they may have originated with foreigners, are not so often in, their mouths as in those of some of our own countrymen.. It is no secret that at any session of Congress from five hundred to a thousand petitions are presented. Many of these are founded in justice and are sustained, while others are rejected. To support those which are more addressed to feeling, and to what some call patriot ism, than to sober, calculating sense, the petitioners and their abettors not unfrequently exclaim against the ingratitude of Republics. This reason, in support of a claim, proves the absence of substantial argument. Monarchists have spoken many " hard things " of our in stitutions. Of this fact history furnishes ample proof; and the reason is obvious. Republics, where a man is free, where he governs himself, where his rights find protection, and where the fruit of his labor .is his own, is the standing re proach to monarchies. Why should we be mortified if royalists do say our policy is "narrow and sordid?" This allegation may prove that their system is different from ours; but does it convince that it is a better? If Great Britain has, in the shape of pensions and other gratuities, disbursed millions for our thousands, is *OriginnlIy published in Mrs. Colvin's Messenger, January, 1827. 24 186 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. this testimony that the people, the ruled, are more happy? We have your admission that no community has been more prosperous than ours. This is true, and is an argument in favor of the excellency of our course of policy. You ask, " how does it happen that the public spirit of Congress is deemed, by calm observers, rigid parsimony? " And you assert that " the permanence of this disposition per plexes conjecture and passes all understanding/' I quote substantially. When I look around to discover who these " calm observers " are, I see but few, excepting those who are interested, and of course are not the most competent judges. Some, it is believed, who never saved a shilling for a rainy day, nor voluntarily imposed limits upon their expenditures, have uttered complaints like your own. " The permanence of this disposition " is no mystery. It has been the will of the people that Congress is now charged with parsimony. Those who pay the revenues of the coun try require frugality in their rulers. If such WQre not the case, their wishes would soon be indicated, and prodigality take the place of the economy of which you complain. Economy is a more apt term. Intelligence, and the sim plicity of republicanism, forbid extravagant appropriations of the public treasure. We have yet to learn that the erection of statues, amphitheaters, baths, temples, and palaces, by Con gress, would add to our solid comfort, or tend to the perpe tuity of our institutions. I have been taught that justice ought to precede generosity. The individual who is in debt, and squanders his estate in acts of liberality, offends against one of the plainest rules of morals; and although some may extol his magnanimity, he deserves not the character of an honest man. What is right in the case of a citizen, cannot be far from what is proper in that of a community. As a nation we owe seventy-five mil lions of dollars. Do not good policy and good faith enjoin an extinguishment of this debt, or at least a quarter part of it, before we play the part of a prodigal? You speak of Congress as being a corporation of trustees. In this you are right. They are invested with certain pow ers, beyond which it would be criminal to go. A transgres- I TO KAPPA. 187 sion of the marked boundaries would subject the delinquent to the maledictions of his constituents. I know" of no part of the trust that will justify legislative profusion. If I understand what you mean by " previous energies," it is my opinion our Republic holds out as strong inducements as any other, to the cultivation of intellect. To genius the most alluring rewards are offered. Capacity and integrity are certain of the most exalted honors which an intelligent people can bestow. The humblest boy that strolls the streets may attain the highest distinction. He whose mental ener gies are not awakened by the equality of our privileges, could not be roused by the trappings and extravagance of royalty. % . % , MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. COMMON SCHOOLS. i. Among the many efforts to ameliorate the condition of so ciety, there are but few, if any, so well calculated to answer the purpose as the present school system. In those districts where the provisions of the law have been complied with, greater benefits .than were anticipated have been realized. Schools, into which the children of the poor as well as those of the rich are admitted on a perfect equality, are pretty generally taught from six to nine months \n a year, by re spectable masters. Indeed, it is qjjite apparent that thousands are now in training for future usefulness, who under other circumstances would have been doomed to ignorance and ob scurity on account of the poverty of iheir parents. It is known to the writer of this article, as it jnust be to many others, that a number of citizens now send from two to six children to school, each, who could not, without great incon venience, pay for their instruction two months -in the year. It is true, some of the more opulent, who have reared fami lies to maturity, and have no children to educate, murmur at the burthens imposed upon them, for, as they phrase it, the advantage of other people. These complaints, it will be found upon examination, cannot be sustained.* The whole Republic is deeply interested in the education of every son- and daughter and all cannot be instructed without the aid of all who have any thing that can be made liable to contri bution. When the present system was formed, it is not forgotten, that many were violently opposed to it on various grounds. We are very tenacious of those rules and regulations to which we have been long accustomed. Pride and ignorance often render us unwilling to change. All useful -innovations are opposed at first. Upon becoming acquainted with their principles and witnessing their application, we become recon ciled by degrees. This tendency to reconciliation is one of the felicities of our nature. * COMMON SCHOOLS. 189 The location of the school districts was troublesome and frequently attended with vexation and animosity. The false belief that the more populous a district was the lighter would be the expense of tuition, had a governing influence. The injudicious policy pursued left many of the borderers at so great a distance from the center at which the school house was required to be built, as to produce great dissatisfaction. Happily, however, for the cause of learning, feuds have near ly disappeared in consequence of the division and alteration of districts. - It is now. a pleasure, in traversing the country, to see a comfortable school house at the distance ef every two or three miles. What at first ajppeared odious and almost impracticable, lias beconie popular and conspicuously useful. It appears from tlie reports made to the County Auditor, .that there are in- this [Brown] county, upwards of six thous and one hundred children between the ages of four and six teen. This number, though astonishingly great, is imperfect, as several of the districts have not been heard from. Here then is an interesting multitude ripe for instruction, in the administration ef which every reflecting man will feel him self concerned. If, from some frowning dispensation of Providence or woful neglect of .man, < these six thousand should grow up to manhood untaught, what a frightful spec tacle of vice and moral degradation might we not live to wit ness! On the other hand, if this juvenile host should be well educated, might we not expect to see them shed an influence upon society cheering to the heart of every patriot? The Directors of those district? from which ho reports have been received deserve the most pointed censure. Sure ly their remissness cannot admit' of an apology. They have done injustice to the whole county, as the fund for distribu tion will be apportioned on the basis of numbers. Although the provisions of the school laws are well under- "stood and easy of application, it is a fact not to be disguised, that the misdoings of the Directors in some of the districts are a serious injury to the householders. Funds intended ex clusively for the purpose-of defraying the expenses of tuition are not applied. In some instances this miserable policy is owing mainly to the want of discretion and harmony in the 190 -MISCELLANEOUS PAPEftS. Directors one wishes to economize by employing a teacher at the cheapest rate another thinks the spring or summer is a more auspicious season for improvement than the winter; and another is certain that Mr. A ought to be employed in preference to Mr. B"; and thus, from a want of unity, nothing is accomplished. If I be not mistaken, there is no scarcity of persons who are willing to teach, and who hold the cer tificates of Examiners as to their qualifications. In the use of the school funds there should be "no delay, as the demand for instruction is imperious. The last dividend was on an average sufficient to sustain schools in every district in the county from four to six months a period within which a child of the age of six years, of common capacity, may be taught by a skillful instructor to read ah easy book. Let all then be taught to read at the earliest day possible, when their, services at home are of little account, and that they may pos sess the means of acquiring useful information. The index of reproach ought to be pointed at those Directors who, from obstinacy, indolence, or any other such cause, will not per form their duties. % Some people avow the opinion that children ought not to be sent to school until they are nine or ten years old. With such it appears to be a waste of time to argue. Every day will demonstrate to the man of the least observation, that children at a much earlier period are capable of making rapid advances in literature. Since the establishment of "infant schools " it is' fully ascertained that the capabilities of the " babe that has just learned, to prattle " are great. It is a fact well attested that at the age of four their perceptions are quick and memory strong. It is generally before that age that they learn to talk ; and what is more difficult than the acquisition- of language? Under our propitious school system, it appears to me, if parents and teachers will do their duty, that every child of gopd parts may be conducted at least once through the scriptures, and taught to write a fair hand, by the time he is eight years of age; and I would say seven, where schools are supported constantly. To restrain a child from going to school until he is ten or twelve, is an act of cruelty scarcely pardonable. When he does go, he sees him- * * I COMMON* SCHOOLS. 191 self surrounded by pupils younger than himself, who can read, and write, and cipher he is awkward .and stiff in his new undertaking every hour bring mortification to his feel ings he dislikes his horn-book, thinks himself quite unfor tunate and in the back ground, censures his parents, concludes he is a dunce, and could almost wish himself hanged. It is still more barbarous to place a female in such a distressing situation. ' . . MISCELLANE6US PAPERS. * ON ILLEGAL TRANSFERS OF PROPERTY. " This is an age in which many noble efforts are made to render men wise, virtuous and happy. Ingenuity is tortured to discover some new and effectual means of forming man as he ought to be, both as he stands in relation to time and eter nity. The exercise of the best feelings and principles of our nature is invoked in his behalf, as is also the kindness 'of heaven to improve and elevate his condition. But after all these busy endeavors of the age to promote his amendment and happiness, thousands remain absolutely incorrigible. They seem by their words and- actions to place themselves beyond the reach of reform, and to glory in their shame. These remarks have been suggested by the fact that there are many through the country, who, laboring under pecunia ry pressure, " make over their property." Their certain and fixed purpose is to elude the payment of their debts. Against a practice so dishonest and vitiating in its effects it is the im perious duty of every good man to> set his- face. It is no de parture from truth to affirm that the man who resorts to tricks and collusion to escape .the discharge of his debts, justly for feits claims to the character of integrity. Promises to pay mney ought to be made with great cau tion. Irideed. they never should be made unless there exists a reasonable prospect that they can be fulfilled. It is not to be concealed that some who sustain, at least for a time, an ele vated position in society, forget their engagements' and make no endeavors to .meet them, until compelled by law. Even men in good circumstances, making a public profession of piety, have been thus regardless of rectitude. If the love of virtue can have no influence with such, it is astonishing that the dread of censure has not. Into the hands of those whose province it is to exercise church discipline, should they be consigned to be dealt with as liars and knaves. Some men make a very free and improvident use of their credit. As long as it continues, they are strangers to want; but when lost, not the least exertion is made for its recovery. IT.I.KGAL TRAX-T'ERS. 193 To promise and not to perform is, in all conscience, bad enough; but the offense is greatly aggravated, when the debt or conveys his property to one of his children or a friend, to elude the just responsibility of his engagements. It is my purpose to offer sonic remarks relative to the man ner in which such transfers are made, their legal efficacy and moral influence. A debtor who is either unable or unwilling to pay what he owes, in an extremity, applies to one of his most confidential learned and cute, neighbors for his aid and advice. The " fire-side_lawycr," after looking wise and grave, propounds sundry important questions, and determines that a bill of sale, drawn secumdum artem and authentically executed, will meet the case precisely. His services are engaged for a good day's work, and the instrument is prepared with many inter esting schoolmaster cuts and flourishes. A son or daughter of the unfortunate debtor, to whom he owes not the value of a cent, except an education, is made the vendee of every article from the old grey mare down to the last "unmated fork," all of which are entered with great precision in the writing. The instrument is signed, and some of the family are required to affix to it their attestation. A sum of money is paid to the vender by the vendee as a due consideration; and all the specified property is verbally delivered; though it still remains in the grantee's possession, and to his use. After this solemn transfer, his fears of the constable are al layed, and he flatters himself he may deride and banter his creditors. It seems in some neighborhoods to be a general opinion, that such transfers of property are good and available in law; and there is rather an unwillingness to test their legal efficacy before the appropriate tribunals. How this sentiment should have gained currency for a moment, I know not, unless it be ascribable to the great influence of the numerous every day lawyers dispersed throughout the country. What! Shall a man, by the practice of the most barefaced fraud, shield him self against the claims of his creditors? He cannot. There is no such temptation held out to knavery by outlaws. Un der such circumstances who would trust his neighbor? Our 25 194 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. citizens would look upon each other with the most scrupu lous distrust, and confidence would soon he banished fr their bosoms. This is not our degraded and forlorn condition, nor indee can it be, as long as justice and benignity shall form a feature in the legal institutions of our country. Can the sworn offi cers of our courts give countenance to unrighteous artifice, heedless of right and deaf to the forcible admonitions of con science? The presumption is strong that they will make every exertion to " unkennel fraud," and give it the impress of their reproof. To test the validity of such transfers, lethe sheriff -or constable levy upon the property, regardless of the, bill of sale. The vendee will then proceed to assert his claim ac cording to the provisions of the act of the Legislature in such cases." The burthen of proof will rest upon him. He will show his title, prove the execution of the instrument, the payment of money, delivery of the property, &c. The judg ment plaintiff will then have his day in court to defend. Let him prove that the defendant in execution was in full posses sion of the property at the time of levy, exercising over it acts of ownership that the payment of money, delivery and the whole transaction were a mere sham. Let the draftsman and the subscribing witnesses be "catechised into fools/' and my word for it, fraud will appear, too rank to be overleapt by justice. The property being left in the full possession of the defendant*^ a striking badge of deceit. Such a case would, present aids equally strong in arriving aj its true history. The influence which such criminal transactions must more or less exert, upon the morals of community, is just cause for uneasiness. The man who is base enough to "make over his property" in the manner indicated, and who could require his children to b'e witnesses,- would expect them to depose according to his. wishes an^interest. Although they may incline to honesty, a wink or a nod from him places them in a very aistresing and unenviable situation. On the one hand is the solemn obligation of the oath, and on the other, the dreaded indignation of an unfeeling parent. God forbid that ILLEGAL TRANSFERS. 195 any father should be so indiscreet as to lead his child into cir cumstances so trying? It is however to be apprehended that in most cases, the rights oi conscience would be but little re garded. The witnesses at the beginning, are, in a certain sense, participants in the fraud; and for the sake of consisten cy and to save appearances, may go all lengths in the subser viency of a bad cause. The first perjury brings with it cer tain ruin. This is as true as that the first false step of woman undoes her ever after. 196 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, TEMPERANCE. Since "Philo" and "Somebody " have made a laudable effort to reform the intemperate^ I have thought it not im proper to contribute my mite for the same purpose. A few days since I had occasion to t^isit my old friend Barzillai, whom I found adjusting a dispute between a couple of his neighbors, in the capacity of a justice of the peace. Simon Tipplcshop had instituted a suit against one of his cus tomers, Tom Rednosc, who appeared to be in arrears for about twelve months. The account was exhibited, and never did I see one embrace more dittos. Curiosity prompt ed the justice to count the half pints charged, which amounted to. one hundred and seventy. For some time the defendant appeared determined to require proof of every item; however, after much desultory conversation, he con fessed judgment for $21 25. My friend Barzillai, who is one of those plain, honest, shrewd men, who are apt to remark on occurrences, "address ed the plaintiff thus: "Simon," said he, " I cannot let you depart without expressing my sentiments on the indulgence you have allowed this^ man at your house. That he has of fended against, the rights of his family and every rule of pro priety, candor must induce you to confess; then, sir, can you be considered innocent? Have you not aided him in his criminal pursuits? Have you not been accessory to his in temperance and participated in every crime he has commit ted while intoxicated? " Here my friend WML interrupted by Simon, who justified himself on the ground that he made his living by tavern-keeping, and if he had refused letting Thomas have whiskey, some other person would. Barzillai replied, "Your reason is the usual one in such cases; but per mit me to say, it is to the fullest extent fallacious, and really argues extreme ignorance of or inattention to its real charac ter and tendency. On all occasions a man should do his duty whether others are disposed to do so or not. You are in the TEMPERANCE. 197 same difficulty with the slave-holder, who without delay said it was wrong to have slaves, hut that his neighbors had them, therefore it was proper. he should. . Many sin by precept; but the absurdity of such a course is obvious on a moment's reflection: If you cheat and steal, will I be justified thereby in doing so too. ? Indeed, lunacy itself would hardly be a sufficient apology for such doctrine. "Again, Simon, you jcould not have been ignorant of Thom as' circumstances. That he was indigent and stongly inclined to frequent taverns was no secret you also well knew that he had an industrious, prudent wife and several small children. These considerations ought to have been duly weighed before he became your debtor one dollar. The anticipated grief of his companion and distress of his children might have excited the most lively sympathy, and well do I believe, had you refused him liquor, and advised him of the evils that would result from an indulgence of his requests, you would, instead of having her maledictions, have had the expressions of a grateful heart." My friend then turned to Tom, who sat very pensive, and observed, "Thomas, I could have some charity for you had this debt accrued in an innocent way. If, Providence had visited your family with sickness, and this were the amount of the doctor's bill, your embarrassment might excite the most pious commiseration. As things are, your family is to be pittied for their misfortune in being connected with an in temperate man, and you for your imprudence. Were you to reflect seriously on the course which you have pursued for the last year, I am sure, if happiness were your object, a great alteration in your life would be the result. Were the money which you have to pay for making yourself a kind of volun tary demon the. only loss you sustain, you would be more excusable. But alas! this is small, comparatively speaking. The loss .of. time and reputation with their alarming train of consequences, are, in estimating your damage, to be taken into account. The. sacrifice of time has been great; and time, says the immortal Franklin, is money. The neglect of busi ness is even already likely to involve you and your family in unspeakable distress. Recollect $21 35 would have defrayed 193 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. the tuition of two of your children for one year. In that time they would have been taught to read. This would have been a most judicious application of any funds within your reach. Besides, it would be well to consider to what a deplora ble condition the drunkard's character is reduced. He is the pest of society he is shunned and despised by the sober, industrious and virtuous citizens. The intemperate man is very distinguishable from others. On. his countenance the Almighty has thought proper to fix the appropriate sign a sign very legible indeed. It indicates a desertion of all cor rect principles, a disregard of a good name, idleness, the most unpardonable stupidity, enmity to the happiness of society, and an entire devotion to crime. You are yet young you have not perhaps arrived at that stage when intemperance becomes confirmed, or settles down into an irrevocable habit If this be the case, recede. Let the happiness of society, the happiness of yourself and v y our dear family, redeem you from those haunts, which, if you continue to frequent, will inevit ably reduce you to the lowest state of degradation.*' An unusual concern was visible in Thomas' countenance; he appeared to feel the force of every remark and now, what affords me much pleasure, is the information from my friend B. that his poor suitor Tom has, since the trial, become an abstemious and industrious man, to the great gratification of his wife and acquaintances. Since the receipt of this news, I have committed to writing, from memory, the preceding ob servations of my friend, and hope that they may promote so briety. I* < . m * KEJ.LENBERG. 199 FELLENBERG.* Any thing in reference to the means of education I am sure cannot fail to be acceptable to a Lyceum actuated by proper motives. Such institutions ought not to be startled at inno vation. .Without innovation thfire can be no systematic changes. To oppose all novelties is paying an undue defer ence to ancient establishments, and is far from being com- j plimentary ' to the age in which we live; which is certainly one of curiosity, invention and enterprise. Men of the most towering intellects, equal apparently to the accomplishment of whatever lies within the power of mortals, animated by the love of human happiness, are now employed in the work of reformation. These laudable efforts are intended to reach man in his moral as well as physical condition/ and elevate him to a point in his existence, worthy of the intelligent crea tures of God. Let me not be misunderstood. It is known to me as to others, that many projects are offered to the public by wild theorists, which common sense must intuitively condemn as hurtful, useless, or impracticable. I need hardly name Rob ert Owen and his adjunct Miss Wright, whose notions of soci ety are too scandalous to be seriously detrimental; nor is it necessary to make a minute reference to a singular genius, who, a few years ago petitioned Congress for a grant <;Hi:SSlO:V VL M'EKCIIES. his course during the incumbency of his predecessor. If there he a part}' in Congress, as charged, opposing lor the sake of opposition, or influenced by any other unworthy motive, he was not a member of it. If the question, growing out of the Mission to Panama, is to be the test of parties, it is quite evident those who think it inexpedient arc not well organized. They appear to act without a leader or concert; their maneu vering is truly militia. Some days since he thought there was ground for complaint: pending a resolution, whose .ob ject was a call on the Executive for information, a gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Trimble) had said it seemed as if there were a spirit of opposition, he would not say organized oppo sition, as there were so many calls. To declarations of this 1 description, it is just as correct to speak of an Administration party who are" determined to go for the ''whole," right or wrong. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Cook) has alluded tojny want of confidence in the Chief Magistrate. If the absence of this virtue, which some possess in a large degree, be a crime, guilt rests upon me. Every act of his in*reference to this Mission, is, with him, calculated to produce distrust, and a belief that he possesses not those qualifications which fit a man for presiding over the destinies of this country. Al though he may be erudite and profoundly versed, in the laws of nations and diplomacy, if he lack good practical intelli gence, he lacks what is indispensable. Hrs habits have been those of the untiring student, and books his companions. A knowledge of man is not to be acquired in the closet. To become well acquainted with the human character, with the motives and springs resulting in action, we must mingle with the world, and read the great volume of our nature. To'rlo this he has had but little inclination. In support of the char acter I have drawn, were it proper, I wo\ild give proofs which to me are convincing, though to his admirers they might not be satisfactory. This gentleman has his advocates as well as opponents; as well in as out of this House. Shortly after his annual com munication appeared, gentlemen who read the Enquirer need not be informer! with what zeal and abilitv the editor at- PANAMA MIS-IOX. 319 tucked many of his projects. These attacks seemed to ren der defence necessary. It cannot be forgotten that one of his ablest newspaper supporters was "Corn-planter/" whose la bors appeared shortly after in the National Intelligencer. I think I know "Corn-planter." If I be not much mistaken, 1 could guess his name at two trials. He shoots a good gun, aims well-, and his piece seldom misses fire. If he has not successfully responded to the able editor of Richmond, he must at least have convinced him that if the President did* sin, in recommending so many exceptionable subjects to Con gress, he sinned by precedent. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Cook) has charged me with entertaining notions o international law wholly unsup ported by reason, and incompatible with the interests of the West. *Whcn replying to the gentleman from Maine, (Mr. Sprague,) he meant to be understood as saying he had no right tointerfere in the contest between Spain and her Colo nies, jn reference to the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico; and that, if these were fhe only points, as now seemed to be the case, which they would assail, their right to transfer forces thither was indubitable; or, if Spain chooses to cede those Islands to France, although we might suppose ourselves in jured, we are without remedy. He was as much alive to the interests of the western country as any gentleman, and would be unhappy to sec a powerful nation in possession of a point from which our commerce might be^reatly annoyed. If the state of facts justified the belief that our safety and existence were in danger, we might remonstrate, and even resist, by force, .such occupancy. It is our interest that the Island of Cuba .should be owned by a weak nation, or remain a Colony. Its weakness would suit our convenience: but. he asked, does it follow that we ure'justifiable in resisting, by arms, n change of its condition? Certainly not, unless in conformity with the principle of self-defense, the first law of nature. When the dangers ex ist, which the gentleman now seems to imagine are even at our doors, his rule of action and my own will not be found materially different. When the interests of this countrv are, 220 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. by the Holy Alliance or any other power, so essentially dis turbed as to require a resort to arms, with him he agreed the citizens of the West will not be found deficient in patriotism. That courage which nerved the arm and prompted to deeds of '-'noble achievement" in the late war will demand action. When what is called the Holy Alliance was instituted by some of the most powerful nations of Europe, to sustain the "divine right" of kings by repressing every effort which ' might be made in developing and fostering the rights of man, it cannot be forgotten what was the indignation of every patriot. So odious was it in this country, that it was every wherc -execrated and denounced. Now, it may be asked, what is the object of the Congr^ps to lie held at Panama? Is not the inference strong that it is to operate as a countervail ing body? Mr. Canas speaks of the European ""Continental system/' and that America should form a system for itself, and assemble by its Representatives in Cortes, whenever cir cumstances might require; and Mr. Salazar indicates a secret "eventual alliance." It is far from nieto say that Southern republics ought nctf to form among themselves an alliance or. compilation for their own defense against Spain or any other assailing power. Their condition is very similar. They were all colonies, speaking the same language, and subject to the same power. Their struggles for emancipation have been produced by the same causes. Their enemy has been the same, and their toils and suffering have been crowned by th'e same happy results as Spain still refuses to recognize ihcir independence, and flatters herself that their future reduction is certain-, the acquisition of strength, by a -confederacy, is their undoubted right. In making this acknowledgment he now and ever would protest against our becoming a party. We would gain nothing, and might put much at hazard. In strengthening them we should weaken ourselves. Shmild the Holy Alliance make any movement in reference to this continent, affording satisfactory proof that the very annihila tion of republicanism or representative government was their object, then it would be our duty to adopt any measure in conjunction with our neighboring republics which prudence PANAMA M-USIOX. 221 might dictate, in defense of the rights of man. Untir the emergency happens, which may be veiwed as very improba- ble, we should stand algof. If, Mr. Chairman, it were not the case that we can accom plish through Ministers in the ^ordinary way, every object which is common and fit to be accomplished, a Mission to Panama would be to me more tolerable. We have at this time diplomatic connections with the most of the new repub lics. Three treaties have been negotiated on unexceptionable principles. Our policy in relation to them has been dictated .by prudence, and so far has resulted in mutual good will and advantage. * It seems to me the circumstances attending our invitation to send Ministers to Panama discloses on our part a want of delicacy. For so distinguished a favor we have been too -eager, and do not, as is my most deliberate opinion, know what they aj'ato do. .In one part of the President's Message we are iafortned our agents will merely consult in another, consult and negotiate and so says the committee of foreign affairs. To merely take counsel together, to deliberate, to interchange ideas on the topics introduced for discussion, would at least seem innocenf. But who, in his sober senses, can believe this Congress" is to be merely consultative, so far as we are concerned? To negotiate,.will doubtless form a part .of their duties. It is the character of the negotiation he feared. But, say gentlemen, a treaty formed at Panama would not be binding without the approval of the President and Senate. This is granted. Would not, however, its rejection, particu larly if made in pursuance of instructions, excite jealousy in the other contracting party? This would, he had no doubt, be most unfortunately the case, and the charge of infidelity to, and disregard of, our promises be fixed upon us. We have (said Mr. C.) been informed by the President, our neutral charter shall be maintained; and that a cbmprom- iment of it is neither expected nor desired by the gentlemen giving us.the invitation. To me there is a paradox in this affair. These Ministers, in plain terms, point out what is to be done the questions to be settled some of which we cannot discuss without a forfeiture of our neutral rights; and yet, in 222 CON0HESSIOKAI. the next sentence, they say our relations will not be changed. This is most strikingly the case in the letter of Mr. Obregon. I ask gentlemen who are versed in the mysteries of this novel project,- to aid my understanding. ' Much, sir, has been s^cl of Mr. Monroe's memorable pledge, and our determination not to witness with indiffer ence an interference of any European power except Spain. with the independence of Spanish America. As for the pledge, the gentleman from Maryland who spoke yesterday (Mr. Worthington) has very properly .denominated it a mere brutum fufmen an empty declaration; but which some think full of meaning and effect. It ought to he a matter of much regret that any of our Ministers should feel authorized to urge it as an argument in negotiating a treaty. This, wo are informed, has been done. Gentlemen frequently recur to the term "indifference.*' What do they mean- by it? It is very indeterminate. If by this expression we are to under stand concern, dissatisfaction, discontent, he had* but little to say. But if, on the other hand, Jthey mean a fighting "indif ference" a determination to court the bloody contest, he could not concur with him. If France should obtain a ces sion of Cuba, as we did of Louisania, we would noi be. entirely indifferent. But 'could we legitimately wage war? Could we be justified before tlfe world in seizing upon that Island ourselves, and preventing the possession of France? This would seem to him a rash act, and wholly indefensible. The consequence would be hostilities with two nations. Should such an unhappy state of affairs take place, he would ask the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Cook) whether our countrymen of the West, brave and adventurous as they arc, and much os they might desire to see our southern commerce prosper, could be easily pursuaded to buckle on their knapsacks and shoulder their rifles, to fight battles ijj Cuba under a vertical sun? 4&, Again: If England and Colombia should become hostile to each other, which is a possible event, why should -we inter fere or take part in the contest? the policy dictating such a course \fbuld be justly reprehensible. The duty which we owe to our country demands that we be merely lookers-on. PANAMA MIS.SIOV. 223 until we have just cause to be concerned for our own safety, and then decide according to circumstances. Gentlemen seem quite transported with love for the new republics, and think they will always be amiable and peace ful. Let thetn, however, recollect that this passion, delight ful as it is, is often indiscreet, and does many foolish things. This the lover, it is true, may not know. He may be too blind to fletect his own weakness, or to see that he is the ob ject of merriment. That gentlemen may not entirely over look the fact that even republics have been quarrelsome and fought for glory, they are admonished to consult history, the faithful pages of which will show that .they have been aggres sors. Sir, much has been said by the President and others of "sympathy." Even to-day, the getitleman from Pennsylva nia (Mr. Markley) has made this a topic of his speech. He has been so obliging to our sister republics for so we may most properly call them as to place this country in a relation of a parent, giving them fatherly advice and other tokens of regard. They have translations of the works of our ablest philosophers and politicians. They study^ our constitution and laws; their Envoys here will gain useful intelligence; through ours in trfeir countries, much will be imparted. As for our sympathy, they need it not. From the manner in which the term has been used, it seems to imply an odious inequality, and savors rather too much of commiseration or pity, which they neither' need nor desire. Their progress in the science of politics has been rapid, and I doubt not they have availed themselves of our experience. Indeed, their advances in self-government towards peace and happiness and reputation have been astonishing, when we recollect that "to climb steep hills requires slow pace at first." The President is not only anxious to teach them how to live, but also how to die. The subject of religion the gen tleman from Illinois has said he will not discuss. In this he has shown prudence. What is religion? .1 answer, it is the "homage which man owes to his Creator." It is a matter between him and his God, and about which one nation can not, without the imputation of meddling, interfere with an- 224 % CONCHUiSSl'ONAl, SPEECHES. other. The protection, of every citizen in his religious rightsy in the adoration of his Maker, undisturbed, is the glory of our constitution. Time and reflection will teach our neigh bors to improve their condition iw. this particular. As, in the formation of their governments, many conflicting inter ests were to be consulted, many parties to be reconciled, they have pursued their true policy. What they now arc they could not have been, had they denied the ecclesiastics a religious establishment. The statement and reasoning of the President on this subject would constitute a reason satisfactory to me, in the absence of all others, for opposing the Mission to Panama. . . % ... Sir, before taking my seat, there is another subject on which I will touch. The allusion is to the President's commentary on General Washington'* Farewell Address. To that most valuable of documents, whose principles in reference to this country resemble those of morals, being just and safe at all times, he has done great violence. This attempt to pervert the meaning of that precious instrument, I denounce as Jesu itical, and an outrage upon common sense. What did Wash ington mean? Did he not intend to caution his country, whose prosperity he had much at heart, against alliances, foreign "entagling alliances"? Was not 'his admonition to operate prospectively and through all time? So every school boy understands him. Yet the President, in putting his meaning upon the Address, would induce us to believe if Washington were now alive, he would retract his counsel, as not applying to the new republics, they being in the Amer ican hemisphere, and not foreign; and hence, that alliances ought to be formed. This is a shocking interpretation, and may well excite fears that a Mission to Panama may involve us in difficulties. Satisfied, sir, that no good can result from the contemplated measure, and that serious evils may, it shall have my unwa vering opposition. APPROPRIATION FOR A ROAD IN OHIO. 225 APPROPRIATION FOR A ROAD IN OHIO.* * REMARKS of Mr. Campbell, of Ohio, on the bill to appro priate a certain quantity of land to defray the charges of laying out and making a road from the mouth of the Miami of Lake Erie to th&*Connecticut fleserve, delivered January 10, 1823. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Ohio, rose, not so much to urge argu ments in support of the bill as to notice the remarks which fell from the gentleman who had just taken his seat, (Mr. Hardin) as to what might be the conduct of the State of Ohio in regard to the road. A year ago the Legislature of Ohio had passed an act on this subject" in which she had evinced her willingness to take upon herself the trouble arid expense of making this road if the right of the United States to the land in question were ceded to her. He did not pretend to say that this road would not be an advantage to the State of Ohio, but it would be of more importance to the interests of the Union generally. The country in which this road lies is one of the most valuable in the Union, and as little had been done for it as any section of the Union. On this point he would only observe (he said) that so great was his zeal to increase the population of the peninsula of Michigan, he was willing to vote even two or three thousand acres of land to those who would settle it, or he would sell the land at fifty cents per acre if it would induce a settlement of it. He would use every means to accomplish an object so desirable. On the score of money, which is- said to be the sinew of war, much that was expended during the late war would have been saved had the proposed road then existed: and the petitions even at this day presented by the delegates from that terri tory, remind jus in what condition the fortune of war has placed it. In a pecuniary point of view, (said Mr. C.) the House could not err in passing this bill. As far as he * Originally published in the National Intelligencer. 29 22G CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. knew the sentiments of the State of Ohio, she would take a deep interest in making the road. Mr. C. examined the treaty provision respecting this road, which he agreed did not as similate itself to the general treaty provision respecting roads Adverted to by Mr. Cocke, inasmuch as those provisions were Inserted to accommodate the United States and to he executed at our pleasure, whilst in this case the stipulation was obliga tory and binding on the United States. The population-of Upper Canada (Mr. C.*said) had greatly increased in conse quence of the liberality of the British Government to settlers. That government considers its possessions in that quarter vulnerable, but they are not as vulnerable as ours. % WhiFst they are increasing their strength in that direction, ought we not to be increasing ours. Any course different .from this must be a blind one, and such as the government ought not to pursue. The gentleman from Tennessee had said, if the peo ple of Michigan are interested let them make the road. But will their physical means enable them to make it? They are interested in the road it is true, but there is no population in the Union of two thousand souls able to make a road of forty- five miles in length through such a swamp as that. They are already weighed down with taxation, and are perhaps the most oppressed under the Government of the United States. In answer to the remark, that if this' bill passed application would be hereafter made to the United States for further aid to complete the road, when those applications were made it would be the duty of Congress to act upon them as should appear to be right. They would stand or fall on their own merits or demerits. If rightful, they would be granted, if otherwise, they would be rejected. * BAXK OF STE^BENVILLE. 227 BANK OF STEUBENVILLE.* Mr. CAMPBELL, of Ohio, submitted the following resolu- tion^February 12, 1S23: "Resolved, That a committee be appointed to ascertain by whom the suppression of the paragraph in' the letter of Will iam R. Dickinson, cashier of the Bank of Steubenville, to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated April 3, 1819, and by him communicated to this House at the last session, was caused, with leave to sit during the session, and with power to send for persons Tand papers." Mr C. said that in submitting this resolution he disclaimed any thing like personal motive. He stood in the relation of good will to all the persons who might be implicated in any way in this iniquity. If he knew himself, he did not bear ill will to any human being that breathes. But inasmuch as he had taken some part in the discussion of the resolution, out of which grew the late report of a committee on this subject, he was in some degree induced by that consideration to pro pose a further inquiry on this subject. When advocating that resolution he said he was under the influence of an indignant feeling a feeling natural to all men on suspicion of fraud having been given, and that was the only feeling of his heart on that occasion. He did not now mean to say that it would be practicable to discover who was the author of the mark on that document (A. 5) but inasmuch as a majority of the former committee considered the powers of the committee too circumscribed to allow them to go into a full investigation of the subject as far as it might be carried, he had -thought it would be well to clothe a committee with powers more exten sive. In submitting this resolutiorfrie by no means meant to cast any reflection on the former committee. The report itself and the quantity of documents annexed to it, prepared in so short a time, proved the industry as well as the ability * Originally published in the National Intelligencer. 228 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. of the committee to whose report he did not mean to urge any objection. lie did not mean to say that if this resolution was adopted the inquiry would result in the detection of the author of that erasure. But inasmuch as the report of the former commit tee declares that certain persons did not do it, it was proper to ascertain if possible who did do it. If it should not b5 possi ble, the committee would so report. Some, however, whom he had consulted, thought that to institute a further inquiry would be to give unnecessary importance to a small matter. In that report of the committee, however, it had been stated to be a matter of consequence, and the manner of their inves.- tigation of it showed it to be so. Having made it so, it had be come proper to investigate it further. It is due (said he) not only to ourselves but to the nation at large that it. should be investigated, for in almost every newspaper we meet we find something on the subject. It is not my intention in submit ting this resolution, to impugn or attack any body. It is altogether unknown to me upon whom this charge will rest, and if a discovery of the author of the erasure in question should be made, he hoped it would turn out to have been made with other than criminal views. In whatever manner it had been made the result of it had been in the nature of a fraud on this House. With these views he submitted the resolu tion to the disposition* of the House. February 16, 1823. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Ohio, said when the amendment of Mr. Cook was yesterday presented, he had thought at first that it would embarrass the inquiry proposed in the first resolution. But upon a closer examination he was induced to think dif ferently, and it appeared to him there was a sufficient connec tion between the two to keep the subjects connected and he would state the grounds of this opinion. The gentleman from Illinois appeared (said Mr. C.) to intimate that the committee which heretofore pursued the subject did not go as far as it should have done in examining the character of the docu ments referred to, and that if it had gone further a different impression from that which it had expressed would have BANK OP STEUBENVILLE. 229 been the result. If any credit is due to statements <5f this kind p if it is ascertained that the Secretary of the Treasury has withheld information which ought to have* been imparted to this House, it appears to me a proper subject for investiga tion. If in the progress of events it should turn out and I am arguing as the nature of the case seems to require that I should that any documents have not been communicated from the Treasury Department that ought to have been, show ing that the Secretary of the Treasury was interested in with holding them, in order to avoid an implication of himself, I ask the committee whether that.be not a fair subject of inves tigation? We know that the fact of the deposit money in certain banks was unpopular, and if any documents or parts of documents respecting that fact have been withheld the committee may inquire by whom and why these documents were suppressed. I therefore am opposed to striking out that part of the resolution. February 17, 1S23. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Ohio, said that from the course which the gentleman from New York had taken, he felt himself called upon to make a remark or two in defense of his ori ginal motion, which the gentleman from New York seemed to consider so necessary. It might be owing to the advant age which that gentleman possessed over other gentlemen, that he had been able to discover who had made the disputed erasure. It is well known (said Mr C.) that such is the struct ure of the human mind that less evidence is necessary to con vince some minds than to convince others. *For my part I am slow to believe in such facts as he charges on Mr. Dickens. It may be considered as an undeniable fact ho wever, that some person has caused the suppression of this paragraph of a doc ument. .The object of the inquiry which I have proposed is to ascertain who this person was. It is proved not to have been the printers: this is put beyond question. Whether it was some person in this House or attached to it, or to the Treasury Department, is a subject for inquiry; and the proof submitted by the committee do3s not warrant, to my mind, the conclusion at which the gentleman from New York seems 230 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. to have arrived. I will admit that by straining the testimony you may infer that Mr. Dickens himself may have made the erasure. I hare examined the evidence with attention how ever, and have not satisfied myself on thaj: point. As I pre sume many other members are in the same situation with myself, it seems necessary that the first part of this resolution should be adopted, whatever becomes of the remainder of it. Mr. C. then proceeded to notice the observations of Mr. Floyd, and to show tliat there is such an analogy between the two objects of the res/Jtution as to justify their connection. He did not wish it to appear that any person had been privy to this erasure with an intention to commit a fraud upon the House, but such had been the effect of the erasure. He did _ not expect to obtain conclusive proof upon the subject by fur ther investigation. If any person would commit a fraud of this description, he would not do it openly, and any one who had made the erasure with fraudulent intention, would doubt less perjure himself to conceal it. The proof (he said) was not conclusive that Mr. Dickens made these marks. As to the argument that all the marks, those acknowledged and that which is denied, being made by the,same pencil if I know any thing about pencils (said Mr. C.) they all make the same kind of marks. That argument therefore, can have no weight with me in the determination of this question. Mr. C. then recapitulated the objects of the part of the resolution which was yesterday added, at Mr. Cook's suggestion, to show its analogy to the original propo sition. The objects of inquiry which it proposed were pro per in themseWes, and proper also to show whether any motive of concealment would probably have induced the suppression of these passages in the letters. On the supposi tion, for the sake of argument, that the Secretary of the Treasury, or his clerks, had such a motive, the inq.uiry into ' that fact was certainly so nearly connected with the inquiry into the fact of who made the erasure, that it ought not to be stricken out of the resolution. CONTESTED ELECTION. 231 CONTESTED ELECTION.* * RE M ARKS of Mr. Campbell, on a resolution opposing the right of Mr. Bailey, a member returned from Massa chusetts, to a seal in the House^ delivered Jlpril 9, 1824. Mr. CAMPBELL, of Ohio, said, most of the gerftlemen who had preceded him in this discussion considered \he question one of great moment. With them he was disposed to" concur in opinion, and would say as it involved the construction of an important clause of the constitution, it deserved a full and patient investigation. If any question, agitated during the present session, had more. than another excited in his bosom an anxiety to arrive at a correct conclusion, it was the one under consideration. The gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Foot) has assumed apposition which he thought was altogether untenable. He has gone so far, if he was correctly under stood, as to intimate the constituents of the gentleman, the right to whose seat is now disputed, are much more compe tent to decide on hisqualifications than we are. [Mr. F. explained, and said he did not wish to be under stood as denying this House jurisdiction.] Mr. C. said he supposed the gentleman had used language which upon reflection he would be inclined to qualify. The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Fuller) who addressed the committee yesterday advanced a similar opinion. He has informed us the electors of the Norfolk district had long been acquainted with the sitting member. He had been born and educated among them. As his residence here has not suspended his intercourse with them, they knew his senti ments. They believed him eligible and gave him their votes; that therefore this House ought to acquiesce in their decision. [Mr. F. explained by saying the judgment of his, Mr. Bailey's, constituents was entitled to much consideration.] * Originally published in the National Intelligencer. 232 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. Mr. C. said he thought so too; but he would protest against the obligation of such a judgment. It could not be binding on us. It might awaken our vigilance and induce us to ap proach a decision with increased* care. The recognition of a different doctrine would leave but little to the performance of this body, under that clause of the constitution which gives it authority to judge of the qualifications and returns of its members. For what purpose is this House required to pro nounce sentence in any case of contested election, but partic ularly in one involving qualification, if the constituents of the returned member be tne moist competent judges? We con stitute the legitimate tribunal; and he for one was prepared to perform his duty. The gentleman from Massachusetts informs us the member from the Norfolk district had, after an absence of four years from the State, been elected a member of the Massachusetts Legislature; that gentlemen, highly respectable for talents, when consulted, declared him eligible, although the constitution of that State required a year's resi dence. These facts are urged with great force in favor of the member's eligibility to Congress. Upon examination, it will be found that nothing conclusive can be deduced from them. Mr. C. asked whether his election had been contested? He presumed not. If it had been we should certainly have heard of it, as it would have added much to the weight of the argu ment Hence, it is impossible to say, what the result would have been had his right to the seat been questioned, as it now is. This disclosure of facts is very creditable to the sitting member. It proves he was popular where he had been long known. His great popularity and the sameness of politics in his town may have left him without a rival without an ene my to contest his title to a seat. Mr. C. said the constitution of Ohio required among other things, that a person, to be eligible to a seat in the House of Representatives, must reside at least one year next preceding his election in the county which he may wish to represent. This clause he doubted not would render ineligible every person who might leave the State and go into another to obtain a livelihood, by teach ing an academy, as the member from Norfolk is reported to have done. Indeed, he thought in Ohio this interpretation CONTESTED ELECTION. 233 of the word inhabitant, say those who support the princi ples of the report of the committee of elections appear to consider every person ineligible who is not actually a resident of the State at the time of his election; that this doc trine would preclude the idea of the eligibility of every one who might be absent on business whether public or private on the day of election. This was gratuitous assumption on the'part of the gentleman. It was an abridgment of right. It was an interference which he felt sure could not be drawn from any argument he had heard. The rule which would produce this effect could not be a correct or useful one. What! disfranchise a citizen who might be gent on a foreign mission! Surely this could never have been intended. The character of a minister is this: He is the representative of his country, in its sovereign or national capacity, in the one to which he may be deputed, without the forfeiture of a single right, although he ceases for a time to be an inhabitant. This is inferred from the necessity of the case. He would be a traitor to his government if he attempted to become a citizen or subject of the power to which he is sent. In the nature of things, by his actual change of residence he acquires no political rights. In the enjoyment of those which are essential to him in his representative character, he is pro tected by the law of nations. This is all he needs: this is all it is proper he should enjoy. An assumption of the civil and political condition of the country to which he might be sent, were such a thing practicable, would terminate his ministerial functions, as then he acquires none of those rights in the country of which he is an actual inhabitant, of which his re moval for a time has interdicted him in the exercise, it would be folly in the extreme to say on his return he should be classed with aliens. Yet gentlemen liken the case of the sitting member to that of a minister to a foreign court. Mr. C. said the similarity, if any existed, had so far eluded his observation. Indeed, it was plain to him there was none. The member from Norfolk, by leaving his native State and locating himself here has lost nothing. His immunities are not affected by the resignation. What he loses there he ac quires here. If he ceases to be eligible to office in Massa- 29 * 234 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. chusetts he is compensated by the acquisition of correspond ent privileges in this district. At all events, no one can say with any expectation of being credited that he would not have been eligible had he crossed the river into Virginia and resided there six years as he has done in this city. The gen tleman from Illinois (Mr. Cook) has favored the House with an ingenious argument, but which when tested will be found inconclusive and unsatisfactory. He says we have two forms of government, meaning the State and Federal: that to carry on the operation of the latter the citizens of one State are sometimes sent into another, or into a territory, in the character of officers; and that to say they lost the right of inhabitants of the States which they might leave, would be doing violence to State rights, as each State had an interest in the service of its citizens. Mr. C. said this had frequently been the case, and the officers con tinued in the State or territory and enjoyed all the privileges of citizens as in the case already mentioned, what was lost at one place was fully made up at another. Correlative rights press upon the emigrant, and he may enjoy them if he chooses. To make the case still more intelligible, (Mr. C. said,) he would suppose an inhabitant of the State of Illinois were ap pointed a register of a land office in Ohio, and were to move with his family there. What would be his relation in regard to the two States? Certainly his connection with the first is severed, and a new one formed with the latter. Certainly he ceases to be an inhabitant of Illinois and becomes a citizen of Ohio. To affirm the State he left is still entitled to his alle giance and service, would give a negative to the right of locomotion, a right which we see exercised every day without complaint or any supposed prejudice to the right of the States. The gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Livermore) con tends if the word inhabitant be properly defined by the committee of elections, no person can be eligible to Congress who is not actually in the State on the day of election. This, he thought, was putting an extreme case. Such an idea he supposed no member whatever entertained. He was certain even the term "locality of existence," which had been exam ined with so much attention, was not intended to convey this CONTESTED ELECTION. 235 sentiment. It could not he said that we were not inhabitants in the constitutional meaning of the term, of the States we res pectively represent, although in the district of Columbia. To declare we would be ineligible should an extra session require our-attendance here at the period of an election, would be an absurdity without comparison. A case may be put to operate equally strong against the gentlemen. The public architect came to this city six or seven years ago from the State of Massachusetts, with his family. He owns real estate, has built himself a house and is entitled to all the privileges of a citizen of this District Is he an inhabitant of Massachu setts? The answer is easy. Or (Mr. C. said) he would put a stronger case. He knew a clerk who had emigrated to this place more than 20 years ago from Maryland, had reared a family and was the owner of houses and lots, and appeared located for life. Would the gentleman say he -was eligible from the State from which he came? Surely not; or else it would be admitted a man can at the same instant, enjoy the same privileges in two or more separate and distinct jurisdic tions. Cases may be supposed which prove nothing but their own folly. Mr. C. said his opinion was, we ought to give the word inhabitant a rational meaning. It ought to be construed to a common and judicious intent not so as to impair rights, yet so as to guard against the evils designed to be prevented, which have been ably exposed in the report, and by the gentleman from ^ T ew York, (Mr. Storrs,) and then applied to the facts as they have been disclosed. Such s the condition of man, such are hisjvants and necessities, as to require him to be employed in some avocation.* To obtain a livelihood the means are diversified, as if to suit the versa tility of genius. Some prefer a maritime life; others choose agricultural and mechanical pursuits; others seek the learned professions; and not a few depend upon public favor for a subsistence. The clerks of the different departments, we know, depend almost exclusively on their salaries for support. A clerkship is one of the many ways of obtaining a living. It was the sitting member's preference for the last six 3 ear.,~ within which, we are informed, he intermarried. It seems to 236 CONGRESSIONAL SPEECHES. me, said Mr. C., a man's ordinary business indicates tbe "lo cality of his existence." What answer would a plain com mon sense man, acquainted with the circumstances of this case, give to this question: Of what place was the sitting member an inhabitant, at the time of his election? Would he not say, of the District of Columbia? Let us say so too; and support the resolution submitted by the committee. MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. [NoTE.< The articles whieh follow wore mislaid, and not found in lime to be inserted with the Miscellaneous Papers which precede the ( !on^ressional Speeehes.] . VTI-JX. 239 ORATION, DKLl\\EK.b:D OX THK 4m OF JULY, 18Gb. Friend* and Fellow-Citizen^: I solicit your attention. We have convened for the express and laudable purpose of commemorating the day from which we date our independence that independence which our venerable fathers, whose virtues are never to be forgotten, boldly in the name and by the authority of the so vereign people, announced to an astonished world that in dependence which disavowed all our alliances with Great Britain, rendered us the most happy nation on earth, and one of the most powerful. The 4th of July, 1776, was a memo rable day a day which, I trust, will be recognized as an an niversary, while time shall endure, by every American, whose soul is a stranger to black ingratitude, who can exult in the recollection of a narrow escape from past dangers, and who duly appreciates his own and his country's happiness. How can we, my friends, refrain from indulging in excessive joy, or from bursting forth in raptures, while we celebrate the day which has given origin to such mighty and fortunate changes in the moral and political worlds, in consequence of our fathers declaring themselves freemen and giving liberty to their offspring. Let your tongues trill forth the praises of our patriotic countrymen of our intrepid lovers who were so studious, so zealous to effectuate, and who did effectuate their own and our release from oppression undescribable; and gained those privileges which we now inherit. But, fellow-citizens, let us for one moment look back to the day we commemorate the natal hour of our glorious liberty. Can we do it unconcernedly? Can we do it without the strongest emotions seizing upon our breasts, or without experiencing the greatest solicitude for the situations of those who were the daring agents in the great Revolution? Our birth as a nation may very justly be assimilated to that of an infant: it was accompanied with the most painful anxieties, * .540 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. and the keenest throes imaginable; then, my respectable aU* dience, realize for a minute the reflections of those who pub lished aloud their determination to die gloriously, or live free men. War, with all its frightful retinue of calamities, threatened by a formidable empire, on one side; dear free dom, with all her concentrated blessings, on the other: thfse to authorize a defense and excite to the performance of deeds of glory, those to intimidate and reduce to servitude. My friends, the causes of our separation from England arc so well known, that I deem a rehearsal of them unnecessary. Suffice it to say, that when she became sensible of our grow ing prosperity, our rapid improvements in agriculture, com merce, and manufactures, and beheld that ere long we would be rich and powerful, she viewed us with a jealous eye, and racked her invention in devising means to oppress us and re* strain our increase in population and affluence. The most cunning and unrighteous of her ministers were anxiously engaged in machinating our ruin, the absurdity of whose wicked plans she to her great chagrin too late discovered. The most iniquitous laws, the name of which would now awaken your just indignation, were, without our express or implied consent, imposed upon us. Violent efforts were made to impoverish our country by draining her citizens of their cash in a thousand ways: in fine, every effort was made to plunge them in Egyptian bondage. The Americans be came impatient of such tyranny. They found it insupport able. In vain were the most filial and rational petitions pre sented to Parliament for redress of such grievances. Those very petitions, whose language and sentiments exhibited the case of the supplicants in the most impressive point of view, were treated with contempt, were ungratefully rejected, and condemned to lie under the table. The Americans, sensible of the insults offered them, and fully persuaded of their right to better things, became indignant. Their keenest resent ment was enkindled. They resolved to claim and vindicate those rights which had been denied them in their native countries, and to obtain which they had encountered all the difficulties of crossing the wide and boisterous Atlantic, and of making settlements in the new and uncultured continent, ORATION. 241 whose plains were uninhabited, save by beasts of prey and tribes of ferocious wildmen. YesJ my friends, many of our persevering fathers endured all these and numberless other hardships, to find an asylum from trans-atlantic misery to find a clime more congenial to liberty, where they could ar rive at the enjoyment of the great and natural rights to per sonal liberty, personal security, and private property, and where they could worship the great Creator in conformity to Jhe dictates" of their consciences, and undisturbedly taste sweet leisure in the shade. I say, after having to combat these troubles and toils, and being experimentally apprised of the curses of despotism and the blessings of freedom, they were influenced to prefer a bloody war, with a nation formi dable in arms, to a quiet submission to base insults and deg radation. Large armies of British myrmdoms were despatch ed across the sea, and poured into our defenseless country, with expectations of making a rapid and uninterrupted con quest. The Americans assembled to repulse the tyrant inva ders, trusting the. result would be in favor of right. They were fully impressed with the equity of their cause and the rectitude of their intentions. The ensanguined banners of Mars and Bellona were unfurled; a solemn appeal was made to the God of battles; the unnatural but unavoidable contest commences; a tragedy is exhibited; confusion ensues. The world is wrapped in wonderful suspense The fatal cannon's loud tremendous roar Belches on Columbia's crimsoned shore Dire bomb-shells burst, their deadly contents flying Small-arms rattling, soldiers falling, dying, Bright swords and bayonets clashing, soon are tinged in gore, The valiant sink, to- rise and fight no more. Gay tov.'ns and farms involved in conflagration, Fathers and mothers lost in lamentation; Temples are pillaged, herds and flocks are slain; The aged insulted, but dare not complain. The fair abus'd, exposed to ev'ry woe, Must die, or yield to the insatiate foe. The tender infant from its mother's breast, In spite of tears, incarnate devils wrest, No prayers, no sighs, no rank, no sex nor age Can rnovo the monster from his purposed rage. Amidst the flames the helpless prisoner dies, 30 % 242 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. While Indians, pleas'd with his last guiltless cries, Exulting shout forth with infernal yell, Which woods resound as the confines of hell. Kind wives bewail their husbands' fearful end; Orphans lament their dearest butcher'd friend. The vales resound, "the rebels We'll destroy;" "Huzza for liberty," the hills reply. Doubtful the contest sometimes hope inspires Our /aiming foes then our desponding sires. Such, my friends, was the confusion; such the fate of the two nations, that from their close connection, should have beerf the very last to engage in bloodshed; but after seven years of warfare, to the glory and happiness of America, the mighty conflict terminates on the side of freedom. Our fathers, by their unparalleled prudence, and under auspices of the Lord of hosts, wrought out their own deliverance and gained the invaluable prize for which they contended; but the Britons, after having expended a hundred millions of money and lost a hundred thousand of their bravest s'oldiers, were compelled to acknowledge our independence and return to their homes under the most pungent convictions of their temerity, and with countenances depicted with shame. But, my friends, the liberties which you and I at this mo ment enjoy are most precious; their price is incalulcable; the blood and sufferings of our patriotic fathers have enhanced it. Great Washington struggled hard for them; he exerted every faculty to do his children justice. Remember Wooster, Warren, Montgomery, and the many other immortalized he roes, who became a sacrifice for their country's felicity who died cheerfully, courageously, and gloriously, in defense of their rights. They fought for their wives, their children, and for thousands then unborn. Lei thankfulness swell every bosom; let gratitude burst forth in ejaculations at the thoughts of such consecrated offerings such examples of patriotism such manifestations of paternal goodness. Let the name of Washington live forever. May it be as eternal as his goodness was ^unbounded. Shall it ever be forgotten? No, my friends, his life was a life of such merit and exemplary virtue,- his performances in the field and cabinet, so able as to endear him to his cotemporaries and their admiring posterity. ORATION. 243 By naming those heroes, who have fought and groaned and bled for you, who have bid you a long farewell, and left you to mourn your irreparable loss in their sad exit, I do not mean to transfix that felicity with which the celebration of this daj^must naturally inspire you; but to awaken your bo soms to a sense of gratitude and deathless renown. Sons of Columbia, ye who are anxious to gain the love of your country and establish a name which shall be dear to generations unborn, by dedicating yourselves to the cause of liberty, go not to the ancient republics of Greece and Rome in quest of patriots, for your imitation; such you can find in your o*wn republic. Go tread in the footsteps of your mighty chief, who sleeps in death. Emulate his virtues. Go rival the wisdom, the integrity, and prudence of his reverend co adjutors in the memorable revolution. In fine, if you wish to stamp your names with immortality, let Washington, Montgomery, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, and the other American worthies, he your polar stars. Citizens, we can boast of being the most free and happy people under the sun, and of having a constitution beyond all comparison the best, It recognizes all those right which we as members of a community could wish or expect to enjoy, and holds a flaming sword in their protection. By it we are made our own legislators, judges, and governors; or, what is the same thing, we shine in the three grand departments of government by deputies of our own election. Our lovely constitution guaranties to every citizen the fruition of sweet ease under his own vine and fig tree, without the torments of fear: it guaranties to every individual the liberty of thinking for himself, and to every Christian the adoration of almighty God as his prudence may suggest. These are immunities, my friends, upon which too high a price can never be placed immunities without which life itself would prove rather a curse than a blessing immunities of which I trust in God we shall ever be tenacious; we have the strongest motives to be so. Look into Europe, into Asia, Africa, or any other country but our own; behold the wretched, the iltfated in habitants pining, languishing, expiring under the innumerable calamities of hydra-headed despotism. From the misfortunes 244 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. and experience of other nations let us learn wisdom. From those foreign monuments of misery let us learn how to ap preciate the advantages of our political system; and let us, my friends, above all things, be studious for its preservation. Our government may very justly be called republican, which many writers who have made politics and hfhian na ture the primary subjects of their investigation, have declared incapable of existing unless supported by virtue. I think this easy of illustration. If, for example, virtue had so far receded, and vice had so far advanced, that candidates, say for our national legislature, would offer rewards to secure their elections, and the people were so base, so blind, as to accept them, what evils might not be expected? Would not the most wealthy, intriguing, and unhallowed fill the offices of honor and profit, while men of wisdom and goodness would be left with their families, to deplore the decadency of their beloved empire? Would not many Blounts, Sebastians and Burrs spring up, and aim at their own aggrandizement by the subversion of our republic? But thanks to that God who preserves us, that, comparatively speaking, but few who by unfair means strive for political ascendancy ever succeed; that we have laws for the punishment of corruption, and that we are so interested in our own welfare as to say, Candidate, thou art destitute of the talents requisite for a ruler, and who seekestand plannestthy own good, stand aloof; we hold your principles in sovereign contempt; we reprobate your inten tions. But to him who walketh in the ways of righteousness and who is studious for the public weal, will we give our suffrages. We love him who venerates truth and integrity. It is in him alone that we can repose so important a trust as our lives, our liberties, and our fortunes. Then, fellow-citizens, as your lover, as- a lover of the American community, and of the whole human family, I think it my duty this day, as your Orator, to exhort to vir tue, which can only maintain the government which stands so high in your estimation. Virtue is the great* palladium of your safe^Jy. Upon it depends your future fate. Remove it and you are no more. Your happiness expires your empire totters your \inion is severed rival factions spring up, and ORATION. 245 desperate demagogues drench their hands in your blood. Virtue can uphold your excellent laws, and prove to the en slaved parts of the world, that if they w r ill follow your exam ples they may realize your situation, and participate in bless ings similar to your own. In this respectable assembly I discover many who stand high in society, by the offices, civil and military, which they fill. For a few moments I entreat the indulgence of such. As public functionaries you have considerable influence in the community; the honors conferred upon you are proofs of the position. You can do much; you have it in your power to contribute largely to the promotion of moral goodness and the suppression of vice. Your demeanor will unquestionably have a powerful agency in forming the conduct of those who walk in the humbler spheres of life. Let religion and mo rality characterize your behavior. Foster Christianity, assist those who are its avowed advocates. In the neighborhoods where, we see it most prevalent, we uniformly see better citi zens, better husbands, better wives, better parents, and better children. By your words, by your actions, inculcate princi ples of integrity, sobriety, and industry. Let no man be able to charge you with being auxiliary to anything incompatible with strict decorum. Let your characters stand fair, not only unimpeached but unimpeachable. If you violate the rules of propriety, it will be claimed as a license by others to do so too. Thus, for immoralities, you are doubly responsible; re sponsible not only as private individuals but as officers. Gentlemen, I know I am younger than you whom I now specially address, and am^ensible of my inferiority to you in point of knowledge and experience; yet I claim it as my privilege to speak plainly to you this day, and the part of this celebration which has been assigned me will protect me in the exercise of this privilege. Then, as friends to your country and constitution, love virtue and practice it daily. Fathers, for I see there are many present, I now ask your attention. Though I can lay claim to nothing beyond youth, I beg you will hear me with patience. I intend no reflection, but the peace of your declining years, and the constant felici ty of your offspring. By becoming parents you have placed 24G MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. yourselves in a situation peculiarly critical. A more impor tant .charge than that of rearing children has never been as signed to a human being. By becoming parents you imposed on yourselves all the duties arising from their maintenance, their protection and education; and upon the manner in which you discharge these will in a great measure depend their future standings in life, as individuals and as members of society. Nature herself prompts to a discharge of the ob ligations resulting from the two former; but the education of children is too frequently neglected, or if attended to at all it is in such a way as is not the most commendable. At an early period, let them be taught the sciences which are so useful to every person in every imaginable station in life. If the pro per methods be adopted they may be instructed in these very necessary branches of literature, before they can be of much service to you either on your farms or in your shops, (I speak of boys). If possible, inspire them with a passion for reading. Whatever their avocations may be they will find many vacant hours which they cannot spend more profitably than in the perusal of good books. Books will not only af ford amusement, but an addition to the qualifications of the mind. Put it in their power to know something of what is transpiring in thffe world. For effecting this I would recpm- mend newspapers. Examine them on what they read. Give them every encouragement. Point out the advantages re sulting from books, and the pleasures of the well-informed mind. The celebrated Goldsmith has said, that a country of ignorance will always produce a plentiful harvest of error and superstition, which are two mortal enemies to human hap piness. Tyrants cannot subjugate an enlightened people. Where Science erects her standard, freedom will reign. Igno rance will generate slavery. Those who are acquainted with their rights, will not be duped. TheVi teach your children wisdom ; teach them those things which are necessary for the constitution of a -worthy and useful citizen. Jnspire them with a love of religion and morality. Instruct them by pre cept. Teach them to pay a conscientious respect to the golden rule. Inculcate the propriety of living honestly, of hurting nobody, and of giving every one his due. These are absolute ORATION. 247 duties. Not only instruct by precept, but by example. Ex ample is the most influential. Man from his mother's breast is an imitative being. If you be immoral, in vain may you preach up morality. If the tavern be your rendezvous, and the intoxicating bowl your delight, in vain may you exhort to sobriety. Extol virtue, expose vice; the former is calcu lated to promote esteem and peace of mind; the latter leads down to disgrace and misery. Early accustom them to in dustry. Industry is a most formidable adversary to those things which are most baneful to society. Idleness is one of the grand sources of evil. While in their tenderness, give their minds a proper inclination. Says Pope, "Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined;" and the wise king of Israel says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" Those things if attended to at the proper period of life, will produce effects beneficial to your posterity, to yourselves and to the community of which you form a part. They would pro duce another Saturnian age, days still more auspicious than those we now see. Then there would be fewer ambitious Burrs to separate the Union, and no pensioned judges to have a voice in the temple of justice. The goddess Astrea would assume a more extensive reign, and her divinity be more uni versally adored. The number of bullies, thieves, and cut throats would be diminished, and peace and plenty smile in every family. Parents, I conjure you, I importune you, by your love of liberty, by your patriotism, by the respect due to hoary heads, by your happiness, and by the welfare of your children, to teach them to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Young gentlemen, you who are about to embark in a wide and dangerous world to do for yourselves, give me your audience. Like myself, you have acquired but little experi mental knowledge. It will be prudence in us to gain instruc tion from the experience of others. " Happy is he," says one of the ancients, " whom another's dangers make cau tious." Experience, we are told, keeps a dear school, and that those who will learn in no other, fall completely under the character of fools. Similar causes invariably produce 248 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. similar effects. How consigned to folly, how blind to their own interest must those be who will not shun the rocks upon which they have seen others made shipwreck. We have long since discovered that falsehood in the merchant, the far mer, the mechanic, or any other person, is a serious injury, is inimical to his prospgrty. Then let us avoid this evil. Punctuality is one of the mainsprings of business: then let us be punctual, and consider our promises as sacred. Doctor Blair says diligence, industry and the proper improvement of time, are material duties of the young. Then let us dis charge those duties, young friends: a discharge of them can not fail to place us in easy circumstances, and conciliate the applause of the world. When the aged admonish let us not slight their counsels. They intend our good. They will point out the rocks, the shoals, and quicksands, the Scyl- las and Charybdes, to which we in our passage may be ex posed. They will give us notice of the shores where sirens with their captivating songs will charm their listeners to de struction. Let us always be willing to learn, and always lay our breasts open to conviction. Happy, happy will it be for us, if we can imbibe and cherish an emulation to excel each other in whatsoever is great and good in a virtuous and uni form behavior. Happy for us, indeed, if we will consider our ways and mutually provoke to love and good works. Ladies, a word to you. You are able to accomplish much. Nature has given you extensive influence. She has formed you lovely; your charms are as irresistible as truth itself. We love you, we adore you, and will form our manners and the whole routine of our conduct to correspond with your taste. Your displeasure is to us insupportable. If you reve rence and cherish the virtues, we will be virtuous; we will espouse the cause of those luminous and happy qualities, jus tice, prudence, temperance and fortitude. If you frown at wickedness, you frown it inta nonentity. Since then, ladies, your influence in forming the morals of men, is so unbound ed, it will be your duly, your indispensable duty, to study the laws of propriety, and enforce them by your approbation. Ladies, ye who are in the bloom of life, but have not entered the silken chains, teach the young of our sex who would fain on AT i ox. 249 form the most tender yet indissoluble alliances with you, that the meritorious alone shall receive the reward of your affec tion, that your smiles are reserved for the victuous. Let your language and conduct speak such sentiments as these: Ye gentle swains, who wish to know The blessings which from wedlock flow; To gain your dear beloved prize Be gen'rous, brave, be just and Wise. <* We Icve^nir liberty and laws, We love those who maintain their cause; With youth who patriotic are, At Hymen's shrine we will appear. When, my female auditors, yodr irftli^nation is established as one of tbc penalties of vice, the world will assume a very different aspect one that will attest before men and angels your influence in promoting and- perpetuating whatsoever is great, good and excellent. . Fellow citizens, I am detaining you too long indulge me a minute or two and I shall finish. From \vhai has been said, let our minds be deeply and sensibly impressed with our pre sent situation as a people that we enjoy independence in its purity, and that it concerns us materially to support this inde pendence; for its security we ought to be vigilant and anxious. Remember "hs price. To be sure we who are assembled here this day constitute but a small part of the American nation; yet this consideration will not justify us in a careless inatten tion to the common weal. If our great system should be convulsed, each of us will feel -the shock. Let our republi can government be destroyed, and a monarchy or an aristoc racy be adopted, each of us will, be mise*able. It is fresh in your me "Tories, that certain desperadoes, whose names shall be enrolled among the names of traitors, attempted not long since to involve us in wretchedness; and though they did not suCceed, the probability is, that similar attempts may yet be made; theh be watchful. Now-a-days in Europe, the tenure of crowns is precarious, and the duration of kingdoms ex tremely uncertain. When our neighbor's house is on fire, let us be cautious of our own. My friends, that we may be 31 * a 250 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. happy let us be virtuous; that we may be wise let us be stu dious; {hat we may be opulent let us be industrious and eco nomical; and fmally, that we may experience the generosity of heaven let us repose an unshaken and religious confidence in that God who is awful in justice, but amiable in goodness. I add no more.* ; * ^ *J)elivcred at ^Vest Union, Adams county, Ohio. - ~ 4 ' * . m m * i- * ANSWER TO KAPPA. ANS '"pr 'vff MRS. COLVIN:* I will follow the example of Kappa in addressing you, and say my solicitude for the success and prosperity of the "Mes senger" is not less than his. So far it has made its way free from reproach, and long may it deserve favor and kindness. Angry controversies, particularly, those involving politics, ought ever to be excluded from your columns. For such I shall not ask insertion, and so far as I am concerned with Kappa, the most punctilious decorum shall be regarded. Should he vanquish me in argument or out-number me in syllogisms, he shall not bear from me tHfe palm of good nature. "To keep cool" is a motto of which I now avail myself, and the mo ment I cease to librate, he may.be pronounced victor. Had Kappa consumed half as much time in defending the propositions with which he set out, or in combatting my reply, as he has in proving that his opponent is not " a member of Congress," your readers would have been much more edified. He is too wise to believe that a name, a mere signature, can essentially affect an argument. I understand him he is a dextrous logician; and this is a "master stroke" of policy, to divert attention from the true issue. He speaks of the accessions of "glory" which your new contributor will bring to the "Messenger." This little con diment, however grateful to my gout, I fear is undeserved. He may wish to give me consequence, for a very good reason. Beaten, he can say a giant was his adversary; if victorious, the achievement will be the more brilliant. Kappa compliments the members of Congress highly, by intimating that their public duties occupy so much of their time as to preclude the idea that one of them could find time ' Originally published in Mrs. Colvin's Messenger, February 24, 1827. 252 ."MISCELLANEOUS TAPERS. to write an article for a newspaper. Itis certain, that having much business on hartd, they meet early and set late; but as to myself, to save an hour for this pu^ose, it is only neces sary to negative a kind invitation to dirfe; or to rise early and "drive my quill" while philosophers who' knowjiow to promote health and vigor of intellect, march forth to snuff the morning breeze. , Kappa shows great skill in controversy. Supposing his adversary not to be a member of Congress^ he offers him irony for argument. This weapon he brandishes as skilfully as if his hand was untaught the use of any other. Not choos ing to expose myself to ttye keen edge of this instrument, I desire to be considered a grave member of Congress, strongly attached to the old mode of arriving at a conclusion by ma jors and minors. Kappa, in his first article, preferred against Congress the charge of parsimony, and submitted his proof. To me it ap peared there was BO ground for the allegation, and that his evidence was too weak to raise a presumption of guilt. He again reiterates the accusation, and instead of supporting it by facts and just reasoning, diverges, and by a chain of irresisti ble argument upholds the right to condemn the unwise and impolitic measures-of Congress. This is a point on which we agree, and I trust there may never be a want of those who will denounce the folly of our rulers. An acquiescence in every act, right or wrong, would be ominous of the most alarming results. To make every officer "track right," vigi lance is indispensable. The perpetual cry of " all's well" begets insecurity. Upon the discovery of obliquity, the faithful sentinel will announce the crime and fix the punish ment. Parsimony is an offensive term. No one understanding the meaning of words, ever felt flattered by its application and hence the necessity on .the part of Kappa to prove the charge. His aberration has left me but little to do. It is not my purpose to make "straw men" for the purpose of "knocking them under." Such operations might eshaust ANSWER TO KAPPA. 25J my "precious energies," and yield any thing else than a har vest of "glory." Whatever Kappa may write, I shall read with care; but in me he shall no longer find an adversary this closes on my part. Should any thing he may urgein/uture ever re quire notice, an interval of five hundred miles, and agricul tural pursuits, will enjoin*my silence. I 254r MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. . * ' A SCRAPS. * "A snapper up of unconsifierecl trifles." Spectacles were mvented by Spina 1 , a monk, in 1200. For so important a discovery his name ought never. to be forgot ten. Between the mouth of the Missouri and bayou Sa'rah, a distance of one thousand miles, more than two thousand snags hav been removed the last year by one steamboat. Many others were removed from sand bars during low water by chopping. At the Grand Chain, in the*Ohio river, many rocks flave been removed by blasting.^- The Board of Visitors to West Point recommend a more rigid attentiofl t<5 the "^rt militaire " in its most comprehen sive sense; or the "strategy of war." In what dictionary is " strategy " to be found? In the inclement months of the year, wjien the cadets take b8t little exercise of body, a great amount of medicines, such as are required in a "torpid state of the digestive organs," arc used. The erection of a houe for drill and gymnaslic ' exercises, at an expense of eight thousand dollars, is recom mended, m There is a splendid hotel at West Point, built at an ex pense of seventeen thousand dollars The cadets are not al lowed to enter the dining hall, where, only, liquors are allowed to be drank; of course, they can neither cat nor drink there with their visiting friends. The truth is, they are fo/bidden to "drink any wine or strong drink." Remark. They might as well be members of a "Total Abstinence So'ciety." I guess some of the Virginia boys, when discharged, will feel some disposition down about "York" to take a real "spree." A little wine, some "old Monongahela," or "Bourbon," might be of use to their tor pid stomachs. ^ SCRAPS. 255 General Jesup, speaking of the Delaware breakwater, states that the whole quantity of stone deposited is one hundred and thirty-five thousand sevnty-nine perches deposited on the breakwater one thousand feet, or more than one-fourth of its intended" length, and eight hundred feet onwie ice-breaker, or inpre than one-half o^fts proposed Jength. Breakwater and icebreaker! Strange names for expensive things. Last year one thousand five hundred and. thirty-eight men . entered the army as recruits. The desertions amounted to more than one thousand. The man Who could devise some practicable way of preventing this crune, would deserve well of his country. A thousand desertions involve a thousand perjuries, as every soldier binds himself under a most solemn oath to serve his country as such. The number of revolutionary officers on the pension list (StraighU creek. Perhaps it is a mere figure of speech in reference to a fertile soil there. In New York there are ninethousand sixty-two school dis tricts; and four hundred,and ninety-seven thousand five hun dred and sixty -three children between the -ages of five and sixteen were taught in the common schools about eight months last year. The prison at Auburn contains six hundred and sixteen convicts; of these twenty-five are females. The prison at Sing Sing contains eight hundred and six convicts; of these one hundred and fourteen were sent from the city of New York.^ The aggregate u}*one thousand four hundred and twenty -two. This furnishes proof that we are not, in Ohio, - quite so bad as our neighbors, the Yorkers. We have about one-half as much population as they have, and only one hun dred and sixty-five convicts. Their convicts just about clar their teeth; ours, being lazy dogs, do not earn so much. The New York canal debt on the first of January instant amounted to seven millions eight hundred and twenty-five thousand and thirty-five dollars, and the tolls of last year to more than one million dollars. The Governor of that State recommends the abolition of capital punishment for arson and technical murder. What is technical murder? Perhaps it's drowning a perjured mason in the Niagara river. 9 : SCRAPS. 557 The amount of debt for making canals in Ohio on the first of January next will be four millions six hundred and eighty- five thousand seven hundred and sixty-five dollars, assuming it as probable that the whole of the last loan will be needed. Our canals are to be finished, unless some sad disappointment should take place, in the spring of 1832. A few weeks ago tlie "Temperance Journal" contained a letter, purporting to have been written by a citizen of this county, stating that a man had gone abroad, got drunk, fell by the way side, and was nearly devoured by hogs. Having never heard anything more of this melancholy affair, I sus pect the writer was waggishly inclined. Our own legislature is strongly inclined to abolish capital punishment in cases where death ensues in the.commission of rape, robbery and arson, or house burning. Should this prin ciple of humanity be incorporated into the criminal code, the incendiary, who, to avenge an injury, in -the silent hours of night, fires his neighbor's house, and the whole family are lost in the flames, is not to be bung; but is to be sent td the penitentiary for life. In this policy I cannot concur. The offense is one so heinous that it ought to be met by the hea viest penalty krrown to our law. This tenderness to culprits is the dictate of mawkish humanity, and offers a subject on which every good man is admonished ^ reflect. Our representative, Colonel Edwards, has, in the legisla ture, advocated the abolition of punishment by death, in all cases. I admire his independence, and would be glad to hear his reasons.* * Notes made several years since. 32 258 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. COLLEGES.* There are in the United States sixty colleges and six thou sand one hundred and eighty students.- Of these, three thou sand four hundred and .seventy-five are reckoned academical. The others are theological, medical and legal. At Yale, the number is three hundred and forty-six, which is more than any other institution in the country can boast of. At Cambridge, there are two hundred and thirty-six; at Union, two hundred and five; at Amherst, one hundred and ninety- seven; at St. Mary's, one hundred and forty-seven; and at Transylvania, one hundred and forty-one. I forbear a refer ence to others. The table from, which these statements are taken, repre sents the law students to be eighty-eight, which beyond all doubt is an error. The State of New York alone can count at least fifty. In 1829, it is said by Mr. Williams, who con ducts the Annual Register, that the attorneys and counsellors iu that State amounted to sixteen hundred and eighty-eight; and in 1830, to seventeen hundred and forty-one, which shows an increase of fifty-three in one year. On the assump tion that this is near the truth, we think the whole number of law students in the United States may be set down" at 300; of which it is supposed one half attend ,a course or two of lectures. The medical students are estimated at -two thousand, and the theological at six hundred and sixty-three. There are twenty-one theological, seventeen medical, and eight law schools, under the direction of gentlemen of great literary attainments. The university at Cambridge is pronounced the oldest and richest in the United States. It was founded in the year 1638, or one hundred and ninety-five years ago. The offi cers are a President (Josiah Quincy, LL". D.) and twenty- * Read before the Columbus Lyceum in 1833. COtLEOKS. 2.50 ilircc professors and tutors. The libraries contain forty thousand volumes. The philosophical apparatus, cabinet and .botanical garden, are all excellent. The buildings are eight in number, oT which one is granite, finished in a superior style. Yale was founded one hundred and thirty-three years ago, and ranks high on account of the talents of the faculty, and their happy methods of instruction and discipline. The libraries contain twenty thousand volumes. At the four colleges in Ohio to which the editors of the American Almanac refer, there were \ast year two hundred and forty-four students. From the accessions since, particu larly at Kenyon, we presume the number exceecds three hun dred. Ther% are probably one hundred and fifty other youth at schools and academies engaged in the study of the dead languages, and preparing for a collegiate course. About two years ago a manual labor school was opened at Worth ington, and hopes' were entertained by the friends of the system that success would crown the effort. It is morti fying, however, to say there has been a total failure, and some of the pupils are actually gone to a similar institution at Han over in 'the State of Indiana, unwilling to relinquish their original designs. Through the laudable exertions of the German Lutherans, a seminary was established at Columbus about eighteen months since. The corner stone of the edifice, which is now in use, was laid on the 15th of July last, attended by the usual cere monies on such occasions. This institution, without ostenta tion or parade, gives promise of success. Its advances, al though not rapid, are steady, and quite^Squal the expectations of its friends. The pupils have the-.reputation of being peaceful, unassuming and studious, knowing how to appreciate lime and education. The principal is assiduous in Ihe discharge of his duties; and for skillfulness in the learned languages and the sciences, will bear a comparison with the first scholars of our country. Estimating the whole number of students in Ohio at five hundred, which is not wide of the truth, it will he found there is onlv one for every two thousand of our population^ now 260 MISCELLANEOUS PAVERS. supposed to be a million. This is a small and disreputable proportion, where an education call, be obtained on terms unexceptionably cheap. The number may be ample to sup ply the learned professions; this, however, is not all. It is highly important to the interests of the country to have well- informed citizens in every neighborhood and township. They become the business men, and can shed an influence upon the surrounding population, favorable to the cause of knowledge and virtue. They are looked to for counsel and advice in every thing which pertains to the concerns of the vicinity. Through their efforts much can be done in the settlement of disputes, the establishment of schools, the founding of churches and the improvement of morals. Without doubt, many of them would become able and suitable representatives in the councils of the country, bearing with them a knowl edge of the wants and wishes of the people. As far as I know, there is but one literary institution in this State, where manual labor is combined with study; and that is the Lane Seminary near Cincinnati. The disregard of so important a principle in the means of obtaining an edu cation, where to toil in the garden, the field and the shop, is not infamous, argues a degree of imprudence and neglect, spe cially reprehensible. It is admitted on all hands that exer cise is useful to the student in the protection of his health; that it is the almost sure preventive of dyspepsia* and other diseases, inauspicious to mental effort. If this be fact, the question may be propounded, whether employment at the plough, the hoe, bench or lathe, is not quite as salutary and profitable as the childish games of cat, bandy, corner ball or anthonv-over? ADDENDA. J ** * JOHN W. CAMPBELL. REMARKS ON THE CHARACTER OF THE LATE HON, JOHN W. CAMBBELL. BY A FRIEA'D. MY acquaintance with Judge Campbell commenced in 18J1, some ten or fifteen years after his settfement in Ohio, and continued until his lamented deajh. He entered on the duties of the legal profession, as is well known to his nu merous friends, with fair prospects of signal success. Nor were those prospects fallacious. He very soon acquired a high reputation, and while he was respected as a member of the bar, his character as a patriotic citizen, as a neighbor, and as a friend, commended him most to the affection of those who knew him best. Possessing talents of a high order, a . mind highly cultivated, particularly as it was well stored with useful knowledge, bo'fch general and professional, and the habit of patient and careful investigation, joined with integ rity and" perseverance, he could not fail to become eminent in his sphere of action. And his success was indicated by the confidence of his fellow citizens, and the trusts com mitted to him by the State and General Governments. But on these topics it is unnecessary for 'me to dwell. It is rather my design briefly to remark some traits of character which I observed during the time of his residence in Co lumbus. He appeared to me to possess a high degree of equanimity. Doubtless he had his seasons of depression and of excitement, as all^nen have; but I have known very few who have, in similar circumstances, exhibited an equal degree of evenness of temper and properly regulated feeling. Nor did this pro ceed, as it sometimes does, from carelessness or insensibility. He was alive to all real interests, both public and private, his own and others', as every man should be; but his strong sense and sound judgment controled his omotions, and preserved 272 ADDENDA. - him from the influence of those disturbing forces which often throw even the greatest men off their balance, and sometimes drive them out of their proper orbit. He was indeed in some respects very sensitive, as I have had occasion to observe; still he maintained, on such occasions, a great degree of com posure and self command. The character of his mind was marked rather by a talent for minute and varied and thorough investigation, and correct apprehension, than by bold conception or surprising compre hension. The latter qualities may n ake a stronger impres sion, but the former aje certainly more safe and useful. Hence his matured opinions were seldom erroneous. (I speak now of his opinions, more particularly, on moral subjects; as in this regard I knew him best.) And for the same reason, his views were very practical, and were well calculated to form his own character, and to exert a salutary influence on those with whom he associated in the various intercourse of life. Thus also, he trod with safety and success the path of knowledge, and gained the reputation of wisdom which in vested him with so much influence in the sphere in which he was placed. Public welfare always seemed to haVe a paramount place in his regard. I have seldom known any one of his natural temperament and mental Constitution whose thoughts and feelings were as thoroughly ad deeply occupied by subjects of this nature. He seemed to be quite at home in his atten tion to the interests, both general and particular, political and moral, of the community of mankind at large. And here it will be proper th5t I should mention, leaving out of my view national and political topics, the importance he attached to the diffusion of useful knowledge among the people, espe cially the education of the rising generation; and his ffympa- thetic attention to the sufferings of others. In these things he took much pleasure, and gave many and various practical evidences of his interest in them during his residence among us. As a few instances of this nature I may first .state, that he showed a strong desire to improve common schools, and gave his zealous aid an*l co-operation in an- attempt, which JOH-N W. CAMPBELL. 273 proved abortive, but not at all by his fault, to establish a Ly ceum on an extended plan for the public benefit; and his active and fearless efforts during the prevalence of the cholera. The same feelings led him to embrace, at an early period, the cause of the American Colonization Society, as a great scheme of benevolence which promised much good to the degraded suffering African race. Of the Ohio State Colonization Soci ety he was president at the time of his death. I have seldom known a man of more uniform and thorough morality. He seemed to allow himself to entertain no prin ciple and do no action, even of a trivial kind, that was, or had the appearance of being immoral. Doubtless he was thought by some to be unnecessarily strict in this respect. But yet there was not, that I ever observed, any appearance of rigor or harshness all seemed easy and natural the result of principle well digested and firmly fixed. And it is worthy of special notice that the Bible, and not any of the partial maxims, or flimsy, defective theories of wordly morality, was his code. Divine authority he regarded as supreme in morals, and Divine revelation as decisive and sufficient. His religious views were of the most decided kind; and by his expressions of respect for religion, and his attendance on its ordinances, he showed that he attached to it a high practi cal importance. Like many others of enlightened mind who are actively engaged in the interest and business of this world, he did not give that first and chief attention to practi cal religion which duty and interest equally demand, until a late period. And this was to himself a cause of deep regret which he repeatedly and strongly expressed during his last illness. But ere his departure, I think he exhibited decisive evidence of a change of his views and feelings in this respect. He expressed his sorrow that he in so great a degree neg lected that one thing that is needful, his full conviction of his sinfulness and utter unworthiness before God, his need of an interest in the atonement and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and also his need and desire of that spiritual renovation which is the work of God. Often his language was peculiarly clear and strong on the great points of experimental and practical 33 274 ADDENDA. .3 L* religion. Could his conversation during the last week of his life be accurately recollected, I am persaded it would furnish much satisfaction, as well as afford pretty clear indications of that Divine operation by which God, in his riches of grace by Jesus Christ, gives conformity to himself, as a preparation for death, and for dwelling in his presence. JOSEPH N. CAMPBELL. 275 JOSEPH N. CAMPBELL. A SHORT NOTICE OF JOSEPH N. CAMPBELL. BY A FRIEND. JOSEPH N. CAMPBELL was born July 5, 1783. He pos sessed a mild and peaceful temper, and was remarkable for his morality even from early life. He carefully avoided the vices so common, and so destructive to youth. In youth, as well as in more advanced age, his character was unstained by any vicious habit. He enjoyed the advantage of religious instruction and example, and this, no doubt, contributed much to the formation of his moral habits. Such example and instruction have ever been found the richest blessings that parents can confer upon their children. They are the prom inent means of propagating religion and morality in the world, and consequently essential to the happiness of the human race. How desirable that all parents should confer such privileges upon their never-dying offspring. Immortal beings should be put in possession of every means necessary to happiness both in time and eternity. Had not Mr. Camp bell enjoyed the advantages of religious example and instruc tion, he might have wandered in the paths of vice and folly to the utter subversion of every temporal and eternal interest. The manner in which he profited by these advantages is the highest evidence of a wise and reflecting mind. Alas! how many silly youth count it a mark of wisdom to hate religious instruction, and to despise pious example. For such, nothing can be hoped, either for time or eternity. Careful attention to religious instruction and example is one of the most hope ful evidences of future usefulness and true greatness found in youth. In this respect, Mr. Campbell should be imitated. He profited by example and instruction, and by this means was enabled, from early life, to govern his appetites and pas sions so as to sustain an unblemished character. And thus he made one of the best attainments ever made by men. He 27G ADDENDA. that governs himself does more than he who governs a king dom. /2 good name, gained by such means, is better than precious ointment. It is to be regretted that Mr. Campbell's morality was not, in the first instance, the result of piety. That he spent the vigor of youth without giving his heart to the service of God, and without professing the Saviour before men, is much to be lamented, and was no doubt, to himself, in after life, a source of deep regret. Still his early and continued morality is to be admired and commended, so far as good in itself and profitable to society. Morality, although it may be abused by making it a scheme of self-righteousness, and such abuse of it may endanger the soul, is nevertheless valuable in soci ety, and less unfavorable to religion, than habits of vice. It preserves health, gives vigor to the powers of reflection, and prepares the mind for serious thought; it affords time and means for mental cultivation, and renders the habits of reli gion easy. It is admitted that there is no holiness in the morality of the unrenewed man, and nothing in it that will avail in the sight of God, yet without morality, society could not exist Morality there may be without religion; but there can be no religion without morality. Mr. Campbell's mor ality was no doubt the means of placing him in circumstances more favorable for the reception of divine grace, and conse quently of great value. The industry of Mr. Campbell is equally worthy of notice. He was far from being a drone in society. He was not one of that class, alas, too numerous, who despise labor, and are ever attempting to degrade the laboring man. From his first capability he w r as ever engaged in some useful employ ment. By his own industry and economy he acquired the means of setting up the mercantile business, and by a close attention to this useful employment, he acquired the means of support, and of usefulness in society. As a merchant he sustained a fair character, and his customers reposed the high est confidence in his integrity. In carrying on his business he regarded the interests of others as well as of himself. He favored so far as practiceable the honest and industrious elas- *os of society. It is often in the power of the merchant to JOSEPH X. CAMPBELL. 277 aid poor and industrious men in setting up and carrying on business. In this way Mr. Campbell rendered service when opportunity offered, and by it accomplished much good to his fellow men. If merchants in general would copy this part of his example, thousands of day laborers and mechanics would rise up and call them blessed. Men, in every em ployment should be actuated by the spirit of benevolence. Nothing should be done for mere selfish purposes Every man should live to make others happy as well as himself. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, should ever be the rule of action in all our intercourse with our fellow beings. Mr. Campbell did, in some good degree, carry on his business for the good of others. Industry was a prominent virtue in his character, and a, principal means of his usefulness. This trait of character should be possessed by every one. Every idler is a drone in society to eat up the hard earnings of the honest and industrious. Mr. Campbell was not favored with a liberal education; but by his own industry he acquired the knowledge suited to his station, and such as was calculated to give him respecta bility and render him useful in society. He valued mental cultivation, and consequently, amidst the cares and business of life, he did not forget to store his mind with useful know ledge. *This connected with a humane and benevolent dispo sition gave him extensive influence in society, and afforded him many opportunities of doing good. At the early age of twenty-two he was appointed Asso ciate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He discharged the duties of this office with such fidelity as secured general approbation. In July, 1816, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Kirker, danghter of Mr. Thomas Kirker, who was formerly well known in the legislative halls of Ohio. In this connection he lived happily the remaining part of his life. He was a kind husband and an affectionate father. So soon as he became the head of a family he began to dis charge the duty of family worship, and some short time after wards he and his wife made a public profession of religion. At what time he became a special subject of grace is not known. 213 ADDENDA. Some time after his public profession of religion, a Presby terian church was formed at Ripley. and he was elected to the office of ruling elder. The duties of this office he dis charged to the satisfaction of the church up to the time of his death. Mr. Campbell as a Christian attended carefully to the duties of religion. And this is the best evidence we can have of the genuineness of a man's Christian profession. "This is the Love of God, that ye keep his commandments, and his com mandments are not grievous." "By their fruits ye shall know them." Mr. Campbell was a conscientious man, and one that regarded the commandments of God. His conduct evidenced the sincerity of his profession. The Presbyterian church of Ripley was very small at its foundation, and, of course, the support of a pastor devolved on a few, and required of that few much liberality. Mr. Campbell sustained his part among them, and thus with a few others of equal liberality, was the means of sustaining the public means of grace, until from small beginnings a large and flourishing church has sprung up, in which his name will be long remembered. He was also liberal in promoting the various benevolent institutions of his day. His contribu tions extended to the far distant heathen. And it is hoped that through his instrumentality some benighted idolaters may receive the light of life and find their way to heaven. In July, 1833, that scourge of nations, the cholera, visited the town of Ripley and spread terror and death among the inhabitants. Mr. Campbell had been previously in a de bilitated state of health, and the more readily became a prey to the fatal disease. In the evening preceding his death he thought he felt bet ter health than usual. Early in the morning it was discov ered that the cholera had commenced its ravages upon his system. He found himself extremely feeble. He told his wife that he could not recover; expressed his hopes of future happiness, and exhorted her to bring up the children in the fear of the Lord. He soon became too debilitated for con versation, and expired in the afternoon of the same day. Thus, in a few hours, the kind husband and the indulgent JOSEPH N. CAMPBELL. 279 father was torn from the embraces of his family. It was indeed a distressing bereavement. Still it was consoling to believe that it was but the shorter way to heaven. He died on the 13th of July, 1833, and was intered on the following day. The news of his death was extremely afflictive to his brother, John W. Campbell, who then resided at Columbus, a hundred miles distant. Joseph's mild and amiable disposi tion rendered him peculiarly a favorite with his brother John. It was thought that- John never afterwards resumed his usual cheerfulness.* Strong indeed are the ties of brotherhood, but, by death, they must all be broken up. On earth, the dearest friends must part. How happy they who shall meet in heaven to part no more. * Joseph N. Campbell was elected judge in Clermont county. He trav eled to Williamsburgh to court for many years, through a wilderness coun try and through the mud. The county of Brown was stricken off Cler mont, Highland and Adams. Joseph N. was again elected judge for the county of Brown. He resided in Ripley in said county. Judge Campbell exclaimed, on hearing of his brother's death, " Shall I never see the face of my beloved brother on earth. He was my favorite brother. He was dear to me through life; I mourn over his death." UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. FonnLQ 15m-10,'48(B1039)444 UNIVE1 pg Campbell , 1252 Biographical ft415b Sketches. PS 1252 C4l5b 001372703 * V*T1 *i~ *** r '~A *v j^r *** J** r< * *. r '^-- rfv , ...'-> < - r '*-*. ?^ : ..? . /; J* .jv