The Sun.
London, England, 1847-12-31 00:00:00

WINDING-UP.

In view of the existing state of our country I trust
it may not be inappropriate, in closing this commu-
nication, to call to mind the words of wisdom and ad-
monition of the first and most illustrious of my pre-
decessors in his farewell address to his countrymen.
That greatest and best of men, who served his
country so long and loved it so much, foresaw, with
" serious concern," the danger to our Union "of
characterizing parties by geographical discrimina-
tions—northern and southern Atlantic, and westerx—
whence designing men may endeavour to excite a
belief that there is a real difference of local interests
and views," and warned his countrymen against it.
So deep and solemn was his conviction of the im-
portance of the Union, and of preserving harmony
between its different parts, that he declared to his
countrymen in that address, " it is of infinite moment
that you should properly estimate the immense value
of your national union to your collective and indivi-
dual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial,
habitual, and immoveable attachment to it; accus-
toming yourselves to think and to speak of it as a
palladium of your political safety and prosperity ;
watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety ;
discountenancing whatever may suggest even a sus-
picion
that it can in any event be abandoned, and
indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of
every attempt to alienate any portion of our country
from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now
link together the various parts."
After the lapse of half a century these admonitions
of Washington fall upon us with all the force of
truth. It is difficult to estimate the " immense value"
of our glorious union of confederated states, to which
we are so much indebted for our growth in population
and wealth, and for all that constitutes us a great and
happy nation. How unimportant are all our differ-
ences of opinion upon minor questions of public policy
compared with its preservation ; and how scrupulously
should we avoid all agitating topics which may tend
to distract and divide us into contending parties, sepa-
rated by geographical lines, whereby it may be weak-
ened or endangered.

Invoking the blessing of the Almighty Ruler of
the Universe upon your deliberations, it will be my
highest duty, no less than my sincere pleasure, to co-
°prate with you in all measures which may tend to
promote the honour and enduring welfare of our
common country.

JAMES K. POLK.
Washington, December, 1847.

MEXICO.
By an arrival at New Orleans from the Brazils, we
have advices from that quarter to the 20th November.
General Taylor had taken up his encampment at the
Walnut Springs, and with his force was returning
homewards. It was impossible to collect contri-
butions from the inhabitants to any extent, all the
towns between Matamoras and Monterey were de-
stroyed.

COMMERCIAL.
NEW YORK, TUESDAY AFTERNOON, DEC. 7.
The market for Flour was firm to-day, and sales of
Genesee, Oswego, Michigan, &e., made at full prices.
Wheat continued firm, and a small sale of Genesee
was made at a slight improvement. Corn sold to a fair
extent at yesterday's prices, while meal remained
steady at previous rates. Sales of rye were made at
a slight decline compared with previous prices. Oats
remained steady at yesterday's quotations. Business
was less animated, on account of the continued ab-
sence of the steamer, and dealers in produce generally
were disinclined to operate freely till the receipt of
later advices from abroad. The provision market
continued inactive, with the exception of beef, for
which there was some more inquiry. Groceries ex-
hibited no material change while sales were light.
Ashes—Sales of about 100 brls. of pots were made
at 5 dolls. 64c., and small sales of pearl were made
at 7 dolls. 25c.

Beeswax—We continue to quote yellow at about
22 cents., though holders demanded a higher price.
Breadstuffs—Flour—The sales of all kinds footed
up about 5,000 to 6,000 brls., including 1,100 to
1,200 this State, at 6 dolls. 37ic.; also some lots bet-
ter than common, or very pure Genesee, at 6 dolls.
50c. ; 900 1-Li. 07wEgo, n.nd 600 brls.stright bran&
Michigan, at 6 dolls. 25e. ; and 900 brls. Rochester, at
6 dolls. 25c. ; with 500 brls. Black Rock, at 6 dolls.