The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-03-29
TRiBURE OF RESPECT
FROM THE national INTELLIeENcER.

FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIeENcER
The foAo1ving .4ddrcsS zvaS delivered to the
Hon. THoMAS JEFFERSON, Esq. By the COM
mittce appointed by the Ctizens Of Washing-
ton, hrevious TO his leaving the City
To THOMAS JEFFERSON, ESQ.
SIR,
THE citizens of Washington, cannot fore
go the last opportunity, which may, perhaps
ever occur, to bid you respectful and af1ec-
tionate farewell. AS members of the great
and hourishing nation, over which you have
SO ilustriously presided, your virtues, talents,
and services command their esteem, admira-
ton and gratitude. Embarked in the fate of
this solitary republick of the World, they have,
in common with their fellow citizens, reloiced
in its prosperous and sympathised in its ad-
verse fortunes, as involving every thing dear
to frecmen. They have marked with exuita-
ton the firm column of its glory, laid on inn
perishable foundations, arising as a monument
of the reign of principle i'll this quarter of the
globe. To you they have been instructed to
ascribe the memorable act, which, by declar-
ing gallant people free and independent, in
tone that appalled, tyranny, instiiled those
sentiments and principles, which, inspiring
every virtue, and urging every sacrifice, led
them to triumph and empire.
We have since behcld you, with parental
solicitude, and with vigilance that never
sleeps, watching over the fairest offspring Of
liberty, and by your unremitted labours, in
upholding, explaining and vindicating our
system of government, rendering it the OBJ
ject of love at home, and respect abroad.
1t would be pleasing task for us, as citi-
zens of the United States,to fill up * extend
the outlines we have sketched. But it is,as citi-
zens of the national metropolis, that we now APP
pear before you. In addition to every pstriotick
! feeling that can warm our breasts, we have
still further inducements to open our hearts
| to you on this proud, yet painful occasion.
The world knows you as philosopher and
| philanthrophist the American people know
| you as a patriot and statesman we know
| you, in addition to all this, as man. And
however your talents have cxtorted our re-
spect there is not one among us, whose pre-.
dominant feelings at this moment is not that
of affection for the mild and endearing virtues
that have made every one here your friend
and you his We should be lost to gratitude,
did VIC not acknowledge that it is to you we
| tcrcourse and tolerance of opinion, which
characterize our state of society-of that i'm
provement, which amidst un propitious cir
cumstances has progressed with sure and
| steady steps, and, above all, of that spirit of
enterprise, which your bcneGcence and liber-
ality have invariable aided, and which promi-
scs in a few years to render this place the
faircst seat of wealth and science.
i Deeplv nc we feel your re+;ro,,,o,.
prove, nay applaud it. Personal considerations
aside, it was to be expected from the friend
and protector Of republican institutions, that
he would follow, and by his cooperation,
strengthen the example of the illustrious
hero Of the revolution.
May you in the retirement, to which YOU
SO, be happy ! AS your fellow citizens will
still took towards you with interest and
pray for your felicity, so will you find it i'm
possible to lose sight of the arduous scenes
through which we have passed, as well as
those in store for our country. Your heart
will still beat with patriotism, and the ener-
gies of your mind continue to be engaged
on national objects. In your retreat, may CIV.
cry anxious thought be softened by the mild
and tender occupations of private life Happy,
thrise happy retreat ! Where patriotism and
philosophy, friendship and affection, will ami
mate, direct and soften the purest feelings of
the heart With a grateful nation, we pray
that you may be happy, and if the just Being,
that presides over the universe, insure to you
but portion of that felicity you have confer
red on others, our prayers will be fulfilled
ROBERT BRENT, Chairman.
NICHOLAS KING, Secretary.