American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-08-16
ADDRESS;

i'll
to the Cadets, on the application Of Committee
appointed for that purpose.
CADETS: Being about to separate from you, it
was nv wish to have taken Of you individually an
affectionate farewell. That being inconvenient, /
requested that you might be assembled | will
avail myself OF the opportunity the occasion presents
to give u,terance to the feelings my visit has insplr-
ed.
II is with the highest pleasure that declare, in
the presence oil this assembly, that my satisfaction
has been unmixed had prepared myself to see
much that would be gratifying, but can IN sober
truth declare, that the reality has exceeded my ex-
pectaiions. have felt only one regret, and that is
the necessity, from the paramount claims on my
time to depart before witnessing the examination Of
all the classes. But, from what have seen, am
quite sure that the examination OF every day would
have added 10 my satisfaction.
1 Cadets: In your department and attainments,
see, with unsneakabe delight, the most satisfactory
evidence of your industry talents, and moral worth
Officers OF the Institution: In the fine fruits
which The examination has presented, l am satisfied
with the zeal and fidelity with which you have dis
charged your solemn trusts Where all have done
their duty, it were nyidous TO discriminate, and
: shall not attempt it; yet must say, Cadets, that
Col. Thayer, your Chief Superintendent, is entitled
TO your gratitude, and, will add, to the thanks oil
his country. Children! for so | esteem you, since
circumstances have placed you under my peculiar
care, feel for you parent: and value 1t as one
of the most fortunate incidents oil my lite that We
have been associated in this intimate relation. Be
assured, take deep interest in whatever concerns
you, and that, far my power reaches, II will be
exercised for your welfare.
: wish to impress on both officers and cadets,
that the nation is locking to this institution with an
eye OF hope, and pride, and affeotonste solici,ude
Officers You will appreciate the honor you have
received from your country in being called to pre-
, side over the institution, the highest mark OF her
ch Won have nd rtake
;, is high and solemn. Behold the favored children of
= The nation. These to be the fuure men OF "A.
. merica II properly reared, her ornaments in peace
u in war her shield and bucker To the improve
: ment Of the mind, add sentiments OF morality, hon.
, or and patriotism. The maintenance oil your au-
= thority by rigid discipline is essential alike to the
youths and to the institution. But remember, they
are taken Young and inexperienced from their pa.
Al terna roof The homes and their parents afar
7 off-Ther wants no longer administered TO by
~ the hands of aiecon-You are substituted for the
absent parent-temper then the sernness OF authori
= ty BY acts of kindness and benefcence there is
o. ncompabiity between them, and in their due mix
lure consists the hghes excellence OF your calling:
your reward is in the consciousness OF having done
10 your duty in the mass Of worth and intelligence you
annually return TO society and in the appreciation OF
your country.
Is Cadets your country has large claims upon you
:. you have been singled out amid thousands OF un-
" successful candidates the object OF her iavor
VI Repay this kindness by your exemplary conduct,
'e and by your atianmens in science. Subordnation
to your superior stands forward prominent part
Of your duty. 1t is indispensable TO your own wei.
rs fare Although the duties enJoined may seem to
nc your inc pc rence unnecessarily severe. remember
they have been prescribed by your fathers, whose
VI affection you cannot doubt they the result OF
10 wisdom enlightened by experience respect them,
:! therefore, for the from which they enanate
There are two roads which lie before you the signs
- of the virtue, renowo, aud happiness; OF the
~ other, vice. degradation, and ruin. Is there any one
= among you whose spirit is SO abased as to hesitate
-, which to elect The is foil OF satisfaction;
=: consciousness that you have done your duty, giving
~ 10y to your parents and rejoicing yourself In your
course. The other presents no temptation but the
"e temporary indulgence of the grossest appetes,
~, q, whose reward is infamy and wretchedness. fou
may yet from inexperence not have sufficiently ap.
~ precated how essentially the happiness OF your pa
~, and the prosperity OF your country is involved
~ in your fate. Suppose-but why need suppose
al such case when saw it but yesterday-a ialher
- present then the whole father sat upon his lace
agitaed by the conflicting emotions oil lear and hope
when his son called to down on the arena
The anxious suspense painful to all. till the son.
- with masters hand, distinctly evolved the in'F''
- cate ma2es Of The absruse sciences then the
-, gentle murmur Of applause circulated from one 10
the other till the fathers fears dlssipaed anu
or ~ 1s :: t: =. ~. III -, he at
,nal i"easae =, 10 .NPp' -. .;ai ,vor,b
the tear of JOY escaped from his eye, and the paren-
= :; lal benedieton, Involuntary escaping, settled on
:. the head OF his beloved child YOU indeed niiRh'
not have the pleasure of your fathers presence ou'
r.. wheresoever he is, however Distant his solci'uus
for your is no less intense. lie IS anx'oosi'
in a"''''''s Nc '"F !, ,.N., -. ,,-,a Vol,
fot haye