Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-07-01
DINNER TO MIR. LIVINGSTON.


GENTLEMEN:--In rising to give you my SIN
cere thanks, not only for this bu, former marks of
your kindness and confidence, permit me to remark
the mode in which his has been offered that, al
though TO superficial observer, the iestivity of
banquet would seem ill-suited 10 the consideration
OF public services, and its impression transiory,
TO leave any good effect on the mind, yet more
closely considered, its advantages become appar-
ent: it may be made the of testifying any
kind OF approval, from that which you would be-
stow on the highest degree of public service, TO the
humble merit which $50 far as 1t concerns mel YOU
are now pleased TO notice; it encourages the diff
dent, stimulates the inactive to eXerton confirms
the way erng, and eXces the patriot TO a more de-
voted application of his talents for the good of his
country. WHO is there, who casting his eyes on
counieEances such as those see around me, beam
ins with friendly feeling confidence and Joy, could
have the cow1ricc TO shrink from any responsible
ty to serve them? Who is the sordid wretch who
would not prefer their interest 10 his own Even
the traitor, who eddy resentment or ambition,
might plot the ruin of his country, would hesitate
to bctray the interests ofunsuspecting friends, who
greet him with courtesy, and encourage him with
their smiles' 1t blends the feeling of friendship,
social intercourse, and hospitality, with the severer
virtue OF patriotism and honor. The glass does
not circulate III vain; our gOblets are not only
crowned like those OF the ancients with the CAV
but iieeting roses OF fesivty, but with the aurels
oil the conqueror, and the cypress of departed
worth; every toast is hbaiion of gratitude pour
ed 10 the shade of some departed hero, or an en-
enlargement TO the eXeTtions of some living orua-
ment of his country; every sentiment is maxim
OF sound policy, a lesson of pure morality
When IN solemn and expressive silence we honor
the memory OF Washington, what mind is not i'm
pressed with the purest patriotism, When we re-
peat the sacred names OF Montgomery, Warren,
and the gallant heroes who fought, bed, aud died
=. IL A.
high with the enthusiasm OF valor and resolve to
follow their footsteps, even if they lead 10 their
glorious graves When, in the ofdeep gIati-
tude and admiration, utter the name OF the man
who led us to victory and honor, and accompany
1t with cries of eXultation and Joy, which OF the
followers OF Jackson would not again incur the
danger of that glorious defence? W hen we drink
perpetuity 10 political Institutions, who does
not form the firm resolve to support them at the
risk OF his fortune and life? And, when, with eyes
sparkling with admiration, and hearts bounding with
JOY, we toast those fair ornaments of our country,
to whom we owe every felicity of life, who does
not record an " oath in Heaven to protect them,
as you, my fellow citizens, have once nobly done,
against the insult OF INVADERS Thus. my friends
is good as well as pleasant for TO be here; it is
both to you and to your guests-your kindness,
like the g mercy OF the poet, is
Twice bieSs'd-it bes.es those who give
" And him who takes;
and L should pity the man, If could think such an
enc were here, who did rise from this board bet
ter, as well as happier, than he sat down.
In offering and repeating my thanks for the hon
orable and kind attention you have thought proper
10 bestow, | pray You gentlemen 10 believe, that !
nave not the vanity 10 attribute ii to an entire ap-
proval OF all have done in the station in which
my constituents have placed me; still less have
the injustice want of oandor, TO give it that az
pearance to the world. For cannot but know
that on one occasion, and that no unimporiant one
although acted in conformity with the dictates OF
my best Judgment and with what | have no donbt
was the wish Of large majority OF my constituents,
yet differed from some highly respectable citizens
and intimate friends, some of whom ! see now
around me, and whose presence is a sure proof that
have not suffered in their esteem by the indepen-
dent expression of my sentiment, although in con-
tradlction to their own. | did, indeed, wish the
Presidential Election should have been different |
did, particularly, wish that whatever might have
been the result, the voice OF this State should have
been given to one to whom it owes so much, and
who, IN my opinion, other respects every
way worthy OF the place | was disappointed in
both. The constituted authorities and among them
my colleagues in Office thought differently; and
since that event, have, as was my duty, incuca-
ted on others, with the intent 10 practise myself.
submission to the public will, constiiutionally ex-
pressed, support to all wise MEASURES and disdain
was opposed lat the same time that shall think
sacred duty touse every effort TO restore TO The
people the nomination of their first magistrate and
thereby avoid tie of discomfort and suspi-
con, which inherent TO the present mode Of
election. As TO ITS late result, those who were
disappointed on that occasion, have all that could
console them under defeat, in the high and unsuled
character of tie gentleman who has been elected,
in his acknowledged talents, and the liberal, and
have no doubt, sincere profession Of political faith,
under which he entered on the exercise of bis high
duties.
prey you 10 pardon, gentlemen, this allusion to
an event on which there was difference OF opin-
ion, and recur with me to another subject in which
all our opinions, al Our wishes unite; the increas-
ing prosperity OF country tire happiness its 20
vernneat dlfIusos at home, and The proud pre-emi-
hence IN it, reputation abroad. Our minds lag behind
tie progress ofimprovemcnt, and we lose one half
the enjoyment we ought 10 receive, because we are
not prepared Tor the rapid course of events which
conduct as 20 wealth, refinement, and reputation
Not only IRE internal Improvements marching with
gigantic strides over mountains, our forests and
plains, forcing back the course Of mighty rivers,
dwelling nterv ening Obstacles and uniting In one
system OF continued navigation, lakes, rivers, and
seas which nature bad scented 10 separate forever
but our political progress is not less asonshlng-
In less than hall century we have sprung into
isiencc, have sustained tic hard trials that attended
our infancy, and already in the maturity Of strength
we have shown ourselves equol 90 a contest with
the first power in Europe and have ourselves be-
come the first in this quarter Of The globe. Our in
stitutions copied, our political principles are
adopted, The nsmcs Of our heroes and statesmen,
even the fields IN which our Independence was