American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-07-11
JAMES BARBOUR
From tie Washington papers IF Juiy a.
WASHINGTON, June IA,

WAsnINGTos, June IA, 1895.
SIR: AS Chairman of Committee appointed by the
Ting the Fliteth Anniversary of American Independence
lin manner worthy Of the Metropolis of the Nation, an,
direc ed to invite YOU of the sgners of the
memorable Declaration of the Fourth of July, 1876 TO favor
|he city with your presence on the
am further instructed inform you, that receiving
your acceptance of this invitations special deputaon
will be sent, to accompany you from your residence
this city, and back to your home.
With sentiments Of the highest respect and yenerston
have the honor TO be, your most obedient servant,
r. C. WEIGHTMAN,
Mayor of Washington, and Chan man of
the Committee OF Arrangements.
1.-THE above is copy of the letter addressed the sur
living signers Of the Declaration of Independence
Ito the effect also addressed the former Presi
dents of the United States, who not sgners Of ,h
srunent Noe of the persons to whom the letter was
addressed, able attend The following ia Mr. JET
ersOns repy-whlch does honor TO his head and heart
.lfnaceRo, Jane "a 1896.
RESPECTED SIR: The kind Invita- received frm o..
the par OF the citizens OF the city of Washington,
present with hem at her celebration of the Feth AMI
|versay OF American Independence, OF he surviving
|sgners OF an instrument pregnant with our oM and the
aie Of the world, most attering tnmyself and hrghe
d by the honorable accompaniment proposed fer III cor
Hort of such journey 1t adds sensiby 10 the s'tri g
f sickness, TO be deprived by it of personal participate
lin the rejocings of that day but acquescence u ',
under circumstances not placed among those We are pc
nitted TO CONTROL should indeed with peculiar delight,
have met and exchanged there congratulations personally
With tue small band, the remnant OF that host Of worthie
who joined with us that day, in the bold and doubtful
election to make for country, between sub
mission and the swords and have enjoyed with them the
DRY fact that fellow citizens, after half
Of experience and prosperity, continue t. approve the
achoce made May be to the world what believe il
Twill be, Ito parts sooner, to others later but finally
sa the signal Of arosng TO burst the CHAINS nndet
(which monksh ignorance and superstition had persuaded
hem to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and
ecurty of se'fgovernmeDt The form which have sub
atuted the free right to the unboundcd exercise
reason and freedom of opinion All eyes opened
penng TO the rights of The general spread of the
1gs of science has already laid open to every the
apable TRUTH that the of mankind has been born
with saddles their backs favored few, booted and
8.purred ready ride Them egmately, by the grace Of
God These grounds OF hope for Others for ourselves
the annual of this day forever refresh ecol
ec,ions of these rights, and undimnshed devotion t.
hem.
will ask permission here to express the pleasure with
which should have met my ancient neighbours of the city
If Washington and its vcintes, With whom passed
many years Of pleasing social inercoursean intercourse
ch much relieved the aSiees Of the public cares,
md left impressions deeply engraved in my affections
las to be forgotten. With my regret hat i'll health
forbtls The qualification Of acceptance be pleased
receive for YOURSELF and those for whom you wrte The
assurance OF my highest rcspec and friendly attachments
TIL JEFFERSON.