Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-06-09
MEETING INTHE CAPITOL.

=
Richmond, June 6.-The Mayor Of this City
had in compliance with the request OF many
citizens, called meeting 10 devise means for
contributing 10 the relief of our ilustrious
Counlryman Thomas JEFFERSON. This Meet
ing was held last evening in the Capitol. 1t
was Humerously attended. Many Of our most
respectable citizens appeared to sanction the
purpose for which it was collected
The GOVERNOR Of the Commonwealth was in
vited to take The Chair-and THOMAS RiTcHIE
was appointed Secretary.
The Governor opened the business by ex-
planning in few very happy and touching re-
marks, the object of the meeting
Mr.. Philip y. Nicholas then addressed the
Assembly, expatiating on the sixty years SER
vices of Mr.: Jefferson, and emphaticay calling
on the citizens of Richmond to testify the graf
itade so Justly due to the henefactor Of the
State. He concluded by submitting Pream-
bic and series Of Resolutions.
Mr.. Andrew Stevenson next rose and made
an eloquent appeal upon the OCCASION. He cal
led upon them to forget all party dissentions-
'Let us pour (said he) into~his aged and patri-
otto bosom the tribute oFa nations gratitude"
The Preamble and Resolutions we're then
read from the Chair: and after some discussion
on an amendment proposed 10 the third resou-
ton, Substitute 10 the whole resolution was
submitted by Mr.. Forbes, which was adopted
The question was then put on the Preamble
and Resolutions thus amended, and they were
unanimously carried-as follows:
The Citizens of Richmond, and Others, here
assembled, avail themselves Of the opportunity
this meeting affords, most cordi ally and ardent
y to unite in the expression Of gratitude for the
important services rendered to their country,
by their ilustrious fellow-citizen. Thomas JET
ferson, not oaly in the struggle for our ihdepcnd-
ence, the Declaration Of which he penned, but
in the important stations which he has since
filled.
Whilst they deeply lament, that the exclu.
sive devotion Of Mr.. Jefferson's time and tai
ent, to the public service, to the neglect Of his
private affairs, and the extended hospitalities to
which the celebrity Of his character exposed
him, has resulted in the great diminution, ifnot
the ruin Of his private fortunes, yet they derive
consolation from the evidences, which the &C.
casion has produced, of the sincere veneration
and affection in which this distinguished patri-
OF and statesman is held by every class Of his
fellow citizens. I, has afforded the amplest
refutation of the charge, which the enemies OF
freedom have so long endeavored to propagate,
Of the ingratitude of Republics. If sentiments
of ahfectionate regard should be evinced for this
distinguished man in other States, how much
more strongly should they be felt, in this, the
land of his nativity. If he has rendered pre-
eminent services 10 the cause of human Liberty;
if by his talents and his fame he has done hon
or to his Country, who so proper, in the hour
ff,r ant pIh nf n,
relief? What mode Of assistance can be more
honorable TO him who gives, and to him who
receives, than that which proceeds from the
spontaneous Offering OF free people! A trivi-
al sum contributed by each, will suffice. Ii will
be but the motive which will give it value 1t
will be within the reach Of almost every citizen;
and, like the "widow's mi,e," it will be conse-
Grated, by being placed on the altar Of the pub
lie gratitude. Mr.. Jefferson's exertions for the
general good, have been unceasing Alter a
public service Of the most arduous, and OF the
longest duration, this patriotic citizen, instead
Of seeking the reposc which he would have been
well entitled to enjoy, has added new claims 10
the gratitude of his country, and posterity, by
employing the remnant Of his days in the estab-
lishment Of an institution, which j. destined TO
,iffuse the lights of science to generations yet
unborn. Is it possible that there is citizen Of
Virginia who would not see, with anguish, the
last DAYS Of such a man emoittered BY pecuni-
airy distress brought on him, not by a lavish, or
improvident waste of his resources, but by his
exclusive devotion 10 the public good? Is there
a man who will not rejoice in an opportunity to
soothe and tranquilize the last days Of long
life employed in the service Of his country?-
| Deeply impressed with these sentiments, this
meeting will most cheerfuly and zealously u
mite with their fellow-citizcns in this, and the
other states of the Union, in such measures as
are calculated to relieve Mr.. Jefferson from the
difficulties in which he is placed.
To that end, they resolve as follows:
/. That subscription papers be opened in this
city, for raising funds for the relief Of MIR. JEFF
ferson; and, in order that all who may be dis
posed to contribute should do so, that the sub
scription be limited TO five dollars.
Q. That our fellow citizens in the different
towns and counties Of the state be respectfully
invited TO adopt similar regulations to those a.
greed upon by this meeting.
3 That committee Of twen.y-four, be APP
pointed, ten Of whom shall constitute quorum,
10 receive subscriptions in the city of Rich
mond, and in Manchester and their vicinities,
and who shall have power to appropriate the
| monies, arising from, these subscriptions to the
relief of MIR. Jefferson, as to them in their dis