Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-07-07

lot Washington is perhaps the last he ever wrote mr. die
tated No one of his epatolary competitions is han
pier
From Tie National E7,Ilgencsr Of July3
The sentiments contained IN the following Jc,,ers
re In every respect so appropriate to the
Nuns days Celebration that, in offering them 10 our
ders, it would be supereroyation TO add word of com
Hment. II history is philosophy teaching by example
Ewhere would more beautiful example be found than
mat winch is afforded by the following Letters from
A'he surviving men Of the RevTuton'
WASHINGTON, June IA, 1896
SIN; As Chairman of the Committee appointed bv
'he c''"eiS OF " ismngton, To make arrangements for
&ceiebratns the Iiitieh Anniversary Of American In
Hdependcnce IN worthy of the Metropolis OF
cue Nation am directed to invite you as one of the
Sogncrs Ole the eyermemorabe Declaration of the 4b
Sot july 776 10 favor the City with your presence on
Sthc occasion.
am further instructed TO inform you that on rccei
sVihs your acceptance of this inv iaon, special depu
aon wiii be sent to accompany you from your resi-
Sdence 10 this City, and back TO your home.
Nih sentiments of the highest respect and yenera
Son, have the honor to be, your most obedent SER
WANT, 'e'
r. c. wEIGHrMAN,
Mayor OF Washington, and Chairman of the
Committee of Arrangements.
Inc above Is copy of the letter addressed To the
surviving sgners OF the Declaration of independence:
letter TO The same effect also addressed TO the for
mer Presidents of the United States who were not sirn
aers OF THIS instrument In the letter addressed TO Mr.
adams there was slight variation the shortness of the
,hne, and the distance of his residence from the Seat off
government making 1t necessary for the Committee
lot Arrangement 10 depute gentleman TO escort him
without awaiting his Colonel House. of tbe
Army most promptly and cheerfullv undertook this he.
norabe mission, at the request on behalf of the
committee
MoNTIcELLo, June 81.
RESPECTED SIR: The kind invitation receive ed from
iyou on the part oil the citizens OF the City of Washing
on TO be present with them at their celebration of tbe
Of Arro
one OF the surviving sgners of an instrument
"'th our own and the fate of the world most atter
Slng TO myself, and heightened by the honorable accom-
spanlinent proposed for the comfort of such Journey
III adds sensbly the suFerngs of sickness TO he de
pNed by 1t OF personal participation the reuicngs
io 'hal uay; out acqulescencc is duty under
stances not placed among those are permitted to
control should, indeed, with peculiar delight have
met and exchanged there congratulations personally
with The small band the of that host of worth
les who Jolned with us, that day, in the bold and
sdouotiul election we to make for country be-.
tween submission and the sword aud 10 have enjoved
with them the consolatory fact That our fellow citizens
aa''er haii century OF experience and prosperity,
Stlnue 10 approve the choice made. May il be the
world, what believe it will be- TO some parts sooner
sto others later, but finally all the signal of arousipp
3men 10 burst the chains under which monisi ignorance
and superstition isd persuaded them 10 bind themselves
and 10 the blessings and security of self
Ament-Ihe form which we have substituted restores
the free right TO the unbounded exercise of reason and
3Ireedom OF opinion All eyes opened opening tn
the rights OF man. The general spread Of the rights of
science has already laid open every view the palpa
sble TRUTH that the of mankind has not been born
with saddles on their Backs nor a favored few footed
and spurred, ready to ride them legtmately, By the
grace OF Cod These grounds Of hope for others;
ourselves let tie annual return of this day forever
refresh our recoecons of these rights and an undmi
: nlshed devotion to them.
will ask permission here to express the pleasure with
(Which should have met my ancient neigbors of the
1CIty OF WashIngton and its vicines with whom pas
sed so many years of pleasing social inercourse-an
Intercourse which much relieved the anxietes of the
puoic cares and ctmPressions deeply engraved in
my affections as never TO be forgotten. With nv re
'grct that Ill health forbds the qualification Of an ac
ceptance be pleased TO receive for yourself and those
tor whom you write, the ofmy highest respect
ana friendly attachments. TIL. JEFFERSON.