Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-07-17

that they may live to see the work of
their hands contribute to the comforts
and enjovments of millions OF their coun.
trymen.
Friends and Brethren: Permit me
further to say, that deem The duty,
now performed at the request of the Pre-
sident and Directors of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal Company, and of the
Corporations Of the District of Colum.
bia. one of the most fortunate incidents
of my life. though not among the func
tons Of my official station, esteem it
as privilege conferred upon me by my
fellow. citizens Of the District. Called,
in the performance of my service here
tofore as one of the Representatives of
my native Commonwealth in The Senate,
and now as member of the Executive
Department of the Government, nv a.
| bode has been among the inhabitants of
the District longer than at any other spot
upon earth. In ayailing myself of this
occasion 10 return % them my thanks for
the numberless acts of kindness that
have experienced at their hands, may
be allowed to assign it as a motive ope
rating upon the heart, and superadded
to my official Obligations, for taking
deep interest in their welfare and pros
perity. Among the prospects of futuri
ty which We may indulge the rational
hope of seeing realized by this junction
OF distant waters, that of the suspicious
influence which it viii exercise over the
fortunes Of every portion Of the Dis
trIct, is one upon which my mind dwells
with unqualified pleasure. 1t is my
earnest prayer that they may not be dis.
! appointed.
1t was observed that the first step to
wards the Accomplishment of the gtori.
Gus destinies of cur country was the De-
claratien OF dependence. That the
second was the Union of these States
under our Fsderative Government The
third is irrevocably fixed by The act up
on the commence ment of which we are
now engaged. What time more suita.
bic for this operation could bave been
) selected than the Anniversary OF our
| great National FESTIVAL! What place
more appropriate from whence 10 pro
| coed. than that which bears the name
of Citizen Warrior vino led our Armies
| in that eventful contest to the field, and
who first presided as the Chief Magis
| trate of our Union? You know that, Of
| this very undertaking he was one of
the first projectors; and if, in tn e world
| of Spirits, the affections of our mortal
existence still retain their sway, may
we not, without presumption. imagine
| that he looks down with complacencY
/ aud delight uponthe scene before and
j around US?
bat, while INDUCING sentiment of
! Joyous exutation. at the benefits TO be
= derived from This labor Of our friends
! and ueigstbors. let us not forget that the
j spirit o! internal improved entS is catho-
! lie and liberal We hope and believe
tibet its practical advantages will be ex
! tended to every individual inou Union
Ia praying for the blessing Of Heaven
upon our task, we ask it with equal zeal
and sincerity upon every other similar
work in this Confederation, and partc-
J ularly upon that which, on this same
day, and perhaps at this very hour. is
commencing from neighboring City.
II is one of the happiest characteristics
in the principle Of Internal Improve.
ment, that the success of one great en-
terprise, instead of counteracting. gives
assistance to the execution Of another
Nav they increase and multiply, till in
the sublime language Of inspiration, e.
very valley shall be exalted, and every
mountain and bill shall be made low;
the crooked straight; the rough places
plain. Thus shall the prediction of the
Bishop of Cloyne be converted from
I prophecy into history, and in the virtues
and fortunes of our posterity, the last
shall prove the noblest Empire of Time.
] As the President concluded. nation.
al salute was fired bv the detachment of
United States Artillery posted upon the
ground.
, Several addresses were then deliver
ed, at the conculsicn of which the Spade
was taken, and sods of earth dug in sue
oesson by the President of the Canal
Company, the Mayors of Washington,
Georgetown, and Alexandra, the Sc
cretary OF toe Treasury. War and Navy,
the Post master General, the Comman
der of the Army, the Revolutionary