Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-22
LETTER OF Mr.. SOUTHARD.

WASHINGTON, 10th March, 1929.
To Robert Lee, jeremiah G. GarthOaite and John
ShotueN. Esor's. Committee in behalf OF
numerous meeting of the Citizens of Essex
and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey
S1Rs-Your letter dated on the 4!h OF March
shoulG have received an earlier answer, II my
severe indisposition would have permitted.
The "hipa sense which numerous meeting
of nv Fellow Citizens Of Essex and Middle
SEX" have seen cause 10 express, OF my" ser.
vices as Secretary of the Navy" has produced
lis proper effec, upon my feelings; aud demand
nv grateful acknowledgements. | can neither
feel insensibiiity 10 such appreciation, nor with-
hold the expression of my emotions, especially
as j, has emanaled from portion OF the peo>
Die Of my native state, who have known me
longest and best and had The strongest mo.
tives to observe my conduct Their confidence
bestowed early and without intermission, occa,
stoned my being called TO the Departmental in
performing its duties, have not forgotten their
honor and interest. The Office was created BY
them, in concert with the res, OF the Union
u is their Office, and | have been but their a.
gent; deputed, for time, from among them,
10 transact their business. In returning 10
minge with them again, having served no for
eign government, shall bring no alien attach
men's-and rejoice in your assurance, which
conf ms my conviction, that the same kindness
and benevolence will be exer,ed which, in for
mer DAYS, rendered social intercourse happy,
and he discharge Of official duty pleasant. l
cannot persuade myself, that even the storm Of
par,v which has passed over US, has torn from
me the good feelings with which many of my
recen, political opponents once houored me.
The Department Of the Navy has always
been held in proper estimation in New Jersey.
The service which it suprrln,ends has been
dear to her people At the first creation Of
our navy, a number OF Them, large in propor-
ion 10 her population, entered it, and she has
continued 10 furnish her full share of the gal.
liant spirits who have advanced its reputation
and given glory to the country. Every Jer-
sevman repeats, with just pride, the names of
B .inbridge, Lawrence, Somers and others; ard
may affirm that in this, as in every thing, and
a, all times, his little STATE has brought her
full portion to the general service; and that,
however, she may be regarded as uoimporrsnt,
by somE, men hcrsrsrrow limits contrast
ed with the boundaries OF our Empire-unim-
portant, when her population is numbered
against the millions which compose our wide
spread oonfederacy- upimportant, when her
wealth is compared with the more extensive
resources OF some Of her surrounding neigh.
bors; she can never BIZ unimportan', when de-
yo,ion TO the Union is 10 b. manifested; when
the principles Of well regulated freedom are 70
BE- defended; ornational rights to be protected
by the expenditure OF ire assure and blood.
| entered the Department with the feelings,
both state and national. of Jerseyman, and a
zeal rendered active by an attachment to the
Navy, which has augmented daily during my
~ / hall III
successor bring into il an attachment not less
ardent and active. OF my services there, your
appreciation is gratifying testimonial. They
are 10 be found in the records Of the govern
ment aad in the present condition Of the navy,
and are chee,fully submitted to that JudgmenI
which the well Informed Justice Of the nation
shall pronounce.
No citizen who loces our liberties, and has an
honest pride in our prosperity and honor, can
look with indifference upon The Navy. Al
wavs possessing large share in the affections
of the people, and cheered by their applause,
vet often labouring under leg slaiive coldness
and inaction, it has now grown TO point. from
which it must and will advance. History fur.
nshes no information Of any havY, Of its extent,
more perfect in all the valuable Characters.
ics Of ecouomy, discipline, efficiency, and USE
fulness Still its friends perceive that il has ma
nv wants and many defects, which they exhibit
on proper occasions in the hope that provision
may b. mad for the one, and remedy found
for the other. Why more has not been ac'
compished, eli both points, in the lat four
wears, there is 100 much intelligence and too
much observation Of the movements of the
government, TO permit any doubts to exist
with candid men. The Navy is the cheap
and indispensable defence of our extensive
commerce, and exerts its beneficial influence
upon all the o,ser grea, national interests
And when conflicts with other nations come,
as come they will, it will prove to be The
shield and sword Of the nation. Our forl>
ica,ions and military arrays upon the shore
will be but aids to it, in sustaining our rights
and manifcs,ing our power. To neglect il
would be unwise; to depress il, crIminal.-
Such has no, been my purpose, nor that of The
great and good man whose assistant have
been. Such win never be my wish, IN any
change of parties or of men. And if, as YOUR,
appreciation intimates, have been useful to.
its interests, one high object OF my AMBITION
has been attained
Your apDrobation Of nv services is greatly