Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-10

vices will not be lost to the sagacy of his native
state, of the Union.
In the department OF War alone did chanro
take place OF the person st it's head during the pro-
gress OF my administrations II was first con fsrrea
upon citizen OF Virginia, long possessed of the
highest confidence OF chat great and h6nourable Com
nDnweath Her governor, IN the days of DANGER and
OF lnvasion during the late war, her Senator at the
time when invited him to preside over,that depart
mont. lie had been warm supporter of one of INV
Iotpetors at the election but his opposition to me
had been that OF a liberal and honourable mind His
tuiient OF the duties of the Department fully i,st
hea ,he confidence had reposed in him, and be re
Gently iet only for the most important Of our mis-
sions abroad, in which he is now ABLY and titbt,v
maltalulng the honour and Interests of our counry
iiiS successor was citizen of New York also
gtiy guishcd by the onors OF his native State
ana oil the Union One Of the members Of that Con-
Sress winch vindcated the traduced honor and shirt
OF the nation by the declaration of war in 18Ia-
One OF thewarrorS whose gallant achievements dur,rr
the war, nave been recorded Ia the solemn lsoslvs
thanks OF his country since entrusted with an ar
duoes commission for the settlement of her bouda-
rles and, when invited by to share in the coun
CHS or the Union, member of the Legislature of NJ
York. Ills services i'll the Department of War have
also been satisfactory and effective aui he leaves tn
ms successor official reputation which will be
praise enough to Lin to maintain uhimpaired
The Attorney General was also an adopted citizen
OF Virginia not less distinguished by the classical
elegance of has taste inlitcrature than by his profound
learning III the laws and bis commanding eioouence
at the Bar. The Biographer OF Patrick Henry; the
painter of manners aud the instructor of morals. at
al early period of his life, appointed and commission
ed ny my predecessor. deemed myself and the
country fortunate bv his continuance in the same ca
pacity during my term of service EDUCATED and in
cllningt to rigorous construction OF sLe extent of
constitutional power his professional advice has been
tne more readiy codei III by me-, as its tendencies
always were rather to the limitation than to the en-
argenent OF It's exercise; for in the whole course of
my administration, have deemed it safer to abstain
rom ele use of any questionable authority than
10 hazard the encroaChInent of power. by assn
Ining unnecessarily, the decision of disputed points
such teiiow-cltizens, have been the associates of
my olclal duties IN the conduct OF my Administrations
CiiaHio 70 bestow upon them any other reward for
thef latiui and jealous service their country than
this testimonial Of my gratitude and csee it is with
pleasure not inferior to that which l receive from
your friendly estimate OF my own endeavors, that
sai cher1sh the INSURANCE. of your appreciation ex-
tended to them.
With regard to those apptehensipns OF future evil
Which your solctude for the welfare Of yonr country
has inspired, i'll looking forward to the administra
ton OF my successor, it becomes me perhaps onlv to
say tnat hope they may prove unfounded ia
president OF the u States, the favor of the people is
f instrument OF beneicient power, potent than
an imperial scepre But it is in the fortunes of ma
tons, and especially in the Improvement of their CON
dtion that the history of their bencactors must be
traced 1t Is IN the ages of posterity this history
must be read iin the reform of abuses which have
escaped the vigilance of my observation the pres:-
dent OF the u States shall introduce of deeper
consequence, and OF alarming magnitude |
shall, myself be ready to niingle in the voice OF
graduation at the deeper penetration or4uore efficient
energy which shall discern the latent defect and ap
ply the corrective remedy Should the promise of re-
form itself be wasted upon trjes understandable to
the eye Of postcrty, or be spent upon the papta-
lions OF heart between the incumbent and the OK
pectant of official enonneDs, the nation will euiov
little benefit and suffer little injury by the change
That is not plant, the root of which will strike to
the centre, or the stem of which will ascend with
fragrance to the skies. With you my ccuntrymen
am dspo9ed TO hope and pray for the best; to extend
to the administration every reasonable indulgence
winch they may necd and to give them credit for eve
ry good deed they may perform for the promotion Of
the general welfare
Accept, gentlemen, FOR yourselves ahd those whom
you represent, the respectful salutations of your
friend and fellow citizen
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
WashiRgton, I'LL March, 1929.