Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-08


TO the wholesoi her pure, unsophis'icated 'rue>
ly Republican and iatelligent population, ny
heartfelt, thanks for that support. Let me add,
that in ore OF her native sons. have found, as
an assistant in the ardusus duties OF my station
a man with heart as pure as it is given TO
human nature to possess, with mind capable
OF those conceptions which lead nations to the
paths Of glory, with promptitude and energy
Of action; which disappointment cannot dis
courage, nor the iufirmi,ies of disease depress.
The navy Of this Union will remember him
long. Nor is it, trust, within the compass Of
political vcissi,ude 10 withhold him long from
participation in the highest councils OF our
country. neeG not say it is one OF those to
whom YOUR enclosed leuers were addressed.
The other is equally worthy OF the honor IN
which you have associated him with me oy
your letter. Upon him the foulest SANDERS
have been showercd. Long known and appfe'
cia,ed, as succe ,sively a member OF both hous-
es Of your National Legislature, as the unrivali-
ed speaker, and at the same time most ethcient
leader Of debates in one of them; as an able
and successful negoliator for your interests, In
war and in peace, with foreign powers, and as
a powerful candidate for the highes: OF your
trusts. The Department Of Stote itself was
station which, by lis bestowaL could confer nell
Their prof nor honor upon him, but upon which
he has shed unfading honor by the manner in
which he has discharged its duties. Prejudice
and passion have charged him with obtaining
this Office by bargain and corruption. Before
you, my fellow citizens, in the presence oil our
country and Of Heaven, pronounce that charge
totally unfounded. This tribute Of justice is
due from me to him, and seize with pleasure
The opportunity afforded me by your letter Of
1issharglng the obligation.
Of my motives for rendering to him the De-
par ment Of State when did, let that man who
questions them come forward. Let him look
round among Statesmen and Legislators Of
this nation and of that day. Lei him then Sc
lect and name the man whom, BY his pre-emi>
nent talents, by his splendid services, by his
arden, patriotism, by his all. embracing public
spirit, by his fervid eloquence in behalf OF The
rights and liberties of mankind, by his long ex-
perience in the affairs Of the Union, foreign and
domestic, a Pre- stltn, Of the United States, in
tent only upon the honor and welfare OF his
country, ought TO have preferred to Henry Clay
lie, him name the man, and ;aentjadee you, my
Calinw riii,.ns Of mn nnti,cs-------
Nor can pass over this opportunity, with.
out offering congenial tribute ofJusties and
Of gratitude 10 those other eminent and virtu-
Gus citizens who have been united with me in
The performance of my painful, but will not
say thankless labours. I took not one OF them
from the circle, though leave every one OF
them among the drares, Of my personal friends.
Amidst all the difficulties, discouragemenls,
and troubles which have attended my admin
s;ration, il has been never-failIng source Of
consolation 10 me, that internal harmony has
been more perfee, than that Of any other admi-
nis,r..ion which this country have ever witt
messed. OF The qual6c ions OF the Secretary
Of the Treasury, let his annual reports upon The
finances; compared with those Of all his prede>
eessors; let the payment Of thirty three millions
of the public debt, during the four years of his
agency; let his indrtaigable industry and asst
duty in the discharge of all the duties Of an Of
fee, hurdened with them almost beyond the
ability Of human endurance; let urbanity Of his
manners and the courtesy Of his department, TO
the innumerable claimants upon the treasury,
who have approached him in the successive
years through which, but for the Intervention
ut disease, he has been absent from his Office
not single day. lie, these be the decisive
tests. DESCENDED from parents OF whose cha
racter, both public and private, Pennsylvania
and New Jersey have eqssi reason 10 be proud,
well as he sustained and does sustain the honor
of his name. His services and his friendship
10 me, have been ineslimabIe, and in parting
from him confidently trus, that his future SER
vices will not be lost to the sagacity OF his pa-
tive state, or of the Union