Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-08-22

is found in the story which nave illustrated
from the rostrum, and from the stage, OF poor
John Byrne, the Irish soldier Ut the Revolution.
[Cheers.
Years have rolled away since an aged and bro
ken man came to my door, and saiuted me win
God bless your honor, and its Washngtons
old soldier that's come to seeSe. am PROUD 10
inform you that often receive call from the
honored remnants of the Revolution. They say
that they cannot pass my dom'cll, without call,
ing on one they are pleased to term member OF
the old family. And SO hear me, God: more
welcome to my house and my heart, are these
grey and withered relics Of the heroic time, than
would be the presence Of an Emperor. Cheer
lag.
Byrnc was one Of the finest types Of that Or
der Of beings, now almost extinct, that ever met
my notice Never can forget the touching
scene that ensued, when had ordered cup, to
cheer the old mans heart; the sublime express
sion OF his features. when, having drank to his
honor's health, he reverently turned his eyes to-
ward higher and better worlds. and exclaimed.
6 and here's to the memory of General Washing
ton, who is in heaven " Twas head that
Guido should have painted, DER which seventy
winters had shed their SHOWS, while tears Of We
neration, at the remembrance Of loved com
mander, cOursed each other down the channels
which time and hard service had worn full many
and deep
The sufferings which Byrne endured, we're
even refinement upon the hellish usases Of the
prison ship. For this preference he was entirely
indebted to his brogue, which BETRAYED his being
native of the Emerald Isle; and then, as he EN-
phaticaly observed, they added their torturcs as
a civility due to my native country.
Oh, We "who jest at scars that never felt
wound" picture to yourself being, captive and
desolate, gnawed By famine, breathing the air OF
pestilence. associated only with the dying and
the dead But see. there appears the comman'
der. like an angel of mercy, having healing un-
der his wings, in the shape of pardon. protection.
food raiment, gold. But mark We the price OF
all these beDifts. Twas like the devil tempt.
ing the Son of Man, of old "All these will |
give ye." but We must abandon the cause OF Ame-
rican liberty, said my Lord Admiral to pnor
Bvrne, when the latter had crawled upon the
deck, and, confronted the master OF his fate
And what was the suffering hero's reply. Hear
it American treasure it in your hearts, ay, and
write il IN your books, that future ages may read
it. and admire the cry of brave Byrne in the prls.
on ship at Charleston, and amid the ranks Of
death at Eutaw. Hurrah for America! Loud
aud long continued cheering.
and then to the banquet on Greek and Roman
courage and fidelity, ''with what appetite you
hmay" Turn over the pages of the past. Dive
into the depths of centuries, and you can find no
more brilliant example of courage in the midst
of despair. of zeal and fidelity 10 the cause OF
human liberty. than is shown in the story OF
John Byrne, the Irish soldier Of the Revolution.
My tale is told. The Old Orator and his old
stories will together descend the stream of life.
cheering the rising generations with tales OF the
DAYS of trial. and giving portraits from the life OF
those worthless whose courage and patriotism
founded the empire of civil and religious liberty,
which millions now enjoy, and will continue to
be enjoyed by millions yet to come Cheers
When your eagle banner shall again be un.
fured in war-and the time is by no means re-
mote-you will have not merely regiments. but
whole armies, composed of the sons of Erin. In
the hour of need, like their famed countryman
of old. thew will not BE- found idle" but, en-
craving on their coIcrs the battle cry OF Byrne.
will rush into the enemy's ranks, with Hurrah
for America! Loud cheering
The Orator concluded The declining sun
warns me that | have had more than my share OF
the time and attention of this respected assem-
blase-C Cries of no. never! 1t only remains
for US to pray God. that if, in his pleasure,we are
permitted to meet again, at the next anniversary
of this auspicious day, that we may Ind the work
accomplished; O'Connei's ''occupatlon gone;
and ireland IN the rank of independent nations"
Cheers. Not, as heretofore, an humbled vassal
to Engand's supremacy; but. hereafter, an 'nteg-
raj portion of the British Empire; not, as hereto
fore. Ensland's slave, but. hereafter, as Eng
lands equal Loud cheering.
All Americans will rejoice in this ''consum-
nation so devoutly wished, and so long delay
ed: and believe me there are none, no, not one,
will more truly rejoice in Erin's Liberties, in
Er,n's happiness, than your old Presiding Officer;
who will ever esteem among the most cherished
recollections of his life his humble services in
YOUR good cause. whom YOU have so often and
= 60 kindly honored. and have dgnlhed with the
proud and imposing title of The Friend and IRA
tor of Ireland"
The Orator sat down, amid long. loud, and
general reclamation
Female Philanihropy.-:O Friday last four
teen Of the sisters OF charity attached to the nun
merry of Emm'sburg, passed through Baltimore,