Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-12-29

Of Geo. Ne 0sfs. detipueS ksfors fAs
.Lsgssisfsrs ~ SesfA Car okna,
Dsecmbu IL, 1885.
TRLLow CrrisEss;--As but few
moments viii elspse before shall re-
tire, in ell human probability. forever,
fiom the stage upon which have so
long acted in the service Of South Car
Gina, cannot permit the occasion 60
pass without attempting TO give some
feeble atterancs 10 the emotions Il has
20 Irepressibly excited in my bosom.
In what manner have acted the part
which hes been assigned 70 mo in che
great drama Of public affairs. and in
some Of the most eyentful scenes Of
that drama. il u not my Pro,incs 20
determine.
II 10 al that can desire. and more
than I can hope, that the favorable
opinion for which l am now indebted
to the Partially and kindness Of my
fellow citizens. may be ratified by the
more stern and impartial judgment
which posterity will pronounce upon
my character and conduct. One thing
may be permitted 10 say. trust with
out arrogance: that in all the stations 10
which have been summoned: IN all
the exciting and engrossing scenes in
which | have been called upon 10 act;
and amidst all those allurements which
habi,ually beset the path OF q public
man; in no solitary instance has any
selfish purpose OF interest or ambition
operated for one single moment to
break the intensity aud singleness Of
my devotion 70 ;he interests, the honor,
aud the glory Of South Carolina. In
the self-devoting idolatry Of my heart.
South Carolina has bad 40 rival.
Bot whilst claim to have brought
these indebted, but humble offerings
TO her altar. am q: the same time
deeply sensible that ali these, and ten
times more. would be but q poor and
inadequate return for the manifold
proofs Of her generous and unfailing
confidence. by which have been uni
formiy sustained in ali the trials aud in
all the vicissi,udes through which il
has been my fortune TO pass.
Whatever may have been the exclu-
siyeness OF my devotion. and hutever
estimate partiality may have placed
upon my services, | still owe her q
debt Of eternal gratitude. the record ol
which is deeply inscribed on my heart.
and which neither time, nor chance.
shall ever obliteraie. Wherever
nuy go; into Whatever distant regions
Of the earth my destiny may carry me
my heart will be with you. and my
.-o,... Ill l.. l.,.esoI ....th II. 49,.
ering polarity, TO the home Of my af.
fec,ions, and TO the land Of my allegi-
ance. And (which may heaven
forbid--itshould so happen. that in the
rapid progress Of those insuspiciou,
events which are even now casting theiI
III boding shadows before them. South
Carolina should be constrained TO sum.
mon all her chiyalry to the defence
OF her household gods and domes
tic altars.-yielding prompt ODE
dience 10 the sacred call, will hy L
her glorious standard "swift a. the TEN
} pest travels DER the waste Of might,
waters" prepared and resolved. ir
common with every true and patriotic
son Of herr 10 defend and preserve he
Institutions and liberties. or perish il
their ruins. sZ.----.
And now. sir, 10 Governor elect. i
remains that | surrender into you
charge the ensigns Of the high trust q
which you have been summoned.
trust, SIR, you receive them untarnish
ed f:S;" my hands. i am sure yo'
J vii! transmit them untarnished to th,
hands Of your successor.
} Fellow-citizens. with my most arden
and devout prayers for your prosperity
individually and collectively, bid yo'
farewell.