Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-08-04

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and do not permit me to suspend the deep
acknowl geInents required by that debt of
gratitude which | owe to my beloved country,
for the many bonors conferred upon me, for
the distinguished confidence il hss reposed
in me, and for the opportunities | have thus
enjoyed, of testiiying my inviolable attach
ment by the most steadfast services which my
faculties could render.
"All the returns have now 10 make will
be in those vows, which shall carry with
me to my retirement and to my grave, that
heaven may continue to favor the people OF
the United States with the choicest tokens OF
its benihccnce; that their union and brother
ly affection may be perpetual; that the free
constitution, which is the work Of their own
hands, may be sacredly maintained; that It's
administration in every department may be
STAMPED with wisdom and with virtue: and
that this character may be. ensured to It, by
that waichfulness over public servants ana
public measures which on one hand VIII De
necessary 10 prevent or correct dcgeneracy,
and that forbearnnce on the other, from un-
founded or indiscriininate jcalousies, which
would deprive the public Of the best services,
by deprivng q conscious integrity OF ono Of
the nobest indictments to perform them; that,
in fine, tho happiness Of the people Of Ameri-
ea,under the auspices Of liberty may be made
complete, by so careful preservation, and
so prudent a use of this blessing, as w,ll nc-
quire them the glorious satisfaction Of recon-
mending it to the affection,the praise, and the
adoption Of every nation, which Is yet stran-
ger to il.
"And may we not dwell with well groun-
ded hopes on this fisttering prospect, whom
we reflect on the many ties by which the
h. - ~, nd ton hnr nd
the many proofs they have given Of an en-
ligbtened Judgment and magnanimOus pa
triotism?
ave may all be considered as the children
Of one common country. We have all been
embarked in one common cause. We have
all had our share in common sufforlngs, and
common successes. The portion Of the
earth allotted for the theatre of our fortunes,
fulfils our most sanguine desires. All its es-
sential interests are the same, while diversi-
ties arising from climate, from soil, and from
other local and lesser pecularities, will natu.
rally form mutual relation Of the parts, that
may give to the whole a more entire inde-
pendence, than has perhaps fallen to the lot
ofuny other nation.
"To confirm these motives to an affection
ate and permanent union, and to secure the
great objects Of it, we have established
common government which being free in its
principles, being founded in our own choice,
being intended as the guardian Of our COM
mon rights, and the patron Of our common in
terests, and wisely containing within itself
provision for its own amendment, as expert
eDce may point out its errors, seems to prom
ise every thing that can be expected from
such an institution; and # supported by wise
councils, by virtuous conduct and by mutual
m "a
near to perfection rs any human work can
aspire, and nearer than which the annals Of
mankind have recorded. T.
"With these wishes and hopes | shall make
my exit from civil life: and have taken the
same liberty Of impressing them which for
merly used in offering the sentiments which
were suggested by my exit from military
ife. T.
"If, in either instance, | have presumed I
more than | ought OF the indulgence of my
fellow citizens, they will be too generous to +
ascrbs it to any other cause than the cx'
treme solicitudc which ain bound to feel .
md which can never cease TO feel, for their =
liberty, their prosperity and their happiness"
Such is Mr.. Madison's draft, which was
evidently consulted in preparing the final
farewell address, but on comparison OF the
Two it will he found that there Is hut little
between them. In converse
ion OH the subject Mr.. Madison said to me S
hat he aimed chiefly to express the ideas
contained in Washington's letter, with such
editions only AS were required to complete {
he form Of an address. He spoke in high 4
raise of the letter, as touching on the most
essential topics in condensed and pointed z
manner. The draft met Washngton's entire 8
pprobation at the time. And indeed there =,
vas no man whom no consulted for many
ears more freely than Mr.. Madison, or in b
hose talents, judgment, and fidelity, he had d
stronger confidence, which is abundanty
roved by the written correspondence that
assed between them. s.
JARED SPARKS.