Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-09
INAUGURAL. ADDRESS

~ Martha vss Bsr.s.
FELLOW -CIrIzENs: The practice Of
all my predecessors imposes on noe an
obligation oheeriuily fulhl. To accom-
psnv the first aud solemn act Of NV
public trust with an avowai OF the pin
ciplcS that Will guide me in performing
1t, and an expression OF my feelings on
assuming charge so responsible and
vast. In initiating their example.
tread in the footsteps ofillus,rious men,
whose superiors, 1t Is our happiness 10
believe. are not found on the exrcu-
tive calendar OF my country Among
them. We recognise the ,rrlieGt and
ERNEST pillars OF the republic: those bv
whom our national independence was
/ first declared; him who. above all
others. contributed TO establish IT on the
field of battle and those whose ex-
banded intellect aud patriotism con
s'ructed. improved, and perfected the
inestmable institutions under which
We live. IL such men. in the position
now occupy, felt themselves over
whelmed by sense of gratitude for
his, the highest of all marks Of their
/ ooun,ry's confidence. and bv a con
! scIousness OF their inability adequate
ly to discharge the duties OF an office
30 difficult and exalted how much more
must these considerations effect one
Who can rely on no such claims for ia
Nor or foTbearance. Unlike all who
have preceded me. the revolution, that
gave US existence As one people. was
achieved at the period OF my birth: and
~hllst contemplate with grateful re-
verence that memorable event, ! feel
that belong 20 a later age. and thatI
may not expect my coun,rymen to
weigh my actions with the same kind
aud partial hand.
so sensibly, fellow.eiiizens. do these
circumstances prose- themselves upon
me, that ! should not dare TO enter
upon my path Of duty, did I not look
Tor the generous aid OF those who viii
he associated with me in the various
and coordinate branches OF the 60
vernment, did not repose, with IN
wagering reliance. on the patriotism.
the intelligence. and the kindness. Of
a people who never yet deserted pub
iIc servant honestly laboring in their
cause and, above all did ! not PERM.
myself hunbly to hope for the sustain
ing support Of an ever-watchful and
beOehceBt Providence.
To the confidence and consolation
derived from these sources. IL would
be ungrateiul rot 20 add those which
/ spring from our present fortunate con
( diiIon. Though not altogether exempt
\ from emharrassments that disturb our
tranquility at home and threaten II
brosd, Yet, IN all the attributes Of a
great happy. and fourishing people.
We stand without, parallel IN the world.
Abroad, We enjoy the respect, and.
18th scarcely an exception. the friend
ship OF every nation. at home. while
ouf Government quietly. but efficient
y performs the sole Legitimate end of
political institutions. IN doing the great
est good 10 The greatest number. We
present an sggfsga'e OF human pfospe
rIiy surely not else here 20 be found.
How imperious, then. 10 the obl,g,,.
ton imposed upon every citiIeb. m b,,
oNn sphere Of action. uhether limited
or extended, 10 exert himself IA per
Peiuaiing condition OF things 80 SO.
gulafly happy Al the les.ohs Of h.s.
tory and experience must be lost upon
", d We are content 10 trust sloae 10
The peculiar sdssntsges ne happen ~
possess Position and Ciimats, and the
bOunieous resources that nature has
scattered With 90 liberal a hand-evsn
The didused intelligence and elevated
character of oar people--will avail us
noihing. u We fsil sacrsdly 20 uphold
those political institutions that sers
wisely and deliberately formed. wnh
reference % every oncumslancs that
could preserve. 90 might endanger. the
blessings &c enjoy. The thoaghlfvl
iramen Il our constitution leR,slsted
lof our country - they found it.
Looking upon D, vitb the eyes ofsta,es.
men and Of psirioi,, they saw Ell tho
sources Of rapid snd vondsffvl pros.
penny, bot they saN also that VARIOUS
habits. opinions. sDd Institutions, peeu.
haf 70 The various PORTIONS Of 90 vast
region. we're deeply 6Sed. Distinct 90.
'sfeignhes we're IN sexual existence.
whose cordial UNION Was esssntial 10
The welfare aud happiness Of ~. Be.
tween many Of them there vas. a.
least 10 some eHteni, q real diyeniiy q
interests. liable W be eHAzgeraied