Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-06-26
GENERAL HARRISON'S SPEECH
AT Fort MEIGS.

AT FORT MEIGS.
We invite the attention of our readers, to
the speech of General Harrison at Fort
Mcigs. The first part oft contains beau
tifal tribute to the memory of his brave COM
panions in-arms who fell under Maj. Antho-
ny, in the early days Of the republic, and Of
those who under his own command laid down
their lives in the ''sccond war of our indcpen-
dence." The concluding portion contains
General Harrison's views of the present con-
test now going on between the two parties
that divide the country; and it is highly
gratifying to perceive how mild and concil-
iatory are his sentiments. Notwithstanding
the veteran dctractors of the party, with their
humble imitators, have exceeded themselves
In the abuse which they have l,eaped upon
the head Of this venerable patriot; he still
stands calm and digniGcd; speaks of the En-
ecutivc with respect, and shows in every sit
uaion the temper and manners of the fine
old Virginia gentleman. The election of
such a man will be far more conducive both
10 the physical and moral interests of the
country, than would that of any politician
however eminent. The nation has too long
been agitated by the fierce spirit of party.
1t needs reposc. Disquictcd and torn by adj
verse factions, that were becoming from
year to year still more cmbittercd against
each other, our constitution itself was in dam
ger ofbcng subvertcd. For such a reaction
or revolution rather, as is now going on, Gen.
Harrison IS precisely the man to stand at the
head of the government. With no personal
anmositcs or partialities to crafty, he will
undoubtedly act as the President of the peo-
plc-nOt as the President of a party. To
the next four years, therefore, wo may conf
IDENTITY look forward as TO political milleni-
UNI; when the fierce demons of party shall
be chained up, and Justice, truth and honesty
once more reign paramount among the pco-
plc.-Troy Wig.
GEN. HARRISON'S SPEECH AT FORT MEIGS
Reported by the Editor eCAc Detroit Adrertisr.
FELLOW CITHENs;-
am not upon this OCCASION before you in accor-
dance with my own individual views wishe7. 1t
has ever appeared to me- that the office of President
of the United States should not be soug after By any
individual but that the people should Spontaneously,
and with their own free will, accord the distinguished
honor to the man whom they believed would best per-
form its important duties. Entertaining these VIEWS
should, fellow citizens, have remained at home, but
for the pressing and friendly invitation which have
received from the citizens Of Perrysbugh, snd the
nesness with which its accoptaions urged upon
me by friends in whom trusted, and whom am now
had not complied with thai, invitation-ifI had re-
manned at homc--bellcvc me, my friends, that my
spirit would have been with you; for where in this
beautiful land is there place calculated this is,
to recall long past "reminiscences, and revive long
s,lmbcrlng but not wholly cXngushed emotions in
any bosom
In casting my eyes around, follow citizens they
rest upon the spot where the gallant w AyNE rium-
nhcd 50 goriousy over his enemies, and carried out
those principles which it seemed his pleasue to impress
upon mind. and IN which it has ever been my happi-
ness humbly to attempt To initiate him. II there
fellow citizens, saw the banner of the United States
float in triumph the flag of the enemy There it
was where was first laid the foundation of the prospc-
rty of the now wide spread and beautiful West 1t
was there behold the indignant Eagle frown upon the
British Lion 1t was there saw the yonth of our
land carry out the lesson they imbbed from the gal
liant WAySE-thc noblest and the best an American
can acqulre--to die for his country when called to do
so in its defence.
At this moment the speakers eye fell upon Gen.
Hedges, when he said Seen. Hedges, will you come
here on have stood by my side in the hour of battle
ana cannot bear to see you ut so great distance
now" Immense cheering followed this considcratc
Iecogntpn' and the cries of 'raisc him up 'pIacc
uttered, when Gen. Hodges was carried forward to
the stand]
The General continued 1t was there ] saw inferred
ray beloved comprehensive companions of nv
yOrith II was not in accordance with the stern I'll
gncttc of military life, then To mourn their departure
but may now drop a tear over their graves at the
recollection OF Their virtues and worth.
In 1873 fellow citlzcns, ] received my commission
10 serve under Gen Wayne. In 1884, was his and
at the ba',ieof Mann. Nineteen years afterwards |
h.At bnh ,A.N ,fn bonn.
those who were my companions in arms then Nine
teen years afterwards, found myself Commander.
in-Chief of the North Western Army bnt found M
dimnition in the bravery of the American soldier |
found the same spirit of valor in alnot in the regular
soldier only but IN the enrolled militia and volunteers
also.
What glorious "reminiscences do the view of nil those
scenes around me recall to my mind When | con
scented 10 visit this memorable spot expected that
thousand pleasant associations (would To God Their,
were no painful associations mingled with thcm)would
be recallcd-that should meet thousands Of INV fellow
citizens here-and among them many ofmy old com.
panonsmc, here to rear new altar to liberty in the
place Of the one which bad men have prostratcd.
And, fclow-czens CONTINUED the GENERALLY Twill
not attempt to conceal from you, that in coming here
expected that should receive from you, those ev
dences of regard which generous people are eve,
willing to beslow upon those whom they believe to be
honest in their endenvors To serve their country
receive these evidences of regard and esteem tn,
only reward at all adequate TO compensate for the
xiees and anguish which, in the past experience
upon this spot Is there any man of scnsblllty OF
possessing feeling. of selfrespeci, who asks wha
those feelings were ?-Do you suppose that the Com
msnder-in.Chief finds his reward in the glitter and
splcndo' of the camp or in the forced obedience o.
the masses around him There are not pleasures under
all clrcumstances-these not the rewards which
soldier seeks, ask any man to place himscfin my
situation, and then say whether the extreme pain and
anguish which endured, and which every person ST.
mllary situated must have endured, can meet with
any adequate compensation, except by such express
sion of the confidence and gratitude of the people, as
that with which, you fcllowcitizens, have this dny
honored me 7 These feelings are common to all COM
ofEurope posses them, although placed at the head
ofarnies reared to How much more naturally
'v'uh thoso feelings attach 10 . eonmaadef ttuatet