The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-26

/.
he earning fame on the soil of the wild and path
less west; fame which was destined TO accumu-
late and ripen, till il should find place in the
heart and memory Of every freeman of the land
and which, although assailed by detraction and
caumny, still preserves It's purity and bright
ness. - 8 M
From this time, through the successive admi-
nlstrations Of the elder Adams, Jefferson, Madi-
son, Monroe, and the younger Adams, the career
u HARRISON was, to great degree, turned
from the path Of war, TO the more peaceful pur-
SUITS Of the civilian. Hewas found to beas wise
sagacious prudent and upright in the council,
as he was valiant and fearless in the field
Hsservices were consequently in acquisitions; and
his rise was rapid and brilliant through a success
sion OF important Offices, in some of which al
most unlimited powers were given him, and
were not abused and millions Of public money
passed through his hands, no cent Of iohich ras
not fully accounted for. Frequently placed in
situations Of the most delicate and trying re-
sponsibihty, It is . remarkable fact that no sin
gle insfGacs u recorded, of his failing To sus-
tain himself with credit TO himself and honor 10
the country. The most difficult and perplexing
circumstances seemed topresept no obstacles to
the pronps and complete discharge Of duty, in
the most minute particular. The history OF the
country MAY be searched, with the keen eyed
ses,siHy OF paniaan lnalieaisy, AA2 900 ono ,nis
step in his long civil career can be found On
| the contrary, il presents record of services,
which for extent, variety, usefulness, and last
ing benefit TO the west and the whole country,
can hardly be surpassed by any statesman now
| on the stage Of action. Time, and again, the
highest testimonials Of confidence in him as a
civilian, were freely given by all whose common
dalton was worth receiving. And commenda-
ton was not then bestowed at the nod and
beck Of the party leaders for party services. In
those days men were honest, and fearlessly
praised or blamed; for there was no party rack
on which to break them if they swerved from
the party line, and no party gag to choke. them
into obedience. Freedom OF opinion and ac-
ton, had then substantial and valuable exis-
tence; and the man was not found who dared
to approach another with the proposition 10 make
himself slave to the behests Of any party ever
formed by man. In those days honor to whom ho-
nor was due was given; and given by the hearts
and tongues OF free, noble and intelligent people.
With the man before their eyes; accustomed to
daily official and personal intercourse with him,
and TO seeing him in every relation, social, do
mestic, and public, for twelve years. the people
of the vast territory Of Indiana saw in HARRI-
SON their friend and benefactor and their legis-
latiye assembly, after nine years OF his admins
tration as Governor had elapsed, asked in the most
earnest manner of the President and Senate Of
the United States, that the blessings Of his
chief magistracy might be continued to them
able and ineproachable in whatever sphere he
moved; and wherever situated, the affections OF
the people clustered around him.
Time passed away, and in the midst Of
green old age the pure and upright man, the
wise and republican statesman, the valiant and
unconquered hero, is now summoned by his
grateful countrymen to leave the quiet walks of
domestic life, 10 guide the councils Of the naton
and deliver the country from the dangers which
encompass it, and behold! his enemies, with keen
sighted sagacity, have discovered that he is but
an iD,becile old granny. Who imbecile Who
a granny2 The man who was placed in civil
stations of highest responsibility by four Presi-
dan'- Of tho l,nisad States, the elder and
younger Adams, Jefferson, and Madison ; by the
Legislative Council of the Northwest Territory
by the Legislature of Ohio, and by the People
who served his country for upwards of thirty
years, without a stain who never cast the
fantest shade of discredt on her or on her insti-
tutions; who was ever found equal to any situa-
ton in which he might be placed? Call you
such man imbeciie! Is he the man to whom
you apply the dersive epitbei of granny! Foul
traducer! What soil was polluted in giving you
birth2 Whence came you Surely there flows
in your veins not one drop Of American blood,
or if there does why does il not burn its courses
until it escapes? Where are the spirits Of your
fathers, that they do not seal forever those lips
that dare TO utter so vile slur2 Whence is
u s
contemporaries To place the harsh hand of
ungrateiul violence on all the bright memories
and holy sympathies of the aged of your land,
who vet dwell with delight on the history of
their friend and benefactor2 To trample under
foot the sacred truth, as il is inscribed in adeless
characters on your country's records; and with
desperate outrage, to deiame what nation ever
holds dear-the services and glory of her sons ?
Whence comes the hardihood that mpels you
to mngle the gall of ingratitude so heartless,
and SANDER so base, with the declining years
of noble, gallant, and time-honored public SER
want? Ii can be found only in the insane strug-
giles of a tottering faction, which has grown
reckless with IMMUNITY, and forgets that there is
retributive sense of justice in the hearts of a
great and honest people. Upon them the sheer
of malice is powerless, and the weapons of SLAM |
der and detraction, like arrows hurled against
the mailed warrior, fall bunted and harmless;
but Indignation is aroused vengeance is ava
kened; slumbering gratitude is startled into VI
gorous and holy action and with mighty inn
pulse the NATHAN hurries to set the great seal OF
its condemnation on the SANDER and the Sian
derer, and to elevate, yet higher, him whom the
wild madness OF corrupt party would have
Frustrated and destroyed
But il is not in his character as a civilian that
the veteran Harrison approaches nearest to the
hearts Of the people. If in the council he was
ever found pure in purpose, unbending in inte-
gritty, lofty in patriotism, wise in deliberation,
and prompt and energetic in action, he was, in
the field, all that heroic nation could have de-
sired. To military talent Of the highest order,
he united spirit that never felt the first emotion
of fear. Brave, TO the verge OF temerity, he was
yet always calm and collected in the midst Of
the severest dangers. Reckless of his own safety,
he was ever found where the battle ragged at ITS
topmost fury. To circumstances against his
exposure of his person, he replied that the sol,
diers looked to their general for an example OF