The Illinois free trader., 1840-07-03

the souls oftpants and the bare mention of which
shakes all the kingdoms in the "Old World!p
The name Of a Cesar, Bonapsrte, Wellington
and host of others,
Fade like the stars as the sun comes to view,
When compared to the 'Hero Of Tippecanoe!'
Gen. Hnrrison's speech mt Fort ueig..
FULLow-CTrIzENs:-
am not, upon this occasion, before
you, in accordance with my own individ-
ual views or wishes. 1t has ever appear
to me, that the office of President should
not be sought after by any individual; but
that the people should, spontaneously, and
with their own free will, accord the dis
tinguished honor to theama whom they
believed would best perform its important
duties. Entertaining these views, should,
fellow-citizens, have remained at home,
but for the pressing and friendly invita-
ton which have received from the citi-
zens of Perrysburgh. and the earnestness
with which It's acceptance was urged up
on me by friends in whom trusted, and
whom am now proud to see around me.
If, however, fellow-citizens, | had not
complied with that invitation-if | had
remained at home-believe me, my friends,
that my spirit would have been with you;
Tor where, in this beautiful land, is there
place calculated, as this is, to recall long
past "reminiscences, anu revive long slum-
bering, but not wholly extinguished, emo
tlons of my bosom!
In casting my eyes around, fellow-citi-
zens, they rest upon the spot where the
gallant Wayne triumphed so gloriously
oyer his enemies, and carried out those
principles which it seemed his pleasure to
impress upon my mind, and in which it
has ever been my happiness humbly to
initiate him. 1t was there, fellow-citizens,
saw the banner of the United States float
IN triumph over over the flag of the ene-
my. There it was where was first laid
the foundation of the prosperity of the
now wide spread and beautiful west. 1t
was there l saw the indignant eagle frown
upon the British lion. 1t was there l
saw the youth of our land carry out the
lesson they imbibed from the gallant
Wayne-the nobest and best an Ameri-
can can acquire---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; "Gcn.
Hedges, will you come up here? You
stood by my side in the hour of battle,
and | cannot bear to see you at so great a
distance now" Immense cheering fol-
lowed this recognition, and the cries Of
''raise him up, place him by the side OF
his old general had scarcely been utter
ed, when Gen. Hedges was carried for
ward to the stand.
The general continued. 1t was there |
saw inferred my beloved companions; the
companions of my youth. 1t was not in
accordance with the stern etiquette of mil.
itary life, then to monrn their departure;
but | may now drop tear over their
graves, at the recollection of their virtues
and worth.
In 1893, fellow-citizens, received my
commission to serve under Gen. Wayne.
In 1894, was his aid at the battle of the
Miami. Nineteen years afterwards had
the honor of again being associated with
many of those who were my companions
in arms then. Nineteen years afterwards,
found myself commander-in-chief of the
Northwestern army: but found no dim.
mutton in the bravery of the American
soldier. | found the same spirit of valol
in all-not in the regular soldier only, bu
in the enrolled militia and volunteer also
What glorious "reminiscences does thu
view of all these scenes around me recall
TO my mind! When / consented to visi
this memorable spot, expected that ;
thousand pleasant associations would t.
God there were no painful associations
mingled with them) would be recalled
that should meet thousands of my fellow
citizens here; and among them many o
my old companions; met here to rear
new altar to liberty in place of the on
which bad men have prostrated.
Here the General looked around as
FOR some water, when the cry was raised
"Give the General some hard cider.
This was done much to the satisfaction
of the multitude.
And fellow-citizens, Continued the gen
eral,) will not attempt to conceal iron
you that, in coming here, expected tina
should receive those evidences of regar
which generous people are willing t