Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-02-22
VOL. as, NO, ss-wHoLE NO. 17sa.

to warn against the mischefs of foreign intrigue,
to guard against the mpostures OF pretended patri-
otism; this hope will be full recompense Tor tne
solicitude for your welfare by which they have
been dictated
How far in the discharge of my official duties,
have been guided by the principles which have
been dencated the publick records and other evil
dences of my conduct must witness to you and to
the world. To myself the assurance of my own
conscience is, that have at least believed myself
to be guided by them.
In relation to the still subsistng war in Europe,
my Proclamation of the 22d of April, 1888 is the
index to my plan Sanctioned by your approving
voice, and by that of your Representatives IN both
Houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has
continually governed me; uninfuenced by any at
tempts to deter or divert me from it.
After deliberate examination with the aid OF the
best lights could obtain, was well satisfied that
our country under all the circumstances of the case
had q right to take, and hound in duty and in
terest to take neutral position Having taken it,
| determined, as far should depend upon me, to
maintain It with moderation, perseverance,, and
fiTmness.
The considerations which respect the right ohold
this conduct it is not necessary, this occasion,
to detail. | will only observe that according to
my understanding of the matter, that right, far
from being denied by any Of the belhgerent pow
ers, has been virtually admitted by all.
| The duty Of holding neutral conduct may be
inferred, without any thing more, from the obliga-
ton which Justice and humanity impose on every
nation in cases in which it is free to act, to main
tain involate the relations of peace and amity to-
wards other nations.
The inducements of interest for observing that
conduct will best be referred to your own rehec-
tons and experience. With me, predominant
motive has been to endeavour to gain time to our
country to settle and mature its yet recent nstitu-
tons, and to- progress without interruption to that
degree of strength and consistency, which is ne
cessary to give it, humanity speaking, the command
of its own fortunes.
Though in reviewing the incidents of my admin
istration am unconscious of intentional errour,
am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to
erours. Whatever they may be, | fervently be-
seech the Almighty to avert mitigate the evils to
which they may tend ! shall also carry with me
the hope that my country will never cease to view
them with indulgence; and that after forty-fve
years of my life dedicated to its SERVICE with an
upright ZEAL the faults of incompetent abilities will
be consigned to oblivion myself must soon be
to the mansions of rest.
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things
and actuated by that fervent love towards it. which
is so natural to man, who views in it the native
soil of himself and his progenitors for several gen
erations; ] anticipate with pleasing expectation
that retreat, in which promise myself to realize
without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partakng, il
the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign infu.
ence of good laws under free government-the
ever favourte object of my heart and the happy
reward, trust, of our mutual cares labours anc
dangers.