The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-01-15
From T.. ID. Barber, Esq.

MIDDLEBURY, JAM 6, lS4l.
Gentlemen:-Yours politely requesting my at
tendance at celebration of the anniversary of the
battle of New Orleans, at Brldgewater on the Sth
inst, by the democrats of Windsor county, was
duly received and would have been answered be-
FORE had not the pressure of professional avocations
prevented. regret TO say, gentlemen, that it will
be impossible for me TO meet you and my demo-
cratic friends upon the occasion in question and to
participate with you in the festivities to which you
invite me. While, however, shall not be able to
mingle with YOU in person, | shall be with you in
spirit, for rejoice TO witness, in any quarter after
the late disastrous political campaign, fearless and
uncompromisng assertion Of the great and lmper-
ishable truths of democratic freedom. hail such
manifestations of unconquerabe attachment TO
principle and truth, made us they must row be- in
the face of the flushed and victorious legions of
federalism, as sure harbngers of better and lighter
day-as unaling tokens that the great doctrines of
democracy, fast lodged in the hearts of indepen-
dent and intelligent ircemen, can never be eradi-
Gated but will rise, even amid the ruins of defeat
10 assert their majesty and their supremacy over
delusion and camor. And what day could be more
appropriately selected, on which TO re-asser and
re- promugale those doctrines, than the one which
You have chosen for your meeting? While you
commemorate the success of our countrymcn, bat
Ting, under the eye and command of that indoml-
table Chief, so renowned in the history of the Re-
public for his achievements in the field, to assert
and maintain our independence from the eXactions
and tyranny of the most formidable power in the
world, you will also commemorate the success of
the great democracy of the nation con,cnding, I'M
der the eye and lead of the same unblenching chief
tain, for freedom from the shackles and dominion
of foe, within our own borders not less impe-
ous in its demands nor less merciful in its rnpac-
ty, than the foreign foe so CALAMITY and success
fully hunbled on the plains of New Orleans, |
allude, as you will readily perceive, to the money
power of the nation, acting through the United
States Bank, as the citadel of It's authority and the
engine of its operations. This power is among us
is claiming, under DISCUSSES easily detected, and
professions, not hypocrtcal enough to be pluusi-
BILE, to govern and direct the policy of the govern
ment and the dcstnics of the people-and has so
far Incorporated itself with the business of the cOun-
try and the intercss of all classes, TO overcome
some, scduce others, and thus render lis overthrow
more difficult and more uncertain. Ii has cTept,
like the Serpent of old, noiselessy into the para
disc of our political Institutions, and is now, like
its hateful prototype, holding out auring tempta-
lions with lying professions, to subdue the people
from their allegiance TO truth and Freedom aud
thus cause them to fall from that exalted state Of
w
God and the founders of the Republic. This pow
er must be subvered-ils supremacy must be over
lllrown-it must be driven from the precincts OF
the political sanctuary, and " flaming sword -
Of popular Indignation be sci TO prevent lis return
Can this not be dOne Most asSuredly it can aud
will. Taking for our example the indomiablc per-
severance, the lionheared valor, and sei-sacriii-
cling devotion of those who, while gloom and de-
feat lowered upon our arms, rose superior to eve
~ Encouragement, and nohly struck and nolly
conquered for their country at New Orleans, we
can achieve not less splendid and more enduring
victory than that for ourselves and our posteri,y.
Shall it not be done The response of every true
hearted democrat TO the enquiry, will bell
must, and 10 The great wOrk, Iheacctorh dciicatc
my uaremiHei Efforts and any best energies" |
rejoice, gentlemen, TO witness the example which
you are about to give 10 the democracy of the Stale,
in uplifting again to the " battle and the breeze
the unpolluted and unspoted banner of democracy,
May every soldier in the cause whether old or
young, as he sees it flung again from our noun
tain submits, greet it in the language of the poet
"Still, Freedom, still tlly hnnncr torn hut nying,
Streams like thunder cloud against the wind"
| offer, gentlemen, through you TO the meeting the
following sentiment
Democrdcy.-lt strives for the improvement and
elevation of man as n moral, Ucliigcn. and nc
counsbe being, without reference to birth or con-
dilion, and without conccalncnt or compromise;
And il clings with closer attachment and labors
with more unyicding energy for the great truths
it embraces, when danger and defeat press upon
them, than when they are cncircled with the wreath
of victory and preside in the places Of power.
am, gentlemen very respectfully,
Your obcdent servant
T.. ID. BARBER.
To Lyman Raymond, Richard W. souIhgatc, and
Jacob French, Esqrs