The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-04-09


gress; and, sir, allow me TO say, (and it IS
only with respect to the extra SESSION.
that believe il there be any one free from
bias and from prejudice, who will look
at It's transaction IN spirit OF candor and
OF justice, but must come to the cGncu-
sion to which, think, the country gener-
ally will ONE. that if there be any thing
to complain of in connection with thai
session, 1t is not as to what was done and
concluded, but DIS to that winch was left
unfinished and unaccomplished. Alter
the termination of that session had llar-
rison lived, and had the measures which it
appeared to ne it was desirable to ac
complished been carried, it was my inten-
ton to have retired; bnt reconsdered
that determination, with the vain hope
that, at the regular session Of Congress,
what had been unaccomplishdd at the ex-
ira session, might then be effected, either
upon the terms proposed or IN some man
ner which would be equivalent. But
events were anne unced alter the extra
session-cvents resulting, "clieve, in the
failure to accomplish certau objects at
| the extra scsslon-evenls which see" ed
to throw upon our friends every where
present defeal--lhs hope, and the occurs
renee of these events, induced me To al
tend the regular session, and whether IN
| adversely or III prosperity, to share IN the
fortunes of my friends. But came here
with the purpose, which am now about
to enecluate, of retiring as soon as !
thought ! could retire with propriety and
deccncy, from the public councils.
From the year 1906, the period of my
entertaining upon this noble theatre oimy
| public service, with but short intervals,
| down to the present time. have been en-
gagged in the service OF my country. OF
| the nature ana value OF those services
which may have rendered during my
| long career of public HE, 1t does no, be-
come me to speak. History, if she de-
signs to notice me, and posleri!y-il' a
! recollection Of any humble service hirh
| NAV have rendered shall be transmitted
to posterly-wll be The best, lruesi, and
most impartial Judges; and to them de-
| fer for a decision vi Oh their value.
But, upon one subject, may be allow
ed to speak. As to my public acts and
| public conduct, they are subjects for the
JUG gnlen, OF my fellow Citizens; but my
| private motives of act!on--lhat which
prompted me to take the part which may
| lave done, upon great measures during
| their progress in the national c0urclls.
| can be known only to the Great Searcher
| OF the human heart aDG nysei; and trust
| shall be pardoned for repeating again
| declaration which | made thirty YEARS
ago. that ha,cver error may have com
| m,ted- and doubtless have committed
many during my public servcc-i may
appeal to the Divine Searcher of hearts
for the truth OF the declaration which
now make with pride and confidence, tn 1t
| have been actuateG by no personal mo-
llves-that have sought no personal az
! glandZement-no promotion from the
advocacy Of those various measures ON
| which have been called TO acl---lhai |
have had an eve, Il single eye, heart, Il
single Heart. ever devoted to wla, appear
ed to be the best interests OF the country.
Yet, sir, during This long period, have
not escaped the late Of other public men,
in this and other counlies.-l have been
often, Mr. President, the object Of bitter
and unmeasrred dctraclion aud calumnv.
have borne it, will not say always with
composurc. but have borne it without
creating any disturbance. have borue it,
waiting in mistaken and undoubling con-
fdence, that the rrumphs of truth and us
lice would sellle all things as they ought
to be settled | have borne them under
The conviction, of which NO injustice, no
wrong, no injury could deprive me. that
| did not deserve them, and that lie to
whom we are al to be finally and ulti-
marely responsible, would acqut me,
whatever injustice might experience at
The hands Of my felowmen.
But have not been unsusained dur
ing this long course of public service.
Every where on this widespread CONT
nent have enjoyed the benefit of posses
sing warm hearted. and enthusiastic. and
devoted friends-Iriends who knew me,
and appreciated justly the motives by
which have been acluated. To hem, il
| had language to make suitable ackno VI
Judgements, would now take leave to pre-
sent them, as berg all the offering that !
can make for their long continued, perse-
verine and devoted friendship. But. sir.
If have difficulty IN giving utterance 10
an expression of the feelings of gratitude
" hich fill my heart towards my friends,
dispersed throughout this continent. what
shall say-what can J say-at all COM
mensurate with my feelings Of gratitude
towards that Stale hose humble survivor
am7 emigrate' to the State of Ken
lucky nearly forty five years ago. went
there as an orphan, who had not yet at
tanned his majorlty-who had never re-