The Yazoo Whig and political register. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1840-1842, 1842-07-29
AN GRAFTON
DELIVERED AT BENTON, MISS,
On the Fourth OF July, 1912,
BY MIR. JOHN s. FULTON.


FelIoro- Citizens.-It is with feelings of
no ordinary pleasure that meet with you
at this time. feel that the time and oc-
casion which has brought me before 50 many
Of my fcli0w-citizens, where there is such
union Of feeling, such harmonious con-
course Of gayety, happiness and pleasure;
where the warm hand of friendship is gladly
extended; where each full heart seems 10 ex-
pand with delight, aud where but one SEN
timent prevails-that Of general joy,-I feel
that such an occasion must be one Of no
ordinary nature. We have assembled at
this time to celebrate the anniversary Of the
most glorious and important crisis recorded
in the annals Of history. When see aud
hear the enthusiasm expressed by tins
assembly, Il gives me assurance that, that
day will never be forgotten when first our
b brave and noble, but oppressed ancestry,
dared 70 raise their arms in defence of lib
eriV; when FIRST they fesrlessly resisted the
tyranny and oppression Of that nation who
claimed US as her own, who held out the
delusive phantom Of protection to allure US
within her graspi but who watched our
fields annually wearing the yellow harvest,
and panied after our substance with the
keen appetite of miser. Ay! itgives me
Droud assurance that, that day will never be
forgotten; when the crowned heads of the
monarchs Of the old world first received the
DalsVing touch that will one day dash the
crowns from off their heads; which frs
caused lhe sceptres of Kings 10 be held will
a trembling grasp; which first caused de
sDotism 10 kneel at the shrine of liberty anC
own her conqueror; when the proud lion o
ENGLAND covered beneath the soaring eagl
of America; when the morning stars san
toyether, and all the sons Of Liberty shoute
for iOy. Fellow-citizens, the inestimabl
DriviIiae which we this day enjoy, the price
less boon of freedom, cost the noblest bloot
II was dearly purchased, but the prize Wa
a glorious one,-it was worth contendr
Cor. deem il not necessary to enter IN
long detail Of the causes which ImPeli'
our fathers to the contest. my time and 20
patience would not permit me so TO DO,
YOU are all well acquainted with the caus
Of our Revelation. Suffice il TO say, q
chose natural and eternal principles Of j.
ice and freedom, implanted BY the han
Of our Creator were violated, the charter
rights Of the colonies were broken, the ?
viIeoes granted BY England herself in I
davs Of our infancy were taken away, a
odinus and unjust taxes, which the Brit
Parliament had no tight to impose, vi
laid upon as, aud constitutional restrictiC
o6d severe TesHainls were laid upon
commerce, and such impositions as Ell
British subjects bad no right to endure
But even them, under an aCcumula
weight of evil, mild and peaceful measu
were FIRST adopted, argument and rea
were appealed 10; justice, mercy and
manitv. were an held up before the mi
trv, in the strong, clear and manly voice
suffering and oppressed, but determi
and spirited people But argument and
treaty were alike unavailing, the one Cd
not touch The heart, 81 the other indue
The mind Of nation determined on
snbiugaiIon aud slavery. Then i was
the small, stu voice ofthe mOuntain I
sless, which had Goaied Tor years among
lofty bflls and gerdsni valleys Of Anel
frsi began nightly % grouse llio latenl
ofhberE destined hereafter to glow
such 6rl|iancy, aud to awaken Gle d
beFinQ bn giant spirit Of that TeFoldie
who determined that The frozen icicle sh,
BeiihsE pillow, the stormy SKY Their e