Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-12-26

va,e life. And thank you, Sir, (Mr.
their organ, on this occasion,
for the feeling and eloquent address
which you have just done me the honor
10 deliver. am under the greatest obi.
cations to the people Of Kentucky. Du-
ring more than forty years Of my life,
they have demonstrated their confidence
and affection towards me, in every varie-
ty Of form. This last and GROWING evil
dence OF their long and faithful attach
ment, exhibited ia the vote which, IN
thei' behalf, you gave yesterday, at the
seat Of the State Government, as the
Electoral College of Kentucky, fills the
With Overlooking gratitude. But should
fail 10 express the feelings OF my heart II
| did not also offer my profound and CRATE
ful acknowledgements TO the other States,
which have united with Kentucky in the
endeayor TO elect me to the Chief Magis-
tracy Of the Union, and to the million and
quarter offieemen embracing so much
virtue, intelligence and patriotism, who,
wherever residing, have directed stfenu-
Gus and enthusiastic exertions to the
same object.
Their effort has been unavailing, and
the issue of the election has not cores
pended with their anxious hopes and con-
hdent expectations. You have. Sir, as.
signed some of the causes which you sup.
pose have occasoned the result. will
no, trust myself to speak Of them. My
duty is that OF perfect submission 10 an
event which is now irrevocable.
| will not affect ind Inference 10 the per-
sonal concern which | had IN the poiti-
cal contest, just terminated; but, unless |
am greatly selfdeceved, the principal at.
traction 10 me Of the Office OF President Of
the United States, arose out Of the cher
ished hope that might be an humble in.
strument, in the hands OF Providence, to
accomplish public good. desired to see
the former purity Of the general Govern.
ment restored, and to see dangers and
evils, which sincerely believed encom.
passed it. averted and remedied. | was
anxious that the policy ofthe country, es.
pecially in the grea, department of its do.
nestle labor and industry, should be fix.
ed and stable, that all might know how to
regulate and accommodate their conduct.
And, fully convinced OF the wisdom of the
public measures, which you have emu.
merated, hoped to live to witness. and
to contribute TO, their adoption and estab-
lishment.
So far as respects any official agency
Of niue, it has been otherwise docreed,
and bow respectfully to the decree. The
future course Of the Government is alto.
ge,her unknown, and wrapped in painful
uncertainty. shall not 60 the new Ad.
ministration the injustice Of condemning
il in advance. On he contrary, | earn
estly desire, that, enlightened by its own
reflections, and by a deliberate review
Of all the great interests OF the country,
or prompted by public opinion, the bene-
fit may De yet secured Of the praciica al ex-
ecution OF those principles aud measures
for which we have honestly coH:eDded,
that peace and honor may be preserved,
and that this young but great nation may
be- rendered harmonious, prosperous, aud
pow rfm.
We are not without consultations under
the even, which has happened. The
Wing party has fully and fairly exhibited
TO the country the principles and meas.
u,es which II believed best adapted to Sc.
cure our libert es and promote the com.
mon welfare. II has made, in their sup.
port, constant and urgent appeals 10 the
reason and judgment of the people,
For myself, | have the high satisfaction
to know that have escaped a grea. and
fearful respons blity; and that, during the
whole canvass, have done nothing in.
CONSISTENT with tie dictates Of the pures.
honor. No mortal man is authorized 10
say that held out to him the promise Of
any office or appointment whatever.
What now is the duty ofthe Wing par.
tyi venture to express any opinion
with the greater diffidence. The future
is envoloped in veil impenetrabIe by
human eyes. l cannot contemplate it,
without feelings of great encouragement.
9u, know of only one safe rule, in all
the vicissitudes Of human lie public and
private, and that is conscientiously to sat
isfy ourselves of what is right, and firmly
and undeviatngly TO pursue it under all
trials and circumstances, confidlng in The
great Ruler, Of the Universe for ultimate
success. The Wings are deliberately
convinced Of the truth and wisdom Of the
principles and measures which they have
espoused. 1t seems, therefore, to me
that they should persevere in contending
for them; and that, adhering to their sep
arate and distinct organization, they
should treat oil who have the good of
their country in view with respect and
sympathy, and invite their co operation
in securing the patriotic objects which it
has been their aim ind purpose to accom-
plish.
l heartily thank you, Sir, for your
friendly wishes for my happiness, in the
retirement, which henceforwsrd bes, be-
comes me. Here | hope to enjoy peace
and tranquility, soaking faithfully to per-
form, in the walks of my private life,
whatever duties may yet appertain 10 me.
And shall never cease, whilst life re.
mans, 10 look, with lively interest and
deep solicitude upon the movement and
operations of our free system Of Govern.
ment, and TO hope that, under the smiles
Of an advise Providence the Republic