The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-08-02

sisted the rolling ocean from the be
ginning of time" And though a pan
ic was spreading through the land, and
the whole credit system as it then ex'
listed was crumbling to pieces and
crashing around him, he stood erect
like a massive column, which the heaps
Of falling ruins could not break, nol
bend, nor sway from its fixed founda'
ton.
rat this point Mr.. Bancroft turned to
address the Mayor of the city Of Wash
ington; but, finding him not present, he
proceeded.
People of the District Of Columbia;
| should fail OF duty on this occasion,
|if | did not give utterance to your sen,
timent Of gratitude which followed
General Jackson into retirement
Dwelling amongst you, he desired your
prosperity. This beautiful city, sur
rounded by heights the most attractive
watered by a river so magnificent, the
home Of the gentle and the cultivated
not less than the seat of political pow
er; this city, whose site Washington
had selected, was dear to his affections:
and if he had won your grateful at
tachment by adorning it with monu.
ments of useful architecture, by estab-
fishing its credit, and relieving its bur-
dens he regretted only that he had not
the opportunity to have connected him.
self still more intimately with your pros
perity.
As he prepared to take his final
leave of the district, the mass OF the
population Of this city, and the masses
that had gathered from around, follow
ed his carriage in crowds. All in 81
ence stood near him, to wish him adieu;
and as the cars started, and he display
ed his gray hairs, as he lifted his hat in
token of farewell, you stood around
with heads uncovered, too full OF emo
ton to speak, in solemn silence gazing
on him as he departed, never more to
be seen in your midst.
Behold the warrior and statesman,
his work well done, retired to the Her
mitage, to hold converse with his for
ests, to cultivate his farm, 10 gather
around him Hospitality his frlends!--
Who was like HIM? He was still the
load-stur of the American people. His
lervid thoughts, frankly uttered, still
spread the flame of patriotism through
the American breast, his counsels were
still listened to with reverence; and,
almost alone among statesmen, he In
his retirement was in harmony with
every onward movement OF his time.
His prevailing influence assisted to
sway neighboring nation to desire to
share our institutions; his ear heard the
footsteps of the coming millions that
are to gladden. our western shores; and
his eye discerned in the dim distance
the whitening sails that are TO enliven
the waters of the Pacific with the So
ciai sounds of our successful COM
merce.
Age had whitened his locks,and dim
med his eye, and spread around him the
infrmities and venerable emblems OF
many years of toilsome service; but his
heart beat as warmly as in his youth.
and his courage was as firm as it had
ever been IN the day of battle. But
while his affections were still for his
friends and his country, his thoughts
were in better world. That exalted
mind, which in active life had always
had unity of perception and will, which
in action had never faltered from doubt,
and which in council had always re-
verted to first principles and general
laws, now gave itself up to communing
with the Infinite. He was believer;
from feeling, from experience, from
conviction. Not a shadow of scepti-
cism ever dimmed the lustrc Of his
mind. Proud philosopher! will you
smile to know that Andrew Jackson
perused reverently his Psalter and
Prayer book and Bible? Know that
Andrew Jackson had faith in the eter-
nifty of truth, in the impershable pow
er of popular freedom, in the destinies
of humanity, in the virtues and capa-
city of the people, in his country's IN
stitutions, in the being and overruling
pro vidence of merciful and ever living
God.
The last moment of his life on
earth is at hand. 1t is the Sabbath of
the Lord: the brightness and beauty of
summer clothe the fields around him:
nature is in her glory: but the sublim-
est spectacle on that day, on earth, was
the victory of his unbenching spirit
over death itself.
When he first felt the hand of death
upon him, "May my enemies," he cri-
ed, Sind peace; may the liberties Of
nv country endure forever"