Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-07-21

Not SO with our heroic fathers. They were
men who breathed the sentiments of indenen-
dence with the very breath they drew. This
is why they considered tax of three hence a
pound upon tea, to be an oppression too griev-
Gus TO be borne. They looked upon it, how
ever as an oppression upon privilege and not
upon the purse-one whose weight consisted
IN It's presumption and audacity more than in
actual hurt and injury, to bear which would
not only be receiving stab into their con-
sciences and proud feelings of independence,
but acknowledging an implied right on the
part OF Britain to enforce other more severe
and unauthorized Affections (which they would
not and could not suffer, being, as they were,
men who, IN the language of that Just tribute
palu 10 their character, {" felt oppresson's
llghtest touch to be mountains weight,''-
" who augured misgovernment at distance,
and snutfe1 the approach of tyranny in every
tainted breeze" Who, in the language of
distinguished son of South Carolina, Could
IN the darkest hour stand up TO their enemies
and say, 'We have counted the cost, and find
nothing so deplorabIe as voluntary Slavery
They were men whose sentiments, like those
OF the Vlrgnlan orator, were, "give me liber-
ty or give me DEATH They had. if we are
permitted the expression, fallen desperately in
love with liberty; and it was this sacred pas
sion that created within them a rantng and
bitter hatred to tyrants and tyranny It was
this that urged them on to its possession as a
prize for their own enjoyment, and an inheri-
lance of infinite value to all ages of posterity
Thus resolved, they sacrificed everything per-
tanning to domestic and social happiness to
obtain it.
And it was with this resolution deeply fixed
IN every heart, beaming from every eye, and
speaking from every lip and tongue, that
the reverend, grave, and virtuous represen-
tatives of the thirteen American Colonies
assembled in FaneuiI Hall, Oh the 4th of Ju-
~ l776, where, actuated by the motives
just represented, they framed the decara-
ton which you have just heard read; then
and there taking the first happy step thai led
to our final deiverance from the yoke of sub
lection, and secured to US the unlimited con-
troll and enjoyment of our laws, land, and lib
erty. Then, on its present happy return, the
questions need be asked, Why booms the gum
For what purpose are the gallant stars and
stripes unfurled to the breeze? What means
this military array? Why are the gay and
mingled throng so exceedingly happy? For
the gentle winds themselves, so free, seem 10
say IN their whispers, the 4th Of July, the an
nlversary of independence, the day that gave
birth to this glorious republic-so mighty.
and so free-has again returned, to gladden.
the hearts of the blooming daughters and gal
liant sons of liberty, who have met to celebrate
it by giving expressions of thankfuIness and
happiness, in the social exchange of sympa-
thy and congratulation, and caused them once
again to withdraw from their honorable daily
empIoyments, to leave for few happy mo-
ments, the hammer and the plow, to recognize
each other as common brethren, united by the
ties of that fraternity which binds them in a
common cause and to a common Joy. The
gun and banner were the associated instru-
ments in woman hands that carried our cause
in triumph through the strife of the revolution
! And when, on these proud occasions, being
again in requisiton, the sound falls upon oni
ear, or our eye meets the pleasant view, thrill
ling sensations awake within us that kindle
into flame the apparently dormant sparks OF
patriotism that lie in our bosoms, and cause
us to consider and exult that we are freemen
This and similar reflections create feelings OF
exuItation that lead US to mrth, gayety anc
hilarity, which may be proper, as the oppo
site would certainly be improper Yet we
must believe that the most promInent-or, a
least, the reflections most appropriate-to the
feelings of freeman on this occasion, will
cause him to look deeper, and 20 farther If
these sacred matters, than merely to exult tina
we are free. For we should remember, tina
although we bask in the sunshine of liberty
and drink of the sweet fountain of republi
canism, we do so not through any agency OF
our own They are treasures which we have
received from other hands. Then let US exuIt
rejoice and be happy; but let there be mingled
with our pleasure, the more becoming sensa
tons of solemnity, gratitude, and devotion.
For, indeed, the liberties which we ENJOY
and which, of all our possessions, we consld
er most important, and which, of all blessings
we consider most wholly, are, from their orr
gin, sacred and solemn trusts, which, when VI
consider were bought for us only by the lilies
blood of our ancestors, certainly lead US to sol
emn reflections. But if we would be thorough
" impressed with the solemn truth of the vas
price paid for it, it only requires us to cast
retrospect upon the severe struggle that atten
ded its possession. Let US go to the blood!
field of Bunker Hill, and there witness the hrs
great outpouring of American blood, and ami
the gory clash and clamor OF battle, see tn
many gallant, true and noble youth who tall
slain by the armed enemies of liberty, Sure
", then, we have before us picture that con
vnces US it was 70 small matter--no 81 day
orork'-to acquire liberty.
But we will not stop here; let US follow u
the strife, and witness the many CORY field
L SlaNN