The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1848-09-29
George Washington Parke Gusts in the
Field-..An Interesting Affair.

Inc gallant wings OIL AleXnh0Tla county,
Va, gave a regular old fashioned batbecne at
that place, on the 9th inst, which is described
at length in a graphic letter to the editors Of
the Baltimore Patriot. The invitations had
been extended far and woe, and brought to-
gsther an immense crowd, who were entertain
ed with true old Virginia hospitality. Mr..
Brady, Of Pennsylvania, the Hon. w. Cosa
Johnson Of Maryland, and other eloquent gen
tlemen addressed the meeting but the crown
ing feature was a short speech from the
venerable George Washington Park Custis, the
s,ep-son Of the "Father Of his country" The
writer says:
"Mr. Upton then introduced The venerable
step-son Of George Washington, George Wash-
iogton Park Gusts, Esq, a hale, fne-looking
gentleman Of The olden lime, eighty years Of
age, who has been for forty yeals the leading
orator Of the country for the cause Of lreland's
emancipation, and in whom the Irish have con-
fdence. Mr.. Gusts stepped forward. and in q
rich, fuIl-toned voice, spoke as follows, hold
ing his auditors in spell-bound admiration, ex-
cept at such intervals where spontaneous APP
plause would break forth.
FelGw- Ctsens and cOuntrymen:-You see
before you on this joyOns occasion, an old man
with withered locks and bald head, who was
born here in the infancy of your country and
has grown up in your midst, aud en- IL
become vigorous, and strong and powerful,
while he has become ole and enfeebled-and
yet strange as it may appear, this old man has
never yet cast a vote in his life. Although
possessing the necessary freehold qualification
to entille me TO vote in several counties, had
my reside zee not been in the District Of Colun-
bia, yet,owing to an lnjudicious and unjust law
have had,nO privilege Of giving vote.
And now that that in~ostimable privilege, the
right Of suffrage, has come within my rench,
and | am about to avail myself Of it, you will
see an old grahd. father cast his maiden cOte.
We are a nation of f%reemen, the proudest,
the most prosperous and happy in the world
Our system Of government and our institutions
are admirable, conceived BY wise heads and
improved upon, here and there, by good men
1t becomes us all to cherish a fond love and re-
to keep the union and harmony of the States il
good preservation, and look we'll to the charac,
ter of those whom we select to guide the des
TIMES Of the Republic.
1t has been objected to military men, tina
they are not suitable persons to place at tn
head of civil government. think otherwise
My experience teaches me that there is nothing
to fear from the just ambition Of a military maj
at the head Of the nation. think militar,
men are the best to command, for they frs
learn to obey. We have tome experienced
the matter Of placing military men at the hea
Of the Government. Gentlemen may differ a
bout General jackson, but brl g Q he was
= true patriot, and that he would have given tn
last drop Of his hearts blood to have saved an
preserved the Union and Its liberties, had tn
= personal sacrifice been required
r. No, no the old orator before you has live
" a long time in this Republic, and he has nc
/. yet seen the time to fear to have a military ms
ID placed at the head Of affairs.
ct In casting about among the Presidential cal
n. didates TO decide which one shall receive m
as suffrage, it will be my aim to select the be
e. man. have already scanned their claim
SO The father Of Gen. Cass was high-minded O
nix fcer in. the old Continental army. The faith
Int OF Gen. Taylor was a brave and meritoriol
0T officer Of the Revolutionary army. Gen. Blu
SIX Ter comes from COED stock.
In making my choice, | shall pay regard
the services which each candidate has render
to the country, and shall prefer the hone
man, who has been ever ready to peril his Ii
" in the defence Of his country, preferring I
tented field and the"hard ground for his be
re- when his country calls for his services, to h
go who Prefora wealth and luxury, and loung
ne upon silken couches in perfumed chambe
l!u | shall give my vote cheetfully for honest ZaC
10 AIRY Taylor. And when deposit it in the bal
ne box, on the 9TH OF November next, that v,
i"u will hail from the sacred shades Of Mount Y
70" non! Long continued applause, with scar,
y a dry eye in the assemblage.
But, my countrymen, the setting sun, {
-. blematical Of myself, is departing from umC
-. you, and admonishes me that | must close
~. remarks. May God protect and prese
our beloved country, and watch over the rul
a. whom the people may select to guide its de
MES. >"
M Thus spoke this venerable surviving mem
Old Of the Washington family, the son of
n,a. Washington, by her first husband, Mr., Cul
I:.never witnessed a more brilliant scene.
allie seemed as if the immortal George Washing
!, a. himself was almost speaking to his coun
men!
a. Three hearty cheers were given for Ia