Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-01-11
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
o the Senate and House of ofRepresentatlves OF the
Commonwealth of Ppnnsv van

| Sttoeo- Oo'~oHS' ICSpUHSi-
BILE duties enjoined by the Constitution on the
Executive of the State, sincere pleasure is fell
in addressing, at the commencement of each ses-
sion of the Legislature, the immediate represen-
ttatves Of the people To present to them in
faithful candor the true position of public affairs
to suggest remedies for known wants, to aid in
the enactment of such measures as the interests,
happiness and welfare of the citizens seem to
demand, is not the less gratifying that it is made
the duty of the Executive department The
events of the past year will not fail to teach US
the lessen of an over-ruling Providence and the
gratitude we owe as people for the blessings
which, through the wisdom of Almighty Good
ness, have been vouchsafed to the nation. When
the representatives of the people last met, there
existed between our country and neighboring
republic, fierce and bitter war. The result,
indeed, was not doubtful for with people just
ly celebrated among nations, for their uncon-
ouerable bravery, unsurpassed skill in military
affairs. and their great superiority over their en-
emies in physical and mental qualities, victory
was the necessary consequence yet the unde-
cided contest was source Of profound regret,
! for the sacrifice Of human life, and the expen-
diture of public and private treasure necessary
to the establishment Of our own peaceful rela-
tons.
has fully terminated, and that Peace. the ration
al desire of all, sheds again its blessings on eve
nv portion of our country. To the Almighty
Father, who in mercy turned the hearts of the
rulers of both countries, to lay aside the sword,
TO cultivate the spirit of brotherlv kindness, and
to establish peaceful relations between the citi-
zens of their respective governments, we owe
| the deepest and most fervent gratitude. The
abundance of our hdrvesis, the blessings of con-
tinued and general health, and the preservation
of our civil and religious rights guaranteed TO
US by the free institutions of our country; while
destitution, misery and couvulsed governments.
and precarious civil and religious Institutions
harass the people of other lands, produce in our
hearts fervent acknowledgment of his super
intending kindness and mercy.
In the late contest with Mexico, this Com
monwealth was called upon by the National Co.
vernment, to furnish portion of the troops
deemed necessary by the constituted authorities
TO carry the war TO successful issue. With
this requisition it is scarcely necessary to state
our Commonwealth complied with the alacrty
which has heretofore distinguished her among
her sister republics. a large volunteer force
was insta ntly placed at the disposal of the Ma
tional Government, and it is matter of just
pride 10 their fellow citizens, that in the dis
charge Of every duty, these volunteers main
tained the honor of the State, and the renown of
their country. The citizen soldier who fortu
nately escaped death, has returned to his family
and friends, after having earned Tor himself and
The State a reputation for undaunted bravery,
for enduring aud patient suffering, and manly
and heroic virtue, that the future annaist will
delight to record.
1t is due to these patriotic citizens, that this
commonwealth do some act as an acknowledg-
ment of their past illustrious services. To the
memory of the dead who fell in the service OF
their country, il is the duty of the State to erect
a suitable monument, that their bravery and vir.
tue may be enduringly remembered, and their
heroic sacrifice emulated in other times, should
the honor and safety Of the country require it
from future generations.
! Since the adjournment of the last Legislature,
the Chief Executive Officer of the Common
wealth, the late Governor Skunk, has sunk be-
meath the malady which then afflicted him. He
died on the 2Olh day of July. lS4s.
! 1t will not be deemed improper in me to say
few words in reference to the character Of the
iiiustrious deceased
The late Gov. Skunk having spent large
portion of his life in the public service and hav-
! ing mingled much with his fellow citizens, was
we'll and extensively known throughout the
State; and it is with pleasure the circumstance
il recalled to my mind. that at one period oil
! his life, had the honor 10 enjoy his intimate
personal friendship.
During our intimacy, it always gave him great
pleasure TO aid and assist the young and mex
perienced. TO relieve the distressed, and to im-
part to his fellow by words of kindness
and deeds of charity, as large a share of happi-
ness as his condition would allow.
His intercourse with others was courteous,
his friendships were lasting, has attachments
strong and enduring, while his resentmen,s fOr
injuries were transtory, and made no perma-
nent impression in his bosom. Ii may with
truth be said of Gov. Skunk, that he was sin
cere friend, good neighbor pure Christian,
and an honest man. Such was the reputation
he sustained among his fellow citizens when
my intimacy with him gave me knowledge OF
his character, and although difference OF po-
litcal views separated us for many years be-
fore his death, his friends, at later period OF
| his life have borne testimony that the same pu-
rity Of intention and desire of well doing re-
NAMED with him until the hour of his dissolution.
! The Legislature is respectfully invited to take
such action in relation to the decease of the first
/ Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth, whose
death occurred during the period for which he
was elected, as may be deemed most appropri
ate to express its sympathy for the sorrow and
bereavement of the surviving relatives, and to
testify it's respect for the memory OF the virtues
of the distinguished dead.
Prior to the decease of Gov. Skunk, on the
7th day Of July. I8i8, as appears by the records
in the State Department, ne resigned the Office