The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-30
wAsluNoroS, 2lst Sept, 1850

wAsmSoroN, 2lst Sept, 1850.
CESTLEMES: | have received your letter of last
month, expressing your appreciation of my public
political conduct, and especially Of my efforts Ia
Congress, 90 settle questions which hsvo long ugi
tatcd the country and disturbed its peace.
Happily gentlemen, those questions now, /
trust, disposed Of and better prospects open upon
the country.
The thirty-one American States stretch over a
vast extent Of country running through several de
grces Of latitude and longitude, and embracing
many varieties Of SOIL climate institutions, habits
aud pursuits; yet over all the Union and the Con.
stution still stand, everywhere giving protection
and security, and everywhere cherished at the prcs
ent moment, with general and warm patriotic
gard The interests of the different parts Of the cuun
try, though various, not opposite; flowing. in
deed, in diverse channels, but all contributing 20
swell the great tide OF national prosperity Under the
operation Of the Constitution, we have now been
for sixty years free and happy; civil and gous
liberty have stood firm aud unshakcn; popular
education has received a new impulse and n
wider spread; and moral and religious instruc-
ton has become Characteristic Of our age; ng-
riculturc, commerce, and manufactures have been
steadily encouraged aud sustained and, un.
der the blessing of Providence, general compcten.
cy and satisfactory means Of living have every.
where rewarded the efforts Of labor and industry.
And, in the mean time, gentlemen, the country
has attained TO such degree Of honor and renown
that every patriotic man, in addition 10 his in
dividual means Of enjoyment, derives positive
pleasure from participating in the reputation OF his
country. OF what other country upon earth can
this be said with much TRUTH Who, then, would
undermine this Union Who would raise his hs nd
against this constitution VINO would scOI at
those political and social blessings which PrUvi-
dence has never before seen ft 20 voucbsafe in
such abundance, 20 any community Of men Self
love- our hopes for the future, national pride. and
gratitude 20 God all conspire 10 prompt TO en-
brace these institutions Of native land with sll
the affections Of our hearts, and 20 defend them
with all the strength OF our bands In critical
hour, and not without come personal hazard, have
dischar1cd my duty and freed my conscience, 10
its very depth in public efforts TO maintain them,
limited only by the measure Of my ability. Aud
since hese efforts regarded ne having contrib
uted something 60 the adjustment OF dangerous
controversies, and to the establishment of peace
and harmony among fellow citizens and brothers,
desire reward but the cheering voices Of good
men and the appreciation Of my own conscience.
And now, friends and noighbors, ] could pour
out my heart in tenderness OF feeling for the sivc-
tunate letter which comes from you. Approving
voices have been heard from other quarters; other
Communications have reached me, high enough and
warm enough 10 demand, as they have received, my
most grateful acknvwledginents aud regard. But
yours comes from home; IL comes from thoee whom
have known, aud who have known inc, from my
birth IL is like the love of family circle ts in
huences fall upon my heart the dew of Hermon
Thosc of you who are tho most advanced in age
have known my father, and my family, and espe-
ciay that memb,r of 1t whose premature death in
ficted wound in my breast, which IL yet fresh spc
| bleeding. Some of you we're my companions IN Tia,
country Hcbuols; with others have pa taken in the
sports Of youth, the cheerful labor of the field of sg
| ricuture, and in the associations and exercises u
early manhood. soe ON the list learned and nov
aged and venerable clergymen; professional gentle
| mel and mag gistrates, OF my own age, whom have
onr honored and esteemed; and Others of all clnsse
and Ali pursuits in life There are on tho lis, also
not few who bear my name and partake my blood
whatI was In early life you AL know; towards wha