Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-03-01
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.

WAsRIssroN, FEBRUARY IL, 1851.
0ssTLLMES have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
Of your kind letter. informing that the Union Safety Com
mittee intend unite with their fellow citizens in celebrating
The anniversary of Washingtons birth day. and inviting
participate in the festivities Many considerations would
tempt accept this fatering invtaon did not my off,
cial duties compel me to decline it..
Nothing could be gratifying than to meet my old
friends in your enterprsng city. Their uniform kindness
has laid under many obligations and the noble stand which
they have taken in support of the Laws and the UNION
deserving of the highest commendatons.
appears me- too, that the Birthday of Washington
deserving of every honor which Americans bestow
npon it. is than half century the grave
closed all that mortal of this lusous but his
voice still speaks from the tomb. His paernal advice still
our danger How truly prophetic is that paragraph in his
Farewell Address, in which he says:
"In contemplating the causes which may disturb our
Union, il matter of serious that any
found should have been furnished for charactezng parties
geographical determinations Norhern and Southern
tantic and Western whence designng men may endea-
r to excite belief that there real difference of local in
ress and views One of the expedents Of party to acquire
influence within particular districts is msrepresent the
opinions and aims other districts You cannot shield
selves too much against the eaouses and hearbuning
which spring from these misrepresentation. They tend to
geher by fraterna affection"
Who can doubt that his calm conempatve mind looked
down the long vista Of coming years, and in the distance
hat "desgnng men" would sectional ealousies for
ash Objects which might destroy that Union which he loved
WELL and which he justly regarded the very palladium
our liberties and national prosperity
But this lustous patriot taught quite much by bis
4ple bis precepts. He was blessed by nature with a
Sorous constitution and well-banced and discriminating
md; not brilliant, but snguary calm and practical His
Dgmen couded by prejudice disturbed by pas
sn. With never-failing trust in overrulng Provi-
ce, he doubted that righteous succeed
ID with self reliance which nothing could give but dsnter
Aed devotion to his country, and firm resolve, if
sy, offer himself upon its altar he proved himself the
pden brave and victorious General, and the wise and
sacous Statesman He sought Office, but when
ties He shrunk from labor sacrifice, and whenever
services could be dispensed With, he voluntarily resigned
ehigh trusts with which he invested, and, without
g retired to private l truly refreshing to contem
late uch character and slake ones thirst from pure
| antah Of patriotism.
But have said more than intended, and must close by
f,rnilg my thanks for your invitation, and expressing
to hope that so far from weakening, the recent agtaons
~ strengthen the bonds of Union that every sectional
busy may be dispelled that every constitutional right
rs be held sacred and nvoate, and that our glorious
| lnbn may be enduring the fame of the immorta
| Vshingon.
have he honor to be your friend and fellow citizen
| MTLLARD FILLMORE.