The republic., 1851-04-09

National Monument and State OF New York.
The following is copy of letter to the
president of the Washington National Monu-
ment Association:
STATE OF NEW YonK, EXECUTIVE DEPT.
ALBANY, March %, 1851.
Sra: The Legislature Of New York having di-
rected the preparation and presentation Of an ap-
propriate tablet for the Washington National
Monument. it becomes my pleasing duty to COM
plete the execution of this object by forwarding to
you the finished block. II il sent as the simple but
significant token by which the deep allegiance of
this State to our country's greatest name may be
shown forth to those Of coming generations who
shall approach this monumental shrine, consecrat-
ed alike to WAsHINaroN and our nationality. 1t is
the pledge of attestaton by which three millions Of
free people would substantiate their grateful ap-
prcciaton Of the services and character Of the
who perfectly harmonixed greatness and good
ness, that censure becomes folly and eulogy seems
but to acknowledge the brightness Of the sun. Our
national history il indeed an epic Of which WASH
INaros 10 the hero; but hero borrowing nought Of
his greatness from poetic fancies. In his career.
history and poetry were one. The Constitution
and Federal Union. to which he SO largely contri-
butcd, and TO which his administration was the
concentrating seal, "rose like an exhalation" to
embody in tangible reality that spirit of deep and
benevolent wisdom which animated and guided
him during a long life Of great deeds
So truly is the spirit and character Of WASHING
reflected in the institutions which sprang into
existence beneath his fostering care, that il would
be a contradiction TO admire him. and not to cher
ish them. The people of this State have left
doubtful their affectionate regard for WASHINGTON.
for the liberty he achieved and nurtured, and the
;vS.xs Tint hat kn tnvaA AID ,ho,t tha
hallowing influences of time have descended on
him and them. mellowing their hues Of glory. and
touching them with the dust of consecra alton, the
sons of this Commonwealth not about to un-
learn those lessons of vencration for constiu-
tional Union and its founders, which inculcated
by every domestic, social, and political influence.
Temporary passions may disturb this regard, and
vex the great deep of patriotic fidelity; yet how
insignifcant the wave, compared to the mighty
ocean Of true-hearted allegiance! Whenever the
heat and animosity cngendered by sectional con-
tests obscure the reason of any portion of our
countrymen. it is specially grateful to recur to
those patriotic labors from which arose this noble
confedcracy Of States.
1t cannot but siren gthen devotion to the Con-
sitution to recall the many difficulties which had
to be overcome in its formation, and the liberal
compromise by which alone II became possible.
The Washington Monument will be shrine Of
patriotic resort for succeeding generations; it will
promote national feeling. by furnishing "a local
habita tion" and home for the memories of this
young nations great struggle for freedom and in
dependence. But should the powers of darkness
prevail as to extinguish national unity,
this monument would become a finger of scorn.
1t would stand but TO mock and torture US with
thousand fantasies of glories unrealized by default
of worth and noblencss in ourselves. The world
has monument 60 wholly melancholy in its
memories as this would be, should it survive the
Union of these States
The tablet contains but the simple coat of arms
Of New York. The occasion is too suggestive Of
patriotic sentiments to permit the choice of any
particular one. There is, however, enough of
meaning and fitness in the motto of our arms,
'.Excclsior.'' 1t is ever the practice of noble
lures to look hopefully through the future to the
attainment Of higher ends than those for which
they now contend. From this aspiring spring all
great actions.
A noble souled poet of sister State has very
truthfuly and beautifully clothed tho deep mean
ing Of our Excelsior" in fitting poetic drapery
The earnest struggle OF mind possessed of high
resolves il almost a characteristic of our people,
and one to which they most of their greatness.
The spirit of noble aspiration which our excel
with all who are truly great and good. 1t seems,
therefore. well fitted for place Of honor in
ment to his memory.
Permit me, sir, through you, to express to the
Association over which you preside my grateful
innate OF its labors, and my anxious desire that
the immortal work which is the object of its en-
deavors may bo brought to an early consumma-
ton.
The block will be delivered by the bearer of this
letter, Col. Robert H. Morris, one Of my military
aids.
have the honor to be, with high respect, your
obedient servant, WASHINGTON HUNT.
To the PaxEpENT of tho Washington National
Monument Association.
The following is copy of letter to his ex-
eellency WASHINGTON Hunt, Governor of New
York:
WARRINGTON, April 7, 1861.
Sin: As president ex oficio OF "The Washington
National Monument Association" have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt Of your eloquent and
patriotic letter of the 22d ult the hand of your
military aid. Colonel Robert H. Norris and to in
form you that the "IabIet" Of which he was the
bearer, designed by the State Of New York for the
Washington National Monument, was this day
presented by him to the Board of Directors.
I feel myself singularly fortunate in being the
honored recipient. on behalf of the Association, Of
this appropriate contribution from my native State
to this noble enterprise. Often, as look from my
window at this proud monument, rearing its lofty
head to the Clouds the inquiry suggests itself why
raise this massive pile to the honor Of AsHNaroN9
Can il add to his fame3 Ia it necessary to perpetu
ate his memory? No; neither. His fame is imper-
ishablc, and his memory will endure when this
marble pile shall have crumblcd to dust. This
splendid monument is not reared that future gene
rations may know that WAsHsGroS lived; but that
they may know that his fellow-citizens appreciated
his worth, and were deeply grateful for the in
estimablc blessings which he conferred upon the
country. Il 10 not, therefore, much . monu-
ment to the memory of WAsHINoroN, as it is of the
gratitude Of his countrymen; and in this noble en-
ulation il gives me infinite pleasure to my own