Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1852-03-04

Of these states commenced. This event
took place in Philadelphia, the city dis-
iinguished by the great civil events OF
our eaily history, on The 5lh OF Septem-
Ter, IVA, on which day the firs, Con
iinen,al Congress assembled. Dele
| gates were present from New Ilamp-
shire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut New York, New Jersey.
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland.
Virginia. North Carolina, South Ca'-
o!ina and Georgia.
Let this day be ever remembered |!
| saw assembled from the several "ol-
onies those great men whose names
have come down 10 us, and will descend
TO all posterity. Their proceedings are
remarkable for simplicity, dignity and
unequalled ability. Al that day, pro-
baby there could have been convened
on no part Of this globe an equal nun.
Der Of men possessing greater talents
and ability, or animated by a higher
and more patriotic motive. They were
men full OF the spirit Of the occasion,
imbued deeply with the general seniI-
ment Of the country, Of large compre-
hension, Of long foresight, and of lew
words. They made no speeches Tor
Os.entation, they sat with closed doors,
and their great maxim was fdire sans
dire" 1t is true, they only wrote but
the issuring OF such writings, on such
n crisis, was nction-high, decisive,
national action. They knew The history
/ Of the past, they were alive TO all the
difficulties and all tie duties OF the pre-
sent, and they acted from the first as it
the future were all open before them.
Peyton Randolph was unanimously
chosen president Charles Thompson
was appointed secretary. In such
constellation, il would be invidious 10
point out the bright particular stars.
Let me only say, what none can consid-
er injustice TO others, that George
! Washington was one OF the number.
The proceedings oi the assembly were
introduced by religious obsesvances,
and devout supplicatlons TO the Throne
Of Grace for the inspiration of wisdom
and the spirit of good counsels.
On the second day OF the session il
was ordered, that a committee should he
appointed 10 state the rights Of the Colo
MES, the instances in which those rights
had been violated. and the means prop
er to be pursued 10 their restoration /;
and another committee TO examine and
report upon the several statutes Of the
English Parliament, which had been
passed. affecting the ade and manu-
factures Of the colonies. The members
OF these committees were chosen Oh the
following day. Immediately aiIerward
Congress took up, as the foundation Of
their proceedings, certain resolutions
adopted, Just before the time Of their
assembling, by delegates from towns in
the county of Suffolk, and especially he
town Of Boston.
Boston, the early victim oftlc infic.
ton oi wrong by the mother country, the
early champion Of American l-cry
Boston, though, in this vast country,
she may be now surpassed by other
cities, in numbers, in commerce and
wealth. yet she Cannot he surpassed in
the renown Of her early revolutionary
history. She will stand acknowledged.
while the world doth stand, as the ORR
gin and ornament promoter and defend
cr OF the rights Of the colonies. The
English crown irowned upon her with
bCNCihy why
her stand more erect. and put on face
Of greater boldness and defiance. The
Parliament poured upon her all its in
dignation. j. only held her up with
greater illumination, and drew toward
her the greater attachment and venera-
ton OF the country. Eoston us she was
in heart in principle and feeling in l774,
80 may she remain till her three hills
shall sink into the sea and be no more
remembered an ong men.
Gentlemen, these early proceedings OF
the citizens OF Boston and other inhabi-
tan,s Of the county OF Suffolk, deserve
to be written where all posteiity may
read them. They were carried to the
representative Of royalty, by the frs,
distinguished martyr in the cause of lib
erty, Joseph Warren. How fit that he
who was not long aiterward to fall in
the defence Of the liberty Of his country,
and to seal his love Of that country with
his blood, full Of its spirit and its princi
pies, should be the bearer OF its remon-
strances TO the representative Of tho
throne OF England. No encomium, no
eulogy upon the state Of which | have
the honor TO be a citizen, can exceed
that which is expressed in the unani
nous resolution Of the first American
Congress OF the 9Th OF October, l774, in
these. .words:-
Resolved, "That this Congress approve the OPP
position ofthe people Of Massachusetts Bay to
the execution oftl late acts Of Parliament; and
ifthe same shall be attempted to be carried into
execution by force, in such case all America ough
In stipnort them m their ODDOsitioD
Gentlemen, will not believe that the
ancient commonwealth Of Massachusetts
can ever depart from her true charac-
ter. think il impossible. But should
she be left to forgellulness Of herself,
and all that belongs TO her should
temporarily or permanently stray away
from the paths OF her ancient patriot.
ism, should she, which Heaven avert. be
willing to throw oil her original and all
American mantlr-to disrobe herself in
the presence OF the world, oi all her ma
tionality Of character, there are others
who would eagerly seize that mantle,
BILE Of wearing i. with grace, dignity and
power. need not say here, where
those others are to be found. am in
the city in which WASHINGTON first
took upon himself the administration OF
the Governmental am near the spot
OIL which all hearts and all hopes were
concentrated, in 1889. | bring the
whole scene, with all its deep interests
before me. | see the crowds that fill
and throng the streets, | see the ten
thousand faces, anxious TO look on him
to whose wisdom, prudence and patriot
ism the destinies OF the country are
committed. ! see the august form, be
hold the serene face OF WAsHisGroN ]
observe his reverent manner, when he
rises in the nrssencc nj "A countless rnnI-