The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-05-25
The Old Patriot. Gen. Cass.


We publish below, the eloquent, wise, pa
triotic and Christian letter of the distinguished
statesman whose name heads this article. Such
letter is worthy Of such a man. Men like
Cas-, CLAY, CALHOUN, WEBSTER, and those
still greater names, Jackson, JEFFERSON, and
the immortal WASHINGTON, could never
sympathize, much less be associated with so
foul thing as KnowNothing intolerance and
falsehood. The class of men to which CAss
belongs, ranks with the pr0ud+st list OF the world
rulers TO be found in all history. The genius.
fame and virtue of such men will never be
found tarnishrd by contact with the leprosy of
bigoted fanatieism and religious persecution
The iniquitous sinks Of Know-Nothing bigoiry
and oppression are fitting places only for cast
of filIh-rate politicians of desperate fortunes,
and the ignorant herd of fanatics who are ruled
by designing men through appeals to their AMI
NAL eXcitability and uncultvated instinct
Democrats of '4S, and honest men of all parties,
and OF no party, listen to the calm voice of an
aged patriot:
DETRoIT, March ID, 1858.
DEAR SIR 1t is now more than two years
since have attended public festival, and the
same affecting circumstances which led ne TO
adopt this course, yet operate to render me in
disposed 10 change it.. While, therefore, thank
YOU and those associated with you, for the
invitation to attend the celebration of St. Pat
rick's day on the nth, beg leave TO be excused
for declining lis acceptance.
But, though | shall not be with YOU on that
interesting occasion, yet can realize and APP
prrCIate the feeling with which YOU will assem-
bic to recall the glores Of the land of your birth
or descent, in this land of your hopes and your
homes: and 10 do honor to the memory of The
Apostle OF Christianity, who first carried the
Gospel of Jesus to the Pagan inhabitants of
Ireland. Oheying the injunction of the Scrip
lures, be E'added knowledge to virtue" though
in these latter DAYS We are called upon to glory
in ignorance, and 10 found our claims to con-
fidence upon kaow nothing. Your iIIustrious
missionary belonged TO the great Order of know
somethings-to that class of it indeed which
knows great deal, and he deserves the grati-
tndr of mankind for imparing what hr knew
TO others, instead Of pndpavosing 10 ''daFken
counsel by words without knowledge" Honor
tHtTtIOTf 10 one OF the DencfdClOFS Oi me human
race, and let us render ii the more freely now,
when local and sectarlan prejndices are StrIy-
ing to create distinction among MS, as unjust
as they are unconstitutional. But we have
nothing eventually TO far from error or op-
preston, while, as Mr.. Jefferson we'll SAID, ''rea-
son is left free 10 combat it," That freedom Is
portion of our heritage and it will triumph over
this deusion as it has trnmphed over many
one heretofore, and will triumph over many
one hereafter those who have participated IN
il will awaken to the conviction that the " orih
of an American citizen does not depend upon
the place Of his birth, nor his claim to conf
dpnce upon his religious faith, and upon the
mode in which h- worshpS that God, who is
equally the God OF the Catholic and of the Pro-
tesiant-who guided and protected our fathers
in the days OF their troubles and trials and will
we humbly hope, guide and protect us and our
children whenever troubles and tiialS shall be-
set our National path. There is no danger, if
we only appreciate he blessings enjoy in
spirit of mutual Cancellation and forbearance,
and with thankfulness to Him who gave them,
and may take them away.
] am dear sir, with great regard.
Truly Yours,
LEWIS CASS.