The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-02-26
AN ELOQUENT LETTER.


The following letter from President Pierce was received
by the Mercantile Library Association Of Boston, in re-
spouse to an invitation to attend and participate in the
celebration in that city, Of the birthday of Washington
We have never read nobler or more truthful and elo
quent tribute to the Father of his Country expressed in so
few and simple words President Pierce in the power to
move the patriotic heart of his countrymen either by
spoken or written language has certainly few equals
WAsuIseros, February Is, 1885,
GESTLEMEs duly received your letter of the 3lst u
inviting me- the of the members the Mercantile Ii
brsry Association Boston, Join with them the
approaching birthday Washington 1t would be CRATE
full to listen to the instructive thoughts and eloquent
words which will this occasion bs addressed TO the
cation but this of course, will not be in my power
honor the purpose Of rendering the tribute of your a
econate to the memay Of him who the
Of independencehe statesman OF the revolutonthe
foremost among the founders Of the American Union.
lie lived the leader and the guide Of athers he died
to become the type of greatness and postey
1t is fabulous glory which surrounds his name his
doubtful neamenis, eusyey magned to the eye in the
dim obscurity OF antiquity lie stands before 10 the
light of history, with all his auess proportions of mind as
OF person distinctly visible. .ar
neither in at the head of armies peace that
OF cabnewhether in the exercise of public authority
in the calm of coveted retiremenths entire fe mill
tary and civil public and private long lesson
dom and Of instruction to his country His possesses
completeness his character dignity Of style his fame
noble symmetry, which win him In all time to stand
forth the representative Of this republic, and the
model patriot OF the world. @
the people Of every State and Territory Of the conedera
tion-fatbers and mothers, and daughterswoud
sembe annually the 22d of February in their respective
cities towns and hameis and listen the Farewell Address
Of the Father Of hs Country it would in my Judgment
comph In the way OF awakening deep con.
stutionsl duty OF settling questions Of obligation
relation thereto Of Graduating sectional prejudice Of dss
patng Of sentiment and opinion, and Of nsung
curity and perpeuiiy the blessings which enjoy than
any other fundamentally which mans wisdom devise
In pausing for day. you propose, dwell upon the
great life OF Washington and to call mind all the patriot
ism which, by and by speech he ncueatd you
fail refresh the love Of country in your breasts and to feel
your own hearts SWELL his through life, ceased to
do with devotion to the veal not narrowly CON
nsd to place Or 'ecoh but coe4tensye with tho broad
limits Of the Union,
With my beat wishes FOR tho usefulness and enjoyment Of
yeur gathering, am, gentlemen your obliged friend and
servant, FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Messrs Charles g. Chase, Carlos Pierce W. H. Learnard
jr A. f. sse, Edw. w. Foster, Committee.
The emphatic emphasis with which the President aludes
to Washingous Farewell Address TO bis counrymen in
duces US says the Boston Post reprint in this conuex
ION, an extract from that immortal paper
In looking forward the moment which Is to tcrni-
the Of my political life my feelings not per
nit suspend the deep acknowedg nent thu debt OF
gratitude which TO my beloved country the
bonors II has conferred upon still the steadt
confidence with which II has supported me- and the OPP
portunitles have thence enjoyed OF manfestng my
liable attachment, by services faithful and perseverng
though in usefulness unequal to my zeal If benefits have
resulted country from these services let always be
remembered your praise, aud Instructive example 10
annals that under circumstances 10 which the passions
ageted 10 every direction liable TO mead-smidst
appeal sometimes fortune often
dscouragngn situations ia which unequenty want
Of has countenanced the spirit of
sancy Of your support the prop Of tho efforts
aud Of the plans by which they we're effected
Profoundly penetrated with this idea shall carry with
me to grave, strong Indictment Of unceasng wishes
that Heaven may continue you the choicest tokens Of
Its benehcencehs your union and brotery affection may
be perpeuabat the free constitution which the work Of
your hands may be acedy mantanodthat its administers
en In every department may be stamped wisdom and
virtuetha n fine the happiness Of the people OF these
States under the auspices Of liberty may be
by 20 careful preservation and prudent use of this
blessing will acquire to them the glory Of recommending
u 10 the applause the affection, and adoption every nation
which 10 yet a stranger TO II.
Here, perhaps, ought TO atop. But solcitude for your
welfare, which end but with my life and the appre
hcnsion u danger natural 10 that soctude urge me- on
occasion like the present. to offer to your solemn
tor, and 70 recommend your frequent review some an
which iAe result a. much reflection Of no ineop,d
erahls obseryaton and which appear 10 me iii important "a
the permanency Of your felicity people These win be
offered TO you with the more freedom, you only see IN
them the disinereted warnings Of parting friend who can
possibly have personal motive % bias his counsel Nor
forget as an encouragement to t. your indugont re-