The Placer herald., 1857-07-11

America would send back the echo, and in
later days its spirit notes should summon all
Hungary to mighty struggle. That old
man has long since sought his fathers in far
of lands, where no human eye has ever
penetrated, but the tones Of that bell shall
never die-this day, as it did the people
then-it summons US to duty.
In the struggle that followed that event
ful day the men Of the revolution redeemed
the pledge then made. This our historic
page attests most amply. The whole nation,
men and women, were thoroughly aroused
above corruption, and equal to any sscri-
fee.
The merchant forsook his profits for the
hardships of the field-the mechanic his
shop-the farmer left his plough in the fur
row, the young and weeping wife gave last
embrace to the loved husband and bid
him forth to battle-and the doting mother
gave up her favorite boy to the sacrifice.
A British governor, offered Gen. Reed
fifty thousand dollars and high official posi-
ton in his masters service, if he would for
sake the people and join the party of the
King,-but that incorruptable man answer
ed Indignantly, "Sir am not worth pur-
chasing, but such as am the King of Eng
land is not rich enough to buy me-"
The stout old Ethan Ellen, although load
ed with chains and ncarcerated in an English
prison, spat in contempt upon the offers of
his temptor. Cap; Nathan Hale was hanged
at Brooklyn like a felon, but with his last
breath he declared "his only regret was, that
he had but one life to give to his country"
An old man had five sons in the battle
of Bennington,-on of them was killed.
After the battle neighbor came in great
haste to inform the old farmer of his loss,-
without shedding a tear the old man re
quested the dead child be brought before
him, and after contemplating the lifeess
form Of his fair boy, he declared sit was the
happiest day of his life, to know that his
five sons had fought nobly for their country
although one had fallen a sacrifice" Such
instances of devotion were by no means rare
in that day, but | have recouned enough
of them, to recall to memory the spirit of
the past No wonder the counselors Of
George the Third could not make head
against such a people,-no wonder the pam
pered fops of the British army, and their
hireling Hessian allies, could not crush
them in the field mo wonder an army COM
posed of such spirits, sna.ched Stony Point
from their iron grasp,-could withstand the
privations, loAthsone sickness and death in
the camp of Valley Forge,-the fatigues
of Arnold's march upon Quebec, and Green's
retreat through the Carolinas-could make
the passage of the stormy Delaware, and at
length triumph at Yorktown.
Whilst we glance over these pages Of
history, we shall find many anecdotes of
men of foreign birth, whose services and
sacrifices to the good cause, are deserving Of
our lasting gratitude, and whose names
would mention, did not feel that they are
already embalmed in every true American
heart, there to live while chivarous daring
is applaudad, and high souled honor respec-
ted.
When this battle for life was fought and
won, through seven long years of toll, pri-
va,ions and noble sacrifices, another mighty
work remained to be accomplished by the
men of that age. They had cut loose from
foreign thradom, but the ship Of State was
driving over the political sea, without chart
compass, rudder or pilot. A government was
to be formed, and no models presented,
suited to the case. The larger states wish
ed power in the federal government, the
lesser ones became jealous of their demands,
whilst certain of the colonies, reyelling in a
sense of their coveted freedom, had no wish
to enter into the bonds of a compact with
the balance of the ssterho ood. To reconcile
these differences, the plans were as diverse
as the persons presenting them. 1t was even
proposed to erect the colonies into king
dom, and Washington, was besought to &C
cept the crown. There was period of in
tense concern to the liberal minds of the
day, and the leading men, began to fear
that through their internal dissensions, all
would be lost, that they had struggled and
suffered to obtain.
At length their stubborn partizanship gave
way before the dictates of necessity, ,-mu-
tual concessions took place, compromises
entered into their work; and more through
the interpostion of wisdom then not
seen-a wisdom, far above the comprehen-
sion Of man, until experience has gradually
developed it, there was perfected and given
to this people, the Constitution and form
of Government under which we have lived
so long prosperous and happy.
Then was published to the world chart
which future republics will do we'll to copy
but may never hope to excel.
My friends the men of that age have
passed from the face Of the earth, the brave
arms that bore our banner in the fight have
palsied with age and sunk to rest,-the
voice that then shouted in battle or bore
words of wisdom in counsel are now hush
ed forever. One by one they have been
gathered to their fathers, until now, moth
ing but the story Of their great merits, lives.
All honor to that galaxy Of dead men, the
world will not soon look upon their like
again; and whilst in joy we drain the flow
inp goblet over nations birthday, let US