American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-03-19
An Eloquent and Patriotic Letter

1Hc lOtloWlnS letter was written by
Mr.. Fillmore in reply to an invitation
to be present at the Inauguration of the
equestrian statue of Washington, in
Richmond, Va, on the 22d ofFebrua-
ry, ult. The eloquent and patriotic
and Union loving sentiments of Mr..
Fillmore contrast well with the reck.
less special pleadings of Mr.. Buchanan
in his message on Kansas affairs, Incl
ting sectional animosity and tanning
into a fierce flame the disunionism in
tho North and South. The letter,
brief as it is, contains beautiful trib-
ute to the memory of Washington, an
earnest warning to his fellow. citizens,
and an eloquent appeal for the main
tenance of the Union, for whose estub-
lishmcnt so many sacrifices were made
by the great "Father of his Country"
BUFFALO, N. Y, Feb. 1, 1858.
Gentlemen: l have the honor to &C
knowledge the receipt of your letter
Of the 18th ult., inviting me to be
present at the elevation of the statue
of Washington to it's position on the
" Fargtnia Washington Monument,"
in the city Of Richmond, on the 22d
day of February, instant, and regret
exceedingly that my engagements are
such as to deprive me Of the pleasure
Of accepting your invitation. ....
Your State is justly cntitled to great
credit for erecting this noble monu-
ment to her peerless son as tribute
of gratitude to his memory. But the
fame Of Washington is more enduring
than monumental brass, or sculpturcd
marble; and when that proud pile of
granite shall have crumbled to dust,
and that beautiful bronze statue with
which it is crowned shall be exhibited
as an ancient relic in some future mu-
scum, the name Of Washington will
shine with increased lustre on the
brightest page Of his country's histo.
ry. Surely, then, nothing which l
could do or say could add to his indy
ing fame; but, nevertheless, | should
rejoice to testify, by my presence on
this interesting occasion, my deep ven.
Grafton and profound respect for the
character Of Washington.
Perhaps there was never time when
his unsclfsh example and prophetic
warnings were Of more importance to
the country than now. That Union
which he sacrificed SO much to estab-
fish is threatened; that warning which
he left as patcrnal legacy to his
country is sighted, and growing dis
content, north and south, cannot fail
to create anxiety in the breast of ov-
cry true patriot. .a..
At time like this, ! should rejoice
to meet my countrymcn from all parts
Of this widespread republic, at the
Monument Of Washington reared by
his own native State, and there, upon
that sacred altar, as children of our
revolutionary sires, pledge for our
selves" sour lies and oar sacred honors,"
to maintain this government, and "to
frown Indignantly upon the first dawn
ing OF any attempt to ALLEVIATE any
portion of our country from the rest,
or to enfeeblc the sacred ties which now
link together the various parts" ...
beg Of you, gentlemen, to accept
my grateful thanks for tho honor you
have done me by deeming me worthy
of an invitation to be present on this
interesting occasion; and permit the to
subscribe myself, your friend and fell
low citizen, ~. .".
F.. WILLARD FILLMORE.
The Democracy of Hancock county
L =. :. -. L..