Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-08-27
spain and the American ReVOlu-
ton.


In the extracts below from an Grafton, de-
livered in Boston on the 4th of July last, by
GEORGE SUMNER, Esq, are some important
"reminiscences connected with the revolu-
tionary period of American history, which
claim the particular attention of Americans.
In reproducing them, the National hatelli-
gencer remarks, these historical citations par
ticularly relate to the part taken by Spain in
our Revolutionary struggle with Great Brit
ain, and place in a strong light our national
obligations to a Government towards which
it may be doubted whether our subsequent
demeanor has been at all times aud in all re-
spects such as national gratitude and for
bearance might be expected to inspire.
While the "Cuban bill" was pending before
Congress during the last session a question
was raised in the Senate with regard to the
substantial nature of these obligations to
Spain as one of our allies in the war Of the
Revolution. AS whatever relates to that
cardinal period OF American history has an
intrinsic value, independent of its relations to
our present public and foreign policy, we
events which conspired to promote and Sc
cure the success of that great civil move
ment; and though all history plainly declares
that nations are in the main very slightly in
fuenced by sentiments of gratitude, when
the latter come in conflict with real or i'm
agined convictions of self-interest, yet it can
never be of any avail TO falsify or ignore the
records of the past in order to justify de-
mands which would otherwise seem impor-
tunate. We therefore reproduce, from the
address already designated, the historical
considerations on which it may be affirmed
that Spain in the days Of our weakness
proved herself friend, whose generous ser
vices were no less promptly rendered than
highly appreciated:
Eighty-three years have passed since the
dele gates of thirteen feeble colonies proclaim
ed the immortal truths of that ID ciaraiion 10
which we have just listened. This act, preg-
pant with consequences TO all mankind. stands
in history as the record OF the birth Of a new
nation.
In 1916 the great Powers OF Europe were
Mt peace, and England was nj full liberty 10
throw on our shores the whole force OF her
arms.
In the great contest which ensued-a con-
test for self government aud for the equal
rights Of man-perils were encountered and
suifcrings endured. which we. calmly enjoy
ing their fruits remember with gratitude 90
the men who toiled for us, aud with fealiy
to the principles which they proclaimed.
The struggle was long and unequal; and
when the enemy succeeded in gaining poss,'s-
sion of New York the timd began TO fillicr
All eyes were now turned TO Europe. Dele.
gates had been already dispatched TO seek
the assistance OF France. and their hopes
were not disappointed. One million of francs
were given from the French treasury, cannon
and military stores furnished from the arse
mails Of France. other stores to the value Of
q million OF dollars placed in coionisd ports
accessible % our vessels, aud series OF
friendly acis commenced which, on the 9th Of
February, I775, Was coninaed in a treaty
OF alliance, aud In declaration by which
France bound herself TO make no peace with
England uutil The Independence Of the United
St,tes was fully recognised.
But IL was not France alone which came
TO our aid. During that summer OF 20 one
oi li.ose tfssye men who were the creators Of
the naval glory ofonr coun,ry-Capiain Lee.
vi alarbl h-ad cfa.s.ng under commission