Litchfield enquirer., 1861-03-14
SPEECH OF MIR. SEWARD.

On the morning of the Inauguration day, a delegation of New Workers, overy two hundred strong, formed on Pennsylvania avenue, at g o'clock, and proceeded in body to MT. Sew ards residence to pay their respects. J. H. Hobart Ward met them at the door, and James Kelley introduced the party to Mr. Seward in pertinent speech. Mr. Seward, from the door step, responded as follows:
 FRIENDS, FELLow-C CITIZENS AND NEIaHBoRs |: I am very deeply affected by this unexpected de- monstration of affection on the part of the peo- pie of the State. of New York. So many fla miliar faces, seen at this distance from my home, and under the circumstances which surround me, awaken memories and sympathies that l should find it difficult to describe. It is just twelve years since 1 came, stranger and alone, to this Capitol, to represent the great State from which you have come in the Councils of the Union. This day closes that service of twelve years-a period which now in retrospect seems so short, and yet it has filled up the one-sixth part of the Constitutional duration of this great empire. At this hour I appear before you voluntary citizen, but, God be thanked citizen now as always, of the State of New York-one of yourselves-your equal-no longer bearing the responsibilities of representative. Here one of the Deptuty-Marshals stepped forward, and pinned badge of the New York delegation to
  public acts throughout that long, and to me try ing period, are all upon record in the journals and debates of Congress. It is almost fearful to think that they are imperishable. Looking backward upon them will say and maintain here, and now, that claim for them all the mer- it of good motives and honest intentions. Here in this presence, before you, a fair delegation of the constituency have served, and in the pres ence of God who is to be our Common Judge, declare there is not one word of that record which desire should be obliterated. Although representative of one State only, have been all the while conscious that was also legsla- tor for all the States-for the whole Republic and I am not ashamed to appeal to every sec and to the South, equally ly-and to every State in every section, and to every man, to every wo- man, to every human being, freeman or bonds man, to say whether, in any word or deed of mne have done him wrong. And in labors which demanded abilities 1 could not claim and trials which exacted some equanimty Of temper, have here in this capital neither received nor given personal offence. l have not one enemy in this section to forgive. I know of no one who will utter personal complaint against me. have done little good, indeed-far less than have wished-but 1 have been sustained and supported by the people of New ork with a generosity that is unparalleled. l know why this is so. The people of New York are ha- btually constant, and faithful to conscience, to truth, to liberty, to their country, and to their God. They have thought that i endeavored to be likewise faithful I know their character well, and I know that in the new emergency which our country is now entering upon, they will be equally faithful. l rely on their intelli- gence, and their patriotism, as do on the in telligence and patriotism of the whole people of the United States. They will preserve the nestimable legacy of civil and religious liberty which they have received from their heroic fath- CTS. Tine administration which you have come here to inadgurate comes into power under cir cumstances of embarrassment and peril, never before known in the history of the Republic i; but believe I know the character and purposes of the Chief Magistrate 1 believe that, while he will be firm, he will be also just to every State, and every section, and every citizen that he will defend and protect the rights and inter- ests, the peace and the prosperity,-o of all the States equally and alike, while he will practice the moderation that springs from virtue. and the affection that arises from patriotism in Confed- erated States. Under his guidance, and with the blessing of God, l believe and trust and confidently expect, that an Administration that is inaugurated amid some dstrust and painful apprehension, will close upon a reunited, re- stored, prosperous, free and happy Republic. The State of NewY ork the greatest and most powerful of the States, will lead all other States in the way of conciliation; and as the path of wisdom is always the path of peace, so I am sure that now we shall find that the way of con- ciliation is the way of wisdom.
 Mir. Seward was greatly affected during the delivery of his speech, which was frequently ap- plauded and followed by three hearty cheers. A gentleman standing near, who was evidently cap tured by the Senator, exclaimed Il am Vir- ginian and Southern man all over, but I'll trust that man anywhere. I've watched his course for long time, and I know he's honest" Mr. Seward shook hands with the delegation, and then retired.