Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-03-15


The following is the full report Of the speech
made by Mr.. Seward to the delegation of New
York gentlemen who called upon him Mon
day evening
" Friends, Feioio-cttisens and Neighbors am very
deeply affected by this unexpected characterization NJ AZ
80 many familiar faces seen at this distance from my
home, and under the circumstances which surround
me- awaken memories and sympathes that should find
u dihcult TO describe IL is just twelve years since
came stranger and alone, 70 this Capitol represent
the great State from which you have in the
ellis Of the Union This day closes that service Of twelve
ycars-a period which In retrospect seems so short
and yet IL has cd up the sixth part Of the cousu
tona duration Of This great empire At this hour an.
pear before you voluntary citizen but God bc thanked
citizen now as always, Of the State of New Yotkouc
Of yoursclvcsyour cqualno longer bearing the respon
MMshals stepped forward and pinned badge n the New
York delegation to Mr. Stewards coat amid great cheer
ing) My public acts throughout that long and TO
trying period arc all upon record in the journals and de-
bates ot Congress. 1t is almost fearful to think that
they are impetishable Looking backward upon them,
WI say ana maintain here and now, that claim for
them all the merit Of good motives and honest intentions
Here in this presence, before you, fair delegation Of
the constituency have served and in the presence "
the God who is 10 be Judge, declare that
there is not word Of that record which desire should
be oblitcratcd Although representative Of one State
only, have been all the while conscious that also
legislator for all the Statcsfot the whole Republic
,nd am not 9'hamsa to appeal 10 every ,luh,p OF New
not afraid TO appeal 20 every secou-to The East, TO the
West 20 the North and TO Che south cqually-and TO cy
]
woman, TO every human being freeman bondsman, to
say whether, u any word or deed Of mine, have done
him wrong. And u lahors which demanded abilities I
could claim and trials which, cxacted cquanim-
ty Of temper have here in this capital neither received
nor given personal offence. | have not enemy in
this section 20 forgive, know Of who viii utter
/ personal complaint against me / have DONG little
goud. udeed-lar less than have wishrd-hut have
been sustained and supported by the people Of New Nor
with generosity that is unparalleled know why this
IS The people Of New NoIk hthtuRlly constant
and faithful to conscience, to truth, 70 liberty their
country. and 20 their God They have thought that en-
deavored to be likewise faithful know their character
we'll. and know that in the emergency which our
f. rely their integ and their patriotism,
do the intelligence aud patriotism Of the whole poo
pie Of the United States They will preserve the uesi-
mable legacy Of civil and religious liberty which they have
received from their heroic fathers. The administration
which you have come here to inaugurae into pow
or under circumstances Of embarrassment and peril
er before known in the history Of the Republic but be-
leye know the character and purposes ~ the Chief
Magistrate believe that, while he will be firm he will
be also just every State and every section and every
citizen that he will defend and protect the rights and
interests the peace and The prosperity, Of all the State.
equally and alike, while he will practice the moderation
that springs from virtue and the affection that arise.
from patriotism in Conederated States Under his guild
hncc and with the blessing Of God, believe and trust
aud confidently expect that admin stration that M in
augaatcd amid some dsirust and painful apprehension
will close upon reunited restored Prosperous free
happy Republic The State Of New York. the creates
and powerful Of the States will lead all other States
in the way of concilation and the path Of wisdom IL
always the path Of peace so am that now shall
find that the way Of conciaton is the way Of wisdom