The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1868-07-29
Hon. Reyerdv Johnson's Valedictory.

| On the 9th inst, Mr.. johnson asked permission of
the Senate to trouble them with few words. He had
committed to writing what he desired and would ask
his colleague to read them. Mr.. Vickers then read
the manuscripts of Mr. johnson as follows:
Mr.. Presidemt-May be excused for arresting for
moment or two the ordinary business of the Senate
| by few words personal to myself? Having agreed
to accept public trust abroad committed to me by
the President with the approval of the Senate, am
about to resign my seat in this body. Having been
member for nearly six years, and contracted friend
ships which have been constant of pleasure,
and which shall value, cannot retire without
the deepest regret. During the period of my service
civil war Of unexampled magnitude was waged,
threatening national life and its successful termin-
alton by arms The consequence of the conflict have
not wholly disappeared. In both periods questions of
the greatest importance involving the covers of the
Government and the reserved rights of the States,
have been discussed in this chamber with solicitude
to uphold the Government in all its rightfu authority,
and restore the entire country to its wonted pros
perity In these discussions / have more or less par
tcipated and, although widely differing with major
ity of the Senate and supporting my opinions with
earnestness it will always be great qualification to
me to remember that at all times by every member,
was treated with uniform courtesy, and need hard
say, Mr. President, that such courtesy never failed
gladly to reciprocate.
In the new office of public duty on which am about
to enter may find subjects of controversy that for
time as they have already done) may more or less
distract the friendly relations between the Govern
ment of Great Britain and our own. But that this
disturbance will be temporary, do not doubt. The
interests of both nations firmly dependent upon
a mutual and friendly understanding that the people
of each cannot fail to the duty of having it OBJ
served, and believe this be accomplished by the
manifestation of reciprocal good WILL as our Govern
ment is, actuated by such feeling The complica-
ton of the present time am satisfied, will soon be
removed and in whatever part under instructions of
the President may take in the regulations prelimi
nary to such result shall be Influenced by sincere
wish to secure to both Governments an adjustment
honorable to both, and have every reason to think
shall be met in the same spirit by the Government in
all that may do. / shall look with hope to the ap-
proval of my associates in this body, although may
fail in respects to meet with it, cannot be mis-
taken in thinking that they will do me the justice to
believe that have been governed throughout by an
earnest desire to maintain all the rights and protect the
interests of our beloved country.
1t is not all probable that shall again be member
of the Senate and oppresses to think may new
err after leave the country have the pleasure OF see-
ing again all its members. But beg you, Mr.. Presi-
may separate u.s. shall gratefully to re-
member the kindness evinced for me in this chamber,
or to hope for the happiness and prosperity of its
members
When return from my embassy, trust and believe
there will be enduring peace between ourselves and
the nations of the world, and this be
cured by firm and courteous maintenance of our own
rights and scrupuous regard for the rights OF 9TH
ers and above all, trust that the troubles incident
to our recent domestic conflict will then have totally
disappeared and shall be in the uninterrupted en-
joyment of that unity of Government which, in the
parting words of Washington, is the main pillar in
the edi6ce of real independence; the support of
traquity at home of peace abroad of our safe
ty, of prosperity, of that liberty which SO
highly prize" These ends being accomplished, imag-
nation itself will be at loss adequat ely to portray
the future greatness of our land
And now, Mr.. President, / leave the body with one
more word but word which, to friends is ever most
painful to utter" FAREWELL"
The Senators generally aocked around Mr. Johnson
to bid him farewell. He visibly affected.