The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-11-02
The Centennial Letter.
STATE OF South CAROLINA, J
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
COLUMBIA, MAY i, 1876.

AhO NShtCuHiut ActtcT.
STATE OF SoUTH CAROLINA,
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
COLUMBIA, May j, 1916.
A. Melchers. Esq, Prcsidcw German Fa-
siiiers, Charleston, S. c. g,ur.is ia
My DEAR SIR hare received with
peculiar pleasure your invitation in be-
half of the German Fusiicrs of Charles.
ton to attend their Centennial anniversa-
ry celebration on the Sd insta-t, and to
respond to the sentiment, "The State of
South Carolina"
appreciate this honor very highly,
and ] specially regret to find it impossi-
BILE for me to accept your invitation.
have feared that it might be little in
explica..e that should be nble to 90 to
Lexington but not to Charleston to Mt
tend p Centennial celebration but
know l ought not to doubt that you will
accept my present assurance that public
duties and labors which, have accumula,
ted during my recent absence nrc Of such
nature rs to make it unreasonable for
me to leave Columbia at this tune.
trust too that you will to no extent
attribute my absence from your celebra-
tion to want of interest or sympathy in
any celebration which speedily concerns
Charleston or South Carolina. 1t was n
great privilege for me G: recent occa-
sion to speak of our State in the presence
of many thousands Of our Northern
brethren, and in some sense in the pres
ence of the whole country. No native of
South Carolina, however devoted TO the
traditions and fame of his State, could
have failed to be deeply moved by the
cordial manifestations seen on that occa-
sion of the spirit OF fraternal kindness
on the part of ali who Joined in those
patriotic services towards South Carolina.
It would afford me the utmost pleasure
to be able to testify in person to this greet
and increasing feeling of fraternity be-
tween the North and the South on the
occasion Of your celebration. -,
should rejoice also to. do whatever
1 might by my presence orwords to mako
q suitable expression of the feelings with
which know South Carolina responds
to all sentiments and acts which tend to
national harmony and repose. Others
who are better able than / to perform
such : service will b. preaas:s 1-ftl. yea,
and will give voice to all the precious
memories and hopes which your celebra-
tion will call up. I cannot regret my
absence on your account, but only OF, my
own, for covet the honor Of helping to
open the series Of Centennial celebrations
~h:c: South Csrocii;;;;;s will ;;ss.;.;: ;;;ss.;.;;:t :s
memory of her Revolutionary heroes and
history. ffItI z
Above all things, my dear sir, trust
Jour celebration will speak and enforce
the great present lesson and duty of DO
litical aud social harmony beswesa oil
the sections of our country and the basis
of the settlements which are now em-
nodied in tho constitution of the nation.
Upon that basis let, new prosperity
grow up. which shall cheer and bless all
races and conditions of men who dwell
in South Carolina. Political differences
ought to be significant and valued,
only as they mark the greater or less
fidelity of our parties to the common pur-
pose OF making Cur government and pub
llc service honest, patriotic, pure and
elevating.
Every man ia my political friend whose
honest duty is to give peace and prospcri-
ty to South Carolina. Every man is INV
political foe who would, for any cause.
stay or turn back the returning tide
which is bearing these blessings to our
people. = A5n"9T p'iu i5ii
May your celebration give strength to
our national feelings, to our honorable
State. pride, to our firm resolution to
make South Carolina worthy to-day of
the men who hundred years ago, with
faith and courage, preserved her freedom
and honor, and who transmitted to us
blessings which ere still greater than
those. enjoyed by any other nation.
Again expressing my profound regret
at my necessary absence from your patri-
otto cclebration,ilI give youithisisenti.
tnent THE German Fusiliers of Charles.
tonr-7May their constant and highest aim
De to perpetuate the spirit which made
South Carolina in l775 the heroic and
ursonqnarable defender of American
zzeti1,:s; s...s. .i1..io si;..it,.
Respectfully and gratefully,
:" Your fellow-citizen and servant, 7i2i'
ID. III. !CdAMBERLAiE. ~