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and action ; but it must still exist to resist the
contrary force, when causes nitty remove that
which fofr a while permitted it to be inert.
Carry not that power to an unwarranted ex
lehtj I’.' bi it fi«lI front its unnatural strength ; but
fco modify it as to sustain your covetninent
’ without burdening your personal liberty. It
is. the helm of the vessd, w hoever be the pilot,
whether King or Emper >r. Demagogue or Pa
triotic Freeman. That power must yet be
maintained in its full atrepgth ; we must be
prepared to copy with the genius of war, and
let us now observe if its bloody eye, oucasion
nlly rests upon the laud. Do not let tm theo
rize, uor speculate daikly upon what may be.
but let ys still watch every little cloid, w hich
may like that presented to Elijah, be pregnant
with the elements of strife ; let us determine
if there be a probability of our being effected
by many dangers.
The principles of religion and pence, seem
those tendencies of systems w hich generate
strife, or which lead the mind from the quiet
pursuits of life, to dream of battle and milita
ry fame. Although we acknowledge those
principles to be just and true, yet wc must re
fleet whether the w orld, or our nation, is pre
pared to have those systems laid at once aside.
Morality is not so deep or generally infused, as
to check base ambition or unjust rule ; nor
prudence so governing, nor policy so frise, as
that we should “beat our swords into pruning
hooks,” and sweetly sleep in dreams of. peace
and religious tranquility like one who should
sit o« the side of a volcanic mountain, looking
on the calm azure sky, or on the green fields
konaulk 1*4411,
of the fires that are about to send forth their
lurid stream of all-destroying lava, to buiy
him in destruction. Docs not your observation
upon tha dissipated and contentious of our
land lead you to entertain this? The princi
ples of the human heart, ever wayward and
depraved, are not yet so modified or curbed,
as to cease to obey the dictates of pride and
revenge; they will wing their way in wild
flight, with the spirit of a bold and lawless am
bition. As the compressed stream, when it
finds no vent to its fury, strengthening by con
finement, bursts ia terrible confusion the bonds
that restrained it; so with she ruthless nature
of man, w hen too suddetdy checked, within the
imposed precincts of propriety, or when curb
ed by the oppressions of tyranny, display itself
unexpectedly in wild extravagance, or in threa
tening wrath. You must, by continually tea
ching it the principles of freedom and religion,
and by an occasional yielding to gratify its de
mauds, gradually confine it within the bounda
ries of peace, wisdom, and sobriety.
But that delightful termination to human
frailties, has not yet been made, since the signs
of the times are yet pregnant with war, and
with an “unknown hand,” they still write up
on the w alls of our temples of corruption, that
we are “ wanting’’ to ourselves and to virtue
Even the spirit of liberty that is abroad, which
is ever exciting mankind, a.id which is
now fermenting in Europe—the dread of kings
—that “ worm which they have long attempt
ed to crush, and which has now become the
serpent to devour,” will probably, in the shift
ing changes it is liable to produce, involve us
in danger and uncertainty. Man’s versatility
and desire of novelty, afford us but vascilla
ting systems, doubtful in their terminations.
Wc must then have an anchor to steady us up
on-the billow. I would therefore, fellow citi
zens,- ask your agreement as to those military
improvements, which I shall propose as neces
sary, and your co-action in their execution.
You must admit that if they, not being of an
anti-republican, but of a strengthening nature,
were thoroughly established, we would com
njjfjd the greater respect from foreign powers,
and save ourselves from the imputation of
weakness and effeminacy, and thus from the
consequent impositions of ambitious govern
merits. And even did we incur all the dangers
of strife, we could defend our country more
promptly and effectually, and save it from an
otherwise greater devastation. You would
not fear—y«u could not condemn the tempest,
which would render moro compact by its pres
sure, the superstructure of your weal and safe
ty; neither could you discountenance those
arrangements which would ensure your pro
tection, however they might incommode your
Comfort. Let us endeavor always, in those si
tuations which most vitally concern us, to be
Upon that safe side, which is best prepared for
disutility, since wc know not what accident
may suddenly endanger us, or what might be
the causes which may unoxpectedly reveal
themselves to us in the terror of their effects.
Let us then ever keep on our armor, that no
random dart may endanger our vitality and
comfort. As long as there are existing the
moral elements of strife, let our temple of peace
and freedom be built upon a rock.
Allow me first, fellow citizens and fellow
solders, to call your minds to our militia sys
tem, in its present state ; to its disorganization ;
to its defects in its primative adoption, be
fore I proceed to discuss the propriety of a
thorough improvement in our military policy:
It has been maintained, and justly, by our wi
sest politicians, that the system is more suitable
to a republican government, than a standing
army • since it effects a general distribution of
military duties and knowledge among the peo
ple, who should be their own rulers and their
own defenders. But those enlightened men
preferred it upon the supposition of its being
tn its perfect state, and not as it is now—a bur
lesque upon discipline, a disgust to military
pride. Being within the range of human di
rection, and like other systems, capable both
of abuse and comparative perfection, we may
conclude, "without discussion, 'hat its well or.
ganized state is practical. Freemen may ob
ject to its strict discipline; but republican
statesmen could easily convince them, that they
must either submit to the support and partial
rule of a standing army, or they should adopt
measures among themselves; measures that
will render them capable of their country’s
defence, and of maintaining its proud dignity,
and thus their own, both at ho/ne and abroad.
But if they, in their supineness. object to both
of these arrangements, they have lost the no.
bio ardor of their ancestors —they have bo.
come neglectful of their highest duty. But
Americans, harbored in their former strength,
taught the lessons of independence, their minds
directed to peisonal honor and sovereignty,
nurtured in and breathing the influence of a
mild government, could never, when their na.
' tional blessings and dignity were to be main,
tained, however great their temporary lethar.
gy and neglect, reject and destroy the proud,
est bulwark of their support —which alone is
able to resist the elements without—to main,
tain concord and comfort within. They must
bo willing to restore and improve their milita.
ry organization. Your observation and expo,
rience must have convinced you. that the pre.
sent system, instead of disciplining the people
and infusing into them military notions—-has
only a tendency to corrupt them; affording
• but holidays for the indulgence of their idle
ness a»»d dissipation. Your military meetings
are not sufficiently numerous ami lengthened,
to keep alive the practical knowledge of tac.
tics, and too large in their assemblages, to keep
the people in military order, or to haw them
minutely drilled. Your officers are not com.
petent to fill) their responsible posts; they
h ivo not a tithe of necessary knowledge.—
These are defects to be remedied; and your
reasons must tell you the remedy is practica
ble, and that is perfectly accordant with the
pirit ot republicanism. You must see, that
in case of war from without, there is nothing
needed but for American marksmen to betral
ned into disciplined soldiers; amid internal
strife, a quick activity in combining to suppress
dissentioiis, and quell the nx.bs. Th se ad
vantages, however there may be a willing a
lacrity, can never be produced but by organi
zation, and proper knowledge of military ar
rangements ; ai d your experience must tell
you, that We are greatly destitute of them.
We need not an establishment newly to ba made
of the system; but only its improvement.
Legislators 1 that improvement you mast coun
tenance and forward, if ye be patriots! Mi
litary then ! you must be the agents for produ
cing it ! But let us consider Some of the rea
sotn&why, in case of its improvement and com
parative perfection, a militia system may be
more suitable than a standing army, especially
lor our republican government ;—but in the
first place, fellow citizens, your officers must
be required to be as competent to fill their high
costs, as your statesmen to direct the affairs of
government, or as your learned men to forward
the march of intellectual improvement—that
we may not presuppose any deficiency in the
system, on that account, in the course of our
argument: lnthefirstplace.it ts compara
tively more beneficial, because, being at least
of an equal capability of defence, it is also less
expensive. In both arrangements, the num
her of arms, and the quantity of military sup
plies required both.in peace and m war, must
bo about equal in your depots and' arsenals;
that is, sufficient in either cat-afor the defence
of the country; But the payment of officers
rnrtlol' men, the - supply us provisions and ot
horses, together with other military, accoutre
ments and preparations, would;with a standing
army, be a superfluous expense in time of
peace. Even did we have to pay our militia
officers—on account of the shortness of the
time, and the smallness of the labor necessa
ry to their duty, their salaries need be but small,
and which kind they could alone expect. But
how would the aggregate payment compare
with the expenditures, that must and would be
devoted to the thousands of disciplined myr
midons necessary for your defence. 1 also
maintain, fellow citizens, that there is less pro
bability of out militia system’s being made a
tool to overturn our government, or our military
people a licentious populace, t.> destroy cur
that is, their liberties Both in wai and in
peace, the discipline is such, that a standing
army enjoys almost equal privileges and rights
in both situations ; so that with it, there must
be an indifference, so far as those points are
concerned, as to w hich of them it m- v be in.
But it wdl not have that patriotic spii., which
is generated by our interests being placed im
moves-bly and particularly in the land which
we should defend. That interest generates
national enthusiasm, and stimulates us to deeds
of desperate courage in case of adversity, and
it excites within the soul that fierce fire of ar.
dor, which, when ennub'ed by an elevated pa.
triotism. partakes as if of the power and bril
iiancy of lightning, scathing to the foundation
that which may- oppose, and illuming with
living sublimity the source from w hich itemi
nates. It was that interest and J hat spirit,
which enabled our ancestors to defy British
power, arid to kindle with the.r enthusiasm that
vestal fire, which burns upon the altars of our
freedom. And those noble sires afford us in
their success, a prominent example, that the
spirit of patriotism is invincible. If then, a
standing army w-ould have no direct interest
here involved, to deter it from desiring change,
it could bo more easily induced into action, to
gratify some beloved General, or promise-giv
ing Demagogue. Cromwell, Buonaparte, and
others, made it the stepping stone in their am
bitious ascent to despotic power. Reasoning,
we can conclude, that when the whirlwind of
civil dissension sweeps our land, some dema
gogue will take the convenient wing of milita
ry power, and in the buoyant tempest will rise
like an aspiring eagle, directing its flight to the
sun of fame. And those, too. who pursue a
military life, naturally—as it is generally es
tablished by experience, prefer a practical ap
plication of their knowledge. As the rest oft
mankind, they dislike an inactive condition,
which with them, a peaceful state of the nation
would produce. When are the European ar
mies so obedient and joyful, as when their na
tions offer them war ? History and observa
tion tell us this is true. We may then con
clude, that though a standing army in time of
external war may cheerfully and ably defend
the land, —in time of peace or civil strife, it
will more quickly catch at that clue which may
lead it to fatal meaSures, than our quiet citizens
would do; especially when those measures
may make it the ruler, as well as the defender
of government. If then we have a militia
system, the officers and soldiers instead of joi
ning an usurper, would be stimulated by their
own interest to oppose his designs, and to pre.
serve their homes and liberties. But in the
other case, the rock that at first supported us
would “grind us to powder.”
There is another advantage afforded by the
militia system : Whatever be the part ot our
country attacked, there would be soldiers at
that point ready for its protection, and more nu
merous than n regular army could immediate,
ly afford, since that army would be necessarily
distributed in small portions in every part of the
nation; and thus we would be allowed time
for a more effectual defence. Let us then
strengthen that bulwark of Qur defence, and
be Americans, not only free, but invincible.
Make military knowledge a part of education
throughout the land, since your safety depends
upon it, when connected with the proper spirit
and principles of your republic.
There is one method, among many others,
upon which I shall lay some stress, as produc
tive of military discipline among the people,
especially among the young.:. Volunteer corps,
are peculiarly adapted to ffie free dispositions
and habits of the American people; and are
somewhat connected in then* origin with our
militia system, and superior to it in delighting
and training. The vomig, the fiery, the ardent,
disliking the uninteresting manoeuvres of an
undisciplined field, food of the pageantry oi
show, and the exactitude of tactics, burning
with enthusiasm to imitate and to know all
that elementary and practical knowledge,
w hich has given power to states and glory to
conquerors—adopt with cheerfulness that me
thod, which will relieve them from unpleasant
restraints, and allow them the pride of feeling
and the glitter of appearance,
“ The youthful soldier struts, and slaps with
pride
The jetty box suspended to his side ;
While o’er him waves the motto’d flag of stars.
Which joins in Friendship, Mercury and Mars.
It has been said by an experienced man,
speaking of volunteer corps at our seminaries
of learning, “It is not only that military file
is kindled in the heart, at such an age, but in
such associations they learn much ot that part
of the art of war, which depends upon ardor,
quickness, and imitative power, rather than
upon reasoning. Being acquainted with eve
ry possible form in which men can be placed,
and the time required for each movement, the
officer in batttie having all the elementary and
practical knowledge at once in his mind, can
compare, combine, and decide without hesita
tion.”
But suppose, fellow citizens, that ottr mili
tary organization undergoes as thorough an
improvement as it is capable of, so as not to
interfere with the pursuits and freedom of the
peo| le : That very increase of discipline and
strictness, will actuate men to the more showy
qualifications and duties of volunteers. Aid
'hey seeing also an improv< rner.t in contem
plation, will take more pride, and exert more
attention in their regulations and discipline :
and they who in peaco would feel more
“Proud as boyish chieftains, and happier far
Than Europa’s scourge, and thunderbolt of War.
would, when strife was oppressing onr laud, be
themselves, the terror of their enemies, the he
roes of their country.
But let us consider besides some of the rea
sons already expressed, why there should be
an improved military organization throughoui
the country, a few of the Causes which n av
so far effect our interest and penCe as to call
firth the most exemplary patriotism to resist
their pernicious influences as well as strength
to restrain them within the bounds of safety.
Although those causes may not be so effectual
as to require your utmost energies in their re
stn.int, nor so immediate and ac live as to affect
your interest with directly fatal effects; yet
they should be observed in their changes that
we may know their probabiliA and Capability
of influencing us at different times and with
different issues and they ma t Le considered
in their different relations that we may judge
how they are already influencing our welfare
and our personal and national concerns, so that
we may be fully prepared in our minds and
power to meet every attack of adversity. We
have attempted and arc prosecuting the final |
removal of the Indian race from ottr precincts;
ai d this race has also been subjected to the
lawless usage of unprincipled settlers. But the
spirit of its ancestry thato. ee brooded in wild
sublimity over this extensive domain, whilst it
shed a tear over the desolation of its pat
rimony and the destruction of,its people, caught
a brand from the flame of its ancient i:-depen
dence and fired the remnant of freedoms’ aspi
rations among the struggling Seminole. The
aspiring, reckless Oceola, th it “ rising sun” to
their last bright day, with a daunt!- ss few has
partially raised the curtain and displayed our
weakness,arising from an unprepar.-d, disorga
nized slate, and has for the I..it two years wai
ved a triumphant tomaba.uk over our blood,
stained borders. Although the Indians have
taught us the lesson which will bo the cause of
their downfall—and th re is at present the
prospect of a tempo-ary cessation of danger
as they take their departure westward—yet the
frontiers, even in that direction, will be expo
sed to their attacks, as their harassed mi ds
will cause them to hover nround us as a tem
p*<st, about to give us its last revengeful blast
And as the expiring remnant of that proud race
sinks to its extirpation, it u ill hold with con
vulsive and dying energy the struggle with its
destroyers, while its mournful and sublime
death-song will be a dirge to “burden the
winds pf our sky.” But that which, from its
connexion with our personal and national in
terest, from the attention it has already excited,
and from the influence it is capable of exerting
demands our consideration, is slavery. We
who are Southerners, are called upon by those
who wear the garb of religious sincerity, and
who in their kind sympathy, as pretended, de
sire to do good—would sap their country’s sta
bility, and involve its church and ail peaceful
and religious tranquility in w ild anarchy, to
wipe the stain of slavery from freemen’s name,
and give respite to a race of men, who have
neither the capability to support, nor the know
ledge to govern themselves. Instead of di
recting their reasons and religion, to produce
a mildness in the treatment of all towards these
unfortunate people, and to diffuse among them
proper and meliorating moral sentiments, they
are, with a species of irrational fanaticism, de
vising schemes in themselv-s, from the nature
of circumstances impracticable, and in the o
pinioii ot many of the wise and good, irreli
gious and presumptions. But I would tell you
that, as long as men are free to indulge their
religious and candid sentiments, relitive to
slavery iu the abstract, th y will condemn it.
It is the spirit of the age—the governing en
thusiasm of the moment. They claim a free
dom of opinion. “ Dread demon cf the earth
quake” of sentiment, the murmur proceeding
j thy shock is abroad! And if they can con
demn it in one case, sympathy and ambition,
or impolitic views, or even reason’s high influ
ence, will actuate them to devise schemes for
its relief, w ithout their considering those many
circumstances, which, if they do not render
them apparently absurd in principle, will at
least make them inconsistent in policy. Many
evils may thus be generated, inadvertently, a
gainst our country’s interest. It has been the
remark of an English Theologian of celebri
ty, that in the spirit of Christian and moral
benevolence, all slavery should be abolished.
Throughout Europe, the learned and religious
are frowning upon it; and even in our coun
try, some of th j most enlightened object to it
in sentiment, and even in policy. You will
then perceive, that you will have to contend
eventually, with the prejudice and persuasions
of mind and opinions—those stirers of the
tempest, which in spite of a nation’s frowns,,
will diffuse itself among those who do not own
the much pitied slave. And they, not consul
ting our national policy, thoughtless as to what
may be politically- proper, and absorbed in their
own sentiment, will devise schemes for carry
ing them into effect, to extend what they may
believe ts> be the cause of God. Thus assured,
they will preach a crusade against slavery,
and clashing with the deep rooted prejudices of
the South, contending with the difficulty of cir
cumstances, as well as decrying what they
term the unjust policy of government, they
would by that contact and resistance produce
the sparks of dissension. The clouds meet,
and the scathing lightning is the flash of their
fury. Observe the influence those kind of
men have exerted upon the Eastern Continent:
Britain has abolished slavery ; France and oth
er countries condemn it; and thus you can
readily conclude, that similar attempts for its
abolition w ill be made hero, which will involve
our country in civil strife, and leave us open
to the aggressions of ambition, either from
home or abroad. There is a tide of religious
sentiment at the present day, which will swell
with tempest-wrought fury, against slavery
and otiier defects in human policy. And that
very tide, instead of keeping away, will pro
duce war; because, 1 must say. it is partially
under human direction, and obtains itsimpetu.
osity from human passions. We here, at least
find one of those glaring probabilities, teeming
with the chances of danger, and which calls
upon us in a warning voice, to be vigilant and
prepared.
But Southerncis, there arc among ourselves
the materials of combustion, the hidden sour,
ces of danger. The volcano is but in an up.
parent repose : its eruption will be more dread.
The dark schemes of liberation and rascality
devised by Mure], ths unsafe knowledge alrea.
dy disseminated among the blacks the insur.
rections that have been attempted, the fact that
there are thousands of miscreants among us,
secretly undermining the foundations of our
peace, are reasonable grounds tor the coij;c.
ture: Circumstantial proof, that there are
some among us so regardless of true principle,
as to leave off all open negotiations in favor of
their cause, and preach in secret among our
people, tbe spirit of assassination and rebellion.
They, together with the class to which 1 have
at first, referred, may even with different mo.
tives, produce jointly much evil: As would
the Simoon’s deadly breath, when connected
vitli the hurricane! But let us consider the
fact, that if we had insurrections, or disorders
to harrass us, how beneficial, how convenient
s u t Be r u 30 U i $ ♦
would a well organized militia system be 5 when
men coil'd promptly combine in every portion
oi the country, to defend . aemselvcs i* lieu the
..'anger was great and ge; end, or how useful
a military patrole, when it was more partial
but immediate, Those baselv desimiing men,
whom I bait lastly noticed, may endeavor to
involve yotl in a series of petty, but annoying
dangers, pregnant with those fears which" the
assassin n>bff r engenders into a peaceful firm,
ly, and harrassing and exciting to the general
spirit of the South and W<st,“' Although too
scanty in means, and Contracted in views, to
excite among an ignorant narrow minded peo
ple, the necessary glow of frecmeu’s er.thusi.
ism, or to rouse them into a general and sue.
cessful conspiracy, tin y will yet draw them
from diflerent portions of the country, and at
different times with rapine in their viow, into
the mad deeds of a single night, fatal to them,
selves, and mournfully annoying to us. But
well organized s, if they did not en.
tirely restrain them within the bounds of pru.
deuce and peace, would at least be very effec.
tui'.l to curb their disorderly propensities and
actions.
Is tin ra not another subject upon which you
have been gulled into the sleep of stipineut-ss
and iiidiffcrcnco by the songs, and eulogies of
Liberty ? Are not some conjecturing, '.hat li
berty has a tendency to subvert Law ! Are no!
our learned and observing, hmumtieg the spirit
'it insubordination in cur country, and s.-.vlh it
m our contempt of the arbitrar; i equalities of
monarchial government, our zeal has overacted
to the overthrow of these constitution;;; dis
tinctions of intelligence and virtue, and author
ity inseparable from the existence of well re
gulated society ? Are not Americans discus
sing upon subjects in which consists tl.e es
sence of despotism ? VVhv are ihev even in
abstract conjecture doubting the capability of
a long and steady existence of republican I
governments ? The answer to these questions |
furnish an indir ct but conclusive demonstra- j
tion that we have exchangi d the pure spirit,
and confi lei.ee cf our fathers, for the doubting
and vacillating notions of dissenting men.—
That spirit which was suited to win yoar li
berties is necessary to their maintenance ; it
has shewn itself to be the sou! of your gov
■nmient, but when corrupted and misdirected
it will endanger your vitality and be
“ As the struck Eagle, stretched upon the plain,
No more through i oiling clouds to soar again,
Viewed bis own leather on the fatal dart
And winged the shaft, that quivered in his heart; I
Keen were his pangs but keener tar to feel
lie nursed the pinion tint impelled the steel (
While ths same plumage that had warmed his
nest
Drank the last life drop of his bleeding breast.”
Thus fellow.citizens our unrestrained liberty is
nourishing a wild licentiousness of manners.
Outrage upon society and a contempt of the
rostramtß of regular government, are rife in our
country, Anarchy has been as if the daughter
of freedom. I n this our own free laud, w here
we would beast that all have equal privileges I
as well as restrained, a powe r has risen cm
mpoteut in its energies, stronger than the law,
defying the indictment of juries and the man
dates of the judge, and calling itself inappro
priate t'tle of the sovereign people. Itdisgiaces
our country, and threatens imiaeut danger to
our free instibitions. It is the spirit of Mobo
cracy begiuitig to assume the powers ofgov
ermnei t. Turn to Charlestown as the dwel
ling of some unfortunate fetrales is lighting the
town with its lurid blaze. Be hold the devoted
nuns fleeing at night from their homes, w hile
they see their pianos s, harps and guitars, which
once vibrated holy notes te liberty and to heav
en. heaped in one pile, to stait the villainous
conflagration. Turn to New Y’ork, where
vengeance is directed against the merchant,
because of the high prices of provisions, and
where store-houses are destroyed and their
contents scattered in the streets. Look at Bal
timore where for more than two days, the li
centious populace were masters ot the city,
committing illegal and uadcsr rved depreda
tions, and whom a timid jury has since acquit
ted. The scenes of Vixburg and Philadelphia
need only be mentioned, and also the singli
fact recalled that a Mississippi jury had no:
the courage to bring iu true bills against a bam
of murderers. Look at all these things ant.
you behold a tyrant, many headed and cru -i,
speaking with its thousand tongues its decreet
of condetnuatiati and punishment agai. st th
citizens of these free United States. Had anx
siro; g and well disciplined force been ready to
aid the civil authorities, these scenes could not
have existed. The Police would have bee
too strong for the rioters, the posse comitatu
of the Sheriff’would have enforced the decis
ions of the law. How necessary therefore L
a more effectual organization of our military
power. For foreign defence, for restraining
oar Indian neighbors, for guardi.-g us against
tne sudden out breaking from the Helots amoi g
us, for securing us from the wild fanaticism tha!
would sup; ly our slaves w-ith the sword arc
the midnight torch, for curb; g the lawless ano
furious licentiousness of mobs, whose passions
have driven them beyond the restraints of rea
son, and sense, we must have either a
standing army or a strong milnia system.—
The latter is most in accordance with the spirit
of our government. Follow then vigilantly
the course you have adopted, and if our liberty
depart, may it not be because we were too
weak or inert to attempt its salvatiou. But
may its songs, belong upon the gales, and may
they float the anthem of our happiness, and
strength, in “ witching cadence” around those
blood coloured stripes, and emblematic stais
glorious Republic of American freedom! If
tnou sleep may it be the sleep of thy vitality
and not thy eterui 1 repose ! And may the sky
that curtains itself around thee,, be rich in its
effulgence. May the stern integrity and man
ly ardour of the glowing West rise in a bright
glare from the land of the setting sun ; may
the correct economy and rising euterprize ot
the North and East display themselves as a
Borealis from the regions of snow ; may the
glowing spirit and fiery patriotism of the Son h
advance up vard in a cloud ot splendor from
this clime of the burning smi; and may th y
glow in their upward-scintillations until they
meet in midway sky, and in a focus • f brilliant
and warming light form a Nimbus ot glory
around the govern meut ot our Union.
Fellow Soldiers! toyou who are advancing
I from the years of youth to those of manhood,
leaving the gay scenes oflhe one, to engross
yourselves with the stern solemnity oflhe other,
I would speak affectionately but pointedly.—
Wc, who are in youih, are disposed, to lull our
senses int • an abstraction from all troubles how
ever apparent, and to enjoy only the blooming
loveliness of circumstances. And as we look
forward and upward to the future—to its la
bors and enjoyments, as they conjointly appear
expanding to our view as so tin lofty mountain
around, whose summit sweeps the chilling
storm, whilst again the s low gather on its sur
face reflecting roseate tints in beauteous hues
back upon its base, when smiles the loveliness
of spring and beams the rtl.ixiug ray of sum
mer we, thinking only oflhe present, of the
sweetness of youth, gaze with undepressed
buoyancy upon th ■ scene, and even sport be
low, indifferent and joyous, when “ luxuriance
pillows its head in the lap of desolation.” Il
is thus we should live and enjoy, did not stern
necessity, the tide ot age, connected with a
I high moral motive, urge us onward to encoun
ter the grievances beyond. Since you must
| advance, then, let reason, with enthusiasm’s
I flashes weaved as a tiara of inspiration around
its brow, be your guide, to lead you over th
path o' patrr lixii and glory. Regard pleas
ure witii the stern < ye of manhood, and cares
with tne elastic feeling of youth. Prepare not _
vourself to be as gay insects sporting in tin
sunshine of peace, nor pamper your rpirit oi
isdependf nCe w ith the coxcomb and < flamiu
nte idea that you always wmiid and should re
ceive the respect due to that, creature only,
when the soldier would not iejurd, northe civil
ian insult. It is that which has already in
fused itself into the minds of many, and it is
an alloy to the pure spirit. It is that, fellow
soldiers, little as you may have taken cogniz
ance of it, which often checks your prompt
obedience to discipline. Refine not lib rty lest
it lead you to punctiliousness, eff minacy, and
i.usub ‘rdination. That peak which rears its
head aloft must expect to combat with the
storm whilst on its airy side, it gathers the
avalanche to hurl it in desolation on the plain.
It is thus with wanton independence. It gen
erates your downfall, and often renders redicu
lous and contemptible those who know’ not firm
ness nor freedom in their true spirit. Do not
then disregard, nor condemn that subordina
tion necessary to obedience, nor that rigid dis
cipline suited for organization and order. It
is an old proverb teeming with truth and phi
losophy that “to learn to Camrnand, we must'
learn to obey.” Subordination is the essence
of government; it is the support of all good
reg ulations, and the duty of’all patriotic men.
It is essentially necessary in military affairs tw
discipline, energy and order, and that which is
a necessity is no bondage, because the mi d.
recoiruizing it as such, feels not oppressed.
Being acquainted w ith your history, and hav
i g observed your general spirit and neglect, 1
see you regard your exercises as laborious, a id
brand your officcer v iih the spirit es domina
non, when he attempts to perform his duty, by
countenancing military strictness. Sometimes
IrtZy supineness, mirth or indifference, prompts
your murmuring when the spirit of boyhood,
still teeming with the prejudices of your child
ish days, finds its prerogative infringed, or its
sporting time occupied. You expect your of
fleers to discipline you, yet you fro.vn upon the
necessarily stern measures taken f r that end.
You become disgusted with the little benefit
and pleasure you derive from an undisciplined
state, and peremptorily leave the corps,yet vou
condemn those very measures, which would
eventually afford you instruction and delight,
and give you beauty of appearance. You de
light in office, yet you scarcely endeavor to be
worthy of it. Fellow’ Soldiers, for the sake oi
dignity, and ofyour Company which you should
love and support, yield to the necessary disci
pline, or leave it, so as not to interrupt its im
provement iu tha t respect. 11 were much more
boyish to perform negligently that which you
have undertaken, than to pursue the same,
however trivial it may be, with firmness and
order. Do you delight in military show ? If
you do,prepare the greatest glitter and neatness,
but remember that without discipline, they are
bu. rediculous pageantry. Do you desire mil
itary knowledge? Improve then tbe offered
opportunity by attention and obedience. You
have every advantage necessary for improve
ment, shew, and delight, and means both prac
tical and theoritical tor the acquirement of the
science of war, and a band w hose music is ca'-
culated both to please and excite. Prepare
then, to lay aside the monotony of y< ur exer
cises and your indifference to improvement,
and if you will, you can be noted both for your
discipline and handsome appearance. Bui
cons der. fellow Soldiers, and not with a vagu<
and transient conception the advantages here
after derivable from your early military im
pressions. We are yet in all the versatility of
youth. We are in a partial darkness as to
politics, and know not but vaguely what will
lie our course, or the circumstances that mat
influence it. The first flash that gleams
athwart that gloom will attract our gaze and
itteiitioi). possess all our pr< judices, and whet
he full understanding of uutional subjects en
ightens the whole hereafter, it will shew our
minds and feelings, bending as the tender plant
is want to the first genial ray that appeared.
That light has partially even now excited its !
fluence in turning you to love our ii stitu ions
i id government, and may my preceding re
marks be another ray to attract your attention
towards proper views, and to excite v ithin you
he pride ot defending your country. Those
iews and feelings are the legacies of your fa
llers. Trust not your own entirely as they
qiring up w ildly. 'There are so many < ircum
tances to distract our minds, and to dissipatf
air judgement, to warp and render firm our in
erest, to warm and cool our affections, that the
human mind, especially ’hat which is youthful,
•an never form correct opinions, uor choosi
but frail policies. Could we muse on the.worki
is if on a panorama, exempt from its buslle,
and from its hurrying, and exciting scenes,
md brood deeply and thoughtfully upon iib va
cillating systems and internal excitements, wi
might reduce policy “to the line,” and leasoi
••to the plummit.” Entering then upon th*
world’s distracting theatre we must have somi
A uide to our actions, some rallyi g point for
our views. Let than that light which first
burst upon our young eyes direct us hereafter
amid the toils of manhood aud the peiplexities
of government. And if we can in a greater
maturity of judgement, improve and assist, let
us raise our •* rm to lend its strength. Govern
ment on government have crumbled in ages
past, and it was military power w hich armed
the tempest that desolated them, audit was the
same that would stretch forth its arm and bid
that tempest “be still.” You sec, fellow sol
diers, the shifting gr< u. d upon which you tread,
and the subtle power at which you grasp, as
changing a d as mighty as the playful fluid
upon the bosom ol the cloud. Yo i know not
when you may be called upon to use that pow
er, or to test your strength, and try your honor
i and patriotism. “Lsarn then man by what hr
I is, and not by what he ought to be.” Let de-
I vision and energy form your criterion, aud
’ then when youradvai.ee is sudden and t> .ward,
i; will also be lofty and glorious. Fear not a
military despotism. 'The sentiment of our
country is against it, for there is a deep spirit
abroad"—the aroused instinct of independence
—i he aspiration of an immortal miud soaring
above ignorance and oppression—the congen
ial and sistei spirit ot that which reigns in
heaven, and gives a luster to existence, is
going forth —it lightens through the moral sky,
and tor those who have laid their offerings
upon ihe altar of liberty aud fame, it stoops in
wings es fire to touch, into burning life, the in
cense that embalms the air of their mortality,
and hallows the shrine cf their uneppressed
souls 1
It is the spirit of liberty that now blesses on
ly the patriotic brave !
H r on<lerful discovery of Mechanical Power.
—Several of tbe papers have reteicd to an im
mensely important application oi magnetic anu
electro-magnetic power, which can be applied
with great safety to the propelling of steam
boats, locomotives, or to any branch of manu
! facttires, requiring power ot an inexhausti
! ble character. Mr. Thomas Davenport, n
: blacksmith of Vermont, is the inventor, ai d
) Professors Silliman a d Henry both speak i.
i hifh terms of the improvement and its aphea
tiou. Mr. Davenport has associated witii him
Mr. Ransom Cook, of Saratoga Springs, wh*.
has suggested many improvmcnts in this sur
prising invention; and we believe all that is
required is means to carry out this novel ap-
plication. And wlifefe would steamboats, and
steam batteries, and engines, have boen in this
country if Fulton and Chancellor Livingston
h id not expended their own money to carryout
die bold project? This new power is safer;
■o danger, noexplosio-i.no fuel, very little ex
pense, and immense expedition. The editor
of the New Era, a scientific man in these mat
ters, has the following pra nicnl illustration in
his paper this morning.— N. Y. Sfai-
1. We saw’ a striali cylindrical battery, n
bout nine inches in length, three or four in di
rmeter, produce a magnetic power of about
300 pounds, and which, therefore, we could
not move with our utmost strength. No. 2.
We saw a small wheel, five and a half inches
in diametei’j performing ffibre than 600 revolu
tions in a minute, and lifta weight of 24 pounds
one foot per minute, from ihe power of a batte
ry cf still smaller dimensions. 3. We saw the
model of a locomotive engine, travelling on a
circular railroad with immense velocity, and
rapidly ascending an iacli .ed plane of far
greater elevation than any hitherto ascended
by steam power. And these and various other
experiments which we saw. convinced us of
the truth oflhe opi ion expressed by Professors
Silliman, Renwick, and others, that the power
ofmachinery may be increased from this source
beyond an assignable limit. It is computed
by these learned men, that a circular galvanic
battery, about three feet iii diameter,-with mag
netsofa proportionable surface, would produce
at least a hunbred horse power, r.nd therefore
that two batteries would be sufficient to
propel ships of the largest class across the At
lantic. The only muti rials required to gener
ale and continue ibis poWer for such a voyage
would be a few thin sheets of copper ai d zinc,
and a few gallons of mineral water
V 4 hilst the cost of this new’ motive power is
merely no ninal. it is •lerfcclly safe and man
ageable. 'There is not the possibility of any
shock or explosion, and the whole machinery
might be conducted by a child. We hastily
annou ice these important features ofthis incal
culably important invention, preparatory to a
more scientific and practical elucidation.
Athens, tin. Saturday, Jiay 20, 1837.
Kail Unad Convention.
'The Stockholders of the Geo. R. Road &
Bunking Co. met in this place on Monday, tbe
Bth inst.; and we are much gratified to learn,
that their deliberations were attended with the
utmost harmony and good feeling. There was
evinced a spirit of concession worthy the great
work in which they are engaged, and calcula.
ted to inspire renewed confidence in its sue.
cess.
In our paper to.day, will be found an ex.
tract from the reports of the President ar.d
Cashier. We call the attention of our readers
to the following condensed statement of the
finances of the Company, submitted by the
Cashier to the Convention of Stockholders at
iheir recent meeting. It will be remembered
that the Road is liable—aud as such, its means
-ire—
Exp’don R.R’d, 634 322 70
Beal Estate, 12,876 00
Notes & Bills of
Exchange, 1,089,453 22
Due by otherßks
t Ag’ts, over
& above ain’t
due to B’ks, 65,996 62
Specie & other
B’k Notes, 252,238 10
2,054,964 64
To meet a circulation of only 432.425 00
And Deposits, . « » 63 602 63
Dividends unclaimed, . . 5.648 65
Total, $501,676 28
In order to give place io the important in
telligence which will be found under our com
mercial head to day, wo are necessarily com
pelled to defer any remarks of ®ur own upon
ihe distress in the money market. It is in
deed a gloomy’ picture, and one from the con
templation of which, we should be pleased to
be relieved, but such is the disjointed state of
things that we feel satisfied we have not yet
come to the worst. —Already have we been
informed that two or three of tne Banks iii
Augusta (which we have not heard) hiv
been compelled iu self defence to suspend
specie payments —and they will no doubt soon
be followed by others, and finally, perhaps
every banking institution in the State, and
even in the Union will bo driven into this des
perate measure—and where it will stop or
what will be the icsult of such a state of things
no man knoweth.
We have been compelled to defer an inter
esting extract, from the speech of the Hon.
Henry A. Wise, delivered at a dinner given
him by the citizens of Norfolk. It shall ap
pear in our next.
STATE RIGHTS NOMINATION.
The Convention for the nomination of a
candidate for Governor, on the part of the
State Rights Party <>f Georgia, assembled yes
terday at the Siateh use. Maj Thomas Mit.
chell, of Clark, was called to the Chair, when
on calling the list of counties, it was found
that sixty-two were’ represented, making one
of the largest assemblages of the kind ever
held in the State. John M’Pherson Berrien,
Esq. was then, on motion, unanimously nomi
nated President, who upon taking his seat, ad
dressed the Convention in a very eloquent and
impressive maimer —referred to the proceed
ings in Dvcembi r last, inviting the present
meeting, and urged, with happy effect, hnrrno.
nV of feeling and concert of action, in prosecu
lion of the great object of the meeting. We
hope to be a (de in our next, to lay before our
readers address. Tho Couvcn
lion then a« ■ ’ to meet again at 4 o’clock.
We shall g account of the pro
ceedings int /
V ’ 4 o’clock, P. M.
X At iz
The ConvW^/ r according to aojourn
ment, and proewded to vote for a candidate
tor the Executive Chair ot Georgia.
Ou the first ballot the vote stood us follows:
Gilmer, 6' Gamble, 14
Lamar, 39 Habersham, 5
Dougherty, 18 Reese, 2
Colquitt. 17 Clayton, 1
King, 16 Blank, 1
On the second ballot the vote stood as follows:
Gilmer, 91 Habersham, 3
Lamar, 69 King, 2
Colquitt. 6 Clayton, 2
Dougherty, 5 Gamble, 1
When it was Resolved unanimously. That
oEOitoE R. Gilmer bo nominated by tin
Convention us the candidate lor t ie Executivi
Chair at the e.rsuing election.
[Southern. Recorder.
Extract flrciH the Report of the
Presidlent oflhe CL R. R.aad
Oatßkiitg Company.
“ Y’ou will discover by the statement of the
Cashier, that our circulation is much below
our Capital. Our Bank Bills have had a ere
dit at home and abroad, to an extent which no
new institution has ever heretofore possessed.
The rapid declension in the price of tho gredt
siaple of the country, frill affect our Corpor
ation Jess than any other. If we shall not
make as much by dssco’dnts and interest ad
expected, this loss will be more than counter
balanced by the reduction which must take
place in the price of materials and labor, ue-,
cessary for the completion of the residue of
the mad.
“Accompanying this communication, yod
will find a very encouraging and satisfactory
Report of tho Chief Engineer, marked a. The
interesting fact will not escape your notice;
that the work already executed bn the read;
has fallen within the estimates made by the
Engineer at our last meeting, notwithstanding
the great advance iu labor and materials.
“ All our anticipations expressed in prcvir
ous reports of the increased value of our Road;
in consequence of other improvements in ach
joining States, and more especially it? oUi’owii»
are in a fairway to be realized. In the N.
W., the Hiwassee Rail Road Company are
steadily prosecuting their work, and anxiously
looking to a union with us. The President of
that Company writes me, “ that all that section
of our Road between the Tennessee ana Hi
wassee Rivers a distance of forty miles is now
nearly definitely located, and has been adver
tised for contract on the 12th of June next.
From what we have already dune, you will
judge we are in earnest about our road, and
that if practicable, we will find our way into
your state with our produce.
‘ So also is the Montgomery and West Point
Company looking to a similar connection, and
both their and our expectations, are likely to
be realized much sooner than wo had suppos
ed, in consequence of the dicisivo measures
adopted by the State for rhe construction of the
great State Road from the Tennessee, tp the
Chattahoochee- To the East, the improve
ment in the Charleston and Hamburg Road,
in the Steam Packet commun cation with
Norfolk and New York, the proposed connec
tion of Charleston with Wilmington, and that
point with Raleigh, all go to show that our
road must form a link of the great chain of
communication between Boston and New Or
leans; and that consumated, must yield a profit
which none of us have anticipated. I hat
'Tennessee is finding her interest in looking
to Augurta and Charleston, for her markets is
proved bv the very large number of wagons
that have found freight from Augusta to that
region during the past winter and spring.
“On reviewing all the affairs connected with
the great enterprise in which we arc engaged,
I cannot close my remarks without assuring
the stockholders, that there h is nothing occur
led to lessen my most sanguine anticipations
iu the profitable result of our investment, and
the lime will soon arrive, when only
regret that we have not invested all our surplus
Capital in this valuable Stock.”
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Yours Respectfully.
WILLI AM DEARING, Pre*.
At the annual meeting oflhe St®<k Holders
ofthe Georgia R *il Road and Banking Com
pany. the following was the result ofthe Elvc«-
tion for President and Directors :
WILLIAM DEARING, President.
W. CvmMinu,
A. S. Claytov,
J.\U. C’rXXI.WHAM,
Charles Evans,
A. B. Linton,
Thomas Mitchell,
A. Janes,
E. E. Jones,
J no. NisBET,
E. L. Newton,
Jacob Piunizy,
O. H. Prince, ’
A. G. Saffolv,
11. B. 'Thompson,
William Williams,
Willson Lumpkin, Directors.
Messrs. E. A. Nisbet and J. Robinson,
declined a re-election.
Griicral Statcßueut oC the Geo. |
Rad Road and Banking Company, inclu-
ding the Branch at Augusta. May 1, 1837.-
€r.
Stock paid in, - - 1,417,655 00
Surplus Profits, Dis-
counts, &c. dec. - 36,569 83
Dividends. No. 1&. 2
unclaimed, ... 5,648 65-
Deposits, .... 63,602 63
Due to other Banks, - - 27,604 89
Notes issued, 1,398.500
“ on hand, 835,395
“ in circulation, - *563,105 OO'
Geo. R. R. K B. Co.
& Br. at Augusta, - 99.059 24
$2.213,245 24
* Note. — Circulat’d, May 1, 563,105 OO
Redeemed since that day, up
to Muy 16, in the ordinary >
course of business, 130,680 00
Total circulation, - - $432,425 00
Tow it. Principal B’k, 187,590
Do. Br. at Aug. 244,835
l>r.
Expended on the Rail Road, on account of
Graduation, Wooden Rails, Iron Rails, Su
perstructure, Locomotives, Passenger Cars,
Burden Cars, Distributaries, Right of Way,
&.c. &c. ... 634,322 70
Coutn g’t exp’s, 1,883 96
Salaries, • 1,230 20
Bank’g House a Lot, Augusta, 13,876 00
Protest ac’t. ... 15 00
Bills Receivable, 93,358 65 - i
Notes Discount’d, 448.584 24 *
Bills Exchange, fc
Busin’s Paper, 547,540 33
Due by other Banks in good
credit, .... 53,105 23 i-
Agents, .... 18,525 00
Siocks 21,125 00
Geo.R.R,ftß.Co.&Br. ut Aug.
A<’t < uncut, . . 106,419 55
Gold & silv. coin,
& gold bullion, 156,668 10
Due by Banks in
N.Y. & Char-
leston, . 21,971 28
Notes of other
B’ks in Geo. 95,620 00
$2,213,245 24 1
> 1
All th-.' Banks in Jl/obile, and the Brunches
>fthe State Bank of Alabama, at Montgom
ery. Iluntsvilc, and Decatur, are said, by our ■