Family-histories and genealogies : containing a series of ...

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able proof of the confidence of my fellow citizens, which at this time demands my
grateful acknowledgements, to personal favour. If, indeed, my countrymen have
been in some degree influenced in their choice by a favourable estimate of the services
I have performed in various stations, still it is my duty to acknowledge that those
services were commenced and continued under the guidance of illustrious men who
were among the founders of our Nation ;
and
that to the wisdom of their precepts
whatever has appeared to be most meritorious in my conduct ought chiefly to be
referred. It is sufficient honour for me to have obtained their confidence and appro-
bation. Disclaiming all pretensions to participation of their Glory, I cannot omit to
express the reverence I entertain for those sages whom no artifices could deceive, no
temptations seduce, no dangers intimidate'"— 1817.
" ' The
principles which you have advocated in the Council, and defended in the
Field, have been here triumphantly established, and by the favour of Heaven we hope
to transmit them, unimpaired, to the latest posterity.
" ' These principles are now diffused on every side, from the ocean to the high
Plains of Missouri, and from the Lakes to the Bay of Mexico. Over this great region
our sons and our daughters, parents of future millions, are rapidly extending science,
religion, industry and all the arts which perpetuate and embellish powerful commun-
ities. Literature and commerce augment our strength and resources. We are united
with elevated spirits from every country, who have come here to enjoy all that freedom
of opinion and of action with which our own minds are imbued. . . . and
in every class you will find an interesting proportion of Frenchmen, including num-
bers of the descendants of those early immigrants who imbibed the liberal and gallant
spirit of your Fourth Henry '"— 1824, addressed to Lafayette.
"
' When I review the incidents of my own life, I am compelled to acknowledge,
with sincere and reverential gratitude, that many of the most important, in relation
to my standing in society, my health, my fame, my family and my children, have
occurred without my contrivance, and have terminated contrary to my expectations
and wishes. I have suffered severe afflictions ; yet on the whole my life has, so far,
been happy and fortunate '
"— 1829.
But to these personal utterances of principle, character, fears and hopes
we must allow ourselves to add a summary, by one of his political associates,'^
which touches on some traits not yet distinctly brought into view
" The late Hon. Joseph Hopkinson of Philadelphia.
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