USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Uniontown > A history of Uniontown : the county seat of Fayette County, Pennsylvania > Part 69
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It did not depend on you that such should have been the early, the immediate termination of the French revolution, taught, permit me the expression, taught at the school of rational liberty under the illustrious founders of this republic, you were not a more energetic defender of the cause of liberty on the
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floor of the National Assembly of France than conspicuous a: commander-in-chief of her national guards, in preserving order in checking excesses, in preventing crimes, in averting the ef fusion of blood. You were ever the refuge, often the pro tector of innocence and misfortune ; and where your efforts failed it was because the task was beyond the power of man to perform.
When that constitution which you and your enlightened colleagues had thought best calculated to secure the liberties and to promote the welfare of France; when that constitution which you had sworn to support, in vain threatened from abroad, was assailed from within by an infuriated band; with a prophetic spirit you saw the impending ruin. Faithful to your oaths, faithful to the people, regardless of forms, careless of personal consequences, you threw yourself in the breach; and on that memorable occasion to the cause of the people you sacrificed your own popularity-you, to whom the approbation. and love of the people were the only worldly rewards, which you ever deemed worthy of any consideration.
The sequel is well known. For having attempted to save the country, you were persecuted, proscribed, despoiled of the inheritance of your fathers, as if you had been an enemy to the country. You did not expect to receive abroad the reward of your services in the cause of liberty and of France. But in the foreign the proscribed patriot found no asylum but a dungeon immured for years, fetters might bind your limbs, your mind re- mained unconquered, unbroken and free.
Your proscription was the signal for woes that awaited your devoted country. I will not dwell on the deplorable scenes that ensued. Liberty fled from a land polluted by crimes com- mitted in her sacred name; for if that first blessings must be conquered by courage virtue and wisdom can alone preserve it. When, after a lapse of years, you were restored to France, you found her in the hands of that extraordinary man who had been designed to rule, for a while, her destinies and those of Europe.
France was immersed in a sea of glory, she was no longer free. You rejoiced in the successes obtained over foreign enemies; you admired all that was great; you approved all that was good. But the honors, the dignities, the splendors, the glories of the new government you sternly refused to share. The right of suffrage was limited to a few electors designated
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by the executive; the legislature was dumb; personal liberty insecure, that of the press annihilated; all the powers were centered in one man. You withdrew into honorable retirement where, surrounded by a beloved family, you were for nearly fourteen years a pattern of every domestic, as you have been a model of every civic virtue. The baubles of ambition were never the objects of your pursuit; and in the simplicity of your heart you did not even think that you had made a sacrifice, but there still remained one to be made to your principles.
Your only son, the worthy inheritor of your name and of your virtues, he whom we rejoice to see by your side, was fight- ing under the banners of the emperor; they were those of France. He could not but follow your steps; he distinguished himself in a remarkable manner. A rapid promotion seemed to await him, a career of honors and glory to be opened to him. He bore your name; that career was at once stopped; those brilliant prospects were shut up-and for life. And that last sacrifice was made by him and you, by you the tenderest of fathers; rather than to give the powerful sanction of your name to a system destructive of that cause to which you had de- voted your life. And just when the Colossus fell, whilst flat- terers betrayed or fled, you, who had resisted him when in the height of his power, you then only remembered that to his first victories you had been indebted for your release from the prison of Olmutz. And you were the first to suggest those means of safety which were provided in time and which, had it not been for a strange infatuation on his part, and for shameful treachery on that of false friends, would have preserved him from the fate which at last awaited him. When the free suffrages of your fellow citizens again called you on the public scene no one doubted the part you would act. Vulgar minds alone could have recollected former persecutions, or even neglect; while your heart beat in your bosom you could not appear otherwise than the defender of the rights of the people yet age might have cooled your ardor, disappointments might have dampened your primitive hopes. But when the veteran of the cause of liberty in both hemispheres again came forth in the defense of that cause for which he had fought and bled, for which he had suf- fered chains and proscription, it was with renovated vigor, with all the energy, all the purity, all the freshness of youth.
Such is the faint outline of a life exclusively devoted to the
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cause of man, of an active life of fifty years, unstained by vice and which has not been disfigured by a single act of inconsis- tency. Your career has been no less arduous than brilliant. But after so many toils, severe trails, unjust persecutions and do- mestic afflictions it has pleased Divine Providence to grant to the evening of your days the reward most gratifying to your mind.
You left, sir, infant America still bleeding from the wounds of her revolutionary contest, without commerce, without wealth, without credit, without an efficient general government. After an absence of forty years you have been permitted to revisit our shores, and you find her already in the strength of her man- hood, sustaining a distinguished rank among the nations of the earth, the asylum of the oppressed and the unfortunate of every nation and of every description, having attained a height of prosperity unequalled within so short a period in the annals of mankind. Her villages are now populous cities; her ships cover the ocean; new states have, as by magic, arisen out of the wilderness; her progress in manufactures, in arts, in internal improvements, latterly in science and literature, has kept pace with that of her wealth and her trebled population. We had been threatened with an infallible dissolution of our union, and. thirteen independent states were seen voluntarily relinquishing their sovereignty and vesting a general government with all the powers necessary for the common defense; an act of wisdom and patriotism of which, extraordinary as it may appear, history has not yet afforded an example.
The prosperity, the long peace they have enjoyed has not enervated the Americans. The present generation has proved worthy of their fathers, of your companions in arms. You go hence to erect a monument on Bunker Hill, on the spot where the British first learned what resistance they had to expect from a people who had willed to be free. And you arrived here from New Orleans, the scene of an exploit not surpassed in this age of military wonders, of an extraordinary and complete victory gained, over veteran troops superior in numbers, by a band of citizen-soldiers led by a self-taught hero, one of themselves, one of the people. At the same time, a Pennsylvania farmer, in a series of well fought actions, was sustaining the honor of the American arms on our northern frontier. And with still greater disparity of forces, our intrepid navy were showing the world
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that even on her own element, the Ocean Queen was not in- vincible.
This magnificent spectacle affords the highest reward to your labors, above all because that prosperity, those blessings which we are permitted to enjoy are the results of our free institutions. Those institutions, withdrawing from the control of government the imprescriptible rights of man in their indi- vidual capacities have left to each the liberty of conscience, the liberty of expressing and publishing his opinions, the free exer- cise of his faculties, the unrestrained expansion of his intellect, confining the operation of government to its legitimate objects, the protection of individuals against the cupidity and the passions of others, that of the community against foreign aggression, those institutions have vested all the powers neces- sary for those purposes, in governments emphatically of laws, in pure representative governments of the simplest form, founded on frequent elections and on universal suffrage. The fruits of that system are before the world, and none of those evils have befallen us which have been deemed the necessary consequence of popular governments.
Religion has preserved all her benign influence amidst uni- versal liberty of worship and conscience, though the unholy connection between church and state has been entirely dissolved.
Public tranquillity has not been impaired though personal liberty has been so perfectly respected in fact as by law that, to this day, the habeas corpus has not been once suspended.
The unlimited, unrestrained liberty of the press, so far from shaking the government to its center, has not, in the slightest degree, impaired its strength or impeded its action.
Universal suffrage has been tested by the choices generally made by the people.
Frequent multiplied elections have never been attended with the least commotions; and even when for the highest offices, though conducted with all the energy of freemen, though inflamed by the freest publications of the press, they have been followed by an immediate acquiescence in the constitutional decisions.
All powers have emanated from the people and revert to the people. It is our boast that acknowledging in our own laws whilst in force, at all times in the eternal laws of justice, an
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authority superior to ourselves, we have not abused these powers.
In our foreign relations, whilst government has been found competent to support our rights, what nation has been injured or insulted by the United States?
In our internal concerns, whilst the laws have been duly and impartially administered, can, during a period of forty years, an instance be adduced of a citizen persecuted or oppressed?
The complete success of the great experiment made of the largest scale in this country, this living proof that men are capable of self-government, the splendid example given by the United States has not been lost to mankind. Events, perhaps anticipated, but which we had viewed as belonging to posterity, have taken place in our own time.
A twelve month before you landed in America to join her standard, not a man in this vast continent, not a man, save the wild Indian, who did not acknowledge the supremacy of an European power. And now within less than the short span of one man's active life, from Cape Horn to the source of the Mississippi, not a solitary province remains that has not shaken the foreign yoke. History will record the immense sacrifices, the acts of heroism and self-devotion, the undismayed perse- verance by which those events have been achieved. Our government, faithful to its principles, had never excited nor en- couraged the insurrections. In being the first to recognize the independence of South America, the first publicly to declare that they could not see with indifference an hostile interference on the part of other nations, that duty has been performed, which their position and their moral station in the world had assigned to the United States.
A new spirit pervades, animates the whole civilized world. It has penetrated through every class of society, teaching every man in the most obscure and latterly oppressed condition to feel and to assert his rights; making every day new converts, even among the privileged ranks sitting on the very footsteps of thrones. And shall the voice prevail of a few infatuated men, who only dream what they cannot hope? Shall the power be given unto them of arresting light in its progress? Of making the human mind retrograde? The planets also, to the eye of man, appear at times to have a retrograde motion, but they still pursue their unerring course in obedience to the laws of
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nature and to the first impulse of the Creator. And now in the moral world, the people, nobles, statesmen, monarchs are all carried away by the irresistible stream of public opinion and of growing knowledge.
Do you ask for an irrefragable proof of that overwhelming influence? The British ministry, composed exclusively of men who, ten years ago, opposed every revolution and were trem- blingly alive at the slightest appearance of the slightest innova- tion, they have in less than a year, commenced the reform of their ancient and complex system of laws, destroyed colonial monopoly in their own colonies, recognized the independence of South America, countenanced, if not assisted the Greeks and, if we are not misinformed, are at last on the eve of emancipa- ting that long oppressed, long injured people, the friends of America-the Irish nation.
The flag of liberty has spread from the Peruvian Andes, from the western boundary of the civilized world, to its most remote confines towards the east.
Greece, the cradle of European civilization and of our own; Greece, the classical land of first born liberty, had for centuries groaned under the most intolerable yoke. Her sons were be- lieved to be utterly debased by slavery, degraded-lost beyond redemption, their names had become a by-word of reproach- themselves an object of contempt rather than of pity. Sud- denly they awaken from their long lethargy; they fly to arms, they break their chains asunder; they receive no foreign as- sistance ; Christian powers frown upon them ; they are surrounded by innumerable dangers-by innumerable enemies; they do not inquire how many there are, but where they are? Every year without a navy, they destroy formidable fleets; every year, without an army, they disperse countless hosts, every year they astonish the world, they conquer its reluctant sympathy by deeds worthy of the trophies of Salamis and Marathon, by ex- ploits to which the love of liberty could alone have given birth, by prodigies which would be deemed fabulous, did they not happen in our own days and under our own eyes.
Whence that generation and its wonderful effects? From the progress of knowledge, from the superiority of intellect over brutal force. The Greeks had preserved their immortal lan- guage, the recollection of their ancestors, their religion-a natural character. Patriotic individuals had, for the last fifty
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years, instituted schools, established printing presses, used every means to renovate and disseminate knowledge. Their stupid oppressors could not perceive or fear a progress hardly observed by Europe. But the seed was not sown on a barren soil; the Turkish scimitar had been less fatal to the human mind than the Spanish Inquisition.
The cause is not yet won; an almost miraculous resistance may yet, perhaps, be overwhelmed by the tremendous superi- ority of numbers. And will the civilized, the Christian world, for these words are synonymous, will they look with apathy on the dreadful catastrophe that would ensue? A catastrophe which they-which we alone could prevent with so much facility and almost without danger? I am carried beyond what I had in- tended to say ; it is due to your presence ; do I not know that wherever man struggling for liberty, for existence, is most in danger, there is your heart.
Indeed I may ask who, in establishing-in propagating- in defending the principles which have produced so great and glorious results, who among those are still living has had a greater share than Lafayette? And among the living or dead, he alone, to whom it was given to act an equally conspicuous part on the two great theaters of the great struggle, America and France.
Can it then be a subject of astonishment, that you should have been received with unequalled enthusiasm by a free and enlightened people? We partake the national feeling to its fullest extent. We hail you as one of the surviving heroes of our revolution, as the energetic defender of the cause of man, as a rare model of the most perfect consistency of character. Happy to have been on this occasion the organ of my fellow citizens, they may judge of my feelings when, in him, I now address I also meet my sincere, my long-tried-my bosom friend."
This address of Mr. Gallatin was pronounced incomparable for depth of thought, beauty of diction, genuine eloquence and appropriate action, and was listened to with the most pro- found attention, and the effect which it produced on those who heard it was visible in the brimful eye and the heaving bosom of those who surrounded the orator.
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GENERAL LAFAYETTE'S RESPONSE TO MR. GALLATIN'S ADDRESS.
Upon Mr. Gallatin resuming his seat Gen. Lafayette re- sponded in the following brief but modest and touching address :
" Whatever has been my constant faith in the power of freedom and my fond anticipations as an American patriot, I could not at the time Pennsylvania designed to call this part of the state after my name, flatter myself to be blessed with the sight of the high state of prosperity and improvement in every respect which I have now the delight to witness; this delight, my dear sir, cannot but be greatly enhanced by the affectionate welcome I receive in this county and in Uniontown and by the peculiar felicity I enjoy to hear that welcome expressed in the name of the people by an old and intimate friend.
"I will not further dwell on your very kind and flattering reference to the past events in both hemispheres so far as they respect me, than to confess myself happy and gratified in the highest degree by those testimonies of approbation from you, sir, whose esteem and affection I so greatly value, but in your eloquent speech, I find still higher and more gratifying motives for my profound gratitude. In the name of the companions of my sentiments and my conduct through the vicissitudes of the French revolution, I thank you for the honorable evidence given in our favor by so enlightened and respectable an observer and for the justice you have done to the benefits acquired by the people of France, and to the progress toward European emanci- pation, which in spite of posterior and most deplorable circum- stances have remained the result of the first impulse and the first year of that extensive revolution. And who, sir, in that multi- tude of American hearers thronged around us, but have felt themselves elevated, obliged, delighted at your so very just and patriotic observations on the unexampled public prosperity and private happiness, the superior and dignified degree of political civilization, the national and gloriously experienced strength, the sound and virtuous feelings, the truly republican spirit in support of institutions founded on the rights of man, by which these happy United States are held up as an object of admiration as a noble, evident, practical model to the rest of the world. While I most cordially join in your eager and consistent wishes for the extension of those blessings to other nations, in mutual congratulations for the republican enfranchisement of the far
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greater part of the American hemispheres, I could not hear you mention classic and heroic Greece without remembering how early and with what zealous concern we had made it an object of our confidential conversations. But had I not better leave this numerous audience to the deep and lively impressions you have made upon them and content myself with presenting the people of this county and town and you, my dear friend, the ablest and most acceptable organ of my gratitude with warm and devoted acknowledgments."
The general then left the pavilion and resumed his carriage, when the procession moved in order to Mr. Walker's hotel where the committee of arrangements had made provisions for his ac- commodations. The general reviewed the corps of volunteers and was introduced to a great number of citizens who pressed around him.
At an early hour an elegant supper was served of which the general and his suite and a large company of gentlemen partook. On his right was placed General Ephraim Douglass, and on his left the Honorable Albert Gallatin, and on the right of General Douglass, Governor Morrow, of Ohio, and his aides, and to the left of Mr. Gallatin Judge Baird and the Revolution- ary soldiers. After supper the following toasts were drunk and the company retired :
1. Our Country-" Where liberty dwells, there is my country."
2. The statesmen and heroes of the Revolution-" The one willed us to be free, the other made us so."
3. Memory of Washington.
4. General Lafayette-" France claims the honor of his birth, all mankind the benefit."
When this was given the General rose and gave the follow- ing toast :
" Fayette county and Uniontown-May their republican prosperity be as durable as these Allegheny mountains, which in times of distress were contemplated as a last resort and which are now the lofty witnesses of American independence and freedom."
to
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5. The President of the United States.
6. Perpetual Union among the states -- " It saved us in times of danger ; it will save the world."
7. The South American Republics-" Their march to victory and freedom has kept pace with the march of mind."
8. The Press-" Enlightened and free."
9. The ex-Presidents of the United States.
10. Greece-"The Clouds which for centuries o'er shadowed her destiny are fast dispersing."
11. Science-" The twin sister of Liberty."
12. " Civil and religious liberty in every part of the known world."
13. Woman-" No eulogium can equal her deserts."
Our fellow citizen, Albert Gallatin, distinguished for the splendor of his talents and purity of his patriotism.
By the Honorable Albert Gallatin-" General Bolivar- who never despaired, and when everything was lost, persevered until everything was won. If he perseveres in virtue he shall deserve a place next to Washington."
Our distinguished guest, the governor of Ohio.
By Governor Morrow-" The state of Pennsylvania "- " For patriotism hospitality and public spirit her citizens are proverbial."
George Washington Lafayette-
By George Washington Lafayette-" The American love of freedom, ardent and everlasting."
Mr Levasseur.
By Mr. Levasseur-" The Republican institutions of Pennsylvania."
By-volunteer corps-" The only efficient mode of mak- ing citizen soldiers."
Soon after supper Lafayette excused himself and desired to retire to his room in order to look over his mail. Col. Evans volunteered to bring his mail to his room and in order to insure against intrusion, to lock the door and carry the key in his pocket. Mr. John Campbell being then postmaster, refused to deliver the mail to Col. Evans, but immediately delivered it in person, and this was pronounced to have been the largest mail
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ever received by any one individual at one time in the history of the office.
In the evening the whole town was as brilliantly illuminated as the facilities of those times would permit, and general good humor and rejoicing prevailed.
On the following morning at 6 o'clock the general set out in company with Mr. Gallatin for the residence of the latter, escorted by a number of the Union Volunteers, mounted, the marshals, the committee of escort and many citizens. They stopped a few minutes at Brownfieldtown (Smithfield); at Geneva the escort was joined by the Fayette Guards and, after passing through the town amidst a numerous assemblage of citizens, they proceeded to the farm of Mr. Gallatin; here a multitude had assembled to greet the benefactor of the human race. Mr. Gallatin's house was thrown open and the great concourse which thronged about it received from him the most affectionate welcome.
His best liquors were spread in profusion on the tables and great pains were taken to give the crowd of anxious visitors an introduction to the general. The following day as the general returned from Mr. Gallatin's he was received in Geneva with great enthusiasm, especially by the ladies, with the lady of Capt. Wood at their head. They were ranged on the sidewalk with garlands of flowers in their hands which they gracefully waved and strewed before him.
On his arrival at Uniontown he was again met by a crowd of citizens. The ladies of town had assembled en masse dressed in white and most beautifully bedecked with wreathes of roses and bunches of flowers in their hands, which they waved as he passed, in token of the grateful feelings with which they were affected. After the general alighted from his carriage he was introduced to them in the parlor of Mr. Walker's hotel, to which they had repaired for that purpose, and he was pleased to express much satisfaction at this flattering testimony of respect. The arches were again most splendidly illuminated throughout the evening.
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