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ON THE .„«-.r,«-«-*'

FORTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

AMERICjIJ^ ijvdepejvuej^ce.

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

CHARLESTON MIFILEMEN-

AND PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST.

By ROBERT ELFE, Esa.

A Member of the Corps.

"Time overthrows the illusions of opinions, and establishes the decisions of nature."

CHARLESTON:

"WILLIAM COX YOUNG, PRINTER.

1831.

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FORTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

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AMERIC^JV mnEPEJVDEJVCE.

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

CHARLESTON RIFlLEMENe

AND PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST.

By ROBERT ELFE, Esa,

j4 Member of the Corps.

'Time overthrows the illusions of opinions, and establishes the decisions of nature."

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CHARLESTON:

WILLIAM COX YOUNG, PRINTER.

1821,

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The lively emotions which swell the bosom of the patriot on the return of this day, are sanctified by the spirit of devotion. We assemble, Fellow Citizens, on no common occasion. The eman- cipation of a great country from the arm of arbitrary power — the institution of free government — the es- tablishment of equal rights — the impartirJ adminis- tration of laws, form an era in the history of time, distinguished for wisdom, valor and philanthropy. Where shall the historian look for m?.terials to dig- nify his records — the philosopher for instruction — or the orator fmd a sphere for his eloquence, if not in the glorious exploits which crowd the recollection on the celebration of this day? Ever sacred be the birth of American Independence ! Memorable for the virtues it has displayed — the truths it has devel- oped— the blessings it has diffused — let us cherish it as the favored gift of Heaven. Let the hero who bled — the sage who counselled — the matron who nursed the early efforts of our arms, find accept- able homage in the hearts of posterity.

A review of the history of our country, is calcu- lated to fill the mind with a pleasing assemblage, and graceful variety of images, which warm the soul with delight, and extort the praises and admi- ration of mankind. The revolution, undertaken with the spirit, and conducted with the bravery of men determined to be free, afforded a field for the display of those virtues which exalt mankind in the sphere of creation, and which had been buried with the rubbish of mind, in the ages which preceded. Our heroes were animated by the models which Plutarch had drawn — and our statesmen spoke in the cause of freedom, inspired vv'ith the philosoph}' and eloquence of Cicero, Hence, the firmness which distinguished our efforts, whether in the cabi- net or in the field — in the martial arrangements of the camp, or in the milder negociations for peace.

Eut, glorious as may have been the revolution, renowned for the exhibition of all that human na- ture can boast, there was a paramount achieve m.eni which battles could not win, nor ingenuity com- pass. It was left for truth, and virtue, and know- ledge to perform this last act — lasting as the memory which achieved it, and to be forgotten when the pride of honor, and the exaltation of intellect shall cease to dignify mankind. I allude to the union and consolidation of the States, on those principles which alone could secure their safety in peace, and their defence in war.

In contemplating the character and genius of the government of the United States, the mind is struck, no less with the beautiful and harmonious propor- tion of the parts, than with the spirit which gives life and animation to the whole. The Federal Constitution, planned by an assembly of men, free,, virtuous, and intelligent, contains within itself all the requisites of a just and upright government.: Ex- empt from those anomalies and restrictions, inter- woven into past systems, the more securely to sub- stantiate and enforce the unjust and barbarous policy of those, who owe their elevation to the combined influence of fraud and power, it presents nothing that is not consistent with natural and civil justice. The advocates of regal dominion may here read the refutation of their favorite absurdity, " that the people cannot govern themselves;" and those who love liberty, yet dread the licentiousness of demo- cracy, have the light of a system, cemented by wisdom, energy and virtue.

In their exertions to secure a form of government, adapted to the sense and feelings of the people, the members of the convention were little aided by ex- perience. The Federal government was entirely the result of foresight and philosophy. None of the governments, from antiquity down, afforded a model which could safely be imitated. Greece, cele- brated for the wisdom of her confederacy, was de- ficient in the promptitude and exactness, necessary

6

to the successful operation of political bodies. Her Amphyctioiiic council resembled rather the meeting of an Imperial legation, than an assembly of free, deliberative representatives.

Rome too, distinguished for a boldness and dig- nity of character, on which the eyes of posterity delight to gaze, never enjoyed an equal balance of power. There was no division of force to counter- act the illegal assumptions of authority — disorder prevailed in all the departments of State : — oppressed at one time, by the inordinate ambition and over- grow^n powder of the Patrician Order, and over- whelmed at another, by popular insurrection, she ultimately became the victim of discordant passions and bloody wars, during which, the aspirations of virtue were forgotten and unheard in the desolation and slaughter, which crushed all the glorious achieve- ments of genius and learning, and erected the prison house and the dungeon on the ruins of the temple of Liberty.

But if the governments of antiquity could afford us no light in building up the ark of our freedom, there was less to attract attention or invite imitation, in the short lived republics which grew out of the wreck of empire in modern Europe. In contem- plating this period of the world, the historian has scarcely light enough to read the degradation of mankind, and the friend of humanity sees nothing to brighten his prospects of happiness. The vicious

7

alone held the earth in subjection— power found its advocate with the wealthy and abandoned — the hopes of the good man had ceased to be earthly — Mhcy had penetrated the gloom wliich lies between ptime and eternity, and were reposing in confidence^ until another morn should burst its splendors on his I vision, and proclaim a releasement from toil and suffering. Such wxre the governments of Venice and Genoa, where, in the form of republicanism, a powerful aristocracy directed the public functions to the advancement of individual prosperity, tramp- ling on the exercise of right, and polluting the altars of justice with the maculated offerings of suffering innocence and degraded merit.

How happy the contrast which our country pre- sents ! No such imperfections disfigure the character of our constitution. Accommodated to all the purposes of society, it succours the indigent and needy — gives protection to the exiled children of misfortune, and allows the wealthy no privilege be- yond the common citizen. Here no haughty spirit of monopolization influences the favor of govern- ment to the advancement of noble birth: Our gov- ernment throws open the doors of preferment, to ail who have enterprize and ability to seek the laurels of fame — she enlists the interest of the whole world in her prosperity. Industry is not weighed down with the iron obligation of paying more than it reaps — Religion finds a sanctuary in every heart —

8

Science bends to the task of facilitating the modes of life — and the whole scenery of nature is blended with the beautiful picture of a community, ardent in the pursuit of all those means which God and their country have given, of obtaining national and individual happiness. Where, on the surface of this globe, appears a scene so interesting and inviting • — so glorious to man, and so acceptable to God? Whose bosom is not warmed into admiration — whose tongue is not eloquent with the praises of Liberty?

The moral condition of a people inevitably results from the form and spirit of their government. Hu- man nature, acted upon by long established forms, becomes confirmed in prejudice and error; more particularly when education, the great means of exalting and refming the mind, is disregarded, and the body politic is pervaded with ignorance. It may happen, under peculiar circumstances, that the government is unable to control the destinies and stamp the condition of a people: — Men, born in freedom, and trained up in the enjoyment of their natural rights, will never submit to an authority which would mould their very being to the base purposes of despotism. Batmost of the governments which have existed, and do now exist, furnish abun- dant proof, that man's elevation or depression in so- ciety is the effect of good or bad laws. In Europe, where the povernment is in the hands of the nobles,

9

rand the will of the people is subservient to the will of the monarch, the motives which siiould prompt to the exercise of the most exalted viitues, are sup- pressed bv the sigh and the tear which speak the bitter tale of slavery, and declare the impotency of the most united exertions. There the spirit of lib- erty is kept captive ! The fine form is bowed with despondency — Nature, in vain, spreads her scenery to the eye, and the heart sickens with the hopeless- ness of shaking off its burden. In Europe, society and government prove a curse 1 Legislation is not conducted with the benevolent design of aiding the necessities, and relieving the misfortunes of man- kind. How can a single individual, gifted perhaps with no uncommon qualities of head and heart, surrounded by the hirelings of his ^^leasure, wasted into effeminacy, himself secure from the changes of fortune, and the pressure of want, be able to manage the concerns of a nation? How is he capable of legislation, whose views are circumscribed by tliC narrow and selfish desire of peipetuating his titles and his possessions to a distant posterity? Does he sympathize with the sufferings of his people ? Their

cries never reach his ears Is he animated with a

wish to their welfare ? He is deceived by the flatte- ry of his ministers. No supplicating friend, no charitable hand pours upon their sorrows the balm of alleviation. If they petition, redress is impolitic — if thev revolt, an armed soldier v rush upon tbeiB 35

10

^vith "the iirtiileiy oi' death." Not only have they to groan under the bondage of political tyrants. Priesthood interdicts the privileges of conscience^ and declares the imbecilitv of tlie unlearned. The ridiculous connexion of religion and laws, exert a power over the countrj^ so absolute and unlimited^ as renders it impossible that any people should ilourish or improve in the arts and elegancies of life.

But their case is not remediless. A voice has §'one over the w^aters, awakening the dormant genius of the land. An impulse pervades society which cannot but eventuate in its benefit. The general illumination of the human mind, the effect of free presses, and the rapid multiplication of books, afford advantages which must produce a change in the political hemisphere. Intellectual glory is the light ^^ hich illumines the pathway to liberty and happiness. lie who is intelligent will always be free. Despotism can exist only in the shade of ignorance and vice. But the Eagle, sacred bird of libert}^, basking in the noontide blaze of light and learning, escapes the fetters which would bind him to the earth, and directs his flight unto the stars. America affords the world an example which will be imitated ! Her free institutions, the justice of her polic}', the unrivalled splendor of her arms, extend usefulness to every shore where her flag is unfurled. Republicanism will rule the earth. The dissatis^

11

faction which prevails across the ocean, the fire which burns the bosom of the patriot, can be qilenched only by the demolition of thrones. Con- stitutions must be adopted. Kings must become citizens.

But it were vain for any people to possess free- dom, who have not her companion. Virtue is the only safeguard of free laws. Her authority restrains the restless ambition of demagogues, and preserves the state from the poison and infection of licen- tiousness.

The decay of morals is the chief cause of all the distress w^hich has, through the progress of ages, marked the revolutions and changes of empire. Aspiring and crafty men, never appear in the tran- quil reign of social order and good manners ; their machinations begin, after tlie seeds of corruption are sown, and the state is assailed with the engen- dered evils of discord and civil warfare. That this is the case, I appeal to the oracles of truth and experience — 1 appeal to the monumental trophies of ancient grandeur — the wreck and ruin of states and kingdoms, swept from an elevation lofty and commanding', into the dust and ashes of infamy

and neglect I appeal to the recollections of that

country, whose chivalry reclaimed Europe from

barbarism, and polished society into gentleness

whose arms rescued from England the conquests of Henry the Fifth — and wh.osc policy under

ljo:iis the Fourleeiith, directed and conlroled half the cabinets of Europe. Yet, who has read the history of the French revolotionj and not mounicd over the fatal effects of depravity ? The struggle of a people^ renowned for their bravery, and devoted to libertv, fifrhtin^" under the deluded hope ^i eman- cipation, with commanders whose ambition levelled ail the distinctions of society, and crimsoned v,'ith the blood which flowed from the guillotine, the verdant la,urels of their country's fame. Tlicre is the scene of religion despised — of justice defamed — of laws turned into ridicule — and truth, into false- hood.

B peaking of Fiance, how readily is the name of Eanaparte associated 1 This extraordinary man. born for whatever purposes, the object of praise with some^ of hatred witii others, and of astonish- ment to all, has in a short period of his life, exhibit- ed the elements of a mind which dtfy the powers of human calculation, and which place him beyond the orbit of this world's attraction. Commencing, his career with the appearance of honesty, and un der the sacred professions of patriotism, he soon became the idol of popular iniatuation. Mihtary honors called him to the pi'ofession of arms — Mars clothed him in the armor of war, and pointed him to the tombs of Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar. But his ambition looked not ev^en at these— his own ■suffreiency needed not llie aid of example ; and a

IS

few years saw him elevated, grand and conspicuotT^ the Emperor of France, and the King of Italy; the Protector of the Coniederation of the 111 vine, and the Mediator of tiie Swiss Confederacy.

If Bonaparte was a patriot, why did he usurp the goveriiiient of Ins country? Why did he dictate laws to his people, and abolish the liberty of the press ? Why did he invade tiie boundaries of other nations, and establish his authority over them? Had he been a patriot^ France at this day might have been a republic, with the benefit of a constitution ; her institutions revered, her arms respected, and her glory the illumination of the world..^ — Had Bona- parte been a patriot, Italy, that land of classic excel- lence, might again have become the seat of the Mu- ses— Rome, the nurse and mother of heroes, have beheld the disinterestedness of Cincinnatus, and Switzerland, diversified with the beautiful and sublim.e in nature, been blessed with ireedom and happiness.

In adverting to the causes of this day's celebra- tion, the young American will not confme his atten- tion solely to the events of the revolution. America w^as destined to be free. It was impossible from the nature of the motives which impelled our an- cestors across tlie Atlantic, from the shores of thciT country and their friends, that tliey would be reconciled to any form of government v/hich did not originate with themselves, independent of royal

14

consent or royal protection. Discovered too at a pe-^ riod, when the human mind in Europe, was just emerging from t'le darkness which succeeded the subversion of the Roman empire ; when mankind, excited by the spirit of improvement, and worn down by the degrading vassalage which had yoked their energies, and cast their faculties into wonderful insensibility, were willing to escape the wretched- ness of their own country, and seek comfort and consolation in the bosom of the new world. Once settled here, their desire of freedom was strengthened by the very scenery of the country they had chosen to inhabit. Every thing around them retained the primitive features of nature ; civilization had made no inroads upon the rude grandeur and wild magnificence of tlie prospect ; rocks and mountains and woods all grew together ; the savage sought his sustenance in the chase, wild himself as the deer he hunted, fettered by no law but his will, and sur- rounded only by the atmosphere which refreshed and supported his limbs.

From a country so situated, bearing all the cha- racteristics of freedom, uncontaminated by vice ; with a country degraded and enslaved, abounding with all the evils which hereditary turpitude could engender ; from such a contrast, our ancestors de- rived those impressions, which encouraged their hopes, gave stability to their principles, and pro- duced a nation of freemen ecHpsinG; the models of Greece and Rome.

15

Had Great Britain, in her conduct towards the colonies, acted upon the well known principles of her own constitution, then the most free and celebrated on earth, (though destined at some period to part), the golden chain of affection might still have bound them together in the bonds of na- tional friendship, Had she allowed them the privi- leges of British subjects, and regarded with sacred- iiess and respect their right of self government and taxation, the glory of her arms might still have claimed the title of invincibility; and her fleets, honoured with the trident of Neptune, have given laws to the ocean. But overwhelmed with an ac- cumulation of debt, no means were to be neglected, which could advance the resources of her treasury, exhausted and drained in establishing her superiori- ty, over the most formidable powers of the conti- nent. At this period, her ministry seemed to have misunderstood the very spirit and essence of political bodies. That government was instituted by the people, for the benefit of the people, was a maxim, which her statesmen and scholars insisted on with a precision and force equal to the dignity of free- men : — the public presses teemed with spirited essays, defining in just terms the powers and capaci- ty of the governed ; — yet after ail, the hopes and strength of this infantile country, so long and so often the object of savage warfare, were to be crush- ed and overpowered by a system of subordination,

16

eontraiy io eveiy principle of natural jr.siice and English liberty. Bills of restriction and iimitation, of taxation and denial, were forced upon Parlia- ment witli a warmth and ardor of discussion dero- gatory to its unequalled pre-eminence, and de- structive to colonial prosperity. These proceedings excited the fermentations of parties, at home and xibroad ; — the public voice cried aloud for the wroners of America — the colonies themselves re- monstrated. But, their petitions praying redress were disregarded, and tlieir opposition considered as the mere murmur of discontent, that would die away with the breath in wiiich it was uttered.

It was in this situation of afiairs, threatening ruin and disgrace to their countr}', that the orators of Great Britain shone with a splendor, unrivalled since the days of Demosthenes and Cicero. It was here, under the excitement of the noblest feelings, that the sublime eloquence of Chatham, and the immortal o:cnius of Burke, flashed the convictions of truth and experience, deprecating with godlike in- dignation, the ruinous effects of a pernicious policy ; and urging, Vvith the vehemence of impassioned rhetoric, the justice, the necessity, and the virtue of RECONciLIATIOK.

But power, corrupt and uplifted by the pride of opinion, was not to be abashed by the mcie force of argument The insolence of disobedient provinces could not be passed over with impunity— the free

17

and valiant spirits of New England must be sub- dued, though it cost the nation a century of blood and treasure.

These, my countrymen, were directly the causes of the revolution — and basely perverted must be that heart, whose attachment to any form of gov- ernment, would submit to an infringement of those rights, the impairing of which, would destroy the purposes and ends of existence. Our ancestors, though gifted with the spirit of forbear- ance, did not remain passive spectators of their country's wrongs. Their keen sight penetrated the consequences of an usurpation, w^hich would inflict disgrace on themselves, and rivet chains on their posterity ; and with a sublime patriotism and daring courage, they resisted every act of their oppressors, and fortified every pass of their country w^ith the rampart of their bodies.

Now, the standard of w^ar was unfurled, and the tocsin resounded through the land ; — the scenes of domestic tranquility were invaded by the tumult of arms ; — the tender music of love was hushed into silence ; — and the sacred associations of " wife, children and friends,-' abandoned for the rude equipments of the camp. The citizen, hitherto the nian of business or of pleasure, became the soldier of freedom — all hearts glowed with enthusiam — The battle of Lexington roused all America ;— the blood of freemen, shed on their own plains, called c

18

loudly for revenge ; — the spirit of Liberty in arms led the valiant to the conflict : — Bunker's Hill poured destruction on the foe, and reverberated from shore to shore, the magnanimous resolve of Victory or Death.

Here was the occasion of our first triumph, the first example of American valor. But the smiles of joy are moistened with the tears of regret. Here fell the brave and unfortunate Warrens,* distin- guished alike for the accomplishments of the gentleman, and the exalted virtues of the patriot. His gallant soul, fearless of danger, and indignant at disgrace, saw no alternative between the glory of conquest, and the grave. He died with the soothing requiem of his country's praise. The green sod covers his ashes. His memory — let it live forever in the hearts of posterity.

The battle of Lexington gave an impulse to the war, which permanently united all the States in the determination of a vigorous opposition. The con- gress, assembled, used the most effectual means of providing against the exigencies of invasion. Their firmness increased with the difficulties which sur- rounded them. A country, wide and extensive, thinly populated, and nearly destitute of the means of warfare, were considerations sufficient to deter the most resolute from a contest so unequalled in

* General Warren was the first officer of distinction, who died in the cause of his country.

10 numbers and discipline. Their chief reliance was in the justice of their cause. This alone gained them the friendship of the brave and generous. Tlic God of battles called to their assistance the warriors of every clime. France, chivalrous and enthusiastic, united her strength and sympathies with our own — Ireland sent her spirit to cheer us — and Poland, unhappy, ill fated Poland! destined herself to wear the chains of slavery, landed on our shore the cham- pions of Warsaw.

These were the sources of sorrow and confusion to our enemy, who beheld in the patriotic services of La Fayette, the blood of Montgomery, and the sacred devotion of Kosciusko, the future destination of our country.

But why should I detail the events of the revo iution ? Are the illustrious deeds of our ancestors already forgotten by posterity ? Are the names of the countless numbers which crovv d into the constel- lation of American glory, already swept down the stream of oblivion? Of Franklin and Adams — of Marion and Sumpter — of Green at Eu- taw — and of W a s h i n g t o n at Y o rkto wn ? Are they not, the pride and glory of their country, identified with its existence ? Cold as the marble which covers the orave of the warrior, is that bosoci which does not love to linger around the memory i)f departed wortli !

20 .

It is a question not unworthy of consideration, to know what might have been the situation of these United States, had the war, which terminated in the triumph of the American arms, been favora- ble on the part of Great Britain. We had sinned beyond the hopes of forgiveness — we had rejected peace when offered, to prosecute our own scheme of government ; and had rebelliously taken up arms against a kind, indulgent, fostering parent, Now no leniency was to be expected from parental ten- derness— the ties of affection once violated, were dissolved, and the existence of former privileges denied. Unfortunate in our efforts, we should liave been destined, like the wretched inhabitants of India, the prey of a merciless commerce, and the victims of a rapacious avarice.

But thanks to the Father Almiglity, we stiil live in the land of our choice, blessed with tlie advan- tages and rights of Republicanism. We have pass- ed through the storms and tempests of revolution, and escaped the dangers of faction \ — we have de- fended our homes from invasion, and have seen our flair victorious : — tlie Constitution at sea, has defended the constitution on land, and this day, the forty-fifth anniversary of Independence, unites us in the temple of the Most High, singing the song of BEI.IYERANCE, and Tyranny O'ER- THPxOWN.

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