An oration, delivered before the Washington benevolent society, of the county of Herkimer, on the 22d February, 1817

Glass
Book

■ G':

/ Of

/

i'-iivses^ntsffftiv^mU'maWi

mmmmmmmmmmm

MR. SEJYTER'S

ORATION.

^'^'''^^"^'^VW^W^mmmmmmi

tVtS£tlS£*SSStSM»9iSi

\
.\

A??

5

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

WasJnngton Benevolent Society^

OF THE COUNTY OF

BERKIMER

OJ^ THE ^2d FEBRUARY, iSi7i

By NATHANIEL G. M. SENTER;

immimmmmmimmmmmmmmammmmmimammmmmmmmmmmmm^

nERKIMER ?

^RJNTKB BX »DWARD f , SETMO¥»j

Mn', NAtHANIEL G. M. SENtE«i

Sis,

IJV comfiliance. fvith a resolution af the Washtngtbn Btnevoknt Sc-
defy, of the county of Herkimer^ fiassed on the 22d day of February
instant-^ioe present you the thanks of the Society, for the excellent
Oration^ which on that day you delivered before the said Society — and
request a copy thereof for fiublication.
Rispectfulty uours , fs^c

.February 34M, 1817.

MATTHEW MYFRS, T

PHILO M HACKLEY, I Cotamittee.

GEORGE H. FEETER, J

TO THE COMMITTEE FROM THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETlf,
GSN'fLEMEN,

J recFive your flattering request, and comply ivith it, more from
a sincere iviah to evince to the rjorld my great regard for the firinci-
files, and my vcnc^ati'jn Jar th^ iiluairiaua man, ivho is the subject of ths
diacmrte, than any desire lo give publicity lo my feeble taUnta. Willi.
a hearty ii>hh that his greatness never may be obscured, and his virtues
ntver forgotten, J resign to you the desired copy.
With respect and esteem,

I remain your obedient servant,

NATHANIEL G, M. SENTER,

a:k

1^9 c^e.

^SET'irXEN OF fHE. JVjSHINCTOTf BEKKrOLENr SGCIETry
jiND FELLOir-ClTlZENS :

T must 1)6 ])leasin£5, in the sight of Heaven, lo see a
>Jation, crowding to its temples, to commemorate the birth
of the Founder of its freedom and glory. It is incumbent
on us to pay just tribute to the memory of those who have
been illustrious in the service of their country.

Tlie S2d of February, 1733, i^ave birth to our beloved
and lamented WAS lillSUTON— justly celebrated for
his heroism and achievements — illustrious for his talents
and virtue ; and immortal, in the unspotted purity of iiis
heart, and the unsullied probity of liis mind. — Behold
millions, this day, i)oniiiig fuiih th^ir (hunks to Heaven,
and hailing in joyous Juhileey the vdorny vhich ushered
in this splendid Luminary of human greatness. He rose,
like the Sun in the east, silent in the granijfuk or
HIS OWN LIGHT. — lu thc Zenith of his glory, he, like that
fountain of light, illumined, in cloudles-3 apleiuJourf the
objects which surrounded him.— His descent to the s;rave,
was like the declention of that irradiated orb, in all thc
majesty of letircing lustre. — On that day, so mournful,

THE HEAVENS WITHDREW ITS GLOKY FROM OUR VIEW.

Our country in tlse first burEts of grief, seemed inconsol-
able for its loss. The v/orld said, thus died the hero
without parnUel — (lie statesman without reproach — the
man without disguise ; and the father v.itiiout a fault.
Humanity lost its noblest onir.mcnt — the tcorld its great-
est glory. It was not the accidental combination of &plen-
iVid talents vritli inglorious vicvi s— or the cthciiai l"re of

^nius, With the grossness of infirmity. It wns not the
lustre of blazing and ignited ambition, or the majestij of
usurpation ; that characterised this immortal man. — His
greatness had in it somethiHg more divine — to rescue his
country from domination — to secure their freedom — or-
ganize and dignify a government, whose destiii}' he wa?
called to controul — and lay the foundation of his coun-
try's glory, was the grand and Godlike purpose of t!»is
illustrious and venerable man. Virginia gave !um birth.
Descended from a venerable ancestry, he ever seemed
ambitious of adding increased honors to his progenitors,
dy his own great deeds.

At the age of 19 he was appointed by i\\Q. unanimous
Wishes of his countrymen, one of the Adjutant Generals
of Virginia. At 21 he was deputed by the state to pro-
ceed as envoy to the western frontiers. In the same year
he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, and in his first at-
tack he was successful and victorious. In the year 1755
he attended General jiraddock, as aid, in the ever mem-
orable campaign in which he fell. — Soon after this defeat
he was appointed to the responsible command of Chief,
in and over the forces of Ylrgiuia. During th3 inhuman
massacre of his countrymen on the frontiers, he Vi'as heard
to declare, " He was melted with a deadly sorrow ? and
that if a sacrifice would stop the effusion of human blood,
Jie would sacrifice himself for his country^s good.'^ In
1758 he resigned his commission as provincial officer, and
received (he thanks of his fellow-citizens, and the officers
vof the British army. In 1774^ be v^as appointed a dele-
gate to the Congress which met in Philadelphia, for the
purpose of laying the foundation of a federal government.
Engaged in that work neither opposition nor opprobrium,
seemed to affect his determined and resistless vigor — con-
tumely hurled its envenomed shafts in vain, and envy icith
her foisoned Chalice shrunk from his presence, before
its offerings were refused. The same year he was ap-
pointed to tlie cliief command of the colonial forces. Here
iwesea ted itself an aiiecting and glorious scene, •* Acouu-

iry s^eearing to support its Chief Magistrate witli their
Jives, and to adhere to him in the support of American
liberty.'^ Invested with supreme command he proceeds
to Cambridge to organize and discipline his infant army.
We soon find liira engaged in offensive operations, which
terminated gloriously for American arms — in the evacua-
tion of Boston by General Howe. — For this he receives
the thanks of his country ; and a medal is struck in com-
memoratioo of that auspicious event.

On the 27th of August he finds his little army defeat-
ed by superior numbers at the battle of Long-Island ; and
in the presence of the enemy effects one of the most mas-
terly retreats recorded in our history. In a siibscquent
campaign we find victory again perching on his standard,
and in the battles of Trenton and Princeton fresh laurels
encircle his brovvs. In 1778 he again receives the thanks
of his country, for the victory at Monmouth over the roy-
al forces. In I7SI he averts the dreaded rupture between
the French and American armies, and in that memorable
year strikes the mortal blow to British tyranny and usur-
pation— by the capture and capitulation of Lord Cornwal-
iis. Again tijis venerable and distinguished hero re-
ceives the thanks of his beloved country. Peace now,
like the morning star, began to beam upon his anxious
and afflicted country. — " The stern and visaged front of
war gave place to smiles of peace.''

The arduous task assigned him, accomplished, the il-
lustrious founder of our liberties meditates a retirement
from his labors. — Previous to the disbanding of the army
under his comand, his yet bleeding heart was suddenly
torn in anguish for the safety of the liberties he had foun-
ded.— A conspiracy designed to pluck the crown of im-
mortality from this champion of freedom, burst forth in
all the malice of envy and machination. The eager and
penetrating glance of Washington foresaw tlie tempest.
At this moment of impending ruin, this illustrious hero
in doubt of its reality, paused while he collected in array
the energies of his mind.

6

His country lost in the anxious epilepsy of dread aad
love for the freedom they had acquired, determined to a-
wait the decision of this peerless statesman. The baptis-
mal dove descended in cloudless effulgence, and with the
spotless wings of its protection hovered around his holy
person. The sj)irit of inspiration lit on Washington. —
Awakened and enlightened he arrested rebellion, and
disarmed its crested affrontery with the blush of affection ;
and while the sceptre of disaffection was yet falling, he
rouses his misguided country to their insecurity and
peril. In view of this scene, Columbia cast an anxious
eye towards the stern, enlightened dictator of the age.
Invulnerable in the purity of his patriotism, he stood like^
the towering oak of his native soil, inflexible and unsha-
ken amid the tempest,

Ijuminous and resistless in persuasion, he subsidized
the allegiance of the array, the prerogatives of reason, and
the energy of his oivn great mind, to crush liie impious
demons as they advanced to the unhallowed conflict. —
What must have been the exulting sensations of his coun-
tr^^men, when they found him triumphant ? Military fac-
tion withered lihe the aspan leaf before his eloquent re-
bukes. Before him the aspiring demagogue shrunk like
the weed before the deadly Upas. Intrigue and faction
bhed their untimely fruit, like a Fig Tree when shaken
of a mighty wind. — ArtiSce and disguise unrobed them-
selves before his searching eye. — The altar and tlie God
of faction tumbled together in the dust before his inspiring
presence.

Having accomplished this, the world beheld him, like
the illustrious Roman, retiring from the field of glory and
renown. — On the 18th June, 1783, he surrenders up the
high commission, with the powers vested in him, to an
admiring people. It was now that crowns, scei)tres and
sovereignty became valueless and contemptible. — He re-
turns ALL to his country — but the glory, and imperishable
fame wjjich hovered around his holy person. Of that $e
could not divebt himself ; fur it was t!ic irradiated and ini-

passioned stamp of immortality, fixed on hfm by Divhvh
ty himself.

The father could not leave his family without bequeath-
ing to them a Covenant, to preserve their Independence
and love of country.

Hear wliat our venerable father hath said :■— ^< Thero
are four things essential to the welfare and existence of tho
United States, as an Independent power.

1st. An inilissolublo unioH of the States,, under ona
federal head.

2tl. A sacred regard to public justice.

3d. The adoption of a proper peace establishment.

4rth. A pacific disposition among the people, which will
induce them to forget their animosities and prejudices.

These are the pillars on which the glorious fabric of
Gur Independence and National character must be sup-,
ported.''

Thus has he lefi a lasting Testament of hi^ wisdoni
and l®ve ; and thus has lie in humble imitation of tha
Great Architect of the world, delivered to his chosen peo-
ple the table of his commandments. He retired hut to
re-appear — he obscured himself but to shine again, in re-.
doubled and re^lluminated glory. Faithful to his affec-
tions— absorbed in the delicaie remembrance of the suffer-
ings, the joys and triumphs of his brethren in arms — ^ho
convenes them for the last time to receive his paternal pre-
cepts— blessing them in humble imitation of the Saviourof
the world ; he covers them with benediction and prayer. —
His country stood spectators of this sublime and priestly
scene, IJniiithis timef grief knew not its dignity, noi'
sorrow its silence.

Amid the conflict of passion and tempest of tenderness,
which swelled his mighty heart, love of country shona
in splendid preeminence and state. " Then burst his
mighty heart, and in his mantle muffling up his ftea<?,'' ho
bid an adieu to his illustrious companions in arms. No?
so did Cffisar, whose ambition and lawless thirst of pow-
^Vf prostrated and, extinguished ths freedom of hla coua-

if J. "Not so tlie proud imperial victor of Austerlitz, wlmse
inglorious usurpation^ have gullied the splendour of hie
conquests.

The stupendous work is uot yet finished, bui from the
bosom of retirement and domestic love, his country agaiu
calls him to her defence. He hears with solicitude the
pressing call, and again, with majestic resignation, he
ebeys her summons. Once more an organ of the public
voice, he is clothed with a Senatorial dignity; and the
hero is lost in the affectionate statesman. A delegate
from Virginia to the^'ational Convention at Philadelphia,
lie is unanimously elected President of that venerabls
body.

On tlie 17th of September^ i-7^7f they finished theiir
labors. The exclaiming voice of our mothers and daugh-
ters on . tliis happy event, was :— " HE IS OUR PRO-
TECTOR AND DEFENDER.'' What are tombs,
mosoleums or triumphant arches, to this grateful and im-
perishable monument ? On the 14th of April, it was an^.
nounced that the voice of his country had vested liim with
the Chief Magistracy of the United States. Again he
swears fidelity to his country, and on the Altar of Reli-
gion swears also to preserve and defend the Constitution^
of which he was the founder. Amid thousands of his a-
floring countrymen, appeared this veteran father of our
liberties — swearing fidelity to his family. This was a
moment of grandeur of feeling — of sublime political joy.
He was now crowned with civil glory — the garland of
fame was wove with the oaken wreath of victory. Im-
mediately on the organization of the departments of state,
Washington proceeded to appoint those to office, whose
experience, probity alnd love of country, rendered them
iuitable candidates for those important functions.

In the selection of these characters, fellow-citizens, he
wisely appointed tbe illustrious Hamilton to the head of
the Treasury — a man deservedly celebrated for his inflex«
ible integrity, talents and patriotism. To the War De-
partment, General Knox; a faithful companioii in the strug^

gle? for liberty. As the head of tlie JiuHciary he appoiuf-
ed the venerable and experienced statesman Jolin Jay —
justly deserving of that particular distinction, arising from
wisdom, purity of mind, and inflexible honor in the dis-
charge of public duty. These men ever countinued faith-
ful to their trust — ornaments of their country, and exam-
ples to the vising age. During the war of 1794, between
Great Britian and France, tliat turbulent Republic, incen-
ced at the treaty made between England and the United
Stales, openly, iu violation of the laws of nations, and
insulting to the bonor of our country, deputed her Minis-
ter to this country, instructing him to assist in supporting
the depredations, then making on the commerce of Eng-
land and her dependaoces- Our illustrious Chief Magis-
trate, in conformity to his proclamation of neutrality, di-
rected the recall of the French Minister, Mr. Genet.

Ambitous as Washington ever was, to complete the
political edifice he had designed, he was not less anx-
ious to preserve it entire, from the attacks of foreign in-
fluence and insult. JTe rose, in the majesty of legitimate
and parental power, and shielded that people, for whom
he had so often unsheathed hu sword. Neither vehem-
ence of oppositioti — the venality of foreign intrigae, nor
the impending frowns of political tempests, awed or ap-
palled him. Faithful to his country — loyal to his trust —
and just to his God, he appeared immoyeahly intent on
checking the torrent of Gallic corruption and philosophy
— which seemed rolling from the Continent, menacing in
its fury, not only the freedom, but the altars of our coun-
try. To his discernment and decision, is owing the tran-
quillity which succeeded the abortive efforts of Genet, and
his coadjutors, iu their insidious attempts to destroy tho
peace and sovereignty of our Republic.

Having adjusted all difference with the courts of Great
Britain and Spain, and laid the foundation of peace with
the turbulent Republic of France — the venerable father
of American liberty, again retires to taste the sweets of
domestic repose. On the 17th September, 1796, he ad-

19

Presses his beloved countrymen, atid strictly, in conrorm*
ity to his illustrious example^ lie recommends a cautious
jealousy of foreign influence — a pure love of Constitu-
tion and country — an inflexible regard to public justice,
and detestation of faction and tyranny. — In this valedic-
tory effusion of unparalleled patriotism, and unexampled
love of country, we find the pillars of our freedom and
Independence. Hear again what our father hath said —
"Let me warn yon, in the most solemn manner, against
the baneful effects of the spirit of party. The alternate
domination of one faction over another, which in different
ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enor-
mities, is itself a frightful despotism ; but this leads at
length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The
disorders and miseries which result, gradually incline the
minds of men, to seek security and repose, in the abso-
lute power of an individual ; and sooner or later, the
cWef of some prevailing faction, turns this disposition to
the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public
liberty*^'

" Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, I con-
*jure you to believe me, fellow-citizens, the jealousy of a
free people ought to be constantly awake, since history
and experience prove that foreign influence is one of tho
most baneful foes of Republican government. But, that
jealously, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes
the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead
of a defence against it. Excessive partiality foF one for-
eign Nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause
those whom they actuate, to see danger only on one side,
and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on
the other. Meal Patriots, who may resist the intrigues
of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious,
while its tools and dupes uhVLt^ the applause and confidence
of the people, to surrender their interests.''^

From the cares of public life, and the numerous boa.
ors conferred on him by a grateful people — he returns to
4he humble and dignified vocation of a tiller of the earth.

ii

—Faithful and fortunate, in the discharge of every duty
which connected him with the puhlic weal — he resumes,
like the illustrious Cincinnatus, the labors of industry. —
In this scene, we see fully exemplified, the unsullied prob-
ity of his mind, and the unspotted purity of his heart. It
was an act which stamped his character, the most glorious
—most patriotic, and most virtiiaiis of modem ages.

During his retirement, the aspiring, disorganizing gov-
ernment of France, again called forth the spirit and ener-
gy of the American Councils. To resent the unjustifiable
insult, offered to our sovereignty, in the outrages on our
public Ministers ; and to redress, at the threshold of arms
and resistance, the wrongs committed on our commerce,
Jt)ha Adams, then President of the United States, re-
commended vigorous measures of Defence. — The Ameri-
can Eagle again clenched the Olive Branch and the ar-
row, and proudly hovered over the destiney of our beloved
country. As soon as the adoption of this measure wai
probable, the eyes of his country were turned on Wash-
ington.— Again was this aged hero called to the defence
4)f our liberties and Independence. He consents to as-
sume the command of our army ; and proceeds to organ-
ize them, and hurl defiance upon the Directory of Fance.
The event justified the most sanguine expectations of our
National Legislature ; and the impious hopes of an inva-
tling foe, were crushed and confounded.

At the moment when our citizens were exulting in the
success x)f our diplomatic mission to the Republic of
France ; the Angel of mercy was sent to convey his spirit
to the mansions of rest. Amid the pomp of unaffected
grief, and splendour of silent sorrow, we beheld the
spirit of oar venerable and lamented father called to the
bosom of its Creator.

On that memorable day, the 13th December, 1799, in
the perfect possession of his serene and God-like miod^
lie yielded to the conflicts of death. — Behold the end of
this great and virtuous Patriot. Founded, as was his
priueiples; on the immutable basis of justice and truth—

la

fortified, as was his views, by the purity anil integrity of
public virtue i anil, ever impressed with a humble consci-
entiousness of his responsibility, to the Great Father of
Spirits — his commencement in life — his career through h
and his departure from it, teas cloudlesisly glorious ir-
rej)roachable mid exemplary.

Associated in the stupendous work, of founding a new
Kepublic, we find a constellation of warriors and mar-
tyrs, hoverins; round a Sun, from whicli they received
glory and lustre. Next to our beloved Washington, in
the confidence of a grateful country, wag WarrRn—i\\Q
first martyr of distinction, to the cause of American free-
dom. Bunker's awful height, still proclaims the gallantry
and devotion of this intrepid hero. Next on the list of de-
parted worthies, is the gallant 6>(?enc, who, with our
illustrious Hamilton^ possessed an unbounded share of the
confidence of their great Chief, the venerable Washing-
ton.— Amid those splendid characters, who have given a
fame to this country, Knox sustains an important rank.
As a testimony of his private M^orth, and public services,
he was a confident of the father of our cmintry, in Ids
most conflicting trials ; and, on tho institution of the Soci-
ety of Cincinnati, he was elected to tho honorable office
of Secretary.

In the number of departed heroes, wlio contributed
greatly to establish our Independence, are the lamented
Gates and Lincoln — deservedly enrolled among the most
valiant and inflexible of American Patriots. But chiefly
thou, Oh Lingan, calls for the trihutary tear. — Aged
and infirm, in the service of thy country, *^ thou felVst a
glorious martyr. — Covered with military and civic glory
—gored with wounds, inflicted by the merciless hands of
an infuriated and incenced populace — thy death was glo-
rious ; and in the pomp of sacrificial offering, thou hast
erected an imperishable naosoleum — thou has left a death-
less name. To thy name, Montgomery, a Nation sheds
the tear of grateful sorrow. — The Goddess of victory was
hovering over thy head, wheu death, envious of the lau-

i^elcdj honoM, ^hich awaited the capture of Quebec, ctaBW^
6d his favorite Son to his boiom. Less glorious, but not
less distinguished in the annals of our country, are the
names of Wayne, and the intrepid Mercer. These, with
the devoted JTorceafer— the gallant Schuyler—ihe intrep-
id Pic/jiam— the generous M^Dougal, and the patriotic
Chnton—a. distinguished band of warriors have beencalU
ed to the arms of death.

Encompassed by such a galaxy of splendid geniuses,
we might suppose that the glory of the man, whose birth
we now celebrate, must have derived some of its lustre
from theirs. Although they shone with brilliancy— their
splendor was borrowed from that glorious character, a-
round which they revolved, like the Planetary Satellites
m the Heavens, around the Luminary of light. Of his
character, who can speak with justice— of his fame, who
can add by eulogy. " The giandeur of antiquity, and
the fame of modern greatness, are diminished before
Lim." « The destroyers of Nations, stood abashed at the
majesty of his virtues.''— It reproved the intemperance
Of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory
Heroes of integrity have had their great virtues eclipsed
by concomitant vices.— S^f Washington's glory was nev.
sr sullied— -his splendor never darkened. In his orbit,
his lustre was without spot—without eclipse and without
conjunction.

Having accomplished the stupendous task assigned him,
he toak his flight towards Heaven— <i not like Mahomet,
tor his memory is immortal, without the fiction of a mir-
acle—not like Elijah for it is not known on whom his
mantle shall descend ; but in humble imitation of the Om.
nipatent Architect of the Universe, who returned from a
created world, to contemplate from bia Throne, the stok
::^«id&tt»i4b^iG he had erected,"

%

'^o

9