ORATION.
This day is the festival of our national independence; the day of all the year dedicated to joy, thanksgiving, the sober thought of national responsibility, and the earnest pondering upon future destinies. Let us accept the delights and privileges it proffers us; tempering the elastic joy of youth with the calmer reflection of maturer years, and the sage wisdom of age.
I occupy the position to which you have appointed me with reluctance, and stand here to fulfil its duties with painful diffidence; for the brief period given me by the Committee, has not afforded me time to prepare for the duty of the day, in a manner adapted to the occasion, nor with justice to myself: and, therefore, I am sure there will be no expectation of pleasing oratory here, nor of the high gratification which it affords. Perhaps, however, the simple words and the plain thoughts I may present to you may find rather a more attentive ear, especially from more sober years and minds.
