who may advise so absurd and maddening a measure. Their number is
but few, and daily decreases; and the spirit which can render them
patient of slavery will render them contemptible enemies.

Our Union is now complete; our constitution composed, established,
and approved. You are now the guardians of your own liberties. We
may justly address you, as the _decemviri_ did the Romans, and say,
"Nothing that we propose can pass into a law without your consent.
Be yourselves, O Americans, the authors of those laws on which your
happiness depends."

You have now in the field armies sufficient to repel the whole force
of your enemies and their base and mercenary auxiliaries. The
hearts of your soldiers beat high with the spirit of freedom; they
are animated with the justice of their cause, and while they grasp
their swords can look up to Heaven for assistance. Your adversaries
are composed of wretches who laugh at the rights of humanity, who
turn religion into derision, and would, for higher wages, direct
their swords against their leaders or their country. Go on, then,
in your generous enterprise with gratitude to Heaven for past
success, and confidence of it in the future. For my own part, I ask
no greater blessing than to share with you the common danger and
common glory. If I have a wish dearer to my soul than that my ashes
may be mingled with those of a Warren and Montgomery, it is that
these American States may never cease to be free and independent.



AELRED