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PAPERS OF l[IRADE~\U B-cOX.\P.\IlTE L.DL\f:
a Deputation from the Citizens will meet you, and conduct you to Macon~ ISAAC G. SEYMOUH LEVI ECKLEY JNO Hu·.ruEHFOHD Hon CoLL1~s CU,\RLES C'OTTOX F. Sr:M:s J. 00WLES A. H. Cll,\l'PELL J. B. RowL.\XD E. :McCALL J O1:IX. L. ){ASTIN [Addressed:] Oenl M B Lamar Columbus Georgia [Endorsed:] Letter from the Citizens of .Macon J~ly 1st. 1837- ~o. 566. ADDRESS: "TEXAS AND LIBERTY". L.A]i[AR [Columbus, Georgia, July 4, 1837] Fnrnxos AND FELLOW-CITIZENS Hurely I have great reason to love the people of Columbus. They have been very indulgent to my errors, and more than just to all my virtues. If I ever I have done a deserving deed; if I have e\'er con- tributed to strengthen the cause .of free government or to weaken the principies of despotism, I now reap in the smiles of their approbation, a reward which I would not barter for the pearls of the deep and the glories of a diadem. But gentlemen, I do not. know by what merit I may claim such public honors. When 1 scrutinize my o,rn conduct, I know of no action that T have done; no servise that I have rendered, which would not have been performed as promptly by any other around this social board. Ff a\'e I defended truth and justice? You have done the same. Have I drawn my sword in behalf of an injured and insulted land? You Mr. President, & you gentlemen all stand prepared to do the same, whenever freedom requires it and your country calls for aid. Shou]c] an audacious Usurper trample under foot the Constitution of your country and turn loose upon your State, a legion of his devour- ing hell-hounds, would not you and you and every one in this a8sembly fly to the battlefield and present your bosoms as a shield to ~·our coun- try's rights? Surely you would. .And if I have clone nu~ht like this, it was only in the way of duty; and where is the recreant who clare do less? · No gentleme11, I am not concious of merit beyond the ordinary sta111lard of human ,·irtue: and whilst f am truly grateful for this public: manifestation of kindness, I mm:t be permitted to a:::cribe that kindness to its proper sourc:e- I mean the partiality of friendship. As I cast my eyes over this assembly, I recognise many of the friend:- of my early life, as well as the numerous companions of maturer years. I need not be told, that the a1·dor of vouth hai' heromc thE' :::rttletl fl.'el- ings of ma11hood; l neerl not be told· that tlw attachments of 1h'pnrted days still glow in their bosoms as warmly ns \\'h<'n first inrnkt'necl: nor need I be told that it is to these pure n11d l'Xnltl'll f:entinwnt~ of our nature, rather than to any public clnims, that I am indebtrd for nil the honors with which I am crreeted on my return to mv native ::itate. b • . Am I wrong in this conjecture? 0, 110 not banish the ch,lusion- do not destroy the \'ery consideration which gives the highest valu<' to your smiles- the reflection thnt they are not the coltl-hcarted offer-
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