$
&£S
»•.-  »
g
m
mi

..^.. ^.
L*.]-..:;
■';'■>..;
?:■  'a&+'' <*,' «4f%v'' *'




''■  ''.f ■^'•i•■■■'.' ••■.;   ••"         " ^. •>»■'.  • *;-;- -
,:^h

:.!?'■'*&

*nrtfo-%iW^x*--*X'$f■' "v- '■■■■
4:  ■^^^■f^-'^4^'■-•■ ••"-■v.<r4-><■-/;•••.; „  ■  '-     .  -           ■  -••   .    -   •

fr&


,< "i.
i-.i;
;;?t^^; =	/••
	
;r^!^r	■i
;&..**■*-	'*
■:!$£■:■*	! *
*S£^	, .,''
	J V.'
 
UNITED STATES  OF AMERICA
* ME
fe I
RkmST*TEQ*HCM
FOUNDED 1836
--ICHANGE
J-l.^.xU.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
GPO  16—67244-1
18 
 
 
*- n.e
K\*
ADDRESS
THE CHARLESTOWN BRANCH OF
WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
OF
MASSACHUSETTS,
' ^  7o,rn
•HE TWENTV-SECOND OF FEBRUARY, MDCCCXIIX. ' j>~---^
BY JOSIAH BARTLETT, &. D.
          CHAKLESTOWN :
PRINTED BY SAMUEL ETHERIDGE, JUN.
            ♦♦t♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦
             1813.
/" 
  AT a meeting of the Charlestown Branch of the WASH-
INGTON  BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, at Massachusetts  Hall, Feb
22, 1813.
  Voted,  that Jeremiah Evarts, Esq. and Doct. Abraham R.
Thompson, be a committee to wait on the Hon. JosiahBartlett,
and in behalf of the Society, to thank him for his excellent and appro-
priate address, delivered this day; and request a copy for the press.
                                   A. ADAMS, Rec'g. Sec'ry.
                                                 Feb. 23, 1813.
Gentlemen,
    The motives which prompted me to prepare and deliver the Address,
  induce me to submit it to. the. disposal of the Society,
                         And I am, respectfully,
                                 Your humble servant,
JEREMIAH EVARTS, Esq.               JOSIAH BARTLETT
DR. ABRAHAM R. THOMPSON.
) 
ADDRESS.
 Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

     Influenced by a grateful recollection of your kind-
 ness at a period of life when popular favours were alluring,
 and private patronage was indispensable ;  but, contrary
 to a deliberate resolution never again to attempt  a pub-
 lic address, I now appear before you.   Eloquence I shall
 not aspire  to; nor can you expect the charms of novelty,
 when the disastrous state of our country has excited uni-
 versal anxiety, and the means of information are familiar
 to  every inquirer.  If the  hints which are respectfully
 offered, should refresh your memories, and apply to the
 present occasion, my ambition will be fully gratified.
   This memorable anniversary we have often celebrated
 with innocent festivity. In this hallowed temple we once
 solemnized it in sackcloth ; we now devote it to patriot-
 ism and philanthropy.  If the immortal spirit of WASH-
 INGTON  is  permitted to contemplate the views of his
 humble followers, we indulge  the pleasing hope of pa-
 rental complacency.
   Our extensive  benevolent association, however it may
 have  been  misrepresented, is founded on  the  constitu-
 tional right of convening,  <«in an orderly and peaceable
 manner, to consult upon the  common good;" and  is de-
 signed to support government, preserve the union, recip-
rocate advice in times of adversity, and relieve the indi-
gent.
'^'<«« <-r* f i-i* NLM 
4
   The contradictory opinions and conduct of our fellow
 citizens,  whilst  they awaken the most serious alarm,
 should remind us of those celebrated  republics, which,
 in the full enjoyment  of prosperity and splendour, were
 desolated by animosities ;  and which, but for their mon-
 itory history, would, many ages ago, have been buried in
 forgetfulness.
   The religious, civil, literary, social,  and  military in-
 stitutions of our ancestors, transmitted in regular  suc-
 cess on. with a great variety of momentous changes, de-
 mand our highest veneration.   Shall their descendants,
 by unnecessary divisions,  destroy the fair  possession ?
 Forbid it the memories of our patriots and warriors, who
 laboured in  council, and by the midnight lamp;  or were
 nobly sacrificed  on the altar  of freedom and independ-
 ence.
  The adoption  of our national constitution  was an im-
 portant era  in the history  of the world.   It  was the  re-
 sult of mutual  sufferings, accommodating  dispositions,
 and undisguised patriotism.  The partial views,  local
 distinctions, and personal prejudices of its illustrious au-
 thors,  were  lost in an ardent desire to preserve the great
 achievements which  preceded it : nor was the organiza-
 tion of the  government less  distinguished  by digniiied
 impartiality, than a strict  adherence to the  merits  and
 qualifications  of  those, who  in every department  were
 appointed to  administer it.   At that  favoured period,
 there was no inquiry to what particular sect  a candidate
 belonged,  or what was his political creed ;  talents  and
 stability were the qualities required.  Under the influ-
ence of these, we enjoyed  tranquillity at home, and re-
spect abroad.  Contrary to the expectations of some who
watched us with  an eye  of jealousy, and of  others who
deemed us insignificant, our ship of state was progress-
ing with a gentle gale ; her canvass whitened the remotest
regions, and we anticipated the pleasing prospect of con-
tinued prosperity. 
5
  Here would I willingly stop ; for this season of happi-
ness was transient and delusory.   Scarcely did we expe-
rience the advantages of efficient laws, a firm  executive,
an independent judiciary, and a competent revenue, than
party spirit,  from small beginnings and various occur-
rences, impaired the glorious fabric, and now threatens
its destruction.
  This hideous monster, like  a wolf in  the shepherd's
enclosure, commenced its depredations on  the innocent
and unwary.   Honest, well-disposed citizens were decoy-
ed by tales of imaginary evils;  whilst ambitious, disap-
pointed expectants, were constantly employed in promot-
ing their personal interests, under the  specious garb of
affection for  the people.  But the great commotions of
Europe were best adapted to fan the embers, and spread
a desolating flame.
  The  prejudices naturally excited against a  sovereign,
to whom we  acknowledged  a  respectful  allegiance,  but
who had unsuccessfully attempted to subjugate us, from
the minds of many were not yet obliterated.   Gratitude
to the nation who afforded us  assistance and support at
that important period, was still in active operation.   Re-
gardless of ultimate effects on surrounding governments,
or even on our own, we generously exulted in every at-
tempt to meliorate the condition  of our  benefactors ;
but did we then expect that our  friend, their mild, ac-
commodating monarch, was destined to the scaffold, or
that his easy  shackles were to be unrivctted for the pon-
derous chains of a bold Usurper, before whom kingdoms
were to be demolished, states laid prostrate, and liberty
was to expire ?
  Friends in peace, is the  language of our celebrated
declaration of independence j and its honourable restora-
tion with the nation from whence we originated, but whose
mistaken policy had destroyed our governmental  connec-
tion, speedily restored a more intimate intercourse than
with her ancient rival.   This was the effect of education,
speech, manners, and a facility on their part  to furnish 
6
the commodities to which we had been most accustomed.
Still, however, we continued to cultivate the friendship
of our late allies and associates, by favouring their polit-
ical views, and affording every advantage in our power to
bestow. But that devoted nation soon exhibited  a gloomy
aspect.  The honest authors of reform were no  longer
able to control its destinies ; and its melancholy progress
is too familiar to require a painful rehearsal.
  At that distressful period, many of our ablest  states-
men and most considerate citizens withdrew their confi-
dence and support;  but the partiality and zeal of  others,
perhaps with as pure intentions, were proportionably in-
vigorated, and the public feeling rose  with every inter-
esting occurrence.
  Desirous of a neutral position, and to preserve  a con-
sistent  character, our  government  pursued  the most
probable means of success ; but it was impossible to effect
these salutary purposes. The contests abroad increased,
and were greatly extended; maritime  embarrassments
constantly multiplied;  oppressive decrees  and  orders
were followed by confiscations and wanton destruction, by
the principal belligerents, each of which their respective
advocates accused of the most atrocious  conduct ; dis-
satisfactory prohibitions and restrictions on commerce
were resorted to, which created jealousies and animosi-
ties between the  mercantile and agricultural sections of
our country;  war,  in which we once partially engaged,
and rumours  of  war, constantly vibrated  in our earsj
diplomatic intercourse  was ineffectual, in various at-
tempts, and from every  quarter ; the whole was followed
by a disastrous offensive  war  with one nation, whilst a
large and respectable part of the community would have
waged it with another.  Thus has party spirit, which
kept pace with  the rapid changes,  consummated  its
mighty work, and immersed us in a tremendous whirl-
pool, from which nothing can extricate  us, but to banish
it with disdain, and return without delay, in the exercise 
7
of moderation and candour, to the principles that gave
us freedom, and might still restore us to prosperity.
   On the distressing, unexpected alternative to which
our rulers  have resorted, and  the  ostensible cause of
which is reduced to a single point, that in all probability
can never be adjusted  by the bayonet, I  shall not  ex-
patiate.  The loud voice of the people  echoes with a
commanding  emphasis.   But whatever are our respect-
ive opinions of its justice, expediency, the manner in
which it is conducted, or the most proper object of our
warfare ; whether Ave weep over the tomb of republican
France,  or resist  the aggressions of imperious Britain,
may we profitably reflect on  the solemn  occurrences,
which evince the common allotment of the mighty war-
rior, and the  humble peasant;' and let us suitably notice
the dispensations of heaven in  every  event, which may
rescue us from the ruinous influence of" an  aspiring des-
pot, compared  with  whom,  the  ambition  of Alexander
the Great was humility ,* the bravery of Csesar was sub-
mission ; the treachery of the Greeks was fidelity;  the
cunning of Ulysses was candour; and the cruelty of Nero
was loving kindness.
   At a crisis like the present, though a cheering ray of
hope may sometimes brighten the dark cloud of despon-
dency, we should prepare for every emergency.  If re-
stored  to the blessings  of peace, we will abundantly re-
joice in the God  of our salvation ;  but if  we are sum-
moned to defend the soil of our nativity, or maintain the
principles of our forefathers, let us vigorously engage;
and when on  yonder eminence we tread over the ashes
of our heroic dead, let us imbibe the sentiments  of theit
distinguished leader, wliose  eloquence, pen, and sword,
alternately animated his countrymen, and who  confirm-
ed his principles by a  magnanimous  surrender of his
life.
  " None but they who set a just value upon the bless-
ings of Liberty are  worthy to  enjoy her.  Your 
8
 illustrious fathers were her zealous votaries ; when the
 blasting frowns of tyranny drove her from public view,
 they cherished her in their generous bosoms; they brought
 her safe over the rough ocean, and fixed  her  seat in this
 then dreary wilderness ; they nursed her infant age with     *
 the most tender care;  in her defence they encountered
 the most alarming dangers; neither the ravenous beasts
 that ranged the  woods for prey, nor the more furious sav-
 ages, could damp their ardour; whilst  with one hand
 they  broke the  stubborn  glebe, with the other they
 grasped their weapons, ever ready to protect her ; no
 sacrifice, not even their own blood, was esteemed too rich
 a libation for her altar ; they preserved her  brilliancy
 unsullied ;  they  enjoyed her whilst they lived, and dying,
 bequeathed the dear inheritance to your care."  .  .   .
 Americans, «* suffer  not your liberties  to be ravished
 from you by lawless force, or cajoled away by flattery
 and fraud.   Stain not the glory of your worthy ancestors*
 but like them resolve  never to part with your birthright,
 until the last shock of time shall bury  the empires of the
 world in one common, undistinguished  ruin/'*
  An honourable mode of defence and protection, till of
 late unpopular, and opposed by many, is now professedly
 supported and encouraged.  The infant Navy was a pro-
 duction of our prosperous  days.  Its original patrons,
 who have always nurtured it with  attentive solicitude,
 enjoy the pleasing hope  of its hardy  manhood.   We con-
 fidently believe, that as occasion  may require, it will not
 regard the boasted superiority of the most formidable foe;
and we  gratefully celebrate  the brilliant achievements
of Bainbridge, Decatur,  Hull,  Jones,   and their
brave associates, who are registered in the temple of
fame, as conquerors of  a proud opponent, renowned for
discipline and  valour; whose thunder  has long  roared
triumphant on the mighty deep.
  If some should suppose that I have mistaken the cause
 of our misfortunes, and others expect me to name the

         * See Oration by Joseph Warren, March  5, 1773. 
9
most conspicuous agents in  the  civil  transactions which
are briefly detailed, I beg leave  to remark, that in  dis-
charging  the duty  assigned me, I endeavour  to avoid
irritation ; and being deeply interested in your destinies,
whether prosperous or adverse, am desirous of a favour-
able effect.  I conscientiously believe, that if the citizens
of these states were as well united, as at the commence-
ment  and during the continuance of our revolutionary
contest, we  should now, not only enjoy  an  honourable
efficient political rank, but the full advantages of an ex-
tensive  commercial intercourse  with the world.  I am
also of opinion  that measures, but not men, are the most
important objects of our attention, and that no peculiar
benefit would accrue, by applauding those with whom I
have always acted,  and to whose measures I steadfastly
adhere, or condemning those from whom I have always
differed.
  Our constitutions of government have been considered
as the best models,  and the  final test, of  republicanism.
They may be  compared to  a powerful  apparatus, the
component parts  of which  perform  with perfect regu-
larity, if conducted by skilful artists.  The national char-
ter is so  far calculated  to consolidate us, that we may
enjoy without  " entangling alliances,"  the benefits of
foreign intercourse  and  internal security ; whilst the
powers  of the respective states are intended to regulate
the affairs of each, as an independent sovereignty.
  When  therefore, in the supreme executive  of  the
nation,  we  discover  the highest political  attainments,
divested of all local attachments, with a vigour of action
competent to the vicissitudes of peace, war or negotiation,
and aided by cabinet counsellors, who are  native citizens,
distinguished for capacity and integrity : when Congress
eonsists of men, whose minds are expanded by liberality
and experience, whose debates are unrestrained and pro-
duce conviction, and whose  decisions, so far as is consis-
tent with  the general good, are  made with reference to
                    2 
10
 their immediate constituents, rather than their personal
 advantage : Avhilst the judiciary are eminent for talents,
 uprightness  and  respectability: when the legislators,
 administrators and expounders of the laws in the different
 states, are composed of the best informed and disinter-
 ested citizens, who,  in  the discharge of their specific
 duties, are disposed to harmonize and co-operate with our
 national rulers, in all cases  where they are influenced by
 the principles of the social compact; then shall we indeed
 participate in the blessings of civil freedom;  the magnif-
 icent machine will operate  without  embarrassment, and
 like the subordinate  planets, with the great luminary of
 nature, will continue its various movements  to enlighten
 and preserve us,
   Though I may be considered as roving in  the fields of
 fancy, and again expecting the primeval  state of man, I
 am fully aware that perfection is not attainable, and that
 necessary reforms  are not  suddenly effected.   But  the
 people are the legitimate  source of power; their voice
 alone, constitutionally expressed,  can safely explain the
 public sentiment, and regulate the proceedings of public
 functionaries.  If divested of passion, prejudice or resent-
 ment, and seriously impressed with a spirit of forbearance
 and conciliation, they might sojourn together in the road
 of true patriotism, which has no intricate windings,  but
 leads to happiness and peace.
   Our duty is perfectly intelligible, and easily performed;
 it consists merely in  a determination of every prudent
 individual to act in his public  capacity as he does in his
 personal concerns; and steadily to pursue the principle*
 as well in municipal transactions, as on the most import-
 ant occasions.
   In a careful, impartial review of our own conduct; have
 we not all experienced a  secret satisfaction, or at least a
 silent acquiescence, in the most unfounded and slanderous
publications against our political opponents ? In bestowing
 our suffrages,  were we never governed by the party zqal 
11
6f candidates, regardless of every other consideration J
Have we never advocated those who are known to have
changed their sentiments,  or  at least their conduct,  to
obtain or secure their places? Have we in no instances
approved of those who seek for, and accept of every office,
which can afford the smallest emolument, and whose au-
thority has been made subservient  to  party purposes ?
Have we not confided in those who calumniate their mer-
itorious competitors, to preserve their own influence ? and,
to state a question more closely, have we never afforded
our exertions to elevate men to responsible public stations,
whom we would not  have  selected,  to  adjust a trifling
dispute with our neighbour?  If we are obliged  to reply
in the affirmative, can we stand acquitted to ourselves or
our country ?  Let  us solemnly pause, and abandon such
unwarrantable proceedings; and although our efforts are
as a  drop compared with the  ocean,  let us manfully
labour to preserve  inviolate  the inestimable  right  of
suffrage; and for the election  of those, and those only,
who are honest, capable, and  uniformly devoted  to the
interests of their country.
  Then, if encouraged and assisted by the co-operation
of our brethren, we may expect a return of that halcyon
period, when  arts and sciences will diffuse their genial
influence; when the flag, which now waves resplendent
on our <« wooden walls" will be displayed, in an extensive,
unshackled and  lucrative commeree;  when  sanguinary
weapons of ambition  or invasion, shall be  converted  to
implements of husbandry, and  the  warrior's noise be
changed for the reviving sound  of the axe and hammer,
in the  hands of our respectable mechanics;  when the in-
dustrious labourer will discover his ample means of sub-
sistence, and  this extensive  empire, as in the days  of
its political father,  will  flourish in union  and in
honour.
  But, my friends, we are now to perform a service, which
though more limited is not less satisfactory.  In addition
to the stated income of our association;  for the relief of 
lJi
those of its members who require assistance, you have
directed an annual contribution at your public  meeting,
for such other persons as are proper objects of attention,
at the most inclement season of the year.  To an auditory
so justly esteemed for munificence, I shall only offer an
appropriate remark,from the highest authority.  "The
liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall
be watered also himself."
   Agreeably to the rules of our society, you anticipate a
respectful tribute to the memory of WASHINGTON, but
a former attempt from this sacred desk; though so can-
didly received, as  to  revive  sensations which a lapse of
thirteen years has not effaced; taught me how incompetent
I am to this pleasing and instructive theme.  Every page
of our history, for more than half a  century, is replete
with evidence of his devotedness to  the welfare  of his
country. The various talents of philosophers,  statesmen,
divines, poets, orators and warriors,  have been laudably
exerted to  celebrate his virtues and perpetuate his fame.
Let us all,  but especially such  as are  called to the dis-
charge of public duties, whether civil, military or social,
endeavour, as far as we are able, to imitate so great, so
wonderful  an example.  And when among the few dig-
nified survivors, who shared his  confidence and esteem,
we would seek a resemblance of his wisdom, prudence,
integrity, firmness  and ardent patriotism, let us contem-
plate the character of the venerable STRONG. 
OCCASIONAL  01)E,
WRITTEN BY HENRY SMALL. PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST
                 OF THE SOCIETY.
WHILE the years roll swift away,
  Pleas'd  we greet this joyous morn;
Welcome we th' auspicious day,
  When our Washington was born:
           O'er  his cradle Valour snuTd,
           Freedom rear'd her fav'rite child;
           Fame proclaim'd him born  to be
           Champion of our liberty.

Through  his glorious life's career,
  Virtue  prompted ev'ry plan ;
Crown'd his ardent wish and care
  With the firm-fix'd  Rights  of Man:
           Ev'ry greatness he combin'd !—
           Warriour, Statesman, Christian, join'd,
           High to place his honour'd name
           On th' immortal rolls of fame.

Peace, beneath his happy reign,
  Blest our nation's utmost bound;
Commerce whiten'd all the main;
  Plenty  pour'd her riches round:
           Lisping childhood,  hoary age,
           Hail'd with heart-felt joy the Sage ;
           Plaudits from the  good  and wise,
           Rose, like  incense, to the skies.

Heav'n-born Hero ! though no more.
  Peaceful, prosp'rous  days we see;
Still, 'till life's last hope be  o'er,
  Grateful, we'll remember thee !
           Ev'ry precept thou didst give,
           Cherish'd in our breasts shall live.
           Long as Ocean laves our  shore,
           Till  the spheres  revolve no more.

Now, though dark'ning clouds of war,
   Veil  in gloom thy natal day ;
May, like thee, some  rising star,
   Chase  the thick'ning mists away:
            And, mid  mild, unclouded skies,
            May the Sun of  Peace arise ;
            Bright as that, which lit the morn,
            When our  WASHINGTON was born! 
        TO COMMODORE WILLIAM BAINBRIDGfc
   SIR,
    The Navy of the United States has  always been
 considered, by the disciples of Washington, as most
 important to the encouragement of commerce, and the
 protection  of our national rights.  The bravery and
 good conduct of  our officers and seamen have never
 been doubted by any,  who  are acquainted  with the
 American  character; but the late splendid victories
 have exceeded  our highest expectations, and inspired
 us with gratitude to the  heroes who achieved  them.
 Whilst Legislatures, and other public bodies, are testi-
 fying their respect, and offering their congratulations
 to the  defenders of our " wooden walls," we cordially
join in the general acclamations ; and while we cele-
 brate the merits of Decatur, Hull, and  Jones, we would
 not be thought invidious in offering our particular ac-
 knowledgments  to a neighbour, whose fame is record-
 ed with theirs,  with  whom we may claim the honour
 of a more intimate acquaintance, and whose  residence
 among us has been distinguished by propriety and hon-
 our.

  May you long continue an ornament to your country
 and profession,  and be always protected by the God of
 battles.

  In behalf of the Charlestown Branch of the Wash-
 ington Benevolent Society, and by order of the stand-
 ing committee,
                         Joseph Hurd, President*
  Ashur Adams, Rec.  Secretainj.
    Qharlestown, Feb. 23,1813, 
liENTLEMEN,
   The communication which you have just made to
me,  in behalf of  the  Charlestoxvn  Branch of  the
Washington Benevolent Society,  expressive of their
sentiments of the Navy of the United States, and their
friendly feelings towards the officers of it who have
been fortunate  in  having  an opportunity  to  contend
with the enemy, cannot but be received with the most
lively sensations by me ; and for the kind expressions
it  has  been pleased to honour me personally with, I
tender my sincere acknowledgments.  I trust I shall
never lose in your estimation, the character of a good
citizen and a friendly neighbour.  Accept,  Gentlemen,
my best wishes for your happiness.
           Very respectfully,
                          William Bainbridge.

    Navy Yard,Charlestown, Feb. 25,1813.

Joseph Hurd, Esq. and
    JUr. Ashuk Adams.
OFFICERS INDUCTED, Feb. 22,1813,

       JOSEPH HURD, Esq.. President.
 Hon. JOSIAH BARTLETT,} V(ce Presidentg.
 Maj. TIMOTHY WALKER.5
 Rev. JEDIDIAH MORSE, d.d. Chaplain.
 Mr. SAMUEL SOLEY, Treasurer.
 JEREMIAH  EVARTS, Esq, Cor. Secy.
 Mr. ASHUR ADAMS, Rec'g Sec'y.
 Dea. AMOS TUFTS,          ■*
 Dr. ABRAHAM R. THOMPSON, > Almoners.
 Mr. DAVID STETSON,
 Mr. ELDAD WHITING,     ? Stewards.
 Mb. GEORGE CONN,       5