Glass _jL^ _ Book^ '^ REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE JUBILEE A T JAME S-TO WN, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 13tH MAY, THE 3EC0ND CENTESIMAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA; CONTAINING THE ORDER OF PROCESSION, THE PRAYER OF BISH- OP MADISON, THE ORATIONS, THE ODES AND TOASTS; TOGETHER WITH THE PROCEEDINGS AT WILLIAMSBURG ON THE 15TH, THE DAY WHEN THE CONVENTION OF VIRGINIA ASSEMBLED IN THE OLD CAPITOL, DECLARED HER INDEPENDENT AND RECOMMENDED A SIMILAR PROCEDURE TO CONGRESS AND TO THE OTHER STATES. REPORTED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE. PETERSBURG: PUBLISHED BY WM. F. MCLAUGHLIN, AND J. O'CONNOR, NORFOLK. 1807, DUPLICATE ttf k« kept, ^ /u ^^ r; REPORT O) OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATE i % JUBILEE AT JAMES-TOfFN. SEVERAL causes having lately attracted the public attention to the peninsula of James Town as containing the cradles of our nation, and as being the ^ depositary of the bones and ashes of our venerable an- ^ cestors: The following publication appeared in the ^ Virginia Apollo, with the view of directing the '^ public sentiment to a regular celebration of events, ^ equally interesting to the literary antiquities, the liber- ^ ty, and character of Virginia. " Having lately perused Burk's History of Virgi- nia, I discovered that on the approaching thirteenth of May, two centuries will have elapsed since the fore- fathers of Virginia and it may be said the founders of North America landed on the peninsula of James Tou^n. It is impossible to contemplate this event with- out feelings of reverence and sublimity. Nothing in ancient story furnishes any parallel at once to the hu- mility and the grandeur of this incident: we read of conquerors leading their thousands and tens of thou- sands to the sack of cities and devastation of conti- nents, and by the pretended rights of conquest, extir- pating or enslaving their inhabitants : we read with horror of the destructive progress of a Pizarro and a Cortez, and the inhuman systems of civil and ecclesi- astical policv, by vvhich millions of innocent human beings perished in tortures and agonies at the shrine of bigotry and avarice : every page is filled Avith the suc- cessful ambition of kings and the unavailing and im- potent struggles of suffering humanity; every where vice triumphs; virtue is discountenanced; or if some solitary act or event bearing the features of honor, or ?he stamp of independence appears; if by some gene- rous effort or by some sudden coavulsion we see a people rising upon their oppressors and establishing a form of government that promises greater happiness and security, \xc find it fleeting as the flash whose short and sudden light renders the gloom more av/ful and portentous. The mind is sick with viewing; those scenes of blood, this picture of human calamity, and turns away with disgust, to repose itself on this grand and consolotary event. A handful of hardy adventur- ers forming the advance guard of the distressed, the persecuted, the virtuous, the brave, the independent of ail the nations of the old world, commit themselves in two frail barks, to the trackless and unfathomable deeps of the Atlantic : they deliberately forego the comforts, the refinements, the luxuries, oFcivilized life; they tear themselves from the endearing scenes of their child- hood, the tender ties of affection and kindred : animat- ed by the spirit of generous adventurers, they prepare themselves to encounter the dangers of unknown seas, of the howling wilderness, and of savages more terrible than tempests or wild beasts. With what transport nmst they not ha^'C contemplated, after their long and hazardous voyage, the magnificent bay of Chesapeak, wooded to its margin, and embosoming them in its vast amphitheatre of forest; v/e follow them to the mouth of the majestic Powhatan, a name since un- gratefully changed in compliment to a pedant and a tyrant. The Aborigines distinguished by their black strait hair, their red color, armed with bow, arrow, and tomahawk, and aiTayed in the flinciful costume of na- ture, follow them upon its banks, their faces impressed with mute and savage astonishment : become at length more £miiliar, we see them conversing by signs, the oris:inal lan^'uag-e of nature, and their awe at lenarth yielding to curiosity, approaching them m their canoes, and bartering their rude productions. We mark the beginnings of confidence, and trace the features of cha- racter amongst this singular people, still more striking than their dress or complexion. Every moment the scene becomes more busy, more interesting and dra- matic, and it is every where highly diversified with characters and incidents. We contemplate the vene rable figure of the great Sachem Fo^vhal^^, elevated upon a throne resembling a bedstead, and ciad in the skin of the racoon : the singular ambition of Nematta- now; the sagacity, the dissimulation, the courage, the perseverance, of Opechankanough, like another Han- nibal, devoted to the destruction of the enemies of his country : we mark the gentle spirit of Pocahontas^ dropping the balm of her tenderness upon the wounds and distresses of our forefathers, and like a guardian spirit interposing herself between them and every dun- o-er. The 2:allant and romantic Smith is a strikins: figure in the group, and his agency is intimately con- nected vv'ith the denouement: but who shall be able to follow the course of these striking events : yielding at length to labor, to industry, to inleiligence, to patri- otism, the zviiderness begins to blossom as the rose : the haunts oi" Aiild beasts become the habitations of men, and instead of their ho\'\'lin2:s minf>;led vrith the veils of savages, are no^v heaixl the expositions of lav , the dis- cussion of science, and the eloquence of senates : cities rise as it ^vere by magic ; the arts and sciences encour- aged by an unrestrained inquiry, extend widely their empire, whilst liberty the first and greatest of human blessings, like the key stone to an arch, gives security and permanency to those great and manifold blessings. What a scene is here for gratitude, for gratulation, and triumph ; compared with an occasion like this, how sink the anniversaries of Europe. The childish and wicked incidents that gave birth to their jubilees, and their festivals, for "ahich te dcums and hosamias are sung, by a wicked mockery and prostitution of religion; e\en the festivals of the ancients having their rise in more useful and honorable principles ; the Saturnalia, the Olympic, the Isthmian, and the Circensian games, v/hat arc they when put in competition with this sub- lime incident, which is feebly illustrated by the ark of Noah and the bark of Deucalion; \vhat are they to tlie moral formation of a world, the growth of natioiis, and their> confederations under the auspices of liberty and philosophy : yet this day so auspicious and eventful, this day w hen the roads of Virginia should be trodden by the feet of pilgrims, to visit the tombs of tlicir fa- 6 tljers, to celebrate the era of tlieir nation:!] existence,, ^.■heil imiigii:iation ascending to the cnidle, marking tlie iiryt faint struggles of coik^nial infancy, would at e\c:y step discovernew occasion for gratitude to that vrQiit being yd\o had destined them to occupy so dis- ii:iguibhcd a station amongst the nations of the eaith; this day is forgotten amidst the paltry cares and inquie- tudes of tlie world. It is not so in New England : the sagacity of that intelligent people v.ould not permit them to omit an occasion calcuLtted to produce such cftects upon the n-)inds and princi]:>les of their descend- ants : they knew tliat it would afbrd fresh oil to the lamp of their patriotism, and accordingly the era of ■ their debarkation at Plym.outh, is celebrated by annual iestivals; but in the ancient dominion of Virginia, which may be called the principal fountain of Ameri- c.:n population, not the slightest notice is taken of an event in v, liich the wliole world is interested. It is t'nie at lenglli to put an end to this shameful apathy; tSie revolution of a second century since the event, af- fords an opportunity suHiciently splendid, and it is to be fiopcd, that it will be eagci'ly embraced by every friend to the atitiquitics, the literature, the independ- ence at least of Virginia." A FARAIER of the ancient dominion. The state of the public mind owing to the causes alluded to, was favorable to the appearance and objects of this publication, and the effects exceeded the most sanguine expectauon. Ivleetings immediately were ci nve'ied at Norfolk, Portsmouth, Williamsbiu'g and I'e::ersburg; appropriate resolution.'-: were adopted and ccmnilttees appointed for the purpose of assuring eo];cert and system to the proceedings of \'arious and distant bodies. IMeanwhile an hoh" enthusiasm begcui l'> dll-.te and kir.dle among>t the people, and before intimation had been received of any concerted plan of O; derations, parties were forming for the purpose of ce- I'^'nrati'ig the *i3thofiMay, with the homage of un- * I'l was not forgotten that this landing was evFcc'ed May 13th 1607, oIJ si;!c, and consequently that, to avoid an anachronism, the 24th May, new f.'.ile, should have been fixed upon : but particular and irr.prcssivfi considerations decided in favor of the ijth. bought gratitude, the throb of heart feeling sensibility cind veneration The day was now approaehing, but time moved too slow for the impulse of general im]:.atience. On the evening of the iOth the packet Lady Wasli- ington, mounted v. ith six small cannon, and having en boaixl an excellent band of music, came 'to an anchor at a short distance from tiie island, and the sacred soil was saluted by the shouts of the Pilgrims, accompani- ed by solemn music and a general discharge of artil- lery : on the morning of the 11th the Lady Washing- ton hauled closer in shore, and anchored in a beautiiiil cove, in die form of a crescent, which stretching on each side to a considerable extent, aflbrded a safe and expanded bason. The sloop Bully, having on board captain Nestell's company of Artillerj^, with their cannon, shortly after came to an anchor, having previously received and re- turned the salute of the Lady Washington.... and the scene was every moment becoming more picturesque by the increasing population of the island, the suc^ cessive arrival of vessels, and the distant view of many a white sail in the offing, skimming lightly on a glassy wave, under a canopy of blue clouds, which mitigated the fervor of the sun. T\\ o pieces of cannon v.ere now taken on shore and planted nearly in the centre of the crescent.... Every moment the discku-ge of cannon and the lofty strains of military music, announced some new arrival. ... Schooner Brimborion came to an anchor and saluted. On the 12th.... The beach now began to assume the appearance of a regulai- encampment, from the erection of tents for the sale of various articles ; and the scene was agreeably diversified by groups of beautiful ^v o- men who were exery moment passing from the main into the island. It ^x as not unusual to see groups of pilgrims stealing away from the throng and bustle of preparation, from the wild revelry of joy, and the enthusiasm of satisfied and raptureus exultation, to saunter amongst the ruins, and converse in fancy amongst the tombs with the illustrious dead, whose virtues and achievements had furnished the motives for their assemblage It was in the highest degree inte- resting and edifying, to trace the effects produced upon 8 tlie minds and faces of the spectators, by the view of these venerable remains of other times. The eye in sllr^^cying the ruin of the church steeple garlanded to its summit with irregular festoons of smilax and ivy*, carried back the mind to the interesting incidents and events of the first settlers : the melancholy chasm aris- ing from the want of facts, was supplied by imagina- tion; and conjecture and analogy were resorted to for the purpose of defining the uses and origin of every object. Here stood the Tulip-tree or Poplar,! x^hose massy trunk and the gigantic wreathings of whose bnmches bespoke an antiquity higher than the era of the first settlement. Might not the first settlers have assembled (it was said) under its patriarchal shade, and returned thanks to their God who had led them here in safety from the perils of the deep : \vhat is there incredible (it was frequently repeated,) in sup- posing that the amiable and tender Pocahontas had un- der this syh^an canopy during the faint gleam of twi- light, by the dubious light of the moon, or in the more impressive silence of mid-night discoursed with the gallant Smith, developing to the distressed and des- ponding colonists new motives ibr hope, and averting by her counsels and information, the dangers which impended over them from the jealous vigilance, the sleepless ambition, and the implacable hostility of her father and her countr}'men. But these arc perhaps onl}^ the reveries of fancy. The war of winds and waters,:!: whose assaults menace ^'\ith ruin the very pil- * Amoenitates graphics. f Liriodendrum tulipifera. \ "This[)lace of original settlement (James Town) lias undergone a very considerable alteration by the tlementary war which the waters and the winds have unceasingh' waged against it Its diminution, both on the southern and western side may be easily traced Many yards of the pa- lisade erected by the first settlers, are still to be seen at a low tide, stand- ing, at least, loO or 200 paces from the present shore The pieces of tim- ber, which were fixed perpendicularly in the ground, have decayed, until they have become entirely submerged by the gradual advancement of the river upon the land, where the fort originally stood. This fact shews that the land has sustained a great loss on its soutiiern side : on the western, the attrition is, perhaps, stiil more considerable. This conjecture acquires a high degree of prohahiliiy from what we see every day stiil taking place, and from the very narrow slip of land (even this is inundated at the time of high water) now remaining en that side, as the only obstacle to the force of the water, which threatens soon, unless counteracted by labour, to form a new channel through the island, a denomination which James Town may shortly assume. Amoenitates Grapiiicae." lars of the globe, have already neai'ly iivulsed the isth- mus. Shorn by the inexorable scythes of these dread- ful enemies, the southern and western sides of the Peninsula mourn the loss of immense masses now overwhelmed in one general alluvion. Would the ele- mentary war Avhich has shaken the earth, have spared the Oak or the Poplar? — Feeble analogies; delusive dreams ! You are insufficient to satisfy the cravings of a rapt and sublime enthusiasm. From these unreal and unsatisfactory speculations, the mind was directed to other objects v»hich awakened and realized reflection. A crowd of pilgrims were discovered on their hands and knees uithin the Church, yard, removing the dust and rubbish from the mouid- ering and mutilated tombs, and exploring with anx- ious tho' patient curiosity, the almost effaced cha- racters, which affection and piety had sketched there, in the vain expectation that they v. ould be immortal. Whilst engaged in these pious and interesting offices, a pleasing melancholy insensibly stole over the mind, the grosser passions of our nature, the dull pursuits of the A^'orld were forgotten, whilst each for a moment by the witchery of fanc}% imagined himself in the presence of those gallant and venerable spirits, that oixe animated and informed the mortal tenants of those o;raves. As It were by general consent, the discovery of the oldest stone became an objectof general emulation, and in the course of the examination, the results as they seemed to be successful, were triumphantly announced. Not even the searchers of gold mines, whose mania is so deservedly ridiculed and censured by Smith and our other historians, could have exceeded the seal and pa- tience v/ith which the pilgrims of 1807 examined every character or fragment that promised to throw light on the character of their fathers, and tlie antiquities of their nation. Beyond 1682, nothing legible could be traced ^ but from the freshness of the marble bearing this date, con- trasted with the surrounding masses of mutilated and mouldering decay, it was the general impression, that this stone Tvas comparativelv voune*. B ' ' 10 Amongst the group of objects calculated to excite reflection on such an occasion, it was impossible to avoid noticing the growth of a * Sycamore, whose germ had been inscrutably deposited between the fis- sure of two massy tombs, whose gTowth was gradu- ally, but certainly effecting their demolition. In vain did a brawny wreath of the poisoned Oak, having first wound itself round the Sycamore, grasp the trembling marbles, for tne purpose of arerting their fall. The Sycamore w^as a lever, that incessantly propelled them from their centres, and it was obvious, that nothing but its death could save them from falling without the line of the base. To a reflecting mind every incident is fruitful. This seemed to be a struggle between life and death, and what may appear extraordinaiy, it was the general wish that death should come off" victo- rious in the contest. The surrounding scenery by its rich luxuriancy, and never ending variety, at length recalled the mind from images of death and the silence of the grave, to its habitual relish for the beauties of nature. The Dog- wood and the Peach flaunted their gaudy blos- soms to the Sun ; Avhilst a refreshing breeze, bearing on its wings the delicate flavor of the Sweet-Briar and the Apple-Boughs, prepared the soul for those festive emotions, Avhich were to commence with the morning, and which, assisted by judgment and reflection, would afterwards keep entire possession of every bosom. Onthe 1 3th, the dawn was ushered in by a cannon ; a second announced the first faint etchings of the Sun on the edge of the horizon. During the night, se vera 1 vessels had arrived, and the eye rested v/ith pleasure on the spec- tacle of Thirty-two sail at anchor in the cove ; boats plying incessantly off" and on from the shore, groups of beautiful women every moment making their ap- pearance, crowds flocking in from every part of the adjacent country, and the Powhatan evolving in silent majesty his flood, margined as far as the eye could reach, with cultivated plantations, and gay villa's. * Platanus occidentalis: 11 Meanwhile the several committees forming one ge,- nerai committee, had convened for the purpose of ar- ranging the order of Procession, and preparing appro- priate toasts ; but the popular ardor and impatience, added to the shortness of the notice, suggested the pro- priety of devolving part of those duties on a select com- mittee, who agreed to meet at 2 o'clock. About 11 o'clock, the long deserted shores of James Town witnessed a spectacle equally picturesque and impressive. It was no longer the mournful image, and gloomy silence of depopulation. Thirty-two ves- sels graced the ancient harbor ; upwards of four hun- dred Ladies embellished the scene, which became eve- ry moment, more animated by the increasing concourse of Citizens, and upon which the presence of the mili- tary and a band of music, of Capt. Nestle, and his com- pany of Artillerists from Norfolk, reflected no small lustre. At 12 o'clock, in consequence of arrangements pre- \iously agreed upon by the joint committees from Norfolk, Portsmouth, Petersburg, and Williamsburg, a procession marched to the ruins of the Old Church- steeple, and the lugubrious group of tomb-stones con- tiguous to those ruins. The order of the procession \vas as follows : — 1. Bishop Madison, and the Orators of the day. 2. The deputies from Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peters- burg, and Williamsburg. 3. The Ladies. 4. Band of Music. 5. Artillery. 6. A cannon ball weighing 500 cwt. supported by eight men.* 7. Citizens at lai'gc. During the procession, several tunes of a solemn nature were struck by the music, and cannons lired at proper intervals. Upon reaching the ruins, tlie vene- rable Bishop of Virginia, ascended a tomb-stone, and, in that affecting, pathetic manner which characterizes • This ball was originally brought over for the purpose of awing the Aborigines. 12 ' all his religious ciTusions, poured out a prayer strongly exprcssive of the national gratitude, for that peculiar protection wliich the Deity has been pleased to bestow on the feeble, but auspicious germ planted two hun- dred years ago in the wilderness, a germ from which a State has sprung up, now highly prosperous and flour- ishing. Here two sentiments equally dear to the hu- man heaat, and equally poweriul. Religion and Patriot- ism, united their influence, and that mlluence was ir- resistibly felt : pious tears \\'ere seen hanging on mianv a cheek, furrowed by age, or adorned with youthiul bloom. On its return from the ruins, the procession observed the same order, but gayer tunes, and a more frequent firing of cannon, animated the march. Tlie citizens no^v repaired to a lawn in front of the prliicipal house on the peninsula, for the purpose of iitai ir.g the compositions relative to the day. The res- pectability of the audience did not yield to its numbers : it did honor both to the clay and to the orators. The orators in their turn, proved thtniselvcs v, orlhy of the audience. Mr. B. G. Baldwin from Winchester, nov/ a student of William and Mary, spoke first. His was tlie task to depicture tlie iniancy of Virginia ; to trace, through her early difficulties, that wisdom, those energies, that unshaken courage v/hich ovcrcam.e e\'ery obstacle and which, even then, presaged those high des- tinies to which she was reserved ; finally, to delineate the grand and pleasing contrast between what she \^'as in 1607, and what she is in 1807, and to developethe most prominent causes by which this contrast has been produced. In doing this, he must necessarily have soai'ed above the sphere common!}' assigned to narra • tivc ; and, whilst painting scenes so interesting, so dig- nified, and so im^pressive, have displayed a considera- ble degree of that enthusiasm which a review of great events naturally inspires. The occasion demanded, not the frigid exactitude of the clironologer, but the animated glowing eloquence of the orator, and of this Mr. Baldwin certainly ga-se an excellent specimen. 13 Mr. John jMadison, from 3.iu\ also a stu- dent, \^-a3 the next speaker. li his subject did not ad- mit of the same range of sentimental and fervid elo- quence as that on \\ liich Mr. Baldwin had just treated, in return, it opened a larger field for that argumenta- tive elociuence which overpowers the mind as the other does the heart. In enquiring into the nature of true republican institutions, in demonstrating their intrinsic and relative excellence, in shewing their beneficial ten- dency and results, in retracing the glorious means by which our present liberty and happiness have been ac- quired, and in pointing out the vv ise policy by v. hich alone they can be preserved, Mr. Madison evinced great maturity, strength, and origliiality of thought. The conviction of a delighted audience, is the highest compliment that can be paid to an orator : that com- pliment was justly obtained by Mr. M.idison, and had not the essential and intrinsic merits of his piece been sufficient to comm.and applause, his felicity of address, and elegance of delivery would still have fascinated eveiy hearer. BISHOP MADISON'S PRAYER. O GOD ! Parent Almighty, who, tho' unseen, up- holdest this ponderous ball, and breathing through the immensity cf space, fillest with stupendous life all which it inhabit ; Spirit invisible, God of our forefa- thers, to thee we raise the voice of praise and thanks- giving : O hear us, and deign to accept this our imper- fect homage. Thou great and glorious Being, v\ ho, according to the plans of thy wisdom, didst first inspire our forefathers with the elevated idea of seeking an asy- lum for man in this Western World ; thou, who bad'st the terrors of death to retire from their hearts, the re- morseies.^ billo\^"s of the deep to be at rest, and the hor- rors of the ]io^\-ling wilderness no longer to alarm, O 14 hear, and on this eventful day, siilFer us to pour forth, from the fullness of our souls, the tide of reverential af- fection, of joy, and of gratitude ; suffer us, the descend- ants and the heirs of those mighty men, whose foot- steps, under thy gracious Providence, here were first impressed, to approach thy Divine Majesty, to declare the wondrous things which thou hast done for us, and to implore thy continued protection. Assembled in thy sight, we now prostrate ourselves before thee, upon that ground, which thou, O God, didst choose whereon to rest the wearied feet of our progenitors. Twice one hundred times hath this earth, in obedience to thy comm^and, performed its faithful re- volution ca'ound the fountain of light, since thy pro- vidential goodness was here testified by our ancestors, with heartfelt songs of gratitude and praise. The stream of time hath swept before thee the fenerations, which since have arisen and passed av/ay ; but we, upon whom this day hath fallen, vrill rejoice in thy presence, and with a sincere and ardent gratitude, will recall to vivid memory thy former and thy present mercies. Hallowed be the place, where thou didst particularly manifest thy goodness to our forefathers ; and where the heavenly plan for spreading wide the blessings of social rights first beamed forth. It w^as here, O God, it was on this chosen ground, that thou didst first lay the sure foundations of political happiness. Here, didst thou say to our forefathers, who under thy guid- ance, had defied the perils of an untried ocean, here fix your abode ; here, shtrll the great -w^ork of political sal- vation com.mence ; here I will strike deep the roots of an everlasting empire, where Justice, and Liberty, and Peace shall flourish in immortal vigour, to the glory of my name and the happiness of man. Here ye shall sleep ; but your sons, and your daughters shall possess the land, which stretcheth wide before you ; shall con^ vert the \vildcrness and solitary place into fields smil- ing with plenty ; shall, in ages yet to come, exceed the sands upon the sea shore in number ; shall when 200 years are accomplished, here resort, here recall to mind your valour and your sufferings; and here, touched with a livelv sense of the blcssinG^r; vouchsafed to them. 15 lliey sliall exalt arid adore my name, and acknowledge, that the mightiness of my arm, and the overshadovving of my spirit, hath done those great and excellent things for them. Such, O God, vras thy will. To thy servants, now before thee, has been given the high boon of living to see the light of that day, and of acknowledging that thy promises are as steadfast as the everlasting hills. Tons has been given the triumph, which this day af- fords. It -was thy providence, V\4iich reared the ten- der plant that here took root, and ^vhich nourished it with the dews of Heaven, until its branches have cast their shade from ocean to ocean. It was thy Provi- dence, gracious Benefactor of IMan, v/hich av/oke in our breasts a just sense of the inappreciable value of our rights, and infused that indomitable spirit, which effected a revolution the most iir.portant in the annals of time, and which led to the establishment of civil gc- veniments throughout tliis rising empire, upon the broad and firm basis of equal laws. It 'was thy Pro- vidence, vvhich inspired that wisdom which hath guard- ed us against the horrors of war, and which, amidst the dread convulsions that agitate the old Vvorld, hath still irradiated this thy chosen land v»"ith the blessings of peace. To thee, O God, w^e ascribe, as is most due, that never ceasing current of national prosperit}-, which has daily increased, and vvhich, under thy auspi- ces, we trust, will continue to increase, until its waters, spreading throughout every region of the earth, shall gladden, Vvith their salubrious streams, nations which are now the victims of ambition, and thence diffuse peace and good vvill among the vvhole family of man- kind. Continue, Gracious Benefactor, thy mercies tow"ards us. O teach us ever to Ioa'c, and to reverence thy name ; teach us, that the God of Virtue can love onl}- virtue ; teach us, that it is thou only, the first source of happiness, who can secure it to the human race ; impress upon our hearts an ardent love for thy Holy Religion : May its pure and sublime morality be to us the rule of all duties : May it guard us against the de- basing influence of licentiousness and vice, and inspire it) the people of these United States with those inflexible viilues, which republics demand : May the love of our country, and obedience to law be the dignified charac- teristic of citizens : May they ne-\^er forget, that, with- out religion, morality dies ; and, that \'.itliout morali- ty, republics are svrept from before thee with tlie besom of destruction. Bless all the constituted authorities, and so rule their hearts, and strengthen their hands, that they may drive from among us all manner of vice. Give prosperity to the different Seminaries of Learn- ing ; increase true knowledge, and infix upon the hearts of the rising generation a just sense of the duties which they owe to themselves, to their fellow creatures, and to their God. Finally, O God, pardon our offences, and deign to hear our imperfect prayer, for the sake of thy Son, our Sa'»'iour, Jesus Christ. ORATION, Delivered by Mr. G. B. Baldwin. VIRGINIANS, Glorious is the occasion upon which we are assembled — glorious for the cause of liberty, and glo- rious for you, Fello^v-Citizens. Can there be a spec- tacle more splendid in the sighit of man, or more pleas- ing to our great and common parent, than a republic of freemen convened around the tombs of their fore- fatliers to celebrate the birth-day of their countr}- ; to commemorate the era of their national existence, and, ^vith pious gratitude, to kiil the lofty spirit of their dauntless ancestors ; On this day, to tread the conse- crated ground on v.hieh our forefathers first fixed their liabitation, must awaken in our minds the most enthu- siastic ideas ; it must add new fuel to the patiiotic flame which gloAvs in the breast of e-\ery Virginian. Here, a band of heroes, headed by the gallant Smith, 17 uhd guided by die piotccting hand of the all- wise and omnipotent director of human events, after braving the terrors of an unknown and boisterous ocean, unappall- ed by the soul-chilling \var \v^hoop of the savage native, and struggling against the complicated evils of famine and disease, first sowed the seeds of an empire, which iias risen, within the short period of a few generations, to political importance, and attained a height of pros- perity and glory, which has not only excited the won- der and admiration of the \iorld, but still promises the richest harvest of human felicity — Immortal spirits of our forefathers ! if }e are permitted to look down from the regions of celestial bliss, oa the transactions of this sublunary world, O ! deign to view with complacency the glowing ardor and deep sensibility, ^vith which your grateful descendants celebrate this glorious day ! — When the tinsel monuments, erected by vanity and pride, shall be no more, the memory of this day shall survive ; yes, it will live forever, because it will be forever engraven on the hearts of freemen. Fathers shall relate the soul inspiring history to their lisping in- fants ; children shall catch the patriotic enthusiasm of their parents ; aiid the pure flame, fanned by each suc- ceeding generation, shall be handed down to the latest posterity. Thou supreme disposer of the destinies of nations, God of heaven and earth ! how mysterious are thy ways, how ^vonderful are thy w^orks ! Two hundred years only have fled, since an infant colony, in the ve- ry cradle of political existence, oppressed by misery and despair, exposed to all the lurking revenge of the exasperated natives, here, had almost fallen " oblivion's ready prey!" Who would have thought, that from this dark horizon, the brightest star of the American constellation would arise with the most brilliant splen- dor ? — Who would have thought, that from so small, so unfriended a germ, millions would arise, on this day, to cover this extensive continent, blessed vvitli the en- joyment of Heaven's best gifts ? The mansions of our forefathers have crumbled in- to dust ; we seek for them in vain ; scarce a vestige is found. — The first settlers have been swept from the C 18 foce of the earth, succeeding generations have follow- ed them, as the rolling waves of the mighty deep. — With what veneration, \\ ith what religious care, do Ave ^'iew the ruins of that ancient steeple, a monument of the piety of our progenitors ! — A pleasing melancho- ly steals over my soul and my mind is hurried back, by the tide of reflection, to the early periods of our* history. — How do the images of the gallant Smith and the amiable Pocahontas rise to our view ! — Who does not venerate their a iitues, and shed a tributary tear to their memories ! Virginians, the arrival of our forefathers in this coun- try, the consequent rise and progress of the Am.erican Empire, the causes which have so wonderfully accele- rated that progress, together with those energies, which ^^-ill long maintain the impulse first received, are cer- tainly subjects most worthy of the attention of the Philosoplier, the Statesman, or the Citizen ; and, 1 trust, p-ot unappropriate on this occasion. They will i-eceive but little light, I am too well aware, from one, \\ho now presumes to appear before you. But though i am not insensible to my ov.n deficiency, I rely upon that candor and benignity, ^^ hich generous minds are ever ready to extend to the youthful and unassuming Orator. Europe, just emerging from a state of dark and gothic ignorance, had begun to acquire a spirit of en- terprise Avhen the great and prescient genius of Colum- bus prompted him to encounter the dangers of the \'ast Atlantic, and seek for a new world in the Western Hemisphere. The same adventurous spirit v/hich led to the discovery of America, instigated many Europe- ans to leave their native home, and in the dreary \\-ilds of this great continent, endeavor to find that asylum, and that happiness, of which they were destitute. You well kno^^•, Fellow-Citizens, the alm.ost insur- mountable difficulties attending the settlement of our country. You well kno^v that the vital spark of Vir- ginia was nearly exthiguished at her birth ; but like the vouthful Hercules, slie rose superior to the horrors which surrounded her. Good God, v> hat a continued series of m.isfortunes does the history of this colony present to our view ! Imagine to yourselves, Virgini- 19 ans, your forefathers embarking upon tlie stormy At- lantic, parting from their dearest relatives and friends, tlicir country and their homes, and with sighs and tears, l^idding a last adieu to the white clifts of Albion.— Tossed on the surface of the ocean, lor a long time at the mercy of the winds and waves, the hearts of the colonists arc ready to sink in despair. At length the turbulent commotion of the angry billows subsides ; and wafted by friendly breezes, the little Argonautic fleet arrives in the peaceiul Chesapeake. I see it as- cending yon majestic river ; I sec its white pinions waving in the iavoring gale ; I see its slow and cauti- ous approach ; I see the feather-tinctured chiefs, with their weapons of war fliliing from their hands, in silent amaze, cro^vding each shore, and viewing v,ith terror and dismay a spectacle so novel, whilst our forefatliers debark on the destined land of liberty. Then they laid the found^ition of a republic, whose glory shall be inmiortal. Yet how often were they overcome by the weight of their sufferings ? — How of- ten did they look back upon their abandoned country? How oftencast their eyes to Heaven, imploring protect tion ? As often did Smith, the noble Smith, raise their drooping spirits, and cheer them with the hope of bet- ter days — The name of Smith shall be revered, as long as honor, bravery, and fortitde continues to be respected. But the colony was destined to be bereaved of its father, its protector. >' The misfortunes of this great, intrepid m.an, and the preservation of Iiis life by the amiable Pocahontas, will long claim the descriptive powers of genius. When surprised and surrounded by the Indians, he displayed the most heroic courage, and desperately repelled the attacks of his astonished foes, until he was obliged indignantly to yield. — When condemned to death, by a council of his sa^^age ene- mies, and led to the place of execution, he betrayed not the smallest emotion of fear. Already washis head placed upon the fatal block ; dready was the ponderous club of Powhatan raised to deal the deadly blow; whtn the tender Pocahontiis, with streaming eyes and dishev- elled hair, threw herself at the feet of her father, embra- ced his knees, and with agonizing sighs implored him to 20 spare the life of tlic prisoner. Vain were iier entrea- ties ; the savage king was inexorable. In the distrac- tion of grief, Pocahontas arrested the impending blow, and snatching the victim's head from the block, there placed her own.... Strike, said she, in the mute, but ex- pressive language of nature.... Strike if you thirst for blood, but spare the stranger. Even the waiTior-bo- som of Powliatan was melted b}^ tliis affecting scene. Filial love triumphed over savage re\'enge. Smith was restored to nev/ life. Such was the power of un- tamed nature over the female heart. Amiable Pocahontas ! thou possessedest charms which would have graced the most civilized society. " Thy form was fresher than the morning rose, When the dew wets its leaves unstain'd and pure, As is the lilly, or the mountain snow, The modest virtues mingled m thy eyes, Stiil on the ground dejected, darting all Their humid beams into the blooming flowers ; Or v/hen the mournful tale" to thee was toid. Of others' woes, —— " Thrilling in thy thought, they, lilie the dewy star Of evening, shone in tears." Yes, her heart was compassionate and feeling; but « hen animated in the cause of liumanity, she evinced a courage which feai^ed not the hardiest enterprise. Here, in the midst of deserts, in the breast of an imtutored Indian, we discover the brightest virtues that adorn human nature. Here too, did the free born soul of the uncultivated Powhatan nobly defend those pri- masval rights, which he held from nature's charter Oft did he say, "I was born a King; and Heaven which bade these lofty oaks lift their green shields against the fiery sun, to fence their subject plain, did mean, that I should, with as firm an arm, protect my people against these bold invaders."* Such vv^as the language of nature ; such the source of his vindictive rage ; of that incessant warfare which reduced the co- lony to the verge of destruction. Soon after the great Smith liad been dcq^rived of the command entrusted to him, torn by intestine dissen- tions,and borne down by a variety of evils, our ances- tors detcrmiiied to abandon the scene of their misfor- * Charactacus. 21 tunes. Every thing is prepared ibr their dcparliire ; they embark; the sails are unfurled; v.'itlioiit one sigh, without one teai-, they leave the unhappy strand." Virginia appears lost forever that germ of libeity which was here planted seems utterly clestroyed....the prospects of a great and flourishing nation, springing up in the Western World, are now no more But no ; heaven-born hope darts from beyond tlie cloud ol" despair, robed in tlie white ermine of celestial purity, and beaming the seraphic smiles of angelic benignity, she cries, Virginians, return to the genial soil ol' free- dom The time will come, when your country shall enjoy the fruits of your labors. Virginia shall rend asunder the trammels of oppression, and rising to poli- tical pre-eminence among the nations of the earth, pre- sent to an admiring world, the spectacle of a great and republican people, governed by equal laws and pos- sessing equal rights. At this eventful moment, the white canvass of Albion is seen floating in the gale ; the fleet sent to the relief of the colonists appears in full view ; mighty Powhatan resounds with the shouts of clamorous joy ; these hills and dales re-echo the gladdening sound, and our forefathers return to these once forsaken shores. From this period, Virginia like yon majestic river, alternately ebbed and flowed ; sometimes reduced to misery's lowest mark, now rising and swelling in the full tide of prosperity. Now the exasperated Indians, rendered furious b}- the injuries they had suffered, and maddened with the desire of revenge, rushed like ty- gers, M ith horrid yells, upon their unsuspecting foes. A terrible scene of death and cmnage ensues ; children are murdered in the arms of their mothers ; v/ives in the embraces of their husbands ; the habitations of the colonists ai-e reduced to ashes, and their mangled bo- dies strewed over " the green fields of their countrv." Besmeared with human gore, the savages call upon the spirits of their forefothers, to witness the sacrifice, and feast on the incense aiising from the blood of their enemies. Now repelled by our \'aliant ancestors again and again they return, ^vith redoubled fury to the at- tack ; until overcome by superior numbers and the omFiipotCiit powers of a ihunderiiig ariiUcry, they arc compelled to seek a shelter in theii- deep forests, Feiiow-Citizens, \vc might dwell witli rapture on the progressi\ e history of an infant colony thus stemming torrents of adversitj^, thus gradually advancing to ma- turity, and now resting upon a rock v, hich no storms can shake, the aflections of her people. Yes, Virginia affords an ilhistrious example, of what can be effected by darhigenteprizeand constant perseverance, though \vading through a sea of dangers, of terrors, and misfor- tunes, before she attained her present height of prospe- rity. But that history we leave to abler hands ; let us rather enquire, -what 'were the mighty energies, under the blessings of Providence, Vvhich thus accelerated her progress in those high attainments ? First, Fellow- citizens, although ^ve must feel the warmest indignation against the tyrannical rule of Great Britain, yet \vehave great reason to congratulate ourselves that she was cur mother coutry ; that she W\as the " magnavinnn ?nater.''^ At the tinie of the colonization of Virginia, scintillations of libert}-, elicited by literature, began to blaze in Great Britain. They were transported to Virginia, and guarded like the ves- tal flame. Here, although surrounded by executive influence, they were clierishcd by an august and vene- rable association, until their ardent heat melted tlie chains of bondage, imd threw off the scoria of tyranny. Then did the Genius of Liberty cast from those chains, a sublime Colossal Statue, sacred to equal rights, which sliali bestride, sooner or later, this lower Avorld. In the next place, it has always been the polic}- of the European nations, to monopolize the trade of their colonies. Some have confined it to a single port, and others have confeiTcd the exclusive commerce on a particular compan}-. Great Britain, pursuing a more liberal mr rcantiie plan, left her tnidc free to all her subjects. IMcnopolies of every kirid are highly inju- rious and unjust ; but nothing can be more completely ruinous, nothing can check the cncrcasing prosperity of a colony more, than confining its commerce to a ' company of merchants, or to any particular part of the motlier countiy ; wh.ilst the m.onopoly of a nation h much less destrucdve. Altliough Vin.^inia ^\■as limit- ed to the market of Great Britain, in the cxportati