SENATE CHAMBER, July 2, 1868.
MY DEAR SIR,--I wish that I could take part in the interesting
ceremonies to which you invite me; but my duties will keep me
here.
On the anniversary of the birth of our Nation you will
commemorate the death of patriots who gave their lives that the
Nation might live. Grateful to our fathers, who at the beginning
did so much, we owe an equal debt to those who saved the original
work.
The monument which you rear will be national in its character.
Dedicated on the anniversary of Independence, it will have for
its special object to guard forever the memory of those through
whom the first fruits of Independence have been secured.
Our fathers established the National Independence; our recent
heroes have made it perpetual through those vital principles
which can never die. Honor to the fathers! Honor also to the
sons, worthy of the fathers!
Accept my best wishes; believe me, my dear Sir, very faithfully
yours,