LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF BOSTON, ON THE CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL
INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, 1865.
BOSTON, July 4, 1865.
MY DEAR SIR,--It will not be in my power to unite with my
fellow-citizens of Boston in celebrating the anniversary of our
National Independence; but I rejoice that we can celebrate it so
happily, with Victory as the master of ceremonies.
Do not, I pray you, Mr. Mayor, let the great day pass without
reminding our fellow-citizens that victory on the field of battle
is not enough. There must be the further victory found in the
recognition, everywhere throughout the country, of the ideas of
the Declaration of Independence.
It must be confessed, that, according to these ideas, republican
government can be founded only on “the consent of the governed”
and the equality of all before the law. And why not dedicate
ourselves to the work of establishing these ideas?
Then will our fathers be vindicated, and our country be
glorified. God save the Republic!
Accept my thanks for the invitation with which you have
honored me,
And believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours,