LETTER TO THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE FIRST SCHOOL
DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 21, 1860.
SENATE CHAMBER, February 21, 1860.
DEAR SIR,--It would be a pleasure to be with you at your
celebration of the Birthday of Washington, according to the
invitation with which you have honored me. But other duties will
keep me away.
It is always a delight to listen to the praise of Washington,
particularly when his full life is set forth, and he is shown
in his real character, ever wise, firm, and true, teaching two
commanding lessons: first, by the achievements and trials of
a seven years’ war, that his fellow-countrymen should not be
willing to be slaves; and, secondly, by the repeated declarations
of his life, and especially by his great example in his last will
and testament, that his fellow-countrymen should not be willing
to be slave-masters. I do not know for which he is to be most
honored.
Accept my thanks for the personal kindness of your letter, and
believe me, dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,