in opposition to the rights and privileges of the people. No other man than Andrew Jackson, backed as he was, by the people, would have been potent enough to have humbled that haughty power in the dust. His acts, which resulted in restricting its dangerous issues, and protecting the revenues of the nation; together with his veto upon its charter, proved his great sagacity, his incorruptible firmness, and his deep and abiding devotion to principle.

His unyielding opposition to latitudinarian constructions of the constitution, whereby the treasures of the country were to be applied to internal improvements, and favourite objects of visionary speculation, doubtless saved the general government from the same character of overwhelming embarrassment which has so unhappily fallen upon many of the separate states of the Union.

His high and patriotic stand taken in support of the Union against the secession of one of its members, for supposed wrongs, will long be viewed as an evidence of the great regard he entertained for the perpetuity of the confederation, and his determination to sustain the laws, which, as chief executive, he was bound to see faithfully executed, marked with startling interest the event of his proclamation.

It was with the most peculiar satisfaction that President Jackson was enabled to exhibit to the world the rare spectacle of a great nation existing without owing a dollar of national debt; and he rejoiced in being able to announce to his fellow-countrymen, that all the pecuniary obligations incurred in the prosecution of the war of independence had been faithfully and religiously paid.

His manly and decisive course in hastening the performance of the obligations of the treaty with France, gave proof to the nations of the world, that although we were disposed "to ask for nothing but what was right, we would submit to nothing which was wrong."

The great experience of his life led him to deep reflection upon the best mode of ameliorating the condition, and prolonging the existence of the Aboriginal tribes. And his zealous exertions in furnishing permanent homes for the Indians west of the Mississippi, showed the philanthrophy of his nature and the sincerity of his heart.

His many public and private charities, though numerous, and generously extended, were unostentatious and frequently concealed. He was no Pharisee, and sought not his reward in such cases, from the hands of men.

These leading measures and principles were the distinguishing points which signalized both the first and second terms of his service as president. During their discussion and settlement, the greatest excitement existed throughout the community, and their influences have scarcely ceased to operate in the minds of the public. In

deed, it may be truly said, that the measures which characterized the chief magistracy of Andrew Jackson, have left an abiding impression upon the policy of the country. Political dogmas which had grown gray in error and sufferance, were, by the impulses of his mighty mind, exploded and terminated. No man ever filled the presidential chair who more fully met the expectations of his friends, or more triumphantly succeeded in the fulfilment of his political designs. No man was ever more devotedly sustained by the people, and no one ever laboured more assiduously, fearlessly, and patriotically to uphold and promote their rights and welfare. The purity of his motives, the necessity of his unyielding policy, and the benefits flowing and to flow from them, are already being manifested, and will continue to shed a brighter and more radiant halo around his beloved name, so long as our countrymen uphold and reverence the true democratic doctrine of "equal rights, and equal privileges."

After having spent nearly the whole of his long and valuable life in the service of his country, he bid a final adieu to public life on the 3d of March, 1837, leaving his countrymen, as he well expressed himself, "prosperous and happy."

Amidst the scenes of his early years, in the company of his old friends and neighbours, at his own loved Hermitage, he has since passed, in happy tranquillity, the remaining days of his life. There, in his last retirement, his active mind has been diligently occupied in the contemplation of the condition of the nation, and his warning voice has been heard, advising a strict vigilance over her interests. As a philosopher and a sage, his words have sunk deep into the hearts of the people, and his last days have been comforted in the belief and prospect that all will be well, according to the desire of his heart.

As he was glorious in life, so has he been great in his death. With Christian fortitude and patience he endured the afflictions of the body, and with a Christian's hope he joyfully obeyed the summons of his Lord and Master, "to depart and be in peace." A nation's prayers have ascended for him; a nation's sympathies have been blended with his sufferings; and a nation mourns the death of its most illustrious citizen. The sleep of death is upon him.

That noble heart which never quailed in the presence of danger; which ever sympathised with the woes of the oppressed, and most tenderly burned with patriotic devotion to its country's service, now quietly rests with the clods of the valley.

The character of Andrew Jackson is peculiar in itself. It combines so many of the elements of true greatness, that it is difficult to place its separate qualities in proper relief. There may be those who will most prize him as a general, and there will be others who will more highly esteem him as a statesman. That one man

should so eminently present such claims to the admiration of his fellow-citizens, is almost a phenomenon in the order of nature. Time alone can establish the true measure of his greatness.

He has bequeathed a rich patrimony to his country and to the world. It will be the proud duty of his countrymen to cherish and perpetuate it to the latest posterity.

Ages may revolve before such another spirit shall claim a place on the stage of life. Ambitious to be great, he was never accused of selfishness. Although frequently the recipient of the highest honours, he never condescended to court or seek them. His soul abhorred deceit, and his tongue always spoke the truth. Mercy was with him a darling attribute, and his personal honour, a priceless jewel. A strong desire for the amelioration of the condition of mankind, a liberal and tolerant disposition, and an expanded charity, characterised his life. Inflexibly just in his decisions, stern in the execution of his decrees, he never swerved from principle. With a sensitive mind and excitable feelings, he blended a due share of caution and an admirable systematic control of his passions. He was not easily turned aside from his purposes, deceived by specious appearances, nor misled by stratagems. An intuitive perception of right and wrong enabled him to comprehend easily the most difficult questions, where his cotemporaries were compelled to labour and investigate. Almost reared in the camp, and familiar with scenes of contention and bloodshed, he highly estimated the blessings of peace, when compatible with the honour of the nation. His energetic decision and boldness enabled him to accomplish astonishing results by a single effort. He never consulted his personal ease or safety in the consummation of his designs. The fame of his country was as dear to him as the apple of his eye, and under the folds of her standards, and the gaze of her eagles, he always carried his life in his hand, ready to yield it up in defence of her honour. He never unfurled his country's banner upon a battle-field, without covering it with victory and with glory.

As a statesman, he never urged an issue upon the consideration of the nation without ably sustaining his position, and never failed in carrying conviction of its correctness to the minds of the people. Hence was he denominated "the man of the iron-will.”

The aged sire, as he holds upon his knee the child of his affection, will teach him to revere and cherish the recollections of this mighty man. The candid citizen, as he muses upon the patriotic labours of this illustrious sage, will feel the involuntary emotions of gratitude springing up in his heart. The matron and the maiden, when they review the brilliant exploits of this heroic general, in the protection of their land from the calamities of invasion, will rise up and call him blessed. The brave soldier of the American

army, with a worthy spirit of emulation, will look upon his example and renown as the dearest objects of his regard, prompting him to a willing discharge of his duty. The statesman and the patriot will find instructive lessons in his life, and in the wisdom of his counsel. The highest honours of the land have crowned him whilst living. His cenotaph is the love of his countrymen. His monument will be a holy remembrance in the hearts of the American people.

In response to the sentiments and feelings of the whole nation, the proper authorities of the country have directed the most distinguished national honours to his revered name, and have spoken in the most enthusiastic and eloquent terms of his many virtues. Well have they judged of the sacred devotion to his memory. A mighty nation bows in grief to the stern decree which calls from his earthly labours, him for whom we weep; because he so well loved us.

One last sacred duty devolves upon us as American citizens. Let us, with enduring fidelity, guard from reproach and aspersion, the glorious name and character which he has bequeathed to our keeping and protection. As we receive the rich legacy of his faithful services, so let us treasure his good name; and posterity, as they succeed us on the theatre of existence, will continue to ascribe immortal honours to the immortal JACKSON!

EULOGY

DELIVERED AT HARRISBURG, PA., JULY 24, 1845,

BY

FRANCIS R. SHUNK,

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

THE deep solemnity produced by the religious fervour of the comprehensive and appropriate appeal, which has been made to the God we worship and adore, leads us to the contemplation of the character and services of our illustrious countryman, whose funeral obsequies we have met to celebrate, with proper feelings, and supplies the imperfection of the sketch I am about to give of

his merits.

It may well be remarked, with pride and satisfaction, that the great men to whom we are indebted, under Heaven, for our civil and religious rights, were generally pure. Virtue and goodness in them sustained their patriotism, heroism, and devotion to the public good; and while their public services are appreciated, their private lives are examples for imitation.

Those adventurous spirits, who founded the nation, whose actions fill the pages of history with a romance that needs not the imaginings of the past to inspire the mind with wonder and admiration-who tore themselves away from early associations-brushed from their eyes the tear of regret which arose upon casting a last look at the graves of their ancestors, and the homes of their childhood-who sought and found a new country, and founded a new nation upon which they deeply enstamped the features of their own individuality, have for ages slept in their graves; but their achievements, their valor, and their devotion to liberty-the religion, virtue and morality that adorned their lives, are cherished and revered by their descendants.

When the government of England sought to appropriate the rising greatness of this country to itself, and strip the people of