I hope you will excuse me for having answered for once a misrepresentation which charges me with bad faith and ingratitude, such as neither have I merited, nor can I bear * * *

* * * * *

XXXVIII.—­PRONOUNCEMENT OF THE SOUTH.

[Mobile, Alabama, April 3d.]

Ladies and gentlemen,—­I did not expect to have either the honour of a public welcome, or the opportunity of addressing such a distinguished assembly at Mobile—­not as if I had entertained the slightest doubt about the generous sentiments of this enlightened community, but because I am called by pressing duties to hasten back to the east of the United States.  Indeed only the accident of not finding a vessel ready to leave when I arrived here, has enabled me to see the fair flower of your generosity added to the garland of sympathy which the people of your mighty Republic has given me, and which will shine from the banner of resistance to all-encroaching despotism, that banner which the expectations of millions call me to raise.

But however unexpected my arrival, the congenial kindness of your warm hearts left me not unnoticed and uncheered; and besides the joyful consolation which I feel on this occasion, there is also important benefit in the generous reception you honour me with.

Firstly, because one of the United States Senators of Alabama, Mr. Clemens, was pleased to pronounce himself not only opposed to my principles, but hostile to my own humble self.  I thank God for having well deserved the hatred of Czars and Emperors; and so may God bless me, as I will all my life try to deserve it still more; but I cannot equally say, that I have deserved the inclemency of Mr. Clemens, though it be not the least passionate of all.  Well, ladies and gentlemen, after the spontaneous sympathy which I here so unexpectedly meet, I may be permitted to believe that it is not the State of Alabama, but Mr. Clemens only whom I have to count amongst my persecutors and my enemies.

Secondly, I must mention, that it is my good fortune not often to meet arguments opposed to my arguments, but only personal attacks.  Well, that is the best acknowledgment which could have been paid to the justice of my cause.  For even if I were all that my enemies would like to make me appear, would thereby the cause I plead and the principles I advocate be less just, less righteous, and less true?  Now amongst those personal attacks there is one which says, that I am so impertinent as to dare appeal from the government to the people:  and that I try to sow dissension between the people and the government.  I declare in the most solemn manner, this imputation to be entirely unfounded and calumniatory.  Who ever heard me say one single word of complaint or dissatisfaction against your national government?  When have I spoken otherwise than in terms of gratitude, high esteem, and profound veneration about the Congress