PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE AMERICAN WHIG PRINCETON PRESS, PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETIES, BY D. A. BORRENSTEIN. 1826. TO THE AMERICAN WHIG AND ÒLIOSOPHIC SOCIETIES. GENTLEMEN, IN complying with the request contained in your flattering resolutions, of a copy for publication of the discourse which I had the honour to pronounce in your presence, by the appointment of one of your bodies, the American Whig Society, I have consumed the few intervals of uninterrupted leisure, allowed me in a long journey, not yet completed. This will, I trust, plead my apology, as well for the delay of the manuscript, which I now forward, as for some of the imperfections of that part of the discourse, especially, which had not been previously written. In conformity with the wishes of your committees, (by whom I had the honour of receiving copies of your resolutions,) that portion of the discourse is also transcribed, which its unforeseen length induced me to suppress in the delivery; and an Appendix is added, in pursuance of the motive which prompted my imperfect labour, that of rendering it, if possible, of some practical utility, by making it the vehicle, not of my own immature conceptions, but of topics of reflection, to those who have the ability, leisure, and inclination, to improve upon the crudest suggestions. Allow me, Gentlemen, to congratulate you, on your harmonious co-operation, in laying the foundation of a joint annual meeting of your members, which, if it were to be attended with no other beneficent effect, would demonstrate, that the mutual kindness, which it cherishes, between two ancient and rival institutions, may unite in social fellowship and reciprocal esteem, those, who are animated by the most ardent emulation, in seeking honourabte distinction, from moral and intellectual improvement. I am, Gentlemen, With the sincerest respect and regard, Your faithful friend and servant, Baltimore, Md. Nov. 6, 1826. C. F. MERCER. EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE AMERICAN WHIG SOCIETY, AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING, SEPT. 27, 1826. Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of the AMERICAN WHIG SOCIETY be given to the Hon. CHARLES FENTON MERCER, for the able and eloquent Address delivered by him, on the 26th inst.; and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication. Committee to communicate to Mr. Mercer the above Resolution: WILLIAM C. ALEXANDER, SAMUEL J. BAYARD, and ESQS. EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE CLIOSOPHIC SOCIETY, AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING, SEPT. 27, 1826. Resolved, unanimously, That a committee be appointed, to present to the Hon. CHARLES FENTON MERCER, the thanks of this Society, for the able and learned Discourse delivered by him before the American Whig and Cliosophic Societies, and to request a copy for publication. REV. DR. JOHN M'DOWELL, } Committee. |