Speeches
July 4, 1861
Who on this continent does not know of the great event which transpired on that day -- the anniversary of which we are met here to celebrate -- that event so interesting to all Americans -- the declaration of our national independence, and who among us would wish to see the day approach when that occasion should cease to be commemorated? I will not believe that any can be found so destitute of patriotic pride as not to feel in his veins a thrilling current when the deeds of his ancestors in the battle of the Revolution are mentioned.
Can anyone hear the great events of that contest related without wishing that his ancestors had been personally engaged in them?
Who of us can forget the names of Lexington, of Monmouth, of Brandywine and Yorktown, and who can regret that he is a descendant of those who fought there for the liberties we now enjoy? And what flag is it that we now look to as the banner that carried us through the great contest, and was honored by the gallant deeds of its defenders? The star-spangled banner of America, then embracing thirteen pale stars, representing that number of oppressed colonies; now, thirty-four bright planets, representing that number of great states.
To be sure, clouds intervene between us and eleven of that number, but we will trust that those clouds may soon be dispelled and that those great stars in the southern constellation may shine forth again with even greater splendor than before.
Let us believe, at least let us trust, that our brothers there do not wish to separate themselves permanently from the common memories which have so long bound us together, but that when reason returns and resumes her sway they will prefer the brighter page of history which our mutual deeds have inscribed upon the tablets of time, to that of the uncertain future of a new confederation which, alas, to them may prove illusory and unsatisfactory.
Let them return to us. We will welcome them as brothers who have been estranged, but have come back. We have an interest in the battle-fields of the Revolution in those States, not second to their own. Our forefathers fought there side by side with theirs. Can they, if they would, throw aside their rights to the memories of the great fields on our soil on which their ancestors won renown? No, they cannot! God forbid that they should desire it.
To those who, regardless of these sacred memories, insist on sundering this union of States, let us who only wish our birth-rights preserved to us, and whose desire it is to be still citizens of the great country that gave us birth, and to live under that flag which has gained for us the glory we boast of, say this day to those among us who feel aggrieved: Your rights we will respect; your wrongs we will assist you to redress; but the government resulting from the union of these States is a priceless heritage that we intend to preserve and defend to the last extremity.
According
To
Hancock
Speech
Biography