Adams, John (1735-1826) Listing 16 patriotic toasts given at reception in honor of President Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06928.02 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript Date: 8 November 1797 ca. Pagination: 3 p. 34.2 x 21.4 cm Order a Copy
The toasts includes those given to the United States, the Constitution, the Vice President, Congress, the Congress of 1776, foreign ministers, George Washington ("we profoundly venerate his virtuous character"), Kosciusko (struck and reinserted), Independence, the Administration, Lafayette, the press, etc.
1 The United States
May their Union be perpetuel & their honor inviolate -
2 The Constitution & Laws
May Americans ever remember that Law is Liberty and the Constitution the sacred Paladium of Political Safety -
3 The Vice President &
both houses of Congress
As Guardians of the liberties of their Country, may their Zeal for the common good banish from their Councils every Sentiment inimical to so great a purpose.
4 The Congress of 1776
May we duly appreciate their resplendent Magnanimity & Patriotism, & be emulous to support undaminished those glorious rights so nobly asserted -
5 Our Foreign Minister
May the lustre of their Patriotism, their firmness fidelity & Candor secure respect to their Country, and convince the World that our councils are founded on the broad basis of national rectitude & honor -
6 Geo: Washington, [inserted: The pride and ornament of his Country!] we profoundly venerate his virtuous Character, May he long live happy in his retirement -
[struck 7 Genll Thadeus Kosciusko
May he soon be restored to health, experience the Gratitude of Americans for his past services and enjoy uninterrupted happiness as a reward for his patriotism in the Cabinet, his bravery in the field & fortitude in his Confinement -]
[2] 7 May the friends of America be impressed with a suitable resentment, in every instance
foreign interference with respect to its Government -
8 Independence
May a sense of national honor exalt the American Character above a debasing predilection for or fear of any foreign power under heaven -
9 The Administration of our Government
May it, ever be firmly supported by a virtuous & enlightened people -
The Marquis de la Fayette
May he have the happiness to see the revolution which he convinced Europe speedily terminate in equal Liberty, remote from Tyranny on the one hand, & licentious press on the other -
11 The American Press may it meet with due support when open for manly discussion, but never countenanced when it becomes the vehicle of licentious abuse -
12 The memory of the Patriots
who fell in defence of American
Freedom - May their example be a lesson to us justly to regard its invaluable blessings -
[3] 13 Agriculture May industry, Frugality, & Innocence ensure the American Farmer Rural felicity -
14 Commerce May the American Commerce be as unbounded as the ocean, [inserted: and as] unrestrained by the wicked rapacity [inserted: of] Tyrants of whatever denomination - as its waves.
[struck: The American fair
May their Charms be only surpassed by the more amiable qualifications of the mind -]
15 The American fair
May they smile upon the friends - may they never cease to frown upon the enemies of their Country.
16 Genl. Kuosciusko
May the ardent esteem of the friends of Freedom, be a balm to his wounds, and a sweet consolation in his retirement -
The American Character,
May all but true Federalists be found wanting, when weighed in the American balance.
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