impossible that he should entirely do so, in the high and difficult situation which he occupied. It is not for us in these times, and with the few opportunities which are now afforded of judging of the propriety or policy of different measures, to enter into the vindication of Mr. Gerry against every charge brought against him by his political opponents; nor would it be in any manner consistent with the character of this article, that we should indulge in a minute detail of events which, however interesting in a history of Massachusetts, would be out of place in a work of general biography. Leaving, therefore, the peculiar political tenets and views alike of him and his opponents to some other pen, we shall merely refer to an act marking the remainder of his administration, whose character is of that general interest which may make it worth notice, when others are forgotten or despised. Of this nature seems to be his recommendation made to the legislature of Massachusetts, in January, 1812, relative to the patronage and improvement of our domestic manufactures. It arose from a complaint made by the Indians, that owing to the suspension of our trade with Great Britain, they did not receive the usual supplies of goods with which they had been furnished. "In the year 1775," says Mr. Gerry, "when our war with Great Britain commenced, and when, immediately preceding it, a non-importation act had been strictly carried into effect, the state of Massachusetts apportioned on their towns, respectively, to be manufactured by them, the articles of clothing wanted for their proportion of the army which besieged Boston; fixed the price and qualities of those articles, and they were duly supplied within a short period. Thus before we had arrived at the threshold of independence, and when we were in an exhausted state, by the antecedent, voluntary and patriotic sacrifice of our commerce, between thirteen and fourteen thousand ́eloth coats were manufactured, made and delivered into our magazine, within a few months from the date of the resolve which first communicated the requisition. Thirty-six years have since elapsed, during twenty-nine of which we have enjoyed peace and prosperity, and have increased in numbers, manufactures, wealth and resources, beyond the most sanguine expectations. All branches of this government have declared their opinion, and I conceive, on the most solid principle, that as a nation, we are independent of every other, for the necessaries, conveniences, and for many of the luxuries of life. Let us not then, at this critical period, admit any obstruction which we have power to remove, to discourage or retard the national exertions for asserting and maintaining our rights; and above all, let us convince Great Britain, that we can and will be independent of her for every article of commerce, whilst she continues to be the ostensible friend, but implacable foe of our prosperity, government, union and independence." As the period for a new election of governor approached, the democratic party in Massachusetts a third time solicited Mr. Gerry to offer himself as a candidate; this he at first declined, but viewing the success of the principles which he had avowed as in some degree connected with his return, he consented to serve again in the executive office. During the past year, however, either his popularity had decreased or his political opponents had augmented their strength; and he lost his election by a small majority. It seemed, however, that advanced as Mr. Gerry was in age, and wearied as he might well be with public office, (for forty years had nearly elapsed since he had entered on his political career,) he was yet destined to serve his country, and to close his active life in the full enjoyment of her hoAt a meeting of the republican members of congress, he was, in June, 1812, by a unanimous vote, recommended to nours. the people of the United States as a proper person to fill the office of vice-president, for four years, from the fourth day of March following. This was announced to him by a committee of the meeting, in a letter, to which he immediately replied. "The question," he observed, respecting the acceptance or non-acceptance of this proposition, involved many considerations of great weight in my mind; as they related to the nation, to this state, and to my domestic concerns. But it is neither expedient or necessary to state the points, since one was paramount to the rest, that in a republic, the service of each citizen is due to the state, even in profound peace, and much more so when the nation stands on the threshold of war.' I have the honour frankly to acknowledge this distinguished testimony of confidence, on the part of my congressional friends and fellow citizens, gratefully to accept their proffer, and freely to assure them of every exertion in my power, for meriting in office the approbation of themselves and of the public." The recommendation was accepted by his countrymen, and he was elected to the second office of the republic, by a majority of forty-one votes. His fellow citizens in Boston, anxious to show their respect for the man, and grateful for the services he had rendered in his long and active life, met together to congratulate him on this proud termination of his honours; and, at the same time, to vindicate his character from the charges, in which party feeling had indulged, during his administration of the government of Massachusetts. "At this interesting period," they say, "we are happy to find that so large a majority of the citizens have united in the choice of a character, whose revolutionary services have long endeared him to every friend of his country. The uniformity of those principles which led to the establishment of our sovereignty and independence, being so unequivocally maintained in every situation in which you have been placed, cannot but inspire a confidence in the republicans, that our national honour (under the wisdom of your councils) will be preserved against the artifices of foreign and domestic foes. We wish you, respected sir, every happiness, both political and domestic; and you may be assured that you commence the important duties of vice-president of the United States, with the most sincere congratulations of your republican friends in Massachusetts. They rely on your patriotism, and trust that the same spirit which carried the people of America through the arduous conflict of the revolution, will animate you to vindicate those national rights anticipated by our independence. We trust in Heaven, that the enemies of our country will not prevail, while the arm of Gerry is uplifted to oppose them." On the fourth of March, 1813, Mr. Gerry was inaugurated vice-president of the United States, being attended, at the time, by his venerable friend and revolutionary companion John Adams. At the meeting of the senate on the twentyfifth of May following, he took his seat as constitutional president of that body, and delivered an address to them, setting forth at large his opinions and views on the great events of political interest which then occupied the attention of the nation. He concluded it in the following terms: “Your fellow-citizen, with sensations which can be more easily conceived than expressed, perceives that there are in the government many of his former friends and compatriots, with whom he has often co-operated in the perilous concerns of his country; and with unfeigned pleasure he will meet the other public functionaries, whose acknowledged abilities and public services in like manner claim his high consideration and respect. With a sacred regard to the rights of every department and officer of government, and with a respectful deference to their political principles and opinions, he has frankly de clared his own; for to have concealed them at a crisis like this, might have savoured too much of a want of candour. "And may that Omnipotent Being, who with infinite wisdom and justice superintends the destinies of nations, confirm the heroic patriotism which has glowed in the breasts of the national rulers, and convince the enemy, that whilst a disposition to peace, on equitable and honourable terms, will ever prevail in their public councils, one spirit animated by the love of country will inspire every department of the national government." From this period Mr. Gerry devoted himself, with undeviating attention, to the duties of his office. He presided constantly over the deliberations of the senate, and, by his strict impartiality and candour, gave that satisfaction in the latest, which he had done in the earliest actions of his political life. Providence, however, did not long permit him to enjoy the dignity which he had so well earned, but called him in the midst of his honours, but full of years, from the scene of his earthly labours. The date and circumstances of his death are thus recorded, on a beautiful monument, which congress caused to be erected over his remains. The Tomb of ELBRIDGE GERRY, Vice-President of the United States, Who died suddenly in this city, on his way to the November 23, 1814, Aged 70. Thus fulfilling his own memorable injunction-"It is the duty of every citizen, though he may have but one day to live, to devote that day to the service of his country." |