I thank you most
cordially for this honor, and a long period of time must elapse before memory
shall fail to record it. The music is admirable indeed, and the delicious
strains cannot fail to gratify the taste of any person whose genius or talents
lead him to such a high accomplishment. But the music is nothing at all
compared to the motives and feelings which prompted the compliment. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart for your kind sentiments therein expressed.
There are some who
are ever ready to pay homage to those who are about entering upon the cares of
office, influenced doubtless by a principle of self-aggrandizement; but you pay
your attentions to an old man going out of office, and now on his way to a
retired and peaceful home. For many years I have experienced a deep regard for
the interests of Baltimore, have rejoiced in her prosperity, and sympathized in
her temporary misfortunes; and now one of the strongest feelings of my heart
is, that she may continue an extension of her limits, enjoy an increase of
trade and an abundance of labor for her deserving laboring classes. I must ask
you to excuse this brief speech. I could say much more, but the night is
advancing, and I forbear to detain you. My public history is before the people
of this country, and whilst it does not behoove me to speak of it, I assure you
of my willingness that they shall judge me by my kind regard for all the
citizens of Baltimore; and that God may prosper and bless them all is the
sincere prayer of an honest heart.
SOURCE: John Bassett Moore, The Works of James
Buchanan: Comprising His Speeches, State Papers and Private Correspondence,
Volume 11, p. 159-60
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