7-4-1803: "And whence do the plottings of turpitude, or the dreams of imbecility, pretend to gather that force which is to vanquish a people who have arms in their hands..."

   "The evils which are said to menace our happiness," remarks Sullivan, "are attributed to the monarchical and aristocratical tendencies of our government on the one part, and to its democratical preponderance on the other. We are told that there are men among us who covet distinctions incompatible with the general welfare,--distinctions which will require the radiance of monarchy and the force of obedient legions to cherish and support them. The throne, it is said, must first be established, because it is the fountain of honor, whence is to flow the stream which is to render its partakers illustrious and noble. A throne could be established only by the will of the people, or by military power. Who will be mad enough to expect such a will amongst people who possess the best information, and to whom death and dependence have equal terrors? And whence do the plottings of turpitude, or the dreams of imbecility, pretend to gather that force which is to vanquish a people who have arms in their hands, and whose hearts are the dwellings of valor?"--William Sullivan, July 4, 1803. For The Town Authorities. [The Hundred Boston Orators Appointed by the Municipal Authorities and Other Public Bodies, From 1770 To 1852; Comprising Historical Gleanings, Illustrating The Principles And Progress Of Our Republican Institutions. By James Spear Loring. "I would have these orations collected and printed in volumes, and then write the history of the last forty-five years in commentaries upon them."--John Adams, in 1816. . . . Boston: John P. Jewett And Company. Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor & Worthington. 1852. Pg. 313]