54
Answer of Chief Justice Taney.
Gentlemen:
I regret very much that I cannot avail myself of your kind invitation to attend the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the Washington Monument, on the 4th inst.; it is an event which, undoubtedly, every American citizen would desire to witness. But I fear that the fatigue and exposure necessarily incident to the occasion, would be more than I could safely venture upon at this season, in my state of health.
Returning you my thanks for the invitation with which you have honored me, I am, with great respect. Your obedient servant, R. B. TANEY.
To W. Lexox, Jos. H. Bhadlet, and M. F. Maury, Esquires, Washington.
Ansiver of Mr. Van Bnren. Lindenwald, June 28th, 1848.
Dear Sir: I beg you to make the committee my very respectful acknowledgments for the honor they have conferred upon me, in requesting my presence at the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the Washington National ]Ionument. Nothing could afford me more satisfaction than to be in a situation to avail myself of their politeness, but as I have to regret that such is not the case, I can only send them my best wishes for the success of the great object in which they are engaged. Very respectfully your obedient servant, M. VAN BUREN. Gex. Arch. Hendersox, Chairman. Answer of Gen. Cass. Detroit, JrtJic 2~th, 1848, Gentlemejt : I have received, and thank you for the invitation to attend the laying of the cor- ner-stone of the Washington Monument, on the 4th of July next. Circumstances will prevent me from being present upon that interesting occasion, but, though absent, I shall fully participate in all the feelings it is so well calculated to inspire. The virtues and services of Washington are inscribed upon the fairest pages of American history, and cherished in the hearts of the American people. We need no monu- ment to preserve their recollection. It is not fur him, but for us, and for those who are to come after us, that such a memorial is demanded by public sentiment, and will be consecrated by public gratitude. He has passed beyond the reach of even a nation's praise ; but he lives for us in the fruit of his labors, and in the bright ex- ample which he offers now and hereafter, of a life devoted to his country, and of a death crowned by the hopes of a Christian. Monuments to departed worth are hal-
