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Owing to the union a faithful adherence and liberal support, there is at the same time due our constitution is a manly assertion of their rights. You will not therefore fail, to revert to the subject of the debt of the United States on account if the services of the militia employed during the late war. Its payment is of lass consequence than the acknowledgment of its justice and the encouragement of that Militia through a recognition of their merits and may surely with a proper self respect, be presented to the attention of a Congress too proud, magnanimous, and intelligent to be sordid or prejudiced. The Claim is truly that of citizen soldiers of the United States, driven into action by its measures engaged in its service, exposed to its enemy, and employed for its benefit. Had it not been that an odium against the Executive of Massachusetts prevented, the claim would probably have been allowed long since, and the virtuous and faithful soldier who has paid back his wages in his taxes would have been indemnified. But let it be remembered that the acts of the Executive, as an official agent, cannot in policy on equity effect the claim of the citizen, who obeys a national enactment and aids to effect a national object.

   If this were a merely pecuniary concern it would be derogatory and unpleasant on one side to urge, and on the other to refuse payment; but while the difference between the parties grows only out of a mutual desire to maintain constitutional opinions, honestly entertained there will, certainly with high minded men, always be preserved the most friendly dispositions. It is not believed unsafe to predict that within a few years the claim will be satisfactorily adjusted through the magnanimity and justice of Congress.

It will be perceived that it will not be safe under our system, to discourage the militia in consequence of the offences of their officers, because the command of Public spirit, should and will direct, and has been obeyed in spite of