David Crockett: His Life and AdventuresAbbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)
History
David Crockett: His Life and Adventures
Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)
Crockett, Davy, 1786-1836
"This was my last night in Boston, and I am sure, if I never see the
place again, I never can forget the kind and friendly manner in which I
was treated by them. It appeared to me that everybody was anxious to
serve me, and make my time agreeable. And as a proof that comes
home--when I called for my bill next morning, I was told there was no
charge to be paid by me, and that he was very much delighted that I had
made his house my home. I forgot to mention that they treated me so in
Lowell--but it is true. This was, to me, at all events, proof enough of
Yankee liberality; and more than they generally get credit for. In
fact, from the time I entered New England, I was treated with the
greatest friendship; and, I hope, never shall forget it; and I wish all
who read this book, and who never were there, would take a trip among
them. If they don't learn how to make money, they will know how to use
it; and if they don't learn industry, they will see how comfortable
everybody can be that turns his hands to some employment."
Crockett was not a mere joker. He was an honest man, and an earnest
man; and under the tuition of Congress had formed some very decided
political principles, which he vigorously enforced with his rude
eloquence.
When he first went to Congress he was merely a big boy, of very strong
mind, but totally uninformed, and uncultivated. He very rapidly
improved under the tuition of Congress; and in some degree awoke to the
consciousness of his great intellectual imperfections. Still he was
never diffident. He closed one of his off-hand after-dinner speeches in
Boston, by saying:
"Gentlemen of Boston, I come here as a private citizen, to see you, and
not to show myself. I had no idea of attracting attention. But I feel
it my duty to thank you, with my gratitude to you, and with a gratitude
to all who have given a plain man, like me, so kind a reception. I come
from a great way off. But I shall never repent of having been persuaded
to come here, and get a knowledge of your ways, which I can carry home
with me. We only want to do away prejudice and give the people
information.
"I hope, gentlemen, you will excuse my plain, unvarnished ways, which
may seem strange to you here. I never had but six months' schooling in
all my life. And I confess, I consider myself a poor tyke to be here
addressing the most intelligent people in the world. But I think it the
duty of every representative of the people, when he is called upon, to
give his opinions. And I have tried to give you a little touch of mine."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account