The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield: Twentieth President of the United States, Including Full and Accurate Details of His Eventful Administration, Assassination, Last Hours, Death, Etc., Together with Notable Extracts from His Speeches and LettersBrown, E. E. (Emma Elizabeth)
History
The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield: Twentieth President of the United States, Including Full and Accurate Details of His Eventful Administration, Assassination, Last Hours, Death, Etc., Together with Notable Extracts from His Speeches and Letters
Brown, E. E. (Emma Elizabeth)
Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881; Presidents -- United States -- Biography
I gaze upon the broad green waters as they come placid and
smooth, like firm battalions of embattled hosts, moving in
steady columns, till the sloping channel stirs the depths
and maddens all the waters. Then with angry roar the legions
bound along the opposing rocks, until they reach the awful
brink, where, all surcharged with frantic fury, they leap
bellowing down the fearful rocks which thunder back the
sullen echoes of thy voice, and shout God's power above the
cloudy skies! Oh man! frail child of dust thou art to lift
thy insect voice upon this spot where the Almighty thunders
from the swelling floods that lift to heaven their hoary
breath, like clouds of smoking incense. Oh, that the
assembled millions of the earth could now behold this scene
sublime and awful, and adore the everlasting God whose
fingers piled these giant cliffs, and sent his sounding
seas to thunder down and shout in deafening tones, 'We come
from out the hollow of His hand, and haste to do His
bidding.'
"Your friend and brother,
"JAMES A. GARFIELD."
Here are a few lines written in 1859, just after his nomination to the
Senate of Ohio,--
"Long ago, you know, I had thought of a public career, but I
fully resolved to forego it all, unless it could be obtained
without wading through the mire into which politicians
usually plunge. The nomination was tendered me, and by
acclamation, though there were five candidates. I never
solicited the place, nor did I make any bargain to secure
it. I shall endeavor to do my duty, and if I never rise any
higher, I hope to have the consolation that my manhood is
unsullied by the past."
"WLLLIAMSTOWN, June 19, 1855.
"MY DEAR CORYDON: Your favor of the 4th inst. was received
about ten days ago, but I have been entirely unable to
answer until this time. A day or two after it came I left
for Pittstown, N. Y., to attend a yearly meeting of
Disciples, where I spent some four days, and last Saturday I
left again for Poestenkill, and spoke to the people Saturday
evening and three discourses on Lord's Day.... We had good
meetings in each place, and much interest. I cannot resist
the appeals of our brethren for aid while I have the
strength to speak to them.... I tell you, my dear brother,
the cause in which we are engaged must take the world. It
fills my soul when I reflect upon the light, joy, and love
of the ancient Gospel, and its adaptation to the wants of
the human race.... I long to be in the thickest of the
fight, and see the army of truth charge home upon the
battalions of hoary-headed error. But I must be content to
be a spy for a time, till I have reconnoitred the enemy's
stronghold, and then I hope to work. Ever your friend and
classmate,
"JAMES A. GARFIELD."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield: Twentieth President of the United States, Including Full and Accurate Details of His Eventful Administration, Assassination, Last Hours, Death, Etc., Together with Notable Extracts from His Speeches and Letters — John Shaqi
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