“Men and Brethren!

“Though it has been said of me, as it was of the Apostle Paul—‘his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible,’ yet will I say unto you, as Paul said to King Agrippa, I shall answer for myself this day.

“My manner of life is known to you all. Born in Scotland, and brought up in the religion and sentiments of my forefathers, I have always been proud of the Scottish name, and yet I stand here esteemed by you, who are of another nation, worthy to be trusted among the warders in the watch-tower of your rights. I am deeply sensible of this great honour; but, in proposing it, have you considered the infirmity of man? Have you weighed the temptations wherewith I may be tempted—temptations with which mine integrity hath never yet been tried?

“Did the trust you would repose in me require but honesty in the arbitration of such plain questions as arise between man and man, then might I venture to accept it; for over the balance-sheets of trade and the schedules of reciprocities Honesty may withstand the affections of Patriotism. But the questions which rouse the animosities of nations are of that kind in which I am conscious of being least able to sustain a proper part. You are persuaded, by the character I have earned amongst you, that justice would be the guide of my judgment. But search your own hearts, and then say, if you can, that in a national quarrel you would be satisfied with only justice. Do you believe that I am so superior to the sentiments of youth and the principles of manhood, that I would stand as an American by the American cause in a controversy between your country and my old native land upon the point of honour? that for a stain on the stripes and stars, I could in my heart be consenting to require, with true zeal, indemnification at the expense of any British prerogative?