The Rhode Island Republican

Miscellany.

From the New-Hampshire Patriot.

LISTEN AGAIN TO THE VOICE OF THE HERO OF BENNINTON

"SHALL WISDOM cry aloud, and not her voice be heard ?" Shall the warning voice of STARK, the CINCINNATUS of AMERICA, the Hero who never sought for honours but in the tented field or in the rural duties of his own farm, who never sighed for the loaves and fishes of office—pass unnoticed, unheeded.

HIGHLY INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE

Washington, Dec. 26, 1809.

SIR,

A VERY particular friend of yours, who has been much recommended to my esteem, has lately mentioned you to me in a manner, of which I avail myself to offer this expression of the sense I have always entertained of your character, and of the part you bore, as a Hero and a Patriot, in establishing the Independence of our country.

I cannot better render this tribute, than by congratulating you on the happiness you cannot fail to derive from the motives which made you a Champion in so glorious a cause; from the gratitude shewn by your fellow-citizens for the distinguished services; and especially from the opportunity which a protracted life has given you, of witnessing the triumph of Republican Institutions so dear to you, in the unrivalled prosperity flowing from them, during a trial of more than a fourth of a century.

May your life still be continued as long as it can be a blessing ;'and may the example it will bequeath, never be lost on those who live after you.

JAMES MADISON.

Gen. JOHN STARK.

ANSWER.

Derryfield, Jan. 21, 1810.

SIR,

I HAD the pleasure yesterday of receiving an address from the First Magistrate of the only Republick on Earth. This letter compliments me highly upon my services as a soldier and praises my patriotism. It is true I love the country of my birth ; or it is not only the country I should choose above all others ; but it is the only spot where I' could wear out the remnant of my days with any satisfaction.

Twice my country has been invaded by foreign enemies, and twice I went with the rest to obtain peace. And when the object was gained, I returned to my farm and my original occupation. I have ever valued peace so high, that I would not sacrifice it for any thing but freedom ; yet submission to insult I never thought the way to gain or support either.

I was pleased with your dismissal of a man the English sent to insult us, because they will see by the experiment that we are the same nation that we were in '76—grown strong by age, and having gained wisdom by experience.

If the enmity of the British nation is to be feared, their alliance is much more dangerous. For I have fought with them and against them, and I found them treacherous and ungenerous as friends, and dishonourable as enemies. I have tried the French likewise first as enemies and then as friends ; and although all the strong partialities of my youth were against them, still I formed a more favourable opinion of them. But let us watch THEM.

However among all the dangers that I have been witness of to our country and our " Republican Institutions," perhaps there is none that requires a more watchful eye than our INTERNAL BRITISH FACTION.

If the communication of the result of my experience can be of any use in the approaching storm, or if any use can be derived from any example of mine—my strongest wish will be gratified.

The few days or weeks of the remainder of my life will be in friendship with JAMES MADISON.

JOHN STARK.

To James Madison, President of the United States.