Daily National Intelligencer

FOR THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.

Uncle Sam possessed a large uncultivated landed estate, but was not in a condition to improve it; and also had to contend with a very powerful neighbor in an expensive law suit respecting the title to and possession thereof. In this situation, as nothing better could be done, he engaged a number of his friends and relatives to aid him, who were well convinced of the justice of his cause. They accordingly, neglecting their own private affairs, devoted their whole time and attention to fencing, clearing and improving the estate, and supporting the suit, under very great privations; for frequently it was not either in their power to procure, nor in his to give them a necessary subsistence, and they had generally to live on hard fare, and sometimes suffer with real hunger and nakedness. Several forcible entries were attempted, and repelled by these men, who were encouraged by the owner with very large and liberal promises of remuneration on his final success, and he solemnly assured them, that as their present time was hard and perilous, yet he would make their latter days not only comfortable, but affluent and honorable. By the aid of these persevering men he not only got his farm well fenced and tolerably productive, but gained his suit at law, and was established in peaceable possession of the premises. These men who had so generously aided him now demanded a part of their reward. My friends, answered Uncle Sam, I cannot at present do justice to your merits; I acknowledge myself indebted to your labor and manly perseverance, and will, as soon as possible, do every thing for you that I can; but at present I am not in sufficient cash, and what I have is absolutely necessary to enable me to improve my farm, erect handsome buildings, and purchase a small tract of very valuable meadow adjoining me. When this is done, wealth will flow in upon me, and I will amply remunerate you for your claims on me, which are just, and ought to be satisfied.

In this situation affairs remained, and nothing was done for such a number of years that many of these honest men departed this life, and but few were left to demand the proposed remuneration. In the mean time, Uncle Sam had grown immensely rich; had not only improved his farm to a great extent, but had built a great number of elegant buildings, and purchased and added a number of very valuable farms to his domain, and was allowed to be one of the most wealthy, powerful, and flourishing farmers in the world. Now was the time, if ever, said the survivors of those to whom he acknowledged he was so much indebted, to demand our just rights: the excuse of inability or having other things to do with his money can be longer urged; his coffers are overflowing. They accordingly went, cap in hand, and respectfully requested Uncle Sam to consider their claims on him, and discharge the debt so long due. I acknowledge, replied Uncle Sam, the justice of your claim; but I will never pay you; and you know well that you are not in any condition to prosecute your claims in any court of justice against my power and influence; out if you, or any of you, will acknowledge that you are totally incapacitated to get your living, I will commiserate the case of such persons, upon due proof being made, and will grant him a monthly allowance, to keep him off the parish.

Generous man! we thank you for your benevolent disposition, replied one of the applicants; we risked death, and suffered many privations to support you in your difficulties, and to establish you in that independence from which has resulted all your wealth and power; but we will not now barter our independence for the miserable pittance you are now about to bestow, when we are fast descending to the grave. We came not to beg; we came to demand our just rights; and as there are no courts of justice in this world now where we can contend with you, we appeal to God and to posterity for judgment between us.

ARISTIDES.