The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Natchez, May 17.

ROBERT WILLIAMS, Esq

Was inducted into office as governor of this territory, on Monday last, the 13th inst. at the town of Washington.

The oath of office was administered by the hon. Judge Rodney, in presence of a number of respectable citizens, who attended on the occasion: previous to the oath, his excellency delivered a concise and impressive address.

A committee was appointed by the citizens present, to wait on the governor, and express to him the satisfaction they had experienced in the sentiments he had delivered; and to request that they might be furnished with the address for publication, which request he was pleased to assent to.

ADDRESS.
FELLOW CITIZENS

Having been appointed to fill the executive department of this government, an office honorable to myself, not only from its source, but in proportion to the interest and respectability of those over whom I am to preside; I avail myself of this opportunity to declare that it is with great diffidence and much concern, I undertake the execution of its duties.

Not because I am apprehensive every one will not be satisfied with my conduct; that is not to be expected; for he must be more than mortal who can please all, even the just men will often differ when acting under the influence of correct principles and proper motives.

Virtuous differences lead to rational investigation--the sure guide to truth and knowledge. Nor do I fear my conscience will ever reproach me with having done an act in the execution of my office, derogatory to the solemn obligations into which I am now about to enter. Nor is it that I dread the customary mode of attack on public characters, especially those high in office, through the medium of the press; and generally by those who are disposed to attribute every difference from their own mode of thinking on public measures, to ignorance or design. But it is because I am convinced our government is founded on principles of political freedom, common justice and constitutional rights; and that an administration solicitous to promote those objects has called on me to aid in affording them to you; and also, because I am insensible so people with whom I am acquainted, merit more the enjoyment of those blessings than yourselves. Therefore it is, that I am concerned lest my exertions may disappoint your expectations, deprive you of the benefits that government is capable, and the administration desirous, to afford; and to which a more able and experienced character might more fully contribute.

Knowing that it is not uncommon in communities for considerable expectations to be entertained by some on occasions like the present, I will take the liberty to remark, that I think it equally hazardous to those who are governed, as to him who governs, to raise them too high.
declared: and those who govern: end that I mean to say nothing that shall encourage them with any concept that I shall not know party, or regard the fashionable turns of political distinction, farther than the principles of our federal government and a support of the administration most deeply led to adhere to them shall justify. And for my part if I shall have the approbation of my own conscience I shall be satisfied; next to which it will be my pride, not only to merit a continuation of that confidence heretofore manifested towards me, but the good opinion and approbation of my fellow citizens in general, and in a particular manner those for whom I am immediately to act.

Fellow citizens, being satisfied with the rectitude of my own intentions—relying on the support of a generous and liberal people, who, I trust, will ever be moved by fraud and forgive, that to embrace and condemn the honest counsels of our wise forefathers. Shall be to consult their individual happiness,—and immediate their affected prosperity equally with the general good, I have commenced, and now proceed to take the necessary oaths for my induction into office—Supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to inspire the people of this territory as well as their rulers, with a conviction of the expediency of inculcating religion, virtue and morality, as the great pillars of society, order and good government.