Debreczin, April 14, 1849.

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V.—­STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND AIMS.

[Castle Garden, New York, Dec. 6th.]

After apologies for his weakness through the effects of the sea, Kossuth continued:—­

Citizens! much as I want some hours of rest, much as I need to become acquainted with my ground, before I enter publicly on matters of business, I yet took it for a duty of honour to respond at once to your generous welcome.  I have to thank the People, the Congress, and the Government of the United States for my liberation.  I must not try to express what I felt, when I,—­a wanderer,—­but not the less the legitimate official chief of Hungary,—­first saw the glorious flag of the stripes and stars fluttering over my head—­when I saw around me the gallant officers and the crew of the Mississippi frigate—­most of them worthy representatives of true American principles, American greatness, American generosity.  It was not a mere chance which cast the star-spangled banner around me; it was your protecting will.  The United States of America, conscious of their glorious calling as well as of their power, declared by this unparalleled act their resolve to become the protectors of human rights.  To see a powerful vessel of America, coming to far Asia, in order to break the chains by which the mightiest despots of Europe fettered the activity of an exiled Magyar, whose name disturbed their sleep—­to be restored by such a protection to freedom and activity—­you may well conceive, was intensely felt by me; as indeed I still feel it.  Others spoke—­you acted; and I was free!  You acted; and at this act of yours tyrants trembled; humanity shouted out with joy; the Magyar nation, crushed, but not broken, raised its head with resolution and with hope; and the brilliancy of your stars was greeted by Europe’s oppressed millions as the morning star of liberty.  Now, gentlemen, you must be aware how great my gratitude must be.  You have restored me to life—­in restoring me to activity; and should my life, by the blessing of the Almighty, still prove useful to my fatherland and to humanity, it will be your merit—­it will be your work.  May you and your country be blessed for it!

Your generous part in my liberation is taken by the world for the revelation of the fact, that the United States are resolved not to allow the despots of the world to trample on oppressed humanity.  That is why my liberation was cheered from Sweden to Portugal as a ray of hope.  Even those nations which most desire my presence in Europe now, have said to me, “Hasten on, hasten on, to the great, free, rich, and powerful people of the United States, and bring over its brotherly aid to the cause of your country, so intimately connected with European liberty;” and here I stand to plead the cause of common human rights before your great Republic.  Humble as I am, God the Almighty has selected me to represent