public faith; these are all objects to which I am willing to devote myself, both in public and in private life.  I do not expect that much of public service remains to be done by me; but I am ready, for the promotion of these objects, to act with sober men of any party, and of all parties.  I am ready to act with men who are free from that great danger that surrounds all men of all parties,—­the danger that patriotism itself, warmed and heated in party contests, will run into partisanship.  I believe that, among the sober men of this country, there is a growing desire for more moderation of party feeling, more predominance of purely public considerations, more honest and general union of well-meaning men of all sides to uphold the institutions of the country and carry them forward.

In the pursuit of these objects, in public life or in a private station, I am willing to perform the part assigned to me, and to give them, with hearty good-will and zealous effort, all that may remain to me of strength and life.

[Footnote 1:  The office of Representative in Congress.]

[Footnote 2:  Lord Ashburton.]

[Footnote 3:  Mr. Edward Everett.]

[Footnote 4:  Mr. Andrew Stevenson.]

[Footnote 5:  Mr. Parmenter.]

[Footnote 6:  Mr. R.C.  Winthrop.]

THE LANDING AT PLYMOUTH.

A SPEECH DELIVERED ON THE 22d OF DECEMBER, 1843, AT THE PUBLIC DINNER OF
THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LANDING OF
THE PILGRIMS.

[The great Pilgrim festival was celebrated on the 22d of December, 1843, by the New England Society of New York, with uncommon spirit and success.  A commemorative oration was delivered in the morning by Hon. Rufus Choate, in a style of eloquence rarely equalled.  The public dinner of the Society, at the Astor House, at which M.H.  Grinnell, Esq. presided, was attended by a very large company, composed of the members of the Society and their invited guests.  Several appropriate toasts having been given and responded to by the distinguished individuals present, George Griswold, Esq. rose to offer one in honor of Mr. Webster.  After a few remarks complimentary to that gentleman, in reference to his services in refuting the doctrine of nullification and in averting the danger of war by the treaty of Washington, Mr. Griswold gave the following toast:—­

“DANIEL WEBSTER,—­the gift of New England to his country, his whole country, and nothing but his country.”

This was received with great applause, and on rising to respond to it Mr. Webster was greeted with nine enthusiastic cheers, and the most hearty and prolonged approbation.  When silence was restored, he spoke as follows.]