I was brought hither under the disadvantage of being unknown, even by sight, to any of you.  No previous canvass was made for me.  I was put in nomination after the poll was opened.  I did not appear until it was far advanced.  If, under all these accumulated disadvantages, your good opinion has carried me to this happy point of success, you will pardon me, if I can only say to you collectively, as I said to you individually, simply and plainly, I thank you,—­I am obliged to you,—­I am not insensible of your kindness.

This is all that I am able to say for the inestimable favor you have conferred upon me.  But I cannot be satisfied without saying a little more in defence of the right you have to confer such a favor.  The person that appeared here as counsel for the candidate who so long and so earnestly solicited your votes thinks proper to deny that a very great part of you have any votes to give.  He fixes a standard period of time in his own imagination, (not what the law defines, but merely what the convenience of his client suggests,) by which he would cut off at one stroke all those freedoms which are the dearest privileges of your corporation,—­which the Common Law authorizes,—­which your magistrates are compelled to grant,—­which come duly authenticated into this court,—­and are saved in the clearest words, and with the most religious care and tenderness, in that very act of Parliament which was made to regulate the elections by freemen, and to prevent all possible abuses in making them.

I do not intend to argue the matter here.  My learned counsel has supported your cause with his usual ability; the worthy sheriffs have acted with their usual equity; and I have no doubt that the same equity which dictates the return will guide the final determination.  I had the honor, in conjunction with many far wiser men, to contribute a very small assistance, but, however, some assistance, to the forming the judicature which is to try such questions.  It would be unnatural in me to doubt the justice of that court, in the trial of my own cause, to which I have been so active to give jurisdiction over every other.

I assure the worthy freemen, and this corporation, that, if the gentleman perseveres in the intentions which his present warmth dictates to him, I will attend their cause with diligence, and I hope with effect.  For, if I know anything of myself, it is not my own interest in it, but my full conviction, that induces me to tell you, I think there is not a shadow of doubt in the case.

I do not imagine that you find me rash in declaring myself, or very forward in troubling you.  From the beginning to the end of the election, I have kept silence in all matters of discussion.  I have never asked a question of a voter on the other side, or supported a doubtful vote on my own.  I respected the abilities of my managers; I relied on the candor of the court.  I think the worthy sheriffs will bear me witness that I have never once made an attempt