He will tell you of the capture of Andre, who from a spy, was elevated by a false estimate and a mistaken sympathy, into a hero and a martyr -- of the temptations which had corrupted the second man in the nation's estimation, being rejected by the sons of the farmers of Westchester-- of the delivery of the spy into the hands of the great good man of the ags -- of modern times -- of all times whatever, and of their receiving his glorious approbation -- of the applauses of the nation -- and the thanks of that most illustrious body, the old Congress of the United States -- the noblest reward which was ever bestowed on a private citizen. Lastly, my friends, he will tell you what a source of honest pride -- of heart-felt pleasure -- of unutterable happiness has it been to him, and will be to the last hour of his life, the reflection that he did his duty to his country in her hour of peril.
My Friends : -- The man to whose mouldering remains and imperishable memory we are now paying the last honours, was born and brought up among us. Like many now present, he was the son of a plain country farmer, who cultivated his own fields with his own hands ; and he received such an education only, as is now within the reach of every honest man's son in these United States. He had nothing to boast of but a vigorous, active, well-proportioned frame, a daring spirit, and an honest heart. His means and opportunities were only such as you all enjoy ; and his example furnishes a lesson to you all, of what every one of you is capable of becoming, when the hour of danger arrives, and our country requires the aid of a virtuous patriotism.