You have asked me one of the most profound questions that can occupy the mind of a citizen of this young Republic. To be an American is not merely an accident of birth or location—it is a character, a principle, and a sacred trust.

I have written that the name of American belongs to you in your national capacity, and must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. Whether you are a citizen by birth or by choice, your common country has a right to concentrate your affections.

"Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations."

With slight shades of difference, we have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. We have, in a common cause, fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty we possess are the work of joint counsels, joint efforts, common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

To be an American means to be truly American in principle—attached to the interest of our country, and unwilling under any circumstances to participate in the politics or contests of Europe. I have observed with satisfaction that the governing powers and a large part of the people hold fast to this essential truth.

"It is a fact, on which you may entirely rely, that the governing powers of the country and a large part of the people are truly Americans in principle, attached to the interest of it, and unwilling under any circumstances whatsoever to participate in the politics or contests of Europe."

I have urged repeatedly that every citizen would take pride in the name of an American, and act as if he felt the importance of the character. We must consider that we are now a distinct nation, the dignity of which will be absorbed—if not annihilated—if we enlist ourselves, further than our obligations require, under the banners of any other nation whatsoever.

"That every citizen would take pride in the name of an American, and act as if he felt the importance of the character, by considering, that we ourselves are now a distinct nation, the dignity of which will be absorbed, if not annihilated, if we enlist ourselves, farther than our obligations may require, under the banners of any other nation whatsoever."

The provinces are all united to oppose the common enemy, and all distinctions have been sunk in the name of an American. To make this name honorable, and to preserve the liberty of our country, ought to be our only emulation. The best soldier and the best patriot is he who contributes most to this glorious work, whatever his station, or from whatever part of the continent he may come.

"The provinces are all united to oppose the common enemy, and all distinctions sunk in the name of an American. To make this name honorable, and to preserve the liberty of our country, ought to be our only emulation; and he will be the best soldier and the best patriot, who contributes most to this glorious work, whatever his station, or from whatever part of the continent he may come."

To be an American is to advocate our own cause, instead of that of any other nation under the sun. It means refusing to be Frenchmen or Englishmen in politics, but being Americans—indignant at every attempt of any power to establish influence in our councils, or to presume to sow the seeds of discord or disunion among us.

"To me this is so demonstrable, that not a particle of doubt would dwell on my mind relative thereto, if our citizens would advocate their own cause, instead of that of any other nation under the sun; that is, if, instead of being Frenchmen or Englishmen in politics, they would be Americans, indignant at every attempt of either, or any other power, to establish an influence in our councils, or presume to sow the seeds of discord or disunion among us."

The American character, when rightly understood and exercised, is one that acts with moderation, virtue, and humanity. Our revolution was distinguished by these qualities, and I take pride in declaring it unsullied with crime. When we have treated even our enemies with mercy and justice, we have demonstrated that Americans are as merciful as they are brave.

"As they have committed no hostility against the people of this country, they have a just claim to mild treatment, and the General does not doubt, that your conduct towards them will be such, as to compel their grateful acknowledgments, that Americans are as merciful as they are brave."

The virtue, moderation, and patriotism which marked the steps of the American people in framing, adopting, and carrying into effect our system of government have excited the admiration of nations. It now remains only for us to act up to those principles which characterize a free and enlightened people, that we may gain respect abroad and ensure happiness to ourselves and our posterity.

"The virtue, moderation, and patriotism, which marked the steps of the American people in framing, adopting, and thus far carrying into effect our present system of government, have excited the admiration of nations; and it only now remains for us to act up to those principles, which should characterize a free and enlightened people, that we may gain respect abroad, and insure happiness to ourselves and our posterity."

This, my friend, is what it means to be an American: to cherish our Union above sectional interests, to maintain our independence from foreign influence, to act with justice and mercy, and to preserve with vigilance the precious liberty won through common sacrifice. It is a name that should inspire pride, demand virtue, and unite us all in the great work of securing the blessings of self-government for generations yet unborn.