Inasmuch as many on both sides of the question have undertaken to set forth principles by which the American people ought to be governed, and, as some, at least, have put forth the most wild and extravagant notions, I for one, who have never meddled with politics, will presume to give my opinions.

I relollect well, that in 1814, ’15[1815], and ’16[1816], when the country was flooded with worthless Bank paper, followed by an unprecedented pressure, and a United States Bank was called for, it came, and like the genial warmth of the sun after a boisterous winter, shed its benign influence over the land of freedom; and that influence was felt and acknowledged. It acted like a charm, the currency became regular, and the prices of produce even and steady. In those golden days there were no expansions and contractions. The U. S. Bank acted like a ballance to all the other finances of the country—the wants of the country were anticipated and met in due time. This is what we find cannot be done by the State Banks—we have tried them, fairly tried them—the result is a total disappointment.

In those days too, defalcations were rare and trifling to what they are now-a-days. We ought to return to those truly republican measures. I shall not undcrtake to say that the Banking system is the best that could be devised; but as the people of the United States are not likely or willing to do without banks, it becomes us as a great, wise, magnanimous people, to give to that system such force and energy, that it will be able to support and defend itself against all contingencies, while it keeps within its proper sphere of action, and at the same time, throw around it such guards that it will be prohibited from transcending its proper bounds. This, it is believed, would have been the case had the bill re-chartering the U. S. Bank in 1832, become a law and went into operation. But the great popularity of one man, at that time, who happened to be at the head of Government, opposed the measure, which has had a most ruinous effect upon the financies of our country. The people bowed in submission to his mandates, and ruin has followed in his train.—Let us return to the old order of things, and peace, harmony and confidence will be restored.

But you will ask how is this to be done? I will answer. It can be done only in one way, that is, by placing Gen. William Henry Harrison in the Presidential chair. His published opinions, together with the whole history of his life, are a sufficient guarantee, that such selfish views as have governed the present dominant party, have never found place in him. The present dynasty have knowingly suffered millions of the public treasure to be squandered—while, on the other hand, Gen. Harrison has not taken as much as the law allowed him for his public services. Again, while Mr. Van Buren was weakening our energies in our struggle with Great Britain in the late war, by his counsel and votes, Gen. Harrison was in the field repelling our enemies.

But here my indignation rises—when I think of the services, which I know Gen. Harrison has rendered his country, and the calumny which is heaped upon him as a reward for it,—yes, when I see one of the main pillars of our Republic—one of the benefactors of our country—thus slandered, I cannot hold my peace. Only view him in 1812, taking the field, after the shameful conduct of Hull had brought the scenes of dessolating war into the very bosom of own country—every thing was to be created anew on our part—while the enemy was gaining strength and courage by our disasters. Yes, he took the field under the most discouraging circumstances; but the sequel shows, that the confidence of the Government had not been misplaced, when the North-Western army was committed to his charge[.] It has been said that he was not in possession of either valor or military skill. I know this was not the opinion which the people entertained of him in 1813. When he called on Gov.[Governor] Shelby of Kentucky for a strong body of volunteers, to check the incursions of the enemy, four thousand Kentuckians responded to that call; and I was among the number of those who immediately repaired to his camp, to join his standard. We arrived at the Lake at the point where Commodore Perry was landing his prisoners on the 14th of September.—Gen. Harrison very soon made know his intention of crossing the Lake to take Fort Malden; and the enthusiasm with which this was received may be imagined from the circumstance, that many thousand of militia from Pennsylvania and Kentucky, whose term of service had expired, volunteered to cross the Lake to the seige of Malden. But as soon as it was ascertained that Malden was evacuated they returned home. The troops which Gov.[Governor] Shelby led out went on to the battle of the Thames. And this was the order of battle on that day Oct.[October] 5th, 1813: Col.[Colonel] Johnson’s regiment in front occupying the whole space from he river on our right to the pond on the left. Close [I]n his rear Gen. Trotter’s brigade of foot, extending beyond the pond. Maj. Mason’s battalion occupying that part of the front line of foot beyond the pond; this battalion being the only part of the foot soldiers actually engaged—I was in this battalion on the extreme left wing. Gen. Harrison was there dashing from place to place, where bullets flew thick as hail, and although the enemy had posted himself so advantageously that we could not bring more than half his number to bear, yet our general made his attack with so much skill and judgement, that in less than an hour they were routed, killed or taken prisoners to a man. And now victory, complete victory, perched upon his standard. In little more than a year from his taking the field he accomplished more than any officer with the same means. The whole history of Gen. Harrison is to be found in the history of the western country. It evinces indubitably, that he is an able, efficient officer, capable of filling the highest offices with dignity and honor to himself, and the country.

Now, therefore, let us not be ungrateful to him, nor unmindful of our duties and our interests; but with one heart and one voice; invite him to take the helm of the ship of State; then and not till then, shall we be guided into the port of safety, and of peace;—that this may be the case, let us not cease to call upon the Great Disposer of events in nations as well as individuals, and, at the same time, use all honorable exertions for this much to be desired event.