September 25

Boston, MA

William Jennings Bryan, The First Battle: A Story of the Campaign of 1896 (Chicago: W.B. Conkey Company, 1896), 493-494.

"I desire to express thanks for the kindly words spoken in praise of the people of, the Mississippi valley. You appreciate their intelligence, piety and patriotism. We recognize that to a large extent we are the descendants of those who began our nation's history here, and if we do not all have in our veins the blood of the Revolutionary sires, we all share with you the spirit which they bequeathed to the entire country.

It is more than gratifying to find here in Boston so many who are in hearty accord with the sentiments expressed in the Chicago platform, From reading some of your papers I had almost expected to find the majority of your people looking for the tea in order that they might return it to the mother country. I appreciate what has been said in regard to the magnitude of this struggle. It is a great struggle, a struggle whose importance is not fully realized even by many who are fighting with us.

It was said by one of your great men, that 'Here the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot heard round the world.'

My friends, in this nation today the embattled farmers, together with laboring men and business men, are firing a shot that will be heard round the world.

I do not take unto myself the words which are spoken in praise, because my personality is lost in the cause for which I at this time stand.

I say to you that I realize the immense consequences which may follow from victory or defeat. I am a believer in Almighty God, and my prayer is that He may give me strength to bear whatever responsibilities are imposed upon me, and wisdom to discharge whatever duties fall to me."