Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-08-24

way to the City Haik The crowds which hap
assembled to pay honour to the respected wish
tor and to be gratifed with view of his per-
son, were such as almost to prevent the passage
Of the carriages aud the troops. The scene
could not but have afforded to the Marquis the
most delightful qualifications. The houses to
the very roofs were filled with spectators and to
the iucessant cheers of the multitude, graceful
females signiied their welcome by the Silent,
but not less grateful and affecting testimony of
the waving of Iandkerchicfs.
Arrived at the City Hall, the Marquis was
conducted by the Committee to the Common
Council Chamber, where the Corporation were
assembled. The members OF the Common
Council rose on his entrance, and upon being
presented by the Chairman. Alderman Zabris-
kie, to the Mayor, his Honor addressed him in
the following speech:--
Geaerui-ln the name Of tho municipal au-
thority of the city, bid you siucere welcome
to the shores OF a country of whose freedom aud
| happiness you will ever be considered one of
the most honorel AMI beloved tonnIers.
Your only contemporaries in arms, of wAom
indeed but few remain, have not forgot, AMI
their posterity will never forget the YOUNG and
GALLANT FRENcsMAN who consetrated his
youth, his talents, his fortune, aud his exertions
To their cause-who exposed his lfe-who shed
his blood that they might become free and happy.
They will recollect with profound emotions, Sd
long as they remain worthy OF the liberties they
ENJOY, anu the eXertions you mrie to Obtain
them, that you came to them in the darkest pc
Rod OF their struggle-tat you linked your for
tune with theirs, when it seemed almost hope
less--that YOU shared in the dangers, privations
and suiferings of that bitter struggle nor quit
ted them for Il moment, till it was consum:na-
ted on the glorious field of Yorktown. Half
century has elapsed since that great event, and
IN that time your name has become as dear To
| the friends, as inseparably connected with tl.c
cause Of freedom, III the old, as in the new
worl.
| The people of the United States look up to
you as to one of their most honored parents -
the country chcrishes you as one of the most
beloved of her SONS. hope and trust, sir, that
not only the present, but tile future conduct of
my countrymen, to the latest period of time
will among other SANDERS, refute the unjust i'm
putation, that Republics are always uugrateul
| to their benefacturs.
| In behalf of my fellow citizens of New York
and speaking the warm and universal scntI
ments of the whole people oil the Upited States,
| repeat their welcome to our common country
/ Permit inc to add that the moment of my life
to which shall look hack with the greatest plea
sure and pride, will be that in Which il fell to my
lot to be an o; gan for expressing, however feeby
Nations gratitude.
To which the Marquis made the following re-
fply:-
SIR-NFhc am so afFectionateIy received
by the Citizens of New York, and their worthy
representatives feel myself overwhelmed with
IInexpressible emotions. The sight ofthc Amer-
can shore, after SO long an absence; the recol-
lection of the many respected friends and dear
companions Ho more to be found Oh this land
the pleasure TO recognize those who have sur
VIred; this immense concourse OF a free Re
publican population who SO kimisy welcome me
the admirable appearance of the troups, the pre-
sencc of a corps of the National Navy, have ex-
cited sentiments to which no human language
can be adequate. You have been Ideased, sir,
to allude to the happiest times, the unalIayed
enjoymerts OF my public life; ii is tire pride of
smy heart to have been one OF the earliest adop-
ted Sons OF America. i am proud also TO add
that upwards of 40 years ago, have been par
tcuarly honorcd with the freedom of this CITY,
| beg you, Mr.. Mayor, beg you, Gentlemen
to accept yourselves, and to transmit to the
citizens of New York, the homage of my pro-
found and everlasting gratitude, devotion and
| respect. =
| The Marquis and his son were then intro
duccd to the members of the Common Council
individually. The Marquis, attended by the
Common Council, and number of the military
and naval officers, then retired from the Com
mon Council Chamber, to the platform in front
OF tie City Hall, where they received the march
ing salute from the troops. They then re
tired to the portrait room in the ball. where re-
were pIoVIutu, where lie officers
of artillery who had been on duty, and a number
OF citizens were presented to him. The Com
mon Council then attended him to the CITY
Hotel, where rooms had been fitted up for his
reception, and where they dined together. In
giving the above account are aware that to
those who witnessed the scene. it will appear
cold and lifeless. The picture must want that
lie and interest which warmed the bosorns of
the participato-s when they reflected TO whom
these honors were given that il was 10 a man,
who, IN his youth, devoted his life and fortune
IN the cause of our countrywide willingly she'd
his blood the requirement of its Independence
and through all the despondng scenes OF the re.
voluton never forsooIx the side of his and our
country's father, the beloved Washington.
| At tire dinner mentioned above, in which the
Marquis and Corporation participated, we un-
dcrstand that among others the following toasts
were drunk.
| l. By me ,Harquis.-The City New York
And may all the nations who resort to this fou
rishing place, reflect on the blessing, of n free
Constitution, and the dignity of self governed
people.
Q. By1gj. Gen. .uorton.-TF,is day. IT has
been consecratcd 10 the finest and best feelings
OF the human heart--to National gratitude in
dvIduai respect, esteem and love.
g. Bv Col. Ogden, of N. Jersev-General
Marquis La Fayette- His sun rose in glory-its
meridian sbone in splendor-and its setting orb
now fills with glainess and gratitude the hearts
OF ten millions of people bcucatI these western
skies.