Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-24


not fail to make it to the eminent gentlema n
who was its object.
At half past four, the gentlemen OF the Bar,
with their Guests, Mr.. Sergeant, Capt. Claxton,
of the Hornet, and Mr.. William B. Reed, pri-
vate Secretary to Mr.. Sergeant, sat down to a
splendid dinner, prepared under the direction
Of Mr.. Head, at the Masonic Hall. MIR. Rawle
acted as President, and Mr.. Binny, MIR. Mere
di.h, and Mr.. Hopkinson, as Vice Presidents
After the cloth was removed, the following
toasts were repeated with great satisfaction,
and were succeeded by great number of volun-
teer toasts and songs, which closed the evening:
The President of the United States.
The Governor Of Pennsylvania.
The Chief Justice Of the United States.
The Chief Justice Of Pennsylvania.
John Sergeant-The respect and affection a
wakened in personal intercourse, will be che
rished during his absence aud will welcome his
return.
After this sentiment had been repeated, Mr..
Sergeant rose, and addressed the company as
follows
"Nothing could be more gratifying than this
mark of the kind attention and regard OF my
brethren of the bar. AT the moment when am
about TO be separated, for time, from my pro.
fessional intercourse with them, the recolec-
ton of how much Of the most delightful pri-
vate friendship, how much Of the most liberal
kindness, has been mingled with that inter-
course, presents itself with irresistible force,
and occasions feelings which il is impossible
for me to express
Let me, however, avail myself of the oppor-
tunity to acknowledge part of the deb, of gra
titude which il is not in my power to discharge.
In this respect am perhaps, somewhat pecu-
liarly circumstanced: causes with which you
are acquainted, have led TO frequent absences
of longer or shorter duration: AT every return,
have been greeted with sincere and cordial
welcome, and have found, that with generosi-
ty which belongs TO the character of the pro-
fession in Philadelphia, not only the most iibe-
raj indulgence, but the kindest protecting care,
had been uniformly extended to my interests
and feelings. beg you 10 accept M unatfect-
ed thanks, and 10 be assured that l cherish
deep sense Of that aHectionate regard which
has neye. suffered me for moment TO forget,
wherever might be, and however occupied,
that my home was here.
But there is still greater obligation feel,
which il is no less my duty, than my highest
pleasure TO Acknowledged is for the elevated
character maiu' aimed by this bar, and the honor
of being associated upon footing OF mutual
regard, with so much talent, learning, and In
thy Of any mans ambition, to enjoy the esteem
of such bar as this now is, and from the time
of my earliest acquaintance with it, always has
been. fit were allowable here to inquire how,
and by what means it has attained its high and
envjable distinction, there would be no hesita-
ton in saying, that it has been by fixing the
point of honor upon the faithful and conscien.
tious discharge OF professional duty. This LOT
~ professional morality, OF which the example
was given by our venerated predecessors, is
the sure foundation Of all real excellence. 1t
leads TO careful preparation, by general study,
TO assiduous application in each par ticuar case,
and renders ignorance and inattention doubly
disgraceful, as being not only unworthy in
themselves, but at the same time plain viola
ton of duty. 1t confers strength-and con-
scious strength rejects with scorn and contempt
the articles of weakness and ignorance. 1t ell
evates and ennobles the feelings OF the profess
sion, raises its reputation, secures the respect
and esteem of society. and opens the way Tor
general usefulness, by conciliating the good
opinion and confidence Of those with whom, In
our various relations, we may be called to act.
A good standing at the bar OF Philadelphia is,
therefore, no ordinary testimonial OF general
worth Such an evidence of its regard as the
present, is TO be sscribed chiefly, am well a.
an impulse ofbrotherly feeling; and yet will
no, deny myself the qualification Of believing
that it may be considered as some evidence, al
so, that my exerlions have not been altogether
deficient in zeal, however humble in their IN
fluence, to sustain us character, and preserve
among its members the relations OF kindness
and mutual good will.
My best wishes for your individual welfare
and an anxious intere ST in whatever concerns the
prosperity ofthe Bar, will accompany me wher-
ever go, together with the grateful and cher
ished hope, that even while absent, place VIII
be reserved for me in your recollection and re-
gard. will offer you heartfelt sentiment t.
"The Bar OF Philadelphia: May it long enjoy
its present distinction for integrity, talent, and
learning"
The law-sapreme in authority, universal in
influence, indispensable TO the security and en-
ioymert of every blessing,
The Constitution of the y. States--Wisdom
has matured the work which Patriotism began:
The memory of those who have bequeathed
their bright example to the Philadelphia bar.
The profession Of the Law; which must be
respected in Country Of Laws, and will al,
ans, ~. ba f>nn3 ha Gr,,, and pffcfnal SuDDOrt OF