Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-02-07

devolves the task OF expressing the gratitude Of
his brother soldiers. 1t was a great and happy
thought OF the Legislature of our country, to in-
yite the conqucror of the 9Th of January, to the
held OF his glory; there TO gladden. his eyes by
the cheering spectacle of n nations gratitude to
or 10 his sight, after thirteen years had elapsed,
crowned with the choicest gifts Of nature, en-
riched by the tribute ct commerce, of industry,
and of the arts Louisiana whom he had boheld
IN the days OF her mourning, in the hour OF ca
lamity.
Prosperity, (and we call on you, General, 10
Witnessit does not harden the hearts of Frcemen,
for il is in the midst of all the felicity, which Pro-
violence can bestow on a favored people, that Lou
isianians delight to look back to epoch, mark ed
by dread portcnts and actual pcris; and is at the
very moment when they feel most intensely their
present happiness, that they recall the remem-
brance OF the day when you appeared among them
for the first time. You found them (they never
will be found otherwiseD ready TO pour out their
hearts blood in defence Of their country; but they
had been waiting for chief, for one firm OF pur
pose, capable OF breasng the approaching tenn
pest They aware, that in such cri SIS, uni
tyot command was their only safety, and that you
alone could collect the scattered reeds, bind them
together, and give them, thus united, force that
would defy all hostile efforts. You called OIL the
brave, wherever born! aud you uttered the sacred
words, Honour! Countryi
All hearts vibrated at the sound-wllat once was
rivalry became emulltion-wh.t had been envy,
was changed into noble jealousy OF fame. Va
rious languages were spoken at these memorable
INES, out IN every tongue the valiant vowed 10
conquer or TO die. You had inspired all your war
ri0rs with your own presagng hopes.
We have come this day to salute, at the very in
slant when he treads again this ha!lowed ground,
The Hero OF this great anniversary. We come, too,
like the Greeks OF old, when they visited the
field OF Marathon, TO honor the warriors whom fate
forbade to join i'll the triumph they purchased at
The price or their lives.
But why do detain you so long, even on this
teid oil your fame? while these veteran soldiers
press the hand of their chief, whole city waits the
retura oil the vessel which bears the guest OF Lou
isiana.
The Legislators of our country have suspended
their deliberations; the multitude cover the banks
OF this great river, the temples opened; the in
cense burns, ascending TO Heaven, together with
the blessings of a grateful people. Go, happy con-
queror! Go! and hear the voice of mothers greeting
the Hero who brought them back their sons-Go!
& hear the cheerings of the wives s. daughters from
whom you averted the Insults of lawless soldiery.
Col and meet the kind, tire rapturous welcome of
the new generaton-the children born since 1915,
The future men of Louisiana, await also the deli
vercr of their fathers, the Chieflain who already
lives in history the equal of the heroes of ancient
days
TO which the General thus replied:
Sir,-Your language and Imagination, attest the
fervonr OF the cline you inhabit, and do justice TO
the generous people you represent They do JUS
tce aiso to my brave associates, who enriched the
field before with glory, and filed it with recoi-
lectons which powerfully excite yo,r enhu ST.
asm, and are regarded with such liberal int rest by
your state. While rejoice with you in the pros
perity OF Louisiana, which smiles the banks and
floats on the current of its majestic river | take
pleasure in rejecting that it is the Just reward OF
the valour and patriotism she displayed under a
pressure of danger which valour and patriotism
could alone have supported.
In this assembly, see many of her sons, whose
swords opposed a rampant to the powerful foe, and
whose lives were preserved in honor, because they
were offered sacrifice TO glory. You SIR az. one
OF this chivalric band and doubtless when you
witness this scene, you filled with those emo
tons, which your fancy compares 10 the feelings
OF the soldiers of Miltiades, when they revisited
the field of their victory. Here l rejoice to meet
you, and TO mingle my eXultGton with yours, in
the prosperity and glory of our common country
The ceremonies being completed the General
escorted by the ieet OF steam boats, was conduct
ed to the landing in front of the house of Mr. Be-
nard Margny where he was waited upon by a
committee appointed by both Houses of the Legis-
lature OF the State, III conformity with recommen-
dation OF Gov. Johnson, to that honorable body,
ITO take every measure, in order that our illustr-
Gus guest may be received and entertained in a
manner due TO his distinguished services, and hon
orable 10 Louisiana; and to unite in the expression
OF our respect and admiration for the patriot survi-
Vor, to whom, under the favor of heaven, we are
so much indebted
Mr.. Johnson, the chairman of the committee
addressed the General as follows:
General-The people of the State Of Louisiana
have looked forward with the most intense inter-
est and lively expectation, 10 the arrival of the an
V.
the Sth OF January, which was to afford them the
gratihcation OF making you hearty welcome TO
their State and its Capital, and of ndulging in all
the inspiring associations which the presence OF
the individual whom they 'sdelight TO honor'' is
so eminently calculated to create
That period has arrived general and the people
hail ii with JOY, with hearts beating high and flied
with the strongest emotions of gratitude and afec-
ton to their friend and benefactor. With a deem
sense OF your worth, and acknowledging with uTI-
ieISned sincerity the link which connects you Ia
them, they wait with impaticnee for the consum-
nation Of their first wish, and they will now be
graifed.
The Legislature Of the State being convened.
the two bodies have appointed a joint committee,
oil which have the honor TO be the humble organ
70 announce to you that the Executive together
with both branches Of the General Assembly, are
IN readiness TO receive you in their Hall that Won
may join them and their fellow citizens in the cell
ebration of this day. the anniversary of that which
occupies 50 vast space in their memories
we cannot express 20 you, General, how much
we feel battered by the distinction with which we
have been honored in being selected as tue organ
OF the Legislature TO make this communication and
TO accompany you into the bosom Of that body
which is eager to make you welcome
We beg you, General, 20 accept our individual
and sincere congratulations on your safe arrival.
and the assurances Of Our high consideration.
TO which the General made feeling and i'm
pressivc reply; copy of which we have not been
able TO procure for publication.
The troops OF the United States commanded by
Col Taylor, the Natchcz Feucibies commanded
by Capt. Butler, the New Orleans Legion the
Louisiana Guards, the Lafayette Bincmen, and the
militia under the command OF Gen. Bobeson, be-
ing drawn up TO receive hin-the General landed