Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-11-26
Richmond, 2oih 'Noucmber.

sibiiiy the distinguished mark OF kinoness
with which I have been honored by my iel'ow
citizens in their in vi,aiion to dine with them
tomorrow. in token Of their respect, and as a
cordial welcome to me on my return 10 my
naive state Profoundly grateful Tor this Hat
,ering testimony Of their regard, accept their
Invitation with pleasure.
Gentlemen, offer 10 you and my Fellow Ci'i-
,zens whom you represent an assuresnce OF my
warmes, regard. JAMES BARBOUR.
10 James Gbbon, John B Clopton Rich
ard Anderson, VIM. n. Richardson Tho.
Brockenbrough, Gurdon II. Bacchus,
and Augustine Neal, Esqs.
Gen Haryie presided, assisted by Maj. Glib
bon, Col. Preston and VIM. II. Fitzhugh, Esq.
After dinner. the following ioasts were given:
| Our Country: Nay her liberty as eternal
as her mountains, ever stand warning 10 The
oppressor. and an example TO tine oppressed.
2. Tn. President OF these United States
3. Our distinguished fellow citizen, James
Barbour-our ueighbor, our friend-we COL
daily welcome him home.
Mr. Barbour rose after the fore going toast
was drunk, and addressed the company as fol-
lows:
GENTLEMEN: Penetrated as l am with he
profoundes, era itude for the kindness aud con
.idera,ion with which you have honored me by
tins occ aston and its incidents, rise 10 give VI,
terance. as far as am able, to my feelings-to
acknowledge he debt you have imposed upon
meth great weight Of which will be present
10 my mind in al.cGming lime, and which |
fear | So all be utterly unable by any adequate
return 10 cancel.
In any period Of my life such token Of
respect as this day has furnished, would have
been highly appreCia'ed-'endered 10 me un-
der existing circumstances, its value is unap-
preciable. In visiting the metropolis OF my
native STATE, where Ispentlhr prime Of my life
in many happy day, and where had FORM
ed friendships which have ever delighted TO
cherish, I am me, by many oil lis inhabitants
and greeted with warm and cordial welcome
among them see mingled many distin-
guished cniz"ns from every part Of The STATE,
with some Of whom have bern a co-liborer
from nv youth in the public service, and am
hnnored also by the presence Of citizen> on
whom have been conferred the nigh-s, off IS
within the gif Of free and enigh ened peo
pie, and are the US, objects Of uni,ers i
venerai ion. Amid such naueting testimonies
If regard so generously fired, read favor.
.ble verdict OF my countrymen-of Brother
Virginians-on at least The purity Of my inten-
tons through long career OF upwards Of thu
~ years, unio,errupledly, in The service Of nv
couniry-and sometimes during that period IT,
trusts Of high respon>ihi,y-as such receive
it. aud as such regard il as an ines imanle
treasure Of which no human power can be
reave me. l will carryi, with mr. into the r, :
tirement to which am fastening; where, AMID
The dispensatious Of fortune, whether adverse
or prnpitious, it will a never failing sourc
Of consolation to me, and finally mos, invai
liable legacy to my children
II, IN the distant land where for season |
have been sojourning, a speedy return 10 nv
country and In my friends under ony circum
stances, however PEI sonaliy unpropi iou,, was
sin the object Of my unceasing desire how I'M
measuraby has my anticipated pleasure been
increased bv the occurrences have witnessed
since my return 10 my native State. In addi
lion 10 this most kind welcome, so gratifying
to me as an indi, idusl,l rave beheld = spectacle
no less so as Virg nan have seenVirg mia 5
price assemhled-a Convention II her citizens,
whose grea, * good qualities would have done
honor ,oany age or nation employed in the high
solemen purpose Of repairing ne defects whio h
time mas disclosed IN her Constitution. l have
seen with unmi1ed deiigh, the selection Of such
men, tina, The people Of Virginia have given a
new and consnling evidence oil their capacity
Tor the high purposes o which Providence has
called ihem-and the more especially have
| been gralihcd when / see :hem recognizing
no other test bu, private and public worth as
the passport 10 their favor-and while respect
Ing honesty OF intention and independence OF
opinion, disregarding he prejidices Of polite
al sec,s, and mos, honorably for themselves,
aud most fortunately for ,hrir county, placing
| their con hdrnce in men who,e characters give
us assurance of harmony ia heir councils and
wisdom in their decisions, and TO be compa,-
riot with whom is OF the hghes' qualification
I-gre' most sincerely tina, was unaaIe to
bring beck no proof more solid than profess
! sons ut the good feelings tow ,rd, US pre-, all.
Ing IN the Country 10 whIh was accredited
a reference 10 The causes which may have
made my mission barren on would br out Of
place here; but feel pc su AIDED YOU will hear
! with Satisfaction that from all l saw and all