Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-06-07

II We VIII not detain our readers WIN
further introductory remarks than simply
to observe that this was almost the only
occasion Of public dinner, at which the
company of ladies' would have been most
Inappropriate s. welcome, though it would
have been difficult to have accommo-
dated NIL who desired to grace the ban
quct given to their iayorite Bachelor
and nothing occurred which could have
caused sensation Incompatible with the
most delicate feeling.
On this occasion the great saloon of
the City Hotel was thrown open, g. three
lines Of tables were covered with all the
substantials and delicacies Of the season.
Chancellor Kent ofliciated as President,
assisted by Mcssrs. p. Hone, j. Duer,
Prof. Renwick, Il. J.. Ogden, Samuel
Swartwout, s. Charles Graham, as Vice
presidents. After the company was
seated, the guests entered preceded by
the President and Mr.. Irving, who, on
taking his seat at the table, was rcceiv-
ed with loud acclamations. Among the
guests were Bishop Onderdonk, the Rev.
DR.. Wainwright, His Excellency Cen
eral Santander, President Of the Repub.
lie Of New Grenada; Edward p. Living
ston, Esq. Lieut.. Governor Of the State;
the venerable MIR. Gallatin, Mr.. Behr,
the Representative of the Belgian Gov
erDment; Senor Don Thomas Gcncr, for
merly President Of the Constitutional
Spanish Cortes; Gen. Scott, ofthe U. S.
Army; Com. Chauncey, Of the US. Ma
Wy; M. lie Ray de Chaumont, of Jefier-
son county; Chancellor Walworth; Vice
Chancellor NJ 'Coun; Judges Jones, Oak
ley, Irving, and Hoffman; james X.
Paulding, Esq. G. S. Newton, Esq. and
several other disting uished individuals.
Many other distinguished individuals
were invited, but unable to attend-a-
mong the number were our Mayor, the
Governor, SC.
The Rev. Bishop Onderdonk asked a
blessing upon the feast, and the Rev.
DR.. Wainwright briefly returned thanks,
in which he alluded to the influence of
literature and science upon The cause Of
religion.
Alter the cloth was removed, and the
announcement of several regular toasts,
Chancellor Kent, rose and delivered an
able and very appropriate address, con-
cluding as follows:
"This eminent Historian honored and
beloved abroad, now returns with joy to-
the home Of his youth and to the beloved
companions and scenes Of his earliest
glory.
Let us then drink to
Our Mlusirious Guest, thrice, welcome to,
his native land"
Mr.. IRvING on rising was greatly agi-I
tated by the warm cheers with which he
was hailed. He observed, that he be-
lieved most Of his hearers were sensible
of his being wholly unused to public
speaking, but ho should bo- wanting in
the feelings Of human nature if he was
not reused and excited by the present
scene. After renewed cheering he pro-
ceeded in, as nearly as can be recollec-
ted, the following words--"l find my
self, after long absence Of seventeen
years, surrounded by the friends Of my
youth-by those whom in my early days
l was accustomed to look up to with ven-
eration--by others, who though person.
ally new to me, l recognize as the sons
of the patriarchs Of my native city. The
manner in which | have been received
by them, has rendered this the proudest,
the happiest moment Of my life. And
what has rendered it more poignant is,
that | had been Ted, at times, to doubt
my standing in the affections Of my coun-
trymen. Rumors and suggestions had
reached me (here Mr.. l. betrayed much
emotion, that absence had impaired their
kind feelings-that they considered Inc
aliena:ed in heart from my country
Gentlemen, was too proud to vindicate
myself from such a charge; nor should |
have alluded to it at this time, if the |
warm and afectionate reception l have
met with on all sides since my landing,
and the overpowering testimonials Of re-
gard here offered me, had not proved
that my misgivings were ground!ess.--
Cheers and clapping here interrupted
the speaker for few moments New
or, certainly, did man return to his ma
tive place after so long an absence under
happier auspices. On my side ! see
changes it is true, but they are the chan
ges Of rapid improvement and growing
prosperity; even the countenances Of my
old associates and townsmen, have ap-
peared to me but slightly affected by the
lapse of years, though perhaps it was the
glow Of ancient friendship and heartfelt
welcome burning from them, that pre-
vented me from seeing the ravages Of
time.
AS to my native city, from the time
approached the coast had indications Of
its growing greatness. We had scarce
deserted the land, when thousand sails
Of all descriptions cleaned along the ho-