Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-06-12

had scarcely any tervy character as nation though we
were entitled TO claim the exhibition of due share OF ma
iona energy and enterprise. Our manners were
greatly in need OF Improvement The admirable work to
which have refereed, partook largely OF a dramatic char
acter and being armed with wit aud powers of the high
est order undertook TO chasse olly false taste
reform bad manners, and mend the hcart-The effect
was well received, aud the public judgment had reason
In any wise 10 be offended No compositions of the kind
were ever distinctly stamped with the impression
sterling morals aud invarablc good feelings free
rom envy, hatred, malice ana all unchaiabeneSs. The
work even abounded with touches of sentiment paos
and with fictitious calculated awaken deepest
sympathy.
The legend of the first colonization of this city and OF
the adjacent shores, must at this be vivid the
memories OF us all. Such mock heroic history written
in the finest strain OF buresque gravity and OF witty and
udcrous description and OF playful but pointed satire and
dicule II has rarely, perhaps never, been surpassed
not even by Rabelais Swift in its power spirit and Ell
feet 1t was, at the same time, written with much
good temper and humanity, that there is nothing Just,
~ chargoobie with tendency to make ,COrtky man
The materials OF both those satca productions were
OF hauye growth They partook OF transatlantic iia
vor' they were original and inimitable creations OF
American genius, in all its freshness fneSs and strength
and solely erected upon American topics. But the mind
that produced them soon destined to DISPLAY in ano
ther hemisphere its powers Of thought and invention
amidst the beautiful scenes of English rural life and the
magnificent remains of Gothic grandeur
In the sketches and essays of Godfrey Cayon we have
series OF LIBERAL moral and pathetic reflections nterwo-
ven with legendary tales of fascinating interest and
adorned WIN the utmost purity Of and elegance of
se Many the stories possess the charm of the finest
notions in the English classics. Tho liboray the gen.
ueness the philanthropy, the taste the sound Judgment
ana varied accomplishments OF the writer TO have az
once surprised and delighted the English reader Those
sketches were attended with magical effects Arrogance
stood rebuked and ashamed prejudice was subdued
and succeeded by admiration and love.
we reJoced to behold one OF native sons rival
on ground the grace and elegance the pathos and
lofty morals OF Addison Goldsmith, and Mackenzie: we
shared equally with transatlantic brethren in the plea
sure afforded by his graphic descriptions hung with
an equa intensity OF interest over the descriptions OF
oil his machess English and incidents. But we
are Tree to admit that took far deeper interest In those
enchanting visions which brought back the borders
oil The romantic Hudson; ''to the blue hills of our own
country, which we love dearly the 'deep noun
tain glens of the Kaatsk and to the twilight super
stions" of the Sleepy Hollotc.
Through all the writings OF our distinguished country-
men, even IN his earlier and sprghtlier productions
meet with occasional sentiments hi Oh and grave import
the genuine growth of ardent feelings which 20 directly 10
The heart-Nohng can be more soothing and gratifying
to medatve minds than such pesivc, chae and mellow
ed reflections, arising from views OF autumnal scenery
e RUNS OIL ancient art and the Of departed
greatness.
The gentleman who favored the world with these pro-
ducons ccntented with enoyng the admiration of
the Republic Of Letters to very eminent degree was in
the mean time busy in earning for himself title sill
mgner niche IN the temple of fame. Having
original and fresh documents relating the life of CHRIS
TOPPER COLUMBUS, he was encouraged and enabled
10 undertake and execute great historical work, and
ON subject the most rich in its details, and the moss
magnificent III It's results OF any that employed
the pen OF the historian. He brought TO the task all
his great and diversified powers. His materials were
selected with Judgment and studied with diligence,
ranged with skill and exhibited with fidelity, polish
ed with taste and recommended by finished spcci-
emc Though the ehefprAgs S was Segtm in Eiye IL
was contaminated this side of tue Atlantic The SET
Element of this world be subject peculiarly
appropriate TO the pen OF American writer who would
naturally ieel ana appreciate most deeply and justly, the
lnesnable value OF the discovery and the mighty conse
quences of the establishment OF great nations OH this Con-
hneh with their languages and institutions, their freedom
OF religion their arts and sciences spreading themselves
lis surface. The choice was most propous and IN
History Of the Life ard Yoyages Of CoJn,5bus viii
all succeeding ages 1t equals the distinguished his
torca compositions, not only in the dignity of the sub
execution.
This eminent Historian honored and beloved abroad,
now returns with JOY 10 the home of his youth to the
beloved companions and scenes of his earliest glory!
! Let us then drink TO
OR Wmst'ious Guest, thrice welcome TO his native
land.
Mr. Irvine rising greatly agitatelby The warm
cheers with which he hnled. He observed that he
believed most OF his hearers sensible of his being
wholly unused to public speakng but he should he want
ing IN the feelings OF human if he was not reused
and oxcitedby the present cheering
he proceeded in, nearly be rccoectcd the lof
lowing words;-''I find myself after long absence Of
seventeen years surrounded by the friends of my youth
by those whom in my early days accustomed look
up 10 with venerationby Others who though personally
new TO me, recognize the OF the pararchs of nv
native city. The manner in which have been received
by them, rendered This the proudest the MANIFEST mo-
ment OF my lieAnd what has rendered more poena
IS, that bad been ed at times, doubt my standing in
The affections omy cOunrymen. Runors and suggestions
absence had impaired their kind feelings that they consider
ed me aenated in heart from my country GentemefI was
too proud vndicae charge nor should
have alluded TO 1t at this time the
ceponl have met with all sides since my landing and the
oYerpowerug testimonials Of regard here offered me- had
not proved that my misgvings groundess Cheers
and clappng here interrupted the speaker for few mo-
ments) Never, certainly did man return to his native
place alter long absence under happier auspices On
my side changes is true but tcy are the changes
OF rapid improvement and growing prosperty even The
counenanceS OF old associates aud ownsnen have
peared TO me but slightly affected by the lapse of years
though perhaps il the glow of ancient friendship and
heartfelt welcome burning from them, that prevented mo
from seeing the ravages of time.
1 As TO my native city, from the time approached the
coast had indications of its greatness We had scarce de-
cleaning along the horizon and al standing from one
point, showed that we in tho neghborhood of a
vast commercial emporium As sailed I'D our beautiful
bay, with heart swelling with old recolc ctons and de-
lghtul associations, aonsed 10 see its once wild
features frightening with populous yagegand noble piles
and seeming city, extending itself over heights had
left covered with green forests Taudng, probably TO
Brooklyn and Gowannos.l But how shall describe my
emotions, when city sight seated the midst
OF its watery domain, stretching away u vast extent;
when bcheld glorious sunshine lighting up the
skies and dOmcs, familiar 70 memory others new
and unknown and beaning upon a forest OF masts Of
every nation extending as far the eye could reach
have gazod with admiration upon many fair city aud
stately harbour, but my admiration cold aud inenec-
tual Tor was stranger and had no property in The soil
Here, however, my heart hrobbcd with pride and Joy
admcdI had birthngb in the brilliant scene before
fne:
This vas my my native Land"
Mr. irving here interrupted by immense applause.
when the cheering had suisidpd wont i,tlcv-.