Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1834-04-29
\ our obedIent servant,
THOS. Fl. BENTON,
WAsHINCToN. Anil Iea,

WASHINGTON April IL, 1884
Gentlemen; The Democratic citizens Of the city and
county oil Philadelphia do me honor by their invitation IN
the public dinner TO be given al the Washington Hail on the
sam inst, IN cohamemoration OF the birth day of Thomas
Jefferson MS Pu6iic Celebration, in honor OF the mem
DRY and services OF this great Apostle OF Liberty and bene.
factor OF man, is in accordance with the sound democra.
tic principles of the Keystone State, and il would afford
me pleasure TO accept the invitation, if nv public din.
ties in the House OF representatives did no, forbid ms
leaving Washington. Few men probably that have ever
lived have done more Tor the cause of fire. edom and tnoo
principles, AMI The science OF practical government, than
Mr.. Jefferson. Whilst othsfs poured ont Their biooj
and treasure and their lives, 10 advance the glory of
their country, his was a higher and noller destiny. He
iiVed TO unrave' The mysterious doctrine OF Political Ethics,
and prove that rational lreeHen v ere capable of SELF On.
vtrnnen! Hi@ fixed and steady devotion 10 hose pnrc
pfincIp'es OF repubitcdtism, which run through his whole
lie and administra ion, AID especially those which resnect
The union Of the States, endeafed him especially TO Penn.
sylvania, aud will render his name and memorv dsar f.
the heart OF every American.
FOR Tie hiilefng manner in which you have been
p.e"iea 10 PEEK o. myself, ! pray you, Gentlemen, to
btS leave TO otiet The enclosed sentiment.
With high re'pect aud estet m.
j am Jour obliged elbow citizen,
A. STEVENSON.
By Nh Speaker Stevenson. The Ark of our Covenan,
the Union Of the Std'es! The perpeiuadon of this D.
cred and blessed bond, should be the first and last prayer
oil every American freeman.
CASTLE HiLL, Va, April ~. 1891
GentIemen-i have this moment had The honor 10 re-.
ceiVe your letter Of the Sth instant, inviting me. on bel, II
of the Democratic citizens Of the ciy and county of phiIa.
uC'p''db W PIiViPdt5 WIN mem IN tie celebration ol the
birthday OF the author Of The Declaration OF Independence
by a public dinner at the Washington Hall, on Monday
The 14ih inst.
Nothing coull be a source Of higher qualification to me.
whether l regard the object or The agents Of the proposed
celebration, Than 10 unite with my democratic fellow CHI.
zens OF the city and county Of PbAsdelphia on an occasion.
~ every respect, so cOngeniaI. But the brief interval ii
time, which remains before the celebration, encumbered
as that Intervals with necessary aud gfeent engsqcmeuts
demanding my attention at home, denies me, TO nv great
regret, The enjoyment Of this qualification. Permit me.
gentlemen, to express TO you my deep sense Of the honor
zone me, on this occasion, by the democratic citizens of
the CITY and county Of philadeiphia. as well az of the fat.
teflhg n'annef IN which you are pleased 10 speak of nv
principles aud conduct az an hamble Disciple of tho de-
inocfahc School Feeling az = citizen Of Virginia. pro.
OuhuIy graceful Tor the generous manner in which the
grs", otate OF pennsylvania has espoused tie principles
and hohofed The memory q our Generated democlraGc
statesman, J beg leave TO offer, as a toast. the subioired
sentiment expressed by him 10 the commencement If tbst
memorable struggle, which, terndnsling then in the ascen.
dsncy OF sound Republican principles, is destined aestn
trust, uader The same auspices 10 the same hsopv and
glorious result. FS ~"
! am, gentlemen, with sentiments Of great resoect
YOU .o''o -c'lHeh, w. C.. RIVES. =
Thomasleaerson, "bOt these Two blocks stsnd 6ru' on a.