The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-06-13

un"h VI uays inc Peopie iroih tne heighOoring
counties Of Virginia and Maryland began 10
pour in and gave great stir and hustle 10 the
usually quiet streets of the ancient town. The
National ensign was displayed at several con-
spicuous points, and flags and banners, most Of
them bearing emblematic representations and
mo,tos in honor of the Peoples Candidate or
illustrative OF the purity and simplicity to which
they wish, by his elevation, to bring back the
administration Of the Observation-Disclosures
galy from the doors and windows of the citi
zens.
Committees OF Reception were in attendance
at Wise's Hotel, TO welcome the yisiters and
they discharged their duties with singular cour-
tesy and kindness. The houses of many Of
the inhabitants were also thrown open, and all
were welcomed with true Virginia hospitality,
and in manner which made them feel that they
were not regarded as strangers, but as brethren,
united in supporting, and bearing onward, amidst
many difficulties, hazards and tolls yet TO be en-
countered and endured the cause Of Liberty
and their country. The Mayor of Alexandria,
Edgar Snowden, Esq, opened his cabin" wide,
with hearty good will during the day and night
and when we went TO exchange sautations with
him, both as the respected Magistrate Of the
town, and worthy fellow-laborer in the ed-
torial corr s. we found an assemblage there of
the real bone and sinew Of the surrounding
counties
AT one o'clock, procession was formed in
the public square, consisting of the Committee
Of Reception, the Tippecanoe Club, the citizens
from the ncighboring counties, and of the town ;
and, under the direction of the Chief Marshal
and his efficient aids, and preceded by the
Mayor, marched 10 the wharf;-and there await
ed the arrivalofthe Delegations from Georgetown
and Washington and the invited guests.
BY and by the steamboats, Phoenix and Johnson,
with their decks covered with passengers and
banners and flags Of the Delegations floating in
the wind, and glistening in the sunshine, ap-
preached the wharves, came to their moorings
under national salute from battery erected
close by, and amidst the inspiring strains Of an
excellent band of music. The spectacle, at this
moment, was most animating, whether viewed
from the steamboats,, or from the shore Every
accessible point that commanded sight Of the
harbor was occupied by human beings and as
the distinguished guests landed, the heart stirring
martial melody from the band, the thunder of
the artillery, the loud huzzas that rent the air
from the great multitude, the waving TO and fro
Of the ensigns and banners, combined TO give
an effect TO the scene which has seldom been
surpassed any where, and certainly not in the
good old town of Alexandria
Among the distinguished visiters from Wash
ington, we noticed Mr. Webster, Mr.. Critten-
den, Mr.. Preston, and Mr.. Phelps of the Senate;
Messrs. King, Of Georgia, Jenifer, Graves
Waddy Thompson, Biddle, Hill, Hoffman,
Wise, Graham, James Garland the Mayor, Of
Washington; Colonel Washington, and several
others. Upon landing from the boats, they were
received by the committee, and welcomed in
very beautiful and appropriate address by the
Mayor
In rendering to them the hospitality of the
town, he alluded very happily TO the occasion
which had prompted his fellow citizens to de-
vote this day to rational festivity-the great tri
umph Of the Republicans of Virginia in the late
Spring Elections and expressed the hope that
some of those whose voices had been so often
raised in the National Councils against corrup-
ton and misrule and in defence of the rights and
liberties Of the People, would embrace the OPP
portunity of bearing their valuable testimony
with regard TO the men in power, and their mea
surcs, here in the presence of the People them
selves. "The echoes Of your voices" said Mr.
SNowDEN, ''will die away among the retired
and hallowed scenes Of Mount Vernon. May
the patriotic spirit of him who sleeps there in
glory and in peace, inspire our hearts, and pre-
side over all our proceedings this day!n
The honor of replying to this address, was by
the spontaneous concurrence Of all, conceded TO
Mr.. WEBSTER. His remarks were brief, but add
mirably appropriate; and imbued throughout
with deep and genuine emotion. Aiiera grace
ful acknowledgment TO the Mayor and the Com
mittee, and glowing allusion to the animated
and diversified spectacle, he expressed the plea
sure which he, and those of whom he had been
able 10 unite in celebrating the great victory
which had been won in the State of Virginia.
Nor, said Mr.. Webster, can we, in treading this
soil, or looking abroad upon your respected town,
fail 10 remember that we are in the neighbor-
hood of what was once the home, and is now
the tomb, of Washington-nor to be filed with
the high and solemn associations TO which his
very name is spell This is the place which
were he now living, would, above all Others
TEEN to him with the recollection Of ancient
friendships and early associations, fathers
of many Of those whose patriotism had prompt
ed them to take an active part in the proceedings
Of this day. He walked these streets-he min
gled familiary and easily in social circles here