The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-10-09
THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION.

day last,-the never TO be forgotten FIFTH or
OcToBER,-will take a place in the foremost
rank of those great gatherings Of the People
which have distinguished the present year.
The day-the memorable anniversary Of the Battle
of the Thames-was ushered in by national salute
from artillery in the Capitol square and as early as
sunrise the stir and hustle of preparation began The
different delegations with their flags, banners, and
other insignia marching to their respective places of
rendezvous and accompanied by fine bands, playing
martial patriotic airs gave great animation 1.-the
streets The procession formed in Maine street, and
as nearly MS we could calculate, after a comparison
with other PROFESSIONS on similar occasions extend
ed about a mile and a half This wide and continuous
street was admirably fitted to show the procession to
advantage, and the houses consequently, were filled
with those who eager TO enjoy the splendid spec
tacle. Throughout the whole line of march the pro-
cession was hailed with demonstrations of the most
fervent enthusiasm oil sides. All seemed to enter
into the spirit of the hour fthere were those who
did not sympathize heartily with the scene they kept
their sentiments to their 6osons, were carried
beyond themselves and participated for the time IN
the general feeling. Every window, every doorway
every point which commanded view of the process
sion, was occupied by ladies, who showed, by their
paudts, and waving of handkerchiefs, and miniature
banners, that their whole souls too were in the holy
cause of the People against the oppressors OF the peo
pie and if they had surages they would be given on
the side of" Harrison and Reform and in opposition
to this corrupt, imbccile and laundering Admnstra-
ton. triumphal arch Of shrubs and flowers had
been thrown quite the street. having at each
anJa haa
tons and the delegates passed under, the most
rapurous and inspiring cheers from bcvies Of
beauties either side.
The spot selected for the meeting Of the Conven-
ton the noble and extensive area old Shockoe
HILL in front of the Capitol and city in the world
present place better suited for such purposes.
The facade Of the Capitol tasefully adorned with
flowers and evergreens-elegant wreaths hung from
every plar-and in the midst of those glorious
fields in which HARRISON had won so much renown
while his achievements shed much lustre his
country's arms, shone out conspicuousy TiPPE-
CANOE "THE THAMES" &c. &c. Over all the
National Ensign foated to the breeze. The most ex-
cellent arrangements had been made for the
dalton of the speakers the invited guests the ladies
and the public generally. About twelve o'clock the
gates were conducted the places assigned to them
with an order and harmony which reflected the high
est credit on the Marshals as called the appro
baton Of all who witnessed the admirable results OF
their skill and efficiency The banners of the different
Counties and States successfully hosted up Ia
the collonnade Of the Capitol and placed in full view
of the assemblage who hailed the sight of them with
loud cheering When that of Maine recognized
the applause peculiarly long and loud, but it was
nothing to the earnest enthusiasm with which the old
time worn banner that had been borne by Captain
Spenccrs company the battle ofthe Maumce pierced
with many bullet, and sashed by the tomahawk, was
presented to the gaze of the meeting Several other
old banners and ensgns, associated with Revolution
airy events and with the trumphs of our countrymen
in the War Of Independence were hoisted and among
them a banner OF TITO belonging to the old Aexan
dria Rifle corps.
The spectacle presented to on the pavilion thai
had been fitted up for the officers and speakers,
one of the most magnificent that be imagined Ir
the area below there were least ten thousand-som,
say fifteen thousand persons-assembled. The dcns,
mass of good Wings of our own in the centre wa,
aanked by galleries of beauty and of true, sincere
and devoted Whiggsm, too of the fairer portion o
our Species. men tneTe was the Town between III
and the shining river and lovely, rich, unduatin.
country beyond, extending far the eye could reacl
basking under bright skies and clear and inspiring
atmosphcre--and the whole thrown halo o
poetic historical and patriotic associations with thu
glory and the freshness of the scenes, which ther
TO be enacted before us, 1t IS but feeble and hatn,
praise that can, by any words of ours bestow oil
our fair allies of Richmond but we that tn
impression produced by the lovely forms, the brgh
eyes, and charming faces that gave such lustre to tn
Capitol and its precincts will not pass away from
the Of and feeling, who composed tn
Convention.
The Convention organized by the appointmcn
Of Elk Governor JAMES BARBOUR, of Orange, Prcsi
dent; the Wing Electors who happened to be present
as Vice Presidents and Beverly Tucker Esq, an,
James NJ. Garnet, Esq. as Secretaries Governo
Barbour, on taking the chair, addressed the Conven
ton in the easy, flowing and felicitous manner 70
which he is distinguished. His remarks will be foun
in another column.
In compliance with the invitation of the COMMITTEE
of Arrangements, meeting of the Clergy of Rich
mond had been held in the Capitol, in the morning
These Reverend Gentlemen had appointed two of thei
number to perform their sacred Offices when required
during the sitting Of the Convention. Accordingly
after the Presidents address, the Reverend Mr. Pal
mer came forward and offered brief but earnest and
appropriate, prayer to the Divine Benignity.
| Benjamin Watkins Leigh Esq then appeared, and
after few eloquent remarks, read Address to the
People of Virginia, which unanimously adopted
! The cry rose on all sides, w EBsTER WEE
| sTER !" 1t had been the wish of Mr. w, and his
/ fronJs hat o shonld Ia all 10
| Tuesday. He had undergone great exeron for
weeks previous, and suffering from the effects Of
cold But the impotence of the people to see