The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-15
RECEPTION OF COL. JOHNSON AT
APOLLO HALL

arrangement large number Of the personal
aud political friends of Col. Johnson formed
line of procession and escorted their gallant
guest 10 the Apollo Hall, where he was received
with welcome plaudits, enlivened by the in
spring strains OF martial music from the Marine
Band The saloon exhibited a dense mass Of
human beings, from vigorous youth to decrepid
age but, there were no ladies present TO add
additional brightness to the scene by their ap-
proving smiles. The Hon. G. A. WickIiffe and
the Hon. John Pope, Of Kentucky, and the Hon
}. Il. Dawson, oil Louisiana, were part of the
assembly. In truth all shades of politics seemed
TO be blended on this occasion and, although
| there stood the unwaverine partisan of many
years, yet he has always been the friend of att,
and, as such, has ever been regarded.
We took no notes while present, but we feel
assured that the following sketch, written from
unassised memory alone, is substantially cor
rect.
James Hoban Esq, in behalf Of the meeting, with
out reparation-preferring to make Of language
prompted by his heart, without the set phrase Of
speech"-welcomed the Colonel in our midst and
alluded to his many acts of kindness, both in public
and in private life, and in acviang the necessities
Of the poor and in defending the rights and liberties
of the common country. 1t was he who had been
an active agent in the endeavor to eHace from our
statute book the remnant of the feudal age-mpri.
sonment for debt il was he who produced the Sun
day Mail Report, document which forever denied
the power of the General Government to interfere
in matters of religious conscience, and which eiiec-
II,, a. or
State England had, at former period of our hiso
ry, asserted her supremacy as the Mistress of the
Seas' and, pertnacous she in this assumption
that the waves of the ocean appeared 10 trembIe un-
der her iron trident Our seamen were impressed
manacled and bound and many aggressons commit
ted upon the property of American citizens but at
this excited and exciting crisis, whose voice was
heard in the halls Of our National Assembly? Whose
eloquence urged the expeditions adoption of mea-
sures TO redress the wrongs of our countrymen;
When declared against Great Britain, Colo
mel Johnson left his seat in Congress, and throwing
aside his pen took up the sword and hurried 10 the
northwest TO Defend practically, the principles of
freedom which he had hitherto energetcay and
successfully proclaimed. He left Washington in the
possession of strength, in the prime Of manhood and
"cvery inch man." but he returned with frame
shattered by the bullets of the enemy and bearing
upon his body the insignia Of brave and honorable
service. He legislated onehalf his time and fought
the remainder. The history Of the battles in which
our guest was SO conspicuous, and rendered such eff
cient aid was known to the country and TO the world
and the name of the swiftfooted Proctor and that Of
the relentless and savage Tecumseh will serve to per
petuate the records to the remotes period of time.
hOnOrs old al hal
yet received were, perhaps, in store for him but if
the great National Convention, which will hereat.
ter assemble 10 select candidate of the Democratic
party, should not make him the object of its choice
he (Nlr. Hoban) would take the liberty of saving
that they would not find Colonel Johnson attempting to
distract the Republican millions to which he had ever
been attached; but, on the contrary, he would be-
You'd the possibility of doubt, submit to the deer
sion, and act in such manner as would become an
honest, firm, and a consistent, citizen of the Union
and not one leaf of the laurel which adorned his
manly brow would be suffered to wither by any act
of rebellion his part, treachery to the friends
with whom he had so long and SO gorously been as
sociated. And now having thus, unprepared, at the
instance of the meeting attempted to discharge the
trust committed to his hands, MIR. Hoban said that he
would conclude by introducing to the assembly their
old and long-tred friend Co one Richard NJ John
son.
The speaker, in the of his remarks was
frequently interrupted by every demonstration of APP
probation.
The Marine Band performed the sou.-inspring air
Of Hail to the Chief - and
COLONEL JOHNSON arose, and was welcomed by
his friends. Judging from his appearance, he seem
Ia ,t H.
when the applause had subsidized, he alluded, in
calm earnest and heartfelt tone, the large and re,
spectacle concourse of friends by whom he was sur
rounded. But why were such gratifying honors paid
to him Why had portion of the citizens Of the
District of Columbia, of the Union, convened to ten
der him their congratulations Him. an humble in
ividuaI, and, like themselves in the possession only
Of the same rights and privileges guaranteed to every
freeman of the Republic 1t was true that lie had
served in legislative halls representative from
kentucky, but Notwithstanding he had been the friend
Of the Zen Mile Square, and had endeavored to adj
vance its interests by patient toll. Yes, although
were, in measure, disfranchised still we were a
part of the great Republican family with interests 10
promote and principles to defend He had always
so far he enabled endeavored to serve ALL and
had contributed his feeble exertons to the advance
ment of those acts Of public and private character
calculated 10 accord justice to the frendess claim
ant and war-worn pensioner as well to the entire
mass of our common country. II, therefore, any
thanks were due TO him, they were superinduced by
an honest and sincere performance OF what he had
conceived to be his duty and if lac had never before
received an acknowledgment Of the gratitude Of his
friends. the demonstrations the present occasion
would be a sufficient reward for all his unassuming
efforts Near and dear TO his heart he had always
cherished the cause Of the toiling millions
Applause the working-men, those Of sunburnt