Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-03-30
NJ 7 S q M u u a 81 = o

Inc welcome rendered to Mr.. Clay, on the
occasion Of his recent visit 10 Vicksbure, Mis-
sissiPpi, was given i'll the following terms by
the Hon. S. S. PRENTIss:
MIR. CLAY: On behalf Of the public author
tiles and citizens of Vicksburg, bid you a
hearty welcome to our city. We are much
gratified that on your return home you have
afforded us the opportunity Of exchanging SAL
utatlons and Offering to you those assurances
of respect and regard which we were able, only
IN part, to tender, on the occasion Of your for
mer momentary visit. No portion of your
lellow-citizens have higher admiration for
your character or a truer appreciation Of your
public services, than those in whose name
| now address you. We behold in your
reputation one of the richest jewels of the ma
ton, which needs no setting off of Office to ex-
hibit It's rare brillancy and value. Your phi
lanthrophy has embraced in its benevolent
grasp the cause OF happiness throughout the
world; your eloquent breath famed the flame
of liberty as it burst forth, simultaneously. in
two continents.
Along the classic shores Of Greece, the vo-
tary offreedom
'Still mingles in his grateful lay,
Bozzaris with the name of Claw;
and among the mighty volcanoes of the new
world, even i'll the tops of the Andes, your
fame has built for itself nest by the SIDE of
the eagles.
But your philanthropy has not DESTROYED
your patriotism. You have never forgotten.
in your regard for other lands, that YOU had
country OF your own. 1t is your true and
patriotic devotion to that country which more
than aught else, challenges our esteem and adj
mIraIior. Beyond any other statesman, you
have discarded local prejudices and sectional
feelings. Yourheart is entirely and thorough
ly American, and your aim has ever been the
advancement OF the interest and glory of the
whole Republic.
1t would. perhaps, be out of place, on this
occasion, TO go into recital of the eminent
public services YOU have rendered, in the coun-
ellis OF the nation, during your long and splen-
did career. But | cannot refrain from saying
that consider one OF the greatest beuefls you
have conferred upon the country, to be the ex-
ample you have furnished Of what may be a.
chleved under our institutions by the exercise
of a patriotic and honorable ambition.
Young men, as they read your history, and
trace you, from the poor boy leaving his Vir-
ginia home 10 seek fame aud fortune in the
forests OF the West, TO the mighty statesman,
upon whose words sI;siening Soneios hang
entraDced,' will feel their breasts swell win
new and strange emotion, and a noble emuIa-
ton will urge them thenceforward to initiate
the example of Henry Clay.
The highest reward Of the patriot is the es-
TEEN and regard of his countrymcn. This re-
ward you are now enjoying-s,ation cannot
command it; wealth cannot purchase it. The
spontaneous tribute which has just been rem
dered to your character by men of all parties,
fills the measure of public honor. Even tina,
high scat which millions eagerly desire YOU
to occupy. would not add one cubit to the
stature of your fame.
Think not this is adulation. 1t is no less
the interest than the duty of every country to
acknowledge pnblic worth, and we are proud
in presenting Henry Clay to our brothers and
sons as an example for their imitation, and 10
the world as noble specimen Of an American
statesman. n
| y large portion of those who surratind YOU
| trust your public services are not yet compile.
| ted; and that, as the first man in their regard
you may soon occupy the first place in their
gift. They still exclan with hope and conf
| dence-- a.
"Ay, stand erecti the cloud is broken;
! Above thee bends the rainbow token;
The shadow Of thine onward way
Is Frightening into perfect day,
And thou ar, still, as thou hast been,
The hope and trust OF patriot mem"
Permit me now, SIR. TO conclude my p1easap