Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1843-03-16
az. cLAY az YTcKsBuRG.

The welcome rendered TO Mr.. Clay, on
the occasion Of his recent visit TO Vicks
burg, Mississippi, was given in the follow
ing terms by the Hon. s. 5. Prentiss:
Mr.. Clay; On behalf OF the public au-
thorities and citizens Of Vicksburg, bid
you hearty welcome 10 our city. We
are much gratified that on your return
home you have afforded us the opporiuty
of exchanging solutions and offering to
YOU those assurances of respect and re.
gard which We were able, only in part, TO
tender, on the occasion OF your former
momentary visit. No portion Of your
felow-citizens have higher admiration
for your character, or truer apprecia-
ton of your public services, than those IN
whose name now address you. We
behold in your reputation one OF the rich
est jewels Of the nation, which needs no
setting off OF office 10 exhibi. its rare bril-
liancy and value. Your philanthropy
has embraced in lis benevolent grasp the
cause Of human happiness throughout the
world; your eloquent breath famed the
flame of liberty as il burst forth, stimuli
taneously, 10 two continents.
Along the classic shores Of Greece, the
votary OF freedom
"Sti minges in his grateful lay.
Bozzaris with the name Of Clay;"
and among the mighty volcanoes Of the
new world, even in the tops ofthe Andes,
your fame has built for itself a nest by the
side Of the eagles.
But your philanthropy has not des.
lroyed your patriotism. You have new.
er forgotten, in your regard for other
lands. that you had country Of your
own. 1t IS your true end patriotic devo.
ton to that country which, more than
aught else, challenges our esteem and ad-
miration. Beyond any other statesman,
you have discarded local prejudIces and
sectional feelings. Your heart is entire
ly and thoroughly American, and your
aim has ever been the advancement Of
the interest and glory ofthe whole Re-
public.
1t would, perhaps, be on. of place, on
this occasion, to go into recital of the
eminent public services you have render.
ed, in the councils OF the nation, during
your long and splendid career. But
cannot refrain from saying that | con.
slider one OF tho greatest benefits you
have conferred upon the country, TO be
the example you have furnished Of what
may be achieved under our institutions
by the exercise Of patriotic and honora-
bic ambition.
Young nen, as they read your history,
and trace you, from the poor boy leaving
his Virginia home to seek fame and for.
tune in the forests Of the West, to the
mighty statesman, upon whose words
listening Senates hang entraced," will
feel their breasts swell with now and
strange emotion, and noble emulation
will urge them ,henceiorward 10 initiate
the example OF Henry Clay.
The highest reward Of the patriot 10 the
esteem and regard Of his countrymen.-
This reward you are now eDjoying-sia.
ton cannot command il; wealth cannot
purchase it. The spontaneous tribute
which has just been rendered TO your
character by men Of all parties, fills the
measure OF public honor. Even that high
seat which millions eagerly desire you to
occupy, would not add one cubil TO the
stature ofyour fame.
Think not this is adulation. II is no
less the interest than the duty Of every
country 10 acknowledge public worth, and
We are proud in presenting Henry Clay
to our brothers and sons as an example
for their imitation, and to the world as
noble specimen oil an American states
man.
A large portion ofthose who surround
you trust your public service. are not
yet completed; and that, as the first man
in their regard, you may soon occupy the
first place in their gift. They still Ell.
claim with hope and confidence
aye stand erect, the cloud i. broken,
Above thee ends the rrintow token;
Tho shadow of thine onward way
Ia Frightening into perfect day,
And thou art still, as thou hasr been,.
The hope and trust Of patriot men,"
Permit me now, sir, to conclude my
pleasant duty, and, in the name of tina,
portion OF your fellow citizens who have
oeputed me, TO bid you again cordial
welcome, and know | express the senti.
ment ofths entire assemblage in adding
our united wish that your days may be
long in the land, and that serene and
happy old age may crown your useful
and honorable life.