Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-03-14
Mp C,,y AT vICKsBuRGu.

On ms arrival n, Vicksburg on the 20ih ut q
ms, conco,,rse Of citizens assembled to welcome
him. and Hon S 5 Prcntiss addressed HIM IN the
following eloquent strain
Ma ClAy.-On behalf ofthe public authorizes
and citizens Of Wick sburch, bid you hearty
welcome TO our ciiy We are much granhed that
on your rc,urn home, YOU have afforded us an OPP
porunity Of exchanging sauions and Offering to
YOU those assurances Of respect and regard which
we were able only in part to tender on The occasion
Of your momentary visit No portion Of your fell.
low 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 ofthe nation, which needs no setting
Of Office TO exhibit its rare bnlllancy and value
Your philanthropy has embraced in It's benevolent
grasp the cause Of human happiness throughout
the world your eloquent breath famed the flame
of liberty as 1t burst FORTH simultaneously, IN two
continents
Along the classic shores of Greece the votary
OF Freedom.
"srn mingles With his grateful lay,
Bozzaris WIN the name Of Clay"
and among the mighty volcanoes ofthe new world
even in the tops IF the Andes, your fame has built
for itself nest by the side of the eagles.
Blu your philanthropy has not destroyed your
patriotism You have never forgotten, in your re-
gard for other lands, that you had country Of
your own 1t is your true and patriotic devotion
TO TINT country which more than aught else chal-
leng,s our esteem and admiration. Beyond any
othe statesman you have discarded local preju
dice, and sectional feelings. Your heart is entire
w and thoroughly American, and your aim has
ever been the advancement Of the interests and glo-
~ dthe whole Republic.
ttyouh nor b.nS he nj If riare IN this Occa-
sion to go into recital of the eminent public SER
vices YOU have rendered in the councils of the ma
ton during your long and splendid career But
cannot refrain fran saying that consider onefoi
the greatest benefits You have conferred upon the
country to be the example you have furnished of
what may be achieved under our own institutions
BY the exercise patriotic and honorable ambi-
| ton
| Young men, rs they read your history and trace
! you from the po.r boy leaving his Virginia home
| to seek fame and fortune in the forests oilhe West
10 the mighty statesman, upon whose words dis
tening Senates hing entranced,' will feel their
breasts swell with strange and new emotions, and
noble emulation will urge them henceforward
to initiate the example of Henry Clay.
The highest reward of the patriot is the esteem
and regard of his countrymen; the reward you
are now enjoying, station cannot command it
|
tribute which has Just been rendered to your char
acter by men of all parties, fills the measure OF
public honor Ever that high seat which mill
ions eagerly desire you to occupy, would not add
one cubt TO the stature OF your frame,
Think not this is addition 1t is no less the
interest than the duty Of every country, to acknowl
edge public worth, and we are proud in presenting
Henry Clay to our brothers and sons asan exam
pie for their imitation ando the worldas noble
specimen OF an American statesman
A large portion ofthose who surround you
trust your public services 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 exclaim with hope and confidence
"Aye, stand erect the cloud is broken,
Above thee bends the rainbow token,
The shadow Of thine onward way
Is Frightening into perfect day;
And thou art still as thou hast been,
The hope and trust of patriot men"
! Permit me now, sir to conclude my pleasant
/ duty and in the name of,hat portion of your tel
! low citizens who have depu,ed me to bid yo'
again cordial welcome, and now express thu
sentiment of this entire assemblage in adding on
united wish, that your days may be long in tn
land and that serene and happy old age ma,
crown YOUR useful and honorable life.
To this address Mr. Clay responded in brle
and feeling manner after which he was conducte
| TO his lodgings at the residence OF Mr. Prentls:
During the day hundreds Of citizens paid their re
spec,s to him and at night he attended ball a
the Gldewel House, where the beauty and chi,
airy of the city assembledio do him honor.