Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1844-04-18
Reception Of Mr. Clay at
Charleston,

was iuos' Ha'teTibS. n Srunu anu I'M
posing procession was formed TO escort
him through the city to the place Of re-
ception. Tho Theatre, as the most
spacious and commodious building
which the city contained, had been
decorated and prepared for this purpose.
The various committees appointed to
wait upon the distinguished guest, took
their stations on the stage. The two
front rows Of boxes were reserved for
the ladies', who in large numbers, gave
additional ustre to the occasion. We
copy from the Charleston Courier of
Monday last
Mr.. CLAY was received on the stage
by the Committee of Reception, the re-
peated and enthusiastic cheers of the
audience hailing his appearance. When
the joyous uproar had subsidized, the
venerable DIR. WM. Read, one Of the
few surviving Officers Of the Revolu-
tion that yet linger among us to receive
the homage Of the Present TO the gIori-
Gus Past, addressed Mr.. Clay as follows :
HoNoRED SIR A fond reverence
for the men Of the Revolution, my COM
panions of l775, who have almost left
me solitary, has moved my fellow citi-
zens to confer upon me the grateful
privilege of welcoming a worthy son Of
America to our ancient city. In the
name of the living, bid you hearty
welcome-and | am sure that if the
great and good men who figured in the
Revolution, with whom moved in COLI
cert-the Middletons. the Gadsdens, the
Lowndes, the Pinckneys, the Rutledges,
the Hugers, and the gallant Marion, and
Moutrie, Sumpter and Hampton, could
add their voices TO mine, they, too,
would bid you welcome, as an honored
son Of the Republic, and an llustrious
benefactor of the now great nation,
founded by their tolls, Most worthy
were these patriots Of all the love and
vcneration which their posterity, who
have deputed me TO speak to you, bear
thcm--and it is as witness ofthoir la
bors, their pure love of country, their
anxious hopes and cares and prayers for
The prosperity Of their great work, that
for them and their children, | would
add to their welcome, grateful thanks
for all the good you have done US. |
feel, with those who have gone before
me, and more deeply than the youthful
generation around me can feel, the
great debt we all owe you for your pa
triotic labors in defence Of the institu-
tions of the men Of &c, and that Union
which was their only hope for the pros
perity OF their children. ! greet you,
You have been vcrtrue to their lessons,
and long life spent in your country's
service has exhibited constant devo-
tion TO law, liberty, the Constitution and
the Union. You have been even lover
Of your 1choie country and the gloomy
days of the Missouri agitation and the
compromise tell Of that spirit Of con-
cession and mutual lorbearance, so ear
nestly commended TO his countrymen,
in his Farewell Address, by the Father
OF his Country.
This is the sprit--thesc are the SER
vices, on which an old man delights to
lwell-and ] rejoice in the occasion
which permits the expression of my
heartfelt thanks Younger men would
glory in celebrating that eloquencc
which has reflected so much honor on
Republican Institutions, and graced our
Legislative Halls. And | could wish
that some one of the young men, your
companions in the second War Of Inde-
pcndcnce Calhoun, Chevcs, or
your friend, the lamented and beloved
Lowndes, could have been here this day
10 have made proper acknowlcd cement
to you, in terms sufficiently glowing for
the great and brilliant part you bore in
that ga liant conflict for our country s
honor. But these are themes not for
me.
1t will not DC out Of place TO wish you
safe Journey throughout your long
tour, by land and by water, or to wish
and hope for prolongation of your val
liable life nor is it unreasonable to
hope when tell you that the man who
stands before you, shouldered his mus
ket for the protection of the first Con-
gress, some years previous to the period
that gave birth to the great statesman
| address.
Again, ielow-countrymon, patriot
and national benelactor, welcome, thrice
welcome TO our hearts and our homes.
To this address Mr.. CLAY responded
in a speech Of thrilling eloquence and
great ability, occupying nearly two
hours in the delivery, and cnthraling
the attention Of an interested and de-
lighted auditory.