Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-12-23
GEN'L. TAYL0R'S RECEPTION
At NEW ORLEANS.

ceding day:
The manner in which Gen. Taylor was
yesterday received must have been gratifying
10 the old hero. The heart Of New Orleans
was bounding with exuliation al his approach,
and enthusiastic was the welcome She gave
him. Ii was a reception such as grea, and
free people alone could give--grand and i'm
posing, without pomp or show, and respect
lul without Formally. The scene which pre-
senied itself when the Mary Kingsland neared
the wharf was affecting from its sublimity.-
Along the shores oil the Mississippi, far as the
eye could reach, gay sireamers iIoaied on the
breeze from ships of every nation, and the
water OF the river was tossed in foam from La
fayeiie 10 The farthesi extremity OF the civ. by
the mnumerabe steamboats, which were then
running in every direction. The ship America,
that had moved Immediately after The Mary
kingsland in the aquatic procession, noated
slowly down the river. and the music which
was borne to the ear from the deck Of every
steamboat, was occasionally unheard in heloud
boom ofthe cannon, and The wild Shouts from
the shore. The streets, housetops, and the
decks and yards OF Of every vessel with
in sight, wei darkened with human forms.
and high above the mass Of heads rose
the triumphal arch in the Place Dams, with
the snnbeams playing on the words swell
Gomez and "Buena VISTA" which were in
scTibed in letters OF gold.
He whose presence had called that mighty
mass together, and created such commolion on
the bosom OF the Mississippi, stood calmly but
evidently affected at this glorious manifesto
ton of the feeling which Louisiana entertains
for the distinguished citizen. There was
something fine IN the face of the old man as he
stood gazing on the scene---a shade, bearing
the semblance OF pride, would occasionally
settle on his brow; but the feeling which
gave expression 10 his kind and manly coun-
tenance, and touched its every line with ten
derness, was that Of love and gratitude. His
tolls and strife, the glory and dangers Of bat
tie, and all which he has endured and achev-
ed. we apparently forgotien--he stood before
his country with the kindness and tenderness
of child in his heart, and her arms were open
to receive him.
When the old man landed, the cheers which
peaed from the. assembled thousands were
eectifying; and the Committee Of Arrange
ments, who had fattered themselves that they
could move 10 procession after the General,
were scattered in moment among the crowd,
who evlnced the greatest anxiety 10 touch the
old hero's clothes. or even to see him. There
was welcome beaming in every face that look
ed upon him, and he was conducted TO the
triumphal arch, where he was met BY the
Mayor, amid acclamations which We're actual.
ly deafenlng. The Mayor addressed him thus:
GEFERAL---ln behalf of the ely of New Or
leans, which have the honor 10 represent on
this occasion, it is my pleasing office to wei
come your happy return to your country and
your home; and in behalf of the Municipal
Councils tender TO you the hospitality of this
city, while ii is your pleasure 10 remain among
us.
No circumstance could have filled our hearts
with more joy than we now feel, in having
the opportunity TO express TO you our gratitude
for the distinguished services you have rem
dered our country. The brilliant achieve
ments performed in Mexico by the fearless and
daring band that you have led on from victo-
ry 10 victory, have inspired us with feelings
which no language is sufficiently powerful TO
convey. For snch achievements, General,
every true American heart. from one extrem-
iiy 10 the other of this Republic, is filled with
gratitude and admiration. Wherever you d.
rect your steps, upon any spot where the star
spanged banner triumphantly expands its
folds TO the breeze, you will find nations
love to greet you-you will hear whole peo-
pies spontaneous applause TO extol the SPLEEN
dor Of your deeds, which your modesty would
in vain endeavor 20 weaken in your own eyes.
Again. General, | bid you hearty well
come in the name of the citizens Of New Or
leans.
To this the General responded briefly thus !:
Ma MAYoR-The welcome which meet
this day from the people Of New Orleans, an
nounced by you, their honored representative,
overwhelms me with feelings which no words
can express.
You have been pleased 10 qualify, with
terms Of The highest appreciation, the services
of the army which have bad the honor TO
command in Mexico. Could those brave Off
GERS and soldiers whose gallantry achieved the
success to which you refer. be present on this
occasion, aud witness the grand outporings of
gratitude which their devotion has solicited,
the measure ofmy satisfaction would be COM
plete. For them and for myself, thank,
from my heart. the people of New Orleans,
and accept, MIR. Mayor, the offer of their hos
pi,aliy.
This simple but interesting Formally over,
Gen. TAYLOR proceeded towards the Cathedral
and opinion seems to be unanimous that the
scene which there presented itself was the
grandest of the day. Every avenue leading
TO the church was thronged with the several
societies and fire companies, who were often
pushed from position by the motion of the
mighty mass ofpeople but there was no con
teniion, no strife, all We're united for one grand
purpose, and il would have been difficult to
destroy the unauImity Of feeling which pre-
vailed The beautiful woman OF New Or
leans graced the scene, and fair hands waived
a welcome to the brave. When the doors Of
the church were thrown open, il was flled al
most instanianeous.y, and thousands were
disappointed in the hope OF admission they
had entertained.
Bishop Blanc addressed the General briefly
and appropriately, during which he alluded 10
humanity as wen as glory, with which the old
hero conducted the war, and concluded by ex-
pressing the hope Of speedy and honorable
peace. TO which Gen. Taylor feelingly replied,
and warmly responded TO he earnest aspira-
tons OF the Bishop. that a peace might be
speedily secured. When Gen. Taylor appear
ed again before the people. he was mounted
on his famous charger ''Old Whitey.o The
excitement at this stage OF the proceedings
was intense, and the cheers almost amounted
TO phrenzisd enthusiasm.
The crowd pressed closely TO "Od Viii
tey," and he received many kind and afiec-
tomato pat; but the uneasy witch which the
old fellow occasionally gave made II apparent
that he was being despoiled OF portion of his
flowing name and tail