The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-12-25
Complimentary Dinner to Lieutenant James
Decatur Potter.

Complimentary Dinner to Lieutenant James
Decatur Potter.
At seven O'Clock yesterday evening" numerous and
highly respectable company began to assemble in the
ante room at Rsthbuns Hotel, in Broadway. This
dinner given in compliment to Lieut.. James Decatur
Potter his return from Mexico after sharing in the
suerings the wounds and the gories of victorious
army band Of music, striking up its animated tunes,
led the way to tho dinner room and the company being
seated, fell to upon the rich repast.
The oleth being removed the chairman read several
letters received by the committee Of aviation In reply
to letters OF invitation despatched by them These let
tiers were received in terms highly hatterng to the in
vited guest The following some among the names
In reply to the invitations Of the committee-Mr Wal
her, Secretary Of the Treasury Mayor Brady Major
Raynes, Of Governors Island Prosper NJ. Wetmors,
Morris General Storms, James T. Brady.
The PRESIDENT then read the following regular
The President of the United States" (Which
drank amid loud and enthusiastic cheers and hurras
"The Governor Of the State of New York"
The Mayor Of New York"
The American Army next toasted and drank,
with music and great applause.
then rose and after some happy and pertinent re-
marks which were greatly .spplauied, gave the follow
Ing, which was the fifth regular toast
Our guest J. Decatur Potter,-We welcome you
thrice welcome you-bsck to your hst, HsS c .s
sss nUSs
be long and your evening serene
The toast being given, the music played the tune Of
See tina Conqueriag Hero comes In strains Of exct-
ing melody; whereupon Lieut.. Potter arose and i'd
dressed the company as follows
Gentlemen-In rising to respond to tho toast just
drank, am embarrassed beyond expression; my feel
ngs but not my lips can alone translate the sentiments
war somewhat disabled am lily Gale uiasd to enter
tain you by remarksi indeed previous to my srri
val bad thought that would be enabled to retire, to
tho prvacies Of fe and there recruit health but
scarcely had set my foot within my native CITY, when
discovered that there was rest for me. From the
been continual scene Of generalization and joy
Scenes like these, have amply repaid mo Tor any
n or ssHs
During my sojourn in Mexico, INDUCED in the fond
hope that one day should return to the home OF my
childhood, and shake by the hand my friends and ac
did anticipate hour like this-never did suppose
boyhoOd would gather around to Welcome my return in
this wsy-never did suppose that they would be even
ship. Never did imagine that my memory would be
refreshed by such OCCASION the of
the past invoked, BY the presence Of those, who In by
gone days. wont to join in the joys Of youth To
me, gentlemen, assurs you Il. is scene Of which
feel proud, and never can whether in public pri
Whatever praise may be bestowed upon my feeble efforts
while aiding in the defence of my country in foreign
inveterate enemy could DESIRE still truth and justice
constrain me to declare that did but my duty 1t
tho fate Of the LIST regiment of New York to
have suffered beyond comparison and with truth they
can say They came, they saw, they conquered" To
the regiment and not to any individual member, must
be the glory and the pride Of having done Its
duty. From Its chvaric commander down to the pri-
vate, ALL all have done their duty: to say less to say
glory Of the regiment it enoirolss its brow that
circle cannot be changed without destroying Its beau
tul proportions its truth-like symmetry They have
sustained the hag they have not dsgraoed their State
Would that the remnant Of that regiment here to
participate in this banquet Of the heart would that they
the oampaigners in the Of Mexico. But enough
their fame Of their country-they require eulogium
the associates of my boyhood whose presence
up the Of the pass accept the grateful and
heartfelt thanks OF one who appreciate but not
press the impression your kindness has made upon him
The following toasts were then given in their order,
and drank with loud applause =
The American Navy-Sho Q ourts long ODDS to de-
velope her powerBhe commands but vessel for every
year Of her existence, yet laughs defiance at the
Music-"The Star Spaugled Bannern
"our Generals in Mexice-Aby vying with the Ro-
Music-"March to the Battle Field
"The Volunteers of our Army. Ever ready and never
surrender'n
Musio-"Taylor's Quickstsp."
The idol Of the warriors thought,
The emblem Ia the van"
Music-"The Haunting Flag Of Liberty"
1.-THE Gallant Dsad-A grateful people mourn their
loss-ther epitaphs are inscribed upon the hearts OF
their countrymen"
Music-"Dead March"
"The Yankee-An embodiment Of all races, all
Sciences all kinds all notions and very good model ut
Music--"Yankee DoodleD
Lord Chatham's prophecy fulfled-Every knee on
earth bows to the precepts acucated In the Deoa
ration Of Independence"
Music -"Awake to Glory"
"Woman-Msns first, mans last, mans best sup
port"
Music" Let the Toast be dear Woman"
MIR. JuDsoN, commonly called Ned Buntline," ad-
dressed the meeting in brief and happy remarks,
returning thanks on behalf the Navy for tbs honor
done them. Mr.. Judson concluded with Offering
toast highly complimentary to Lieut. Sweeny who, with
his friend Lieut. Potter, Of course present the
occasion.
Lieut. swEENY returned thanks in happy and felci-
tous strain.
Colonel BURNETT then returned thanks in speech
applause.
After a number of other volunteer toasts, at late
hour the company separated, and the honored guest
was escorted to his home and quarters.
The Presentation OF u Sword to Major Dyck-