Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-08-19
MOVEMENTS OF MIR. CLAY
His Enthusiastic Reception in Philadel
phid,


The arrival of Mr.. Clay in Philadelphia on
Saturday, from this city, as stated in our ele-
graphic dispatch yesterday. stirred up the feel
inss of his friends to the highest pitch Of en-
thusiasm. The North American says:
There had been but little note of his coming,
and that of such an uncertain and dubious cha
racter, that many disbelieved the information
while they regretted the absence ofopporun.
ty to make expression OF personal respect and
political sympathy. The fear that he would
not come seemed to increase the general desire
for his presence, and thousands went TO the
depot al the time appointed for the arrival of
the cars, TO satisfy hope that he might favor
us with visit. The mass awaited the arrival
OF the train in silence but the signal that he
was passenger was no sooner given than en-
thusiasm arose at once TO its pitch, and deaf
ening cheers rolled forth in almost endless sue
cession. The CROWD poured into the depot
and filled il completely, while on the broad
street there remained goodly number await
ing his coming forth.
Mr.. Clay's appearance on the platform of
the cars stirred the enthusiasm to double
strength, and the crowd struggled forward 10
shake his hands and bid him fervent welcome.
Borne along by, not through, the mass, he
reached atlength the carriage Of Henry White,
ESQ.,, whose guest he was, and departed for
that genlleman's residence amid the unceaslng
cheers of the thousands of Wings who were
congregated so suddenly to welcome him.
Ii was soon known in every quarter that
Mr.. Clay was in the city, and preparations Tor
serenade were promptly made. The an
nouncements of this intention were but few,
but at a late hour in the evening. Walnut
street, from Broad to Schuylkill Sixth street,
was densely packed with people who impati-
emily called for Mr.. Clay, and answered every
cry forcheers with tremendous bursts ofsound.
To this vast number was added a procession
of Wings, preceded by powerful band, which
with extreme difficulty made its way to the
residence of Mr.. White.
1t was represented that Mr.. Clay had retired
TO sleep at an early hour, in consequence OF
the fatiQues Of his Journey, and that he should
be excused from presenting himself before his
friends, because he was suffering under re-
centand heavy affection, but twas otno avail.
AT length Mr.. Clay appeared upon the bal
cony, and the scene at that moment was such
as il is impossible to describe. There was a
perfect abandonment to the feeling Of the mo
ment--an intense desire TO testify attachment
for the venerable statesman, that passed all
bounds, and as he stood before them il was a
spectacle which spoke to the heart and stirred
the pulse wit an unusual and most elevating
feeling. !.
Silence was, after many minutes, restored,
and Mr.. Clay spoke in full and distinct voice
in answer to the call made upon him, briefly
but to the purpose, and with all the terseness,
elegance and apIness which are the dlsin-
gushing characteristics Of his oratory--mn-
gled with grateful feeling which the peculiar
circumstances OF the moment could not fail 10
create.
He had come to this city without any inlen-
tion--certainly without any desire--of eau,
sing such a public manifestation. He had
left his home for the purpose of escaping from
affecting and perpetually recurring ieelngs,ln
The hope of finding among the friends whom
he might meet during his travels, portion o.
consolation from the heaviest affection Proyr
dence had ever visited upon him; but under
whatever circumstances he might have arrived
among US, he would be void Of gratitude, BE-
would be destitute Of all the finer feelings Of
nature, ifhe failed in thankfulness for the kind
ness so manifested. The city of Philadelphia,
he was proud to say, during all the trials, dli-
fculies and vicissitudes, of his caequered ca
reer, been his warm and steadiast friend
But if even the occasion was not unit the
feelings under which he labored would pre-.
vent him from Selling upon ii for the purpose
of making set speech. and in parting pc
would only add,- the day which usherS IN
the Sabbath that all men should respect, was
nearly spent-that they would unite with nun
in the expression that TO our country, whelhei
it is directed in ITS public measures by a gooa
government or bad one--whelher II Is ~
prosperity or adverslty-in peace or a, wa,
we should always give our hearts, our napu'
our hopes. N,
Mr.. Clay babe farewell to his fellow Gu,
zens. and retired amid the reawakened storm
ofenhusiastc feeling, and the vast mass quieF
ly dispersed.
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