The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-07-15
Father Mathews FIRST Impre..ions
O. P. @.

Father Mathews First Impressions.
At the meeting Of the Common Council of the city of
New York on Monday, the following letter from Father
Mathew was read:
New York, July 7, 1s49,
My DEAR SIR; Before entering upon the discharge of
the important duties Immediately connected with my
temperance mission, permit to return to you sir, to
the municipal authorities, and to the citizens of New
York. my most grateful and heartfelt thanks for the gen.
crosby and kind feeling displayed towards me, and whc
would have oppressed me by It's intensity were not
which am esteemed the personfcation. The courtesy
and polite attention Of Alderman Haws and the other
honored members OF the committee and the many dsn-
teresed proofs Of sympathy, kindness, and affection
which have received from the citizens have made an
impression which will never be effaced
From the moment caught the first glimpse OF Amer.
and delight have gazed with rapture the bold out
line OF your coast and have admired the beautiful scenery
OF your noble bay, unnvaed for its maritime capabilities,
and designed by nature as the entrepo OF trade and of
commerce Tor the western world. | have seen your
majestic rivers dotted with richly freghted vessels bear
ing the eeming produce of your uxurant soil far dis
tant nations; and oh, sir, l could not look these
winged messengers OF peace and plenty without assoca
ting with them the magnanimous bounty OF brave peo-
Vou1
fares and have been forcby struck with those exterior
evidences Of mercantile greatness and prosperity which
awaits your already glorious republic.
have in the comfort and abundance enjoyed by
all in the total abstinence Of squsd poverty, and in the
prosperity which contrast strkngy with that have
often narrowed my SOUL IN that poor old country which,
trodden down and oppressed she still the land oil
my birth and my affections. 1 have visited your God
like institutions, upheld with munhcence worthy OF
your mighty republic, by which you initiate, at an hum
bic distance, the mercy of the Redeemer making 'the
blind TO and the dumb TO speak" have mnutely
inspected their internal arrangements, and witnessed, with
intense satisfaction, the phlanhropc system, and the alb
Of all religious exclusion, which those asyums,
sacred to humanity, are based and conducted
have also inspected with admiration that snpendous
structure, the high bridge; the reservoirs sufficiently
pacous 10 supply abundance OF the pures water TO
surprising the boasted aqueducts of ancient Rome Nor,
10 my intercourse amongst your people, could overlook
that manly independence OF character that decorum and
self.respec worthy OF freemen which characterize
American citizens; and which may be observed as well
in the joyous celebration OF their national feies. in
their commnging with each other in the active duties OF
social life.
Oh. sir, what powerful influence must the example
OF such people necessarily exercise the dstresses OF
mankind Alter years of toll and anxiety, cheered
and consoled to find my humble efforts worthy of such
high approval and feel inspired with energy
mence, with the Divine assistance my exertions in the
States under such glorious auspices.
Joining in the aspirations OF one oil your most dlstn
guished Presidents, ferveny pray that =" he who holds
in his hands the destnies OF nations may make yours
worthy OF the favors he has bestowed and with pure
hearts, pure hands, and seepess vigilance that you may
guard and defend the end Of time the great charge he
has committed to your keeping"
With the wamest gratitude for the kindness conferred
in imparting the Inequalities OF your city, and treat
ing me as lis honored guest,
am, MIR. Mayor, with sentiments OF profound respect,
'''' Wv 49, - THEoBALD MATHEW
His honor The MAYOR OF NEw YoRK