Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-04-06
Mr.. Polk IN N. oRLEAxs,-The New Or

Mr. Polk IN n. ORLEANs.-The New Or
leans papers contain glowing accounts of the
welcome rendered to the ex-President by the
people and authorities of the Crescent City,
The civil and military procession on the occa-
sion of his reception on the 2lst, is described
as one of the most imposing spectacles which
that city has ever witnessed. Throughout.
the distinguished visiter was greeted with un-
ostentatious demonstrations of respect. the
truly republican character of which enhanced
the honor. The shipping in port was decked
with colors, and the national flag waved from
the public buildings throughout the day. In
brief, the warmest friends OF the ex-President
could not have wished for him more cordial
reception. s..
The Dinner given by tie Municipal Coun-
ellis of the city, was in every way worthy OF
the illustrious patriot whom it was intended
to honor The third regular toast being
Our Guest.-Having filled the highest office
in the gift of freemen. he carries to his retire.
ment the united and cordial good wishes of bis
countrymen for his health and happiness.
The sentiment was received with cheer up
on cheer, and when the tumult had subsidized
the ex-President rose to reply. He said:
Mr.. Mayor and Gentlemen-Tt is impossi-
bic for me to fully express the gratitude fee
for the honor conferred upon me by the senti'
ment given, and the cordial manner in which
it has been received by the company. /, sir
am no longer entrusted with the insignitia Oh
seals of Office, and no longer possess the pow
er of bestowing political patronage, but return
to my home with only the proud title of a CT
tie of citizen of the United States.
In my return 10 that quiet home, which
long so much to enjoy, the distinguished re-
ception that have met with, without distinc'
ton of party, is the greatest honor of my
whole life, and one which will live brightly
in my memory to the end of my days.
AS to the manner in which | have dschar
ged my public duties during the time have
had the honor to hold the exalted Office con
ferred upon me by the people, my country
men will decide. All will confess that thos,
duties have involved the most weighty respon
sibilities.
In returning thanks to the citizens OF New
Orleans for the high honors they have confer
red upon me, it is not my purpose to recaPlt
ulate the great events which have occurred
during my administration. All will confess
that great events, both foreign and domestic
have occurred, seriously affecting the nationa
character; but the policy which have deem,
ed it my duty to pursue in connec ion with
those events has now became a matter OF his
tory. How far have met the general expec
tation will not pretend to say, but leave j
to the people of the United States to Judge.
In return, Mr.. Mayor and gentlemen, TO
the fiattering manner in which you have re
ceived me, give you the hearty thanks Of al
humble citizen returning to his home, and be-
leave to give you sentiment:
The City Of NetO Orleans-The great com
mercial emporium of half continent: no
more distinguished for her commercial emf
nence than for her courtesy and hospitality.
The festivities of the evening were term
mated by the arrival of the hour for Mr.. Polk
departure. The ex. President and family wer
accompanied to the Boat by concourse c
citizens who thronged TO the wharf to testif
their high respect and appreciation of the dit
tinguished public services of their illustriou
guest