Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-03-04
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Senator from augusta, end Chairman Of the Com
mittee on the part Of III. Senats, on the Reeep-
toa Of General Taylor on lite banks Of the Poto-
mac, on 2ist February.
Mr.. 1DENT 1T affords me no ordinary
pleasure, as the orgun OF the Joint committee
Of the General Assembly OF Virginia, to welcome
you once more to the shores OF your native State.
You have been long, long separated fron your
good cid mother, but neither time nor distance
has weakened her affection for you on the con-
trary your high and manly bearing-your noble
and patriotic services amidst scenes OF trial and
of peril since you left her, have but the more en-
deared you 10 hcr-and we, Your brethren, have
been commissioned by her to give you a cordial
greeting--to welcome you to her borders-to
give you assurance that she cherishes you as one
Of her %tavorite sons-aso one OF her jewels, and to
conduc. you 10 her Capitol to participate in the
ceremonies OF laying the Corner Stone OF Mon
ument she is about to erect to the memory OF
her Washington.
Mr.. President the spot where we meet-the
circumstances which surround us, are peculiar
and calculated to call forth emotions both OF
pleasure and pain.
We have met upon the shores of the beauti-
ful Potomac. You have Just glic ed over its
smooth waters-you have passed Mount Vernon.
that consecrated spot where lie the crumbling
remains of him who was "tirst in war, first in
peace, and first in the hearts OF his country
men''-lhe tones Of The solemn bell which an
nounced to you that you We're passing the tomb
of Washington, we doubt not, sent to your heart
a thrill Of reverence, almost OF religious awe
The saddening sound of that tolling bell is here
to give place to wild bursts Of Joyous music, as
we, your brethren, without distinction Of party,
welcome, thrice welcome you to the hospitali-
ties of Virginia.
Mr.. President, the circumstances Of the pres
ent occasion forbid that | should enter upon a
review Of your deeds of noble daring-sutiice ii
to say, they have been such as 10 win for you
and the brave army under your command, the
grateful applause of your country. Whenever,
wherever, you met the enemy, in despite of the
odds against you, victory was yours-you never
surrendered f! Victory secured, you threw the
mantle of mercy and humanity over the con-
quered. And it IS a fact and calculated to call
forth our gratitude 20 God, that though you pass
ed through scenes OF danger, carnage and death,
TO harm touched your person. In this we think
we see the hand OF that same everything and
protecting Providence, which so often shielded
Washington, and which has since continued to
guard over our beloved country-we cannot but
believe that your life has been preserved for
wise and great purposes. We feel already the
grateful assurance that that life heretofore spent
amidst the stern horrors Of war, isnow anxious
~ and cheertully devoted to the peace and union
OF your country.
Mr.. President the voice of your countrymen
has called you to the highest office on earth. In
The discharge of its duties you have said you
would make Washington your model-his adj.
ministration the example you would follow
Rest assured, sir, that the country confdes in the
sincerity of these noble purposes. May your
efforts be crowned with the success that attend
ed Washington may you, like him, at the
close of your administration, leave the people
over whom you have been called to preside, free,
prosperous, happy, and united. May you like
him, as You retire to the shades of private life,
be greeted with the same plaudit Of millions OF
freemen. "Well done good and faithful servant ~