American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-16
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH

TOOK place at the residence of Mr. RITCnIE, in
this city, on Saturday evening last. We regret
that it was not in our power to accept the nvi-
tatlon kindly extended to us to be present. We
avail ourselves of the report of our neighbor of
the Republic
The present was massive silver pitcher,
manufactured by M. w. Gait & Brother, of this
CITY. 1t was testimony Of respect" from
his friends in the Union Office, who have had
the best opportunity to appreciate his virtues
and his worth" When he retired from the edi-
torial chair, the employees Of that establishment
rendered him the compliment of dinner, which
he respectfully declined A more enduring to,
ken of their esteem was, in consequence, pre-
pared, in the form of splendid pitcher, cost
ing more than two hundred dollars
Upwards Of sixty persons witnessed its pre-
sentation the larger portion of them connected
with the typographical profession. In addition
to other invited guests were the President of
the United States Mr.. Crittenden, the Attor-
ney General; Commodore Morris; Mr.. De Leon
of the "Southern Press - Major Donelson, of
the "Union )" w. W. Corcoran, Matthew St.
Clair Clarke, and Mr.. Pendleton, of Virginia,
an old friend of Mr.. Richie. The members of
the last-named gentleman family were likewise
in attendance.
Mr. McNERHANY was the organ of the donors
on this occasion; and in the course of his re-
marks-happily delivered and abounding in
eoquence--he alluded to Mr.. Ritchie's devo-
ton to the American Union; to the long period,
nearly half a century, during which he had
occupied the editorial chair; and to the active
part which he had taken in the stirring political
events of the country; and adverted to his
character as man and rs an employer. A de-
served tribute was paid to the press, as great
propelling power Of civilization, freedom, and
| OF the spirit of progress. And, in conclusion,
MIR. McNerhany said to Mr.. Ritchie: g Permit
me to solicit your acceptance of this memento
of our regard Though the gift be humble, |
am sure it will be none the less treasured by
you on that account. Perhaps when you gaze
upon it in the quiet of retirement it may awaken
some pleasing recollections while
Fond memory brings the light
Ofother days around you
And with this grateful offering, sir, bear
with you to your beloved home the earnest
prayer of each and all of us, that, surrounded
| by those who are dearest to you, contentment
and happiness may be yours, and that the eve
ming of your life, undimmed by even passing
cloud Of adversely, may pass serenely and
pleasantly away"
MIR. RITcHIE, in accepting the present, ten
| dered his warmest thanks for the high respect
| expressed for him by those with whom he had
had daily, and he might say aightiy, intercourse,
while they were asso eiated-he as editor and
they as employees in the Union printing estab-
lishment. The gift, he said was the more ac-
ceptable from the fact that some of those who
contributed towards its preparation belonged to
the party opposed to him in political opinions
and he expressed the sentiment that he "would
rather be esteemed as man than admired as a
politician" As to his future destiny, that de-
pended upon Congress. Claiming to be an older
man than any other present-but he had some
times estimated age rather by temperament
| than by years-he took occasion to relate q
portion Of his long experience, political and so.
cial, which was listened to with marked atten
| ton.
The ceremony Of presentation occupied a
least an hour, and Mt the termination of it the
| President of the United States retired.
The gentlemen were invited into an adjoining
room, where n plentiful supply of good things
awaited them. Messrs. Ritchie. Donelson, Crit
tendcn, and Matthew st. Clair Clarke, were sew
orally toasted, and they briefly responded to the
compliments The best possible feeling was
prevalent, and there were many bright flashes
of wit. The company separated before ten
o'clock, delighted with the evenings entertain
ments.