The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-06-08
Dinner to W. Sidney Smith,

The Delta says;
1.-The dinner to w. Sidney Smith, British
Vice Consul at Havana, by the citizens of New
Orleans was one of the most pleasant affairs of
the kind we ever attended 1t was characteriz
ed not only by hilarity good feeling, and the usual
amount of good speaking and seniimentalizing,
but it was aso marked by excellent Judgment
and taste. The nature of the festival, the mixed
character of the assembly, and certain ncongru-
tiles of opinions and ideas on subjects which
were prominent in the thoughts of the at least
Il considerable portion of the company, neces-
sarily imposed some degree of restraint and
embarrassment on the company. But these
difficulties were pleasantly surmounted, and the
whole affair passed off with uninterrupted good
humor.
Major Arnold Harris presided with great Dig
nifty and address. He was assisted by Record
ers Winter and Vaught. General Quitman sat
on the left, and W. Sidney Smith, esq, on the
right.
When the toast to Great Britain and the
United States was read, Mr.. Mure, British Con.
sui at this port, was loudly called for, and re.
sponded in speech full of good feeling and
sentiment. He dwelt with great felicity on the
Importance of cuItivating good feelings and re-
latons between the two countries--and spoke
Of our common origin, language, literature, and
of that still stronger bond ola common humanity
which bound US altogether by one common tie.
Mr.. Mure's speech was very happy, and
throughout was loudly applauded
The second toaste to the guest was received
with loud burst of enthusiasm, and with three
times three Of cheers.
Mr.. Smith arose under an evident embarrass-
ment and respond to the toast;" y &
In patriotic and eloquent style, abiding to
the many noble and generous acts of John s
Thrasher, Mr.. Smith says
With regard to myself did nothing but nv
duty, nothing more than What many, very many
others would have gladly, willingly have done,
had they had the same opportunity that had.
1t would, indeed, think, have been impossible
10 have looked upon the forlorn and destitute
condition of those brave but grossly deceived
young men, without feeling the greatest desire
to endeavor to do something for their relief, and
! must confess, that it was with feelings of deep
satisfaction to myself that daily found my steps
bent in that direction OF the forts which knew
conta med the beating hearts of many a noble
minded chivalrous boy, little thinking, at the
time, that such a simple act of mine would
shortly bring down upon my head the blessings
and prayers of many a fond father. mother and
sister, whose darling son or brother had belonged
to that ever TO be amented expedition.
Gentlemen, have received from the relations
of some of those poor fellows whose untimely
deaths we have all to deplore, letters which
estimate beyond all price. But gentlemen, |
would beg to impress this deeply upon all your
minds, the excitement in Havana, when it be-
came known that the expedition under Lopez
had landed al Bahia Honda, was intense, The
position of the superior authority of the island
was one of peculiar trial The brightest jewel
of the crown of Spain had been committed to
the charge of Gen. Concha, and he had sworn to
preserve it with honor. The tranquility Of Cuba
was menaced with an armed invasion. Let hs
under such circumstances, place ourselves in his
position, and then we would be better able fully
to appreciate the magnanmous act of humanity
which induced him to issue the ever.to be re.
membered act of clemency, contained in his pro-
camation of August 2llh, sparing the lives of
those of the expedition who should surrender, or
be made prisoners, within four days from that
date, but which he afterwards extended TO an
unlimited time But for this act or clemencv,
not man of the expedition would have been
left to tell the tale; and we should have had to
deplore the loss of upwards of one hundred and
eighty brave lsds, hurried, unprepared, into eter.
nifty" =