Washington sentinel., 1854-01-05

and feelings deeply oppressed, with friends and
neighbors assembled, not to greet me rs a war
worn veteran, returning from the field of battle,
but to express their regret Of my expected de-
parture TO a far-distant land, and to offer re-
newed assurances of personal regard, and to
say farewell. To part with my Trojan friends
at any time, and for however short period
has ever been to me source of ofregret but the
very thought of leaving them at this time, and
under these circumstances, oppresses and al
most overwhelms me.
ut is now fifty years since first came to
your city, small boy, without money and
without friends to assist me and it is more
than forty years since l entered the army of
the United States. AT the latter period your
beautiful city contained, l believe, about six
thousand inhabitants at this time its popnla-
ton cannot be far from thirty-fve thousand to
forty thousand. During its advancement and
prosperity, if have grown with its growth and
strengthened with its strength, it must at least
in some degree, be ascribed to the approving
voice of its citizens, which has ever hovered
over me. Whether traversing the thick forests
of Maine, the savage wilds of the West, the
frozen regions of the North, the burning sands
of the South, or in battle on the heights of
Queenstown, at Plattsburg, or at Bnena Vista,
their cheering and encouraging appreciation
has never failed to stimulate me to greater eff
forts to sustain the honor, the interests, and
the glory of my country. Applause. | can
never forget that ere the echoes of the thunder
of the battle of Buena Vista had ceased, re-
ceived in advance, with that of my native State,
their assurance Of confidence. Nor can for
get, in l848, when / returned, after the cam
paign in Mexico, their reception in the city of
New York by a hundred citizens and the citi-
zen corps, who escorted me to this city, where
thousands of the inhabitants awaited to greet
and conduct me with shouts of welcome to my
cherished home. Renewed applause. Nor
can the reception be forgotten which followed
few days after, when the citizens and military
corps of this city and the county, and from other
parts of the State, assembled to witness the
presentation of that precious gift with which
the citizens honored me. These manifestations
of their good opinion are engraven on my heart
never to be effaced. With so much kindness,
hospitality, and generosity, it cannot be thought
strange or extraordinary, that regret, deeply
regret, again to be separated from such friends
and such citizens. /, however, have had but
one rule for my guidance since / have held
commission in the army of the United States,
and that is to obey cheerfully the commands Of
those appointed over me, and to go where duty
calls. Loud applause.
1t is true, am to be relieved of the COM
mand of the eastern department, and assigned
that Of the Pacific, which comprises California
and Oregon. Whether considered in relation
to climate, soil, or mineral wealth, no part of
the United States presents greater field for
enterprise, and, with the indomitabe courage
and perseverance of the inhabitants, must
soon become, if it is not already, formidable
part of the Union; and, from its commanding
position, exert controlling influence over the
inhabitants of the islands and shores of the
Pacific ocean. Having contributed, as / be-
lieve, in some degree to the acquisition to our
Union of large portion of the Pacific depart
ment, cannot but take deep interest in its
welfare. Possessing, therefore, feelings of pa
ternity towards that interesting section of our
country, shall go as desired, without hesita-
ton, and with determination to do all in my
power to promote the success, prosperity and
happiness ofthepeople. [Applause.] Lest, how
ever, in separating from you at my time of life,
and going SO far from all that hold most dear,
the motives which prompt designation for the
important command should be misunderstood
and misconstrued, it is due to our illustrious
President and Secretary of War to say, that, in
presenting the subject to me, no officer could
have been treated with greater consideration,
delicacy and kindness. Renewed applause.
be, / could not have said less than did, that
would 60 with pleasure, and with the assurance
and determination that neither the President
nor the people of the country should have
cause to complain of my conduct whilst COM
mander of the Pacific department. Applause
1t is also due to the President, as we'll as the
Secretary of War, to say, that believe, if had
ntimated the slightest objections to the com.
mand, they would not have urged it upon me.
:" ! am aware that the duty will be one of
hardship. 1t cannot be otherwise, the country
being in great measure destitute of the i'm
provements and conveniences which make
travelling in other parts of the Union pleas
ure. If should be required, however, to
traverse on horseback the barren mountains of
California and Oregon, ] shall do no more than
what | have performed again and again in
Gently in Mexico. Great applause. My hand
to the plough, will not look back, but move
forward until the object of my mission is ac-
complished, when | have no doubt / shall be
permitted to return, and again, trust, without
taint or loss of character, enjoy the pleasure of
your society and friendship. Continued ap
plause.
During my absence, be assured that where
ever | may be, either in the north, the south,
the east, or the west, your welfare, your pros
perity, and your happiness, will be mine. With
the most heartfelt acknowledgements for the past
as well as for the present honors conferred on
me, ] bid you adieu."
AT the close of General Wool's remarks he
was enthusiastically cheered.