The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-01-12
HuNoRs TO GENERAL WOOL


mentary dinner given to Major Gen John E
Wool, at Troy, on Saturday last, by his fellow
citizens, cn tie eve of his departure for Califor
mia, the theatre of his future service for few
years. The banquet was given at the Tro,
House, and is represented to have been of sur
passing magnifceneo. The officers were Presi
dent-Hon. DAVID BUEL Pice Presidents
Jonas F. Hart Hon. Elias Plum, Hon Amo
K Hadley, Hon. John A. Willard, Esq. Thu
President delivered the address of welcome il
eloquent terms. The relations" he said
which exist between the citizens of Troy anC
their respected guest, are of long duration ant
of sacred character. 1t was here that ht
passed the years of boyhood and youth ant
here he formed the most endearing Of earthl,
relations" In this address he briefly reviewe,
the leading incidents in the life Of General w
Hon. A. X. Hadley, singularly enough, de
hvered speech of like tenor, in response to {
sentiment in honor Of the President of tn,
United States
| 10 response to the 2 / regular toast" On
honored Gaest General Wool re- piled
Mr. President, Friends and Fellou-C Citizens
! rise to respond to the eloquent address and
sentiment just delivered, with sad heart and
| feelings deeply oppressed, with friends and
neighbors assembled, not to greet me as a war
worn veteran returning from the field of battle.
| but to express their regret because Of my ex-
pected departure to q far distant land, and to
offer renewed assurances of personal regard,
| and to say farewell. To part with nv Trojan
friends at any time, and for however short
a period has ever been to me source of re-
gret; bu. the very thought Of leaving them at
this time and under these circumstances op-
presses and almost overwhelms me.
1t 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 | entered The army Of
the United States. At the latter period, your
beautiful city contained, believe about 6, 900
inhabitants; at this time, ts population cannot
be far from 35 900 or 10 600 During its ad-
vancement and prosperity, if have grown
with It's growth, and strengthened with its
strength, il must at leas. in some degree be
ascribed to the approving voice of its citizens
which has ever lowered over me- Whether
traversing the thick forests of Maine the say
age wilds Of the West the frozen regions of
the North, the burning sands Of the South, or
III b"lt-C oh AnV hciSu15 ui sSuceUSCOW0. al
Plattsburg, or at BueG4 Vista, their cheering
and encouraging appreciation has never failed
to stimulate ne to greater efforts to sustain
the honor. the interest, and the glory of nv
country. Applause. can never forget, that
ere the echoes of ..Ae thunder of the battle of
BGena Vista had ceased, | received in advance,
with that Of my native State, their assurance
y, conf lence. Nor can forget in 1913 when
returned, after the campaign in Mexico, their
reception in the city Of New York by O. hun
dred citizens and the Citizens Corps, who es-
corted 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 Of the county, and from other parts
of the State assembled to witness the present
alton of that precious gift with which the
citizens honored ne. These manifestations of
their good opinion are engraven on my heart
never to De efacod. 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 a
commission in the army Of the United States
and that is, obey cheerfulIy the commands of
those appointed over me, and to go where duty
calls. loud applause.
1t is true | am to be relieved CT the com
mand of the Eastern Department and assigned
to that Of the Pacific, which comprises Califor-
mia and Oregon. Whether considered in rela.
ton to climate, soil, or mineral wealth, no part
of the United States preeenis greater field
for enterprise and with the indomitable cour-
age 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
Pacifc\ ocean. Having contributed as | be-
heve, in some degree to the acquisition TO our
Union of large portion of the Pacific depart
ment cannot but take 4 deep interest in its
welfare. Possessing therefore, feelings of pa
ternity towards THAI interesting section Of our
country | sball go rs desired, without hesita-
tion, and with determination to do all in nv
power to promote the success, prosperity, ard
happiness of the people. Applause Lest,
however, in separating from you ct my time of
life, and going 50 far from ali that hold most
dear, the motives which prompt designation
for the important command should be misun-
derstocd and miscOnstrued it IS due to our IL
lustrious President and Secretary Of War to
cay, tNos AZ TIC 10 me- 10
officer could have been treated with greater
consideration, delieacy. and kindness. Ire
newe3 applause So much 50, no matter wha.
the sacrifice may be, could not have said less
than did, that would 90 with pleasure, and
with the assurance and determination that
neither the President or the people of the couu-
try should have cause to complain &c my con-
duct whilst commander Of the Pacific depart-
ment. Applause. Ii is also due to the Presi-
dent, as Well as the Secretary Of War, to say,
that believe, if had intimated the slightest
objections to the command, they would no.
have urged it upon me.
am aware that the duty will be one OF
hardship. Itcanno. be otherwise the country
being 10 great measure destitute of the i'm
provements and conveDielces which make trav-
cling in other parts of the Union pleasure
If should be required, however, to traverse
on horseback the barrens and mountains OF
California and Oregon, shall do no more than
what have performed again and again in
other parts of the United States, and but re.
Gently in Mexico. [Great applause. My hand
to the plough, | viii not look back, but move
forward until the object Of my mission is &C.
| compiished when have no doubt shall be
permitted to return, and again. | trust without
faint or less Of character, enjoy the pleasure
of your society and friendship. CONTINUED
applause
Daring my absence be assured that wher-
ever may be, either In the North, the South,
| the last, or the West your welfare your proc
perrty, and your happiness, viii be mine With
the most heartfelt Acknowledgements for the
past as Well as the present honors conferred
on me, bid you adieu.
This speech was followed with immense ap-
plau5e.
Eloquent speeches were also made BY George
Goold, Esq, Captain H. L. Shields, Gen. John
| d Va:la Martin / Townsand Esq Hon . ne