Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-09-09
To The Editor of the Boston Post"

My attention has been called to anonymous letter.
dated at London published in your paper of the 2ls u
hmo, commenting the proceedings at dinner given
by me, at Richmond in celebration of the 18th Anniyer
sary of American Independence the 4th July and
cannot allow such Communication, wanting in libe
raty and truth to pass through the press Of country
without notice, particularly the writer is connected
with the American Legation at the Court of ST. James
and his conduct, the occasion Of the dinner stamps
him the author Of the letter in the opinion Of those pre-
sent truly would the signature of D. s. SIcKLEs.
The motive Of the United States Secretary of Legation
in this ebuon of bad feeling is unknown to me. shall
therefore content myself by pointing out the msrepre
and Inconsistencies contained in the letter. and
leave the the consideration and judgment of
my countrymen, who have eyinced toward me the
utmost kindness and who feel assured will believe me
sincere and truthful in remarks about TO make
responsible for all say in this letter, but not for
what has been written by others the subject Of the
celebration and published either here in the United
States those communications first reached through
the press; and immediately expressed my regret that
inaccuracies had taken place in the report-frst,
in the statement that several gentlemen did rise when
the President of the United States" was proposed.
This so, for every Joined in the toast with
enthusiasm and all honor given to the Chief Magis-
trate of the people Secondly Mr. Buchanans remarks
in proposing my health, although highly complimentary,
not reported; and, have understood that he
has felt annoyed thereby most sincerely regret the
cause. Having conceded all that truth and candor re-
quire, will take up the other portions of his letter
The Secretary of Legation says the facts briefly
these: ~.
This being entertainment avowedy given in com.
memoration of national independence the Americans
present were greatly surprised to meet number of Eng
ishmen at the table, and also to observe length por
traits of the Queen and Prince Albert each side Of
small picture Of Washington at the head Of the table
The absence Of any likeness of the President of the Uni
ted States noticed. When the toasts given,
what the surprise of the American portion of the
company to hear the Queen proposed with most seryle
speech, and this too, national HOLIDAY, before the
President had been named The result that several
gentlemen did not rse either for the toast ITSELF when
the air of Rule Britannia, which followed perform
ed by the band The President Of the United States
next given, with some ukewarm Introductory remarks
when the whole company rose without exception, and
drank the with all the honors spontaneously cheer
ing the Chief Of our Republic"
"The americans present greatly surprised to meet
nusabsr Of Eagtisfaaen at the table" .,."
It well known among the resident Americans that
English gentlemen to be present they had been
on all similar celebrations given by me- and this had
been known at the Legation many days before, also
that Sir Emerson remnant would take part in the pro-
ceedings and propose the memory of Washington.
The Americans also, surprised to observe flenqth
portraits of the Queen and Prince Albert each side OF
small picture Of WaShingtoa." j.. =.. ...
The presence of the former was entirely owing to
the courtesy of the Queen. That Of Washington
fine haength picture, and the only that could by
any exertons be procured for the but it
that it comparatively small Will the Secretary Of
Legation call to mind that in February last he wrote
note stating his great anxiety to obtain portrait Of
Washington for the of Mr.. Belmont for celebration
at the Hague the 3D. and asking my assistance
| I'll =
this portrait, and he appeared highly gratifed and
obliged. ... ..>..
"zas absence Of Likeness Of the President noticed
If one had been sought it is not likely that it could
have been obtained in London, and my patriotism any
assemblage is always satisfied and feel that my
try and its Chief Magistrate are honoraby
when portrait of the Father of his Country present
am accused of proposing the health of the Queen in
servle" speech before the President had been named
and the result that several gentlemen did rse
either for the toast ITSELF when Rule Britannia"
which followed, was performed by the band.
That proposed the "Queen in servile speech is
not true.
That "Rue Britannia" was performed at all is not
| true.
That several gentlemen did not rse from the best in
formation can obtain believe be untrue one person
only continuing in his seat. .@
1nat intentionally proposed the President in luke
warm speech is not true; but, l am more man of
deeds than words the mistake Of the Secretary of Lega
ton is not surprising.
| In the second paragraph he says: al ought to add
that, having heard that unusual amount of stoady-
ing was to be done to the Queen and the English at
this dinner distinguished American ntimated his dis
approval Of the rumcred programme to Mr. Peabody in
advance Of the 4th, when he assured in reply that
these rumors were altogether unfounded and that all
honor would be shown to the President"
The whole of this paragraph far it is connected
with my name, any knowledge have of the crcum-
stances stated is untrue Observe it's inconsistency also
with the remark in the former paragraph respecting Eng
lish being present.
In conclusion, he says: "Need add that under such
circumstances felt tito be my duty to leave the table
in disgust and Mr.. Buchanan only remained because
he knew that his rising would have once broken up
the affair in confusion and anger?"
What the American Secretary of Legation says Of his
feelings cannot contradict; but what he says of
those Of Mr. Buchanan appears completely variance
with that gentemans department towards me on oil oc-
casions and with his remarks proposing my health at
the conclusion of the celebration that would not COM
init great offence to ask him il the words used
by his Secretary Of Legation having reference himself
were or were not sanctioned BY him. -
The great outrage committed the patriotism Of the
Secretary of Legation to have been oastpg the
Queen before the President. will say a few words on
this subject On occasions when have guests my own
countrymen only give the President" or Our Coun-
try md omit the mt nar.u n Ana.