Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-07-26
George Peabody's Fourth OF July ceie-

The Londen advertiser, of July 8, has long
account Of the great gathering of American citi-
gems at Willis rooms on the 4th of July. Mr..
George Peabody, as is his custom, gave grand
entertainment to some one hundred and eighty Of
his felow-citizens sojourning in London The
best speech of the day was the one made by the
Hon. Josiah Quincy, jr., Of Boston, who was in
troduced to the company by Mr. Peabody, in the
following speech:
Mr.. Peabody rose TO propose the first toast;
"The Day we Celebrate" Eighty years ago,
said Mr. Peabody, I" Joseph Warren, samuel
Adams, and others whose names were equally
conspicuous in our revolution, sent TO London
Young man. in whose talents and love OF liberty
they had the most unbounded confidence. The
object Of this young man IS missions was 10 estaD-
lish personal intercourse with the friends OF
constitutional liberty on this side OF the water;
and through it see what could be done to prevent
the rupture then impending. His mission proved
futile; and Notwithstanding he was honored with
the friendship of Franklin, Colonel Hare, and
even that of the great Lord Chatham, was forced
to the conclusion that the time for separating
from the mother country had arrived. Anxiety
of mind and ardent feelings wore cut tran body.
He died on his return home, and within sight of
the American coast. His last wish was that his
life might be spared few hours, in which to
converse with Warren or Adams. His last act
was, by will and testament, to bequeath to his
only son the inspiring works OF John Locke,
Algernon Sidney and John Milton. With those
he enjoined him to pray that the spirit OF liberty
might rest upon him. grandson of that early
martyr-one who bears his illustrious name-now
sits by my side under widely different auspices.
With his name beg to associate the toast have
Just given The Day we Celebrate. lCheers.l
Mr.. Quincy's speech is replete with brilliant
humor and eloquence. The report of it occupies
nearly two columns Of the London journals. He
was loudly cheered Emmerson Tennent respon-
ded to the toast g Perpetual friendship and amity
between the people Of England and the United
States" Hon. George Washington Warren, Of
Charlestown, Massachusetts,, responded to the
sentiment, The 4th of July, l776-the re-
suit of the 18th of June, IT'S" MIR. Crosby,
Omitted States Consul at Southampton,) re-
sponded 10 The Mercantile Marine of America,
and its representatives atioat and ashore.
After speeches from several other gentlemen,
the Hon. Willard Fillmore, ex-President of the
United States, rose and said he was about to pro-
pose toast in which he felt every one pre-
sent would with one accord, join him in drink
ing" The health of our generous host" This
elected immense cheering.
Mr.. Fillmore, with an intonation of voice that
at once attracted the attention of his hearers, de-
scribed Mr. Peabody as noble specimen of
American enterprise, and Of whom his country
men were Justly proud Transplanted to British
SOIL he still maintained the characteristics OF his
country, and cherished for her that fond recolec-
ton which he had generously illustrated on
this day of our national independence With
beautiful alluson he pointed to the eagle at the
end of the hail. and touchingly described his
qualification at the opportunity afforded him of
meeting so many Of his felow-countrymen on
foreign soil He should always be proud to cele-
brate the day of our national independence,
whether at home or abroad Mr.. Fillmore sat
down amidst the most enthusiastic cheering, the
band PLAYING I" Aud lang syne.'