American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-06-28
ARRIVAL OF
EX.PRESIDENT FILLMORE.
His Reception ct 1Ge-- xork.

IA-AISeiucnt VlLLMOhE, WHO mas
been travelling through Europe the
past year, and whose coming was anx-
iously looked for by his political friends
and admirers, arrived OF New York a
bout IL o'clock on Sunday night in the
steamer Atlantic. The first news of
the approach of the steamer was the
firing of gun about half-past 9 o.
clock; and in less than an hour after
the report of two others set all doubts
as to the cause Of the firing at rest
1t was now certain that it was the At
lantic, and the various " American"
committees, together with the commit
tee from the Common Council, pro-
ceeded to Collins dock, at the foot of
Canal street. Here they had a brass
cannon posted, and as the steamer
came up the river they greeted her
with salute of fifty guns. The Her
aid, of June %, has the following ac-
count of the reception:
About a thousand persons had as
sembled on the pier; and although
number of police were stationed there
it was impossible to prevent them from
crowding through the gates. Long
before she was alongside, they sent
their welcome to MIR. Fillmore, in the
most enthusiastic cheers, and when she
was at length moored, it was almost
impossible to prevent his friends from
rushing en- n,asse on board the vessel.
At last the gang plank was made Sc
cure to the vessels side, and the Fill
more Reception Committee poured a
long it like q torrent, and in over the
sides of the ship, driving back the as
tonished passengers. In they went to
the cabin, where Mr.. Fillmore was
waiting to receive them. After the
usual shaking of hands, Alderman
Briggs addressed him as follows:
Mr.. Fillmore--In the name of New
York and of this nation, / welcome you
to your native shores. Your country
men have watched your pilgrimage
through the European States with in
tense solicitudc, fearing that those nat
ural calamities always impending over
the living might deprive them of your
valuable life, and overwhelm your
country with universal sorrow, and /
congratulate yourselSand kindred that
you have passed the dangers of land
and sea, and have returned in health
and happiness toyour native land; and
above all, / rejoice that you will soon
return to the White House, to remove
the vermin that have gathered there
during your unfortunate absence from
the national helm. Our country is
blessed with all the climates and pro.
auctions Of nature, and with free in
stitutions; and the Americans should
kindle the fires of liberty and union in
every vale and on every hill, on your
safe return to again bless us with an
administration that will enforce respect
and obedience to our glorious flag wher-
ever it waves, and restore unity and
tranquility and contentment to the far
thest frontiers of our beloved country.
Mr.. Fillmore, in reply, said:
Mr.. Chairman--This unexpected and
flattcring reception from the city of
New York, and my native State, reach
es heart that may not feel otherwise
than grateful. 1t is true sir, that for
more than year / have been labori-
Gus traveller in foreign countries, and
although [ have wandered far, my
heart has been always with the Amer
lean people. [Applausc.] And this,
sir, is the happiest and proudest day of
my life, to be received by city which
is known throughout Europe. For, sir,
travel whore you will there, and ask
the humblest peasant what town he
knows in the United States, and he
will tell you that it is New York
Applause. / am proud to say that
am native Of the State of New York,
and am prouder still, sir, to say that [
am an American citizen. Applause,
and three cheers we're here given for
Mr.. Fillmore.1 Sir, you have been
pleased to allude to my former services
in the councils Of my country. 1t does
not become me to speak ofsthem here.
They have passed into history. Much
less does it become me to speak Of the
future.
All ] can say is, sir that my name,
unsolicited on my part, and entirely un-
expected, has been presented by my
friends for the suffrages of the people.
IF they shall sec fit again to manifest
their confidence in me by eleyating me
to that high position, all / can promise
is faithful and impartial administra-
ton Of the laws of the country to every
part Of the country. Applause. If
there be those either North or South
who desire an administration for the
North as against the South, or for the