Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-03-21
A. MCLEAN,

SATURDAY EVENING, March II, 1857.
GENTLEMEN Your letter of welcome home
again, just handed to me- is so cordial clothed so
richly in the glowing language, not of mere kind
ness, but of regard approaching enthusiasm; so
touching in its ansion to my humble personal ca
reer from the days of my boyhood to the present
time. that am too full of emotion to reply to it.
Although g'addened and comforted with the con-
viction that have struggled arduous!y to serve well
my country, I cannot but fear that you have done
me more than justice, and appaudcd me beyond
my merits But, my friends, this is our own home
afair,-this is family matter-and instead OF for
NAL glad TO see you home once more, the men,
bc's of the family choose to obey the impulses Of
generous hearts and warmly embrace a returned
brother after four years abSeEce. This hearty
greeting from home friends and neishbors accom-
panied by approval and admiration OF my con-
duct as public servant, is, assure you, to me
above all price The record of it shall be filed in my
unpreending little family archives, to be read and
priced hereafter by my children.
With profound sincerity safe, that accepted
the trust which President Pierce so unexpectedly
rendered me, with unaffected diffidence, because
trembled lest might not do justice to my State,
which well knew had within her limits cnnen;
and experienced statesman, who could not only do
much to sustain her reputation than myself, but
by their ability fling around her name an addition
al halo This feeling of State pride animated me to
redoubled energy The appreciation, of the people
Of my own State, felt, would crafty Inc above all
else. WE'LL therefore, can you imagine how keeniy.
how deeply, feel these frequent manifestations of
approval and satisfaction by the people of my own
State. Joyou-ly, and with light heart indeed,
have surrendered the cares and responsibilities
and pride of office. Gladly do return once more
to my native State, always dearer TO her sons who
have had opportunity to compare her, in all her
qualities" 18th others Her soil is fertile, her mines
inexhanstblc. her water power abundant, her air
balmy and hea'thfuI, her geographical position de-
sirable view. in connection with either freign or
domestic trouble and above all, her population Tin
my opinion) is the best in the world In such 3
State am willing to live and to die
But my very g,eat deb lily is warning me that
am attt m ,ting too much, and must close thank
you, gentlemen, for the v,ry kind and gratifying
manner in which you have discharged your duty.
still love the old Town. Born in sight OF Cross
Creek, and within hearing Of the sound Of the old
Eccles Mill, shall still love to linger near those
haunts; to wander along the gay banks of that
lovely stream, and gaze upon the wall of the old
MILL which will We: BE- lively and clatter as mer.
rily as ever This cd town will yet look young and
proud again. If God should allow shattered con-
stitution to be repaired, shall be found IN your
midst, helping to 10, work.
have the hoi or to subscribe myself very sin.
certly ana truly, your friend and obedient servant
4ea., j. G. DOBBIN.
To Aessrs. E. J. Hale, and others, Committee.