Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-03-06
From the Washington Union, Marchl
FAREWELL RECEPTION AT TIE WHITE
HOISE

| hOCSC
While all patriotic citizens, i'll every section Of thu
country bear testimony to the dignity, the 6rmness
and the patriotism which have marked the ofiica
career of President Pierce, his high moral worth Ant
social excelleDces have insured for him the lasting 70
spec of the citizens Of this metropolis. 1t was no
TO be wondered at therefore, that large concours
OF ladies and gentlemen visited the White House yes
terday, when the municipal authorities, in compli
ance with an official VOTE went to pay their partin;
respects. The East Room was filed in few mo
ments after the doors were opened: and when the
President made his appearance, Mayor Magrader al
dressed him as follows
Mr.. President I'll have the honor OF introdn
cling TO You the boards Of aldermen aud common
| council and other members of our city government
together with many Of my fellow citizens who have
| no official conuexon with me. We come 10 acknow
ledge grateful appreciation OF the official kind
ness you have evinced towards our city in the many
recommendations you have made to the national le
gislature in our behalf-recommendstion which fully
show that you recognize, to just extent the oblga-
tion OF the nation 10 foster the capital by aiding tf
people to make il what its founders designed it to be
"a great ard beautiful metropolis, worthy OF great
and powerful nation.
And, sir, we have not only 10 express our high
sense OF our obligations to you officially, but We have
also to acknowledge the kindness which has marked
| your social intercourse with and our constituents
| and 10 assure you that the community with whom
you have soourned for the LAST four years feel that
in your departure they will rather lose of their
| own most cherished citizens than one who has had
only official residence amongst them. We need not,
then cay that grieve at the separation and that
farewell is not only full of official respect but
also of personal esteem and affection; and we sincere.
ly hope tha. in your retirement you may enjoy the
harvest of peaceful happiness. which mlst proceed
from the Consciousness Of faithful discharge of
your public duties
The Presidents reply was happily conceived, and
beautifully expressed his endorsing his words
as the sentiments Of his heart He was listened to
with marked attention. and the deep feeling manifes.
ted by the audience showed the regret with which
they listened to his parting words. They were sub
s:antiay, as follows:
Mr.. MAYOR: receive with unaffected grat6ca
tiob this demonstration Of sentiments OF good will
toward myself on the part Of the city authorities and
people OF Washington. Nearly one-half of the years
Of my manhood have been passed here, and the ex-
perence Of each year has only served TO enhance my
appreciation Of the admirable qualities which charac
terzs the permanent population OF the District. No
man can notice the quiet Of Sabbath in this city,
and the evidences all hands of its sacred observ
arce, without being impressed by the conviction that
be is among people remarkableior their Intelligence,
order. probity, and high moral worth. Here have
shared largely in generous hospitality, have made
many valued acquaintances, and formed friendships
which trust may be as lasting as my life.
Under the circumstances il would be strange. In
deed, if could regard with anything but lively ne-
rest whatever is calculated to promote your happi
ness and advances your substantial prosperity Here,
among your resident citizens, every section OF our
common country is represented; and they are ortu-
natsly babtusly free from The Influences OF discord
or alienation. Here the love Of this blessed Union
and the spirit of federation which ever animated the
founder Of the clty and the Father of his Country,
have never grown cold.
Ae the seat of government and centre of the fede-
raj political power, you will always enjoy great ana
peculiar advantages. Added to these, genial sa-
iubrious climate, and scenery Of rare beauty, must
make the District Of Columbia at no distant day. the
seat of great city, pre-eminenty distinguished tor
arto tastc, science, and refinement. enjoy in anti
cpstion the career which see before you
There are certain great improvements the compile
ton Of which earnestly desired TO witness during
my oxcial term. l trust they are delayed-not aban-
doned. Should wise Providence permit me to visit
you hereafter, hope to find gushing fountains from
the Great Falls of the Potomac everywhere in your
city spriDgng up and sparkling in the sunlight, and
representing, in their native purity and abundance,
your moral health and social prosperity.
ldesire to express for Mrs. Pierce and myself, the
assurance Of our regret at parting with friends who
have established claims for our grateful remem
brance, which we shall never cease to remember.
At the conclusion Of the remarks the authorities
and citizens, individually, shook hands with the
President, many lingering to express their gratitude
for his courtesies and kindnesses since he has occu
pied the Presidential chair. Several large deputa-
tisns of clerks from the Treasury and other depart.
ments were then in turn presented to pay their adleus
and there dimnu!ion OF the influx OF visitors
until the President was forced to retire, that he
might attend to the pressing official business. 1t
has we'll been remarked that no retiring President
ever elected more regret from the community OF
Washington; no one of his predecessors has been
easier of access, more kind in courtesy, more atten
tive to the bereaved and suffering among US, more
devoted to all the interests OF the city. Official po
sition il no longer required to commend him to the
esteem and respect Of the people "' Washington,
and their best wishes for his health and happiness,
with that OF bis estimabe lady will ever sttend