The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-03-24
VISIT OF NORTH CARoLINIANS
TO GEN. PIERCE.

VISIT OE N0nxA CAnOA4S4lANS
TO GEN. PIERCE.
The North Caroiinians in Washington
city. attending the late Inauguration cere-
monies, some 80 m number, paid their re-
spects to ex-President Pierce at the resi-
dence of Gov. Marcy. Hon. David S. Reid,
Senator from this State. introduced the
company to Mr. Pierce, after which he adj
dressed him as follows:
Senator Reds Address:
GEN. PIERcE:-A portion of the citizens
of North Carolina avail themselves of this
occasion to testify their respect for you as
a man, and their high appreciation of your
eminent public services. Your efforts to
maintain and perpetuate the great princi-
pies of the constitution challenge the graft
tude and the approval of the whole country.
Our State partakes largely of this feeling.
At the commencement of your admins
tration you bestowed the compliment upon
North Carolina of selecting her distinguish
ed son as member of your Cabinet; and
although we deeply, deeply regret to say
that he retires from the public service in
feeble health and with a shattered constitu-
ton, yet it is a high consolation to know
that he has left the great arm of the public
service intrusted to his charge in an emf
nently healthy and prosperous condition.
In bidding-you adieu, we express the
fond hope that, in the retirement of private
life, the remainder of your days may be as
peaceful and happy as your public career
hasbcen brilliant and successful.
Mr. Pierce's Reply.
General Pierce replied that he felt deeply
sensible of this mark Of respect and kind
ness on the part of citizens of the State of
North Carolina.
During his administration it had been his
fortune to confer freely with members of
the North Carolina delegation in Congress,
and to lean much on them for counsel and
support: that from none did he ever receive
more patriotic advice or sincere counsel.
Allusion had been made 10 James c.
Dobbin. and he could sincerely say that if
North Carolina felt kindness for him, that
he was more than repaid in the talented and
pure hearted executive officer that she had
| given to his aid. He had never met Mr..
Dobbin until he had summoned him to the
council board throughout the whole ad-
lninistration he felt deeply the influence of
his enlarged views and patriotic COUNSEL
| In the most excited discussions of the cabi-
Il &c
the clear head and pure heart of Mr.. Dob
bin like the sweet South" breathed the
| spirit of Cancellation and concord, and he
was cheered in his course by his matchless
State might well be proud His influence
in the important branch ofthe public service
over which he presided would be felt for
years to come. The only painful reflection
| ever felt was that his health had been i'm
| paired by his laborious duties. He hoped
that his valuable life would be spared, and
that long years of future service and honors
awaited him.
General Pierce stated that he had ever
cherished profound respect for the State
of North Carolina, and the deepest interest
in her early history. On a recent occasion,
in an interview with delegation from Ten
nessee, he could not refrain from remark
ing that the conservative qualities and true
principles of government which marked the
course of Tennessee were attributable to
the fact that she was the offspring of 1.-the
good old North State"
To the State of North Carolina, to her
citizens, and especially her Senators present
he felt grateful for the support he had re-
ceived he should retain a deep sense of
their kindness and generous confidence.
At the close of General Pierce's remarks
Governor Marcy came into the room and
was presented to the company. After a
few minutes spent in general conversation,
they all shook hands with General Pierce.
bidding him a final adieu.