American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-03-05

ueTeu your name immortal. The his
tory Of your country is, and will be,
your most eloquent eulogy.
1t is, indeed, q source of patriotic
pride that we have in our country such
distinguished soldier and eminent pa
triot to participate with us in the in.
iauguration of the equestrian statue of
the father of his country.
AS the organ of the Senate, there
fore, | most cordially welcome you in
our midst"
This address, too, most appropriate
y conceived and becomingly and effec-
lively delivered, elected greatapplause.
All eyes were now turned on him,
under whose conquering arm was trail
cd in the dust that flag "that braved
thousand years the battle and the
breeze" For several moments he was
silent; that strong heart which failed
not, tiinched not, in battles stormiest
hour, was now filled to overhowing
with deep emotions; and we'll might
ne be proud, and well might he be
grateful, for around him were gather
cd the beauty and the chivalry and the
legislative wisdom Of the Old Domin.
lon--'twas noble mother folding to
her bosom noble son.
lie spoke as follows:
"Mr. President and Senators Il
received your welcome with feelings of
deep gratitude, to which i cannot give
expression. 10 visit my native home
always fills me with agreeable emotions.
Little did [ expect to be overwhelmed
with such honors as have been tender
ed to me to-day. find myself in the
midst OF my countrymen-my own dear
countrymen-natives of the State
which was the cradle of my hopes and
my ambition. In my long career,
more remarkable perhaps for its length
than for its brilliancy, have ever felt
the responsibility / inherited from my
birth: / have always said, when lap
preached the performance of any deed
of interest, "What will Virginia say of
me ?'-and when in the course of nv
public life have always remembered
at its most important points that 1
bore portion of her honor on nv
shoulders, / have said that should |
prove recreant | would be doubly
damned in her estimation and in that
OF the country.
1t was in the schools of Virginia that
limbibed those principles which have
guided mo through life, and it was by
the example of Washington and other
great Virginians that have been in
spred with desire to be remembered
by my native State. That desire has
been accomplished far beyond my most
sanguine expectations. Honors upon
honors have been hcaped upon me far
beyond my merits, and / could not if |
would, forget her favors. At the end
of the war of 1812-'15, Virginia pre-.
scnted me with sword, which / now
possess. She gave my name, too, to
one OF her counties, and when the
third of a century elapsed, and when
my littlcservices might be supposed to
have been forgotten, she again honor
ed the by giving me a vote of thanks
and gold medal. l allude to these
things in spirit of gratitude and not
OF vanity. The time has passed away
for that! | have arrived at that age
when the passions are mellowed and
the imagination ceases to be fiery and
lrregular--an age of quiet and of en-.
joymcnt. The scenes of this day will
fill me with grateful memories, and l
will bear them with me to that final
resting place to which, in the course of
nature, | am rapidly tending. With a
Virginia heart [ tender to all Virgini-
ans my gratitude and affection"
During the delivery of this speech,
there was not one who heard it whose
heart was not touched, and tears mois-
tened many an eye. Cold, indeed,
must the heart be that would not be
moved at seeing that noble old soldier,
after years of gallant deeds in his ccun.
try's service, returning to his mother
and laying at her feet the credit of
them all.
When the speech was concluded, the
Lieutenant Governor descended from
his chair, and warmly shaking hands
with the General, introduced him to
the different Senators. The scene was
one of thrilling interest, as they all
grouped round him affcctionately greet,
ing him.
The introductions over, he left the
chamber, carrying with him another
wreath of glory.
"He iron II weH and may he wsar IT long"
The President then asccnded his
chair. called the So,a,o tol ordor a,1