Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-06-10
Return of the President to Raleigh.

At about o'clock, p. H., on Friday, the President,
crompanied by Secretary Thompson, &C.. returned to
Eis city and proceeded to the residence of Hon. L.
0'B Branch. He was again received at the depot
Ir an enthusiastic throng. The President escorted
rom the depot by the Wilmington Light Infantry and
having been ntmated to him that the company were
bou to return to their homes he expressed desire to
5Iress them before they departed. The company
Trmed in line before the President
Cen COwan advanced to the front, and briefly, in
thalf of the company, babe the President farewell.
Mr. BUCHANAN said General, and Gentlemen Of the
Wilmington Light Infantry Company, | wish to bid
~ou most kindly aud grateful farewell | am very
1ch indebted to you for the honor which you have con
erred upon me by accompanying me since came
n, this noble old North State ] have never met COM
many of gentlemen more correct in their conduct
vact inther discipline and better deserving Cgraude
.fhn Chief Magistrate of the country APPLAUSE.
ccauso do not take this honor to myself i am the
mere representative of the people, and know that you
goud have extended this kindness to any chief mags-
rate who might have been constitutiOnaly elected
But vet f8tter myself that though this mil git have
been done, we do not part with those cordial, formal
official feelings which might have existed under different
circumstances. know very well what has been the
character of the people Of Wilmington from the days of
.hc Revolution | know how your Wilmington anceS-
tors resisted the British forces in the time that tried
mems souls y (applause) and venture to predict, Il
hope the necessity may never cXst) that II that time
should ever come YOU would emulate the bravery of
vour ancestors and do as much honor to your country
in these times as they did in the past generation.
have often heard of Wilmington | hope it will not
be considered Impairment if refer to the best friend
ever had-a man with whom | was more Intimate than
ever [ was with any other mana man OF pure patriot
sm and high sense of honor any that exiS-
ted refer to the late Col. VIM. r. King who was
not d man ever to boast But have heard him talking
more Of Wilmington and of the honor of having repre-
scncd the Wilmington district, than ever | have heard
him talk OF being Senator of the United States or Vice
President of the country. do not refer to him in any
political connection God forbid. | will not do so
now upon any other occasion but do refer to him
to prove what have said at all times-that the man
who moves from MOI hCaroina to any other State,
leaves bis heart at home. (Applause)
thank you for your kindness, and hope, that if in
NV time any OF you shall cone to the seat of government
YOU will let me know that member of the Wilmington
Light Infantry company is at hand and that will be
sufficient introduction to me. (Applause.) | wish you
farewell wish you collectively as company aud ndi-
vduay private citizens, health prosperity and long
Capt HALL called for three cheers for James Buch-
auan three for Cuba, and three for Hon. Jacob Thomp-
son. which where loudly gwen.
Hon, JACOB THOMPSON responded to the mention Of
his name. lie said The President has remarked that
has been his observation that wherever the children Of
North Carolina may have Travelled, and however long
they may be absent they still preserve their hearts for
NDrth Carolina. COmelUwald to-day to bear evidence
to the fact. have felt proud of this OCCASION have
tL PROUD Oh llS NSlL-DFOuQ OF IlC manner IN winch
have been received. When | first met you in Weldon
Lest my eye along your lines, | in each face the
eye OF intelligence and the bearing Of gentlemen ZAP
ause have observed your conduct in your association
with us | have become acquainted with your officers
and men, ard the first impressions have been strength
ened and deepened in my mind by heightened assOcia
ton,
And now, gentlemen when | am about to part with
you'll must refer for moment the city Of Wilmington
that eye Of the State from which you come tits
true that you represent that city, and when | iden
hhed with in my youth, it took the lead in every noble
generous forward movement. 1t was from Wilmington
that the spirit of internal improvement first went forth
which has since operated benefcay for the good Old
North State. 1t was the impulse, the spirit and the
energy which your city threw into that question that
has caused the State to be mapped over with improve
ments by railroads. And not only So you not
ly first in this great work, but believe you were
first IN the revolution when there any other great work
on hand you will be among the foremost citizens and
among the number who will take the lead. Gentlemen,
let your aim be in any emergency that may arise your
conryS, Gods and truths and with the discipline,
learning and intelligence which you possess know that
when you unsheath the sword in such cause, you will
be terror to the enemy and consolation to your
friends. (Applause)
Now, gentlemen, as a North Caroinian you have my
heart with you. Each and every one of you have my
Endcst regards The only hope | have in parting with
you that some occasion may present itself when can
tender to you individually my acknowledgements for the
kindness shown us On this occasion. But when have
bid you farewell, must say Carolina, Carolina long
as we live we will CHERISH protect and defend her
Farewell, gentlemen. Loud appause)
Three cheers were then given for Gov. ELLIS. The
Governor came forward and said: Capt. Hall and gen
temen OF the Wilmington Light Infantry do not pro
prose now to communicate to you the sentiments which
IentcrtaIn OF your noble bearing during the present
week. shall seek another and more favorable occasion
to do So l shall communicate to you officially in orde
that the sentiments which entertain relative to you
conduct may be spread upon the records of the depart
ment All that have to say this occasion is that
thank you kindly and hope that you will have pleas
ant return to your home You shall hear from again
in the course Of next or succeeding week.
On the invitation of Mr.. Branch the whole compan,
entered his house to partake of refreshments.
In the refreshment several toass and sparkling
sentiments passed between the guests.
At about o'clock the Light Infantry took their dc
partue
IL.