New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-14
Presentation Of silver Plate 20 the Koa.
Jehu n. Potter.

Correspondents Of The \; Y. Tribune ~. >, voc,
The Wisconsin friends of this gentleman now re-
siding temporarily or permanently in Washington,
gave him supper on Wednesday evening ct Clay e
Hotel in this city, at which they presented him with
beautiful silver pitcher, goblets and salvsr The
occasion was an interesting one and much enjoyed
by those present. Mr.. Holden Of the Sixth Auditors
Office, in behalf Of the gentlemen who united in the
presentation addressed the Judge in the following
remarks:
SIR: The gentlemen here present have deputed me
The honor OF rendering you on this occasion an ex-
preston Of their high appreciation of your public
services. They have deemed the present occasion 10
be not only appropriate, but that it demands from
them some word of praise and mmendaton. You
have lust concluded the labors of an arduous and
difficult investigation, the most important in its
character and results instituted in the history Of
COR Government. 1t has been your duty, as Chair
man Of Committee, raised by the House of Repre-
sentsves Of the United States, to investigate and
expose the character and designs of those persons
who either boldly trample upon the Constitution,
and seek 10 overthrow the Government, or who pas
syely, but ess treasonably willing 10 assent
70 its destruction And need not assure you, Sir,
bow firmly we believe that you have faithfully and
impartially discharged those duties. We know
how impossible it would be for you, knowingly,
10 consent that even shadow Of suspicion of
disloyalgy should unjustly rect upon any one;
and we know equally well that no con-
sderation could induce you 10 shield any man
who eherishes sentiments Of hostility TO the Govern
meDt, either on account Of his position wealth, in
huenee OF friendship. OF the estimation in which
yeur labon may be held by the Government and the
people, may not speak: it is sufficient for me 10
gay. that they were performed at a time when the
very temple Of our liberties was shaken with tho
tramp Of traitors inside the edce no less than from
the assault OF foee from wilh0utaDd the history OF
the times shall assign you q suitable record. But of
the estimate which these the citizens Of your State
who have been IN washington during the progress
of this investigation and who are cognizant of those
services place upon them, am authorized 10 speak;
and in token Of their high appreciation of your Ia
bors they have requested me 10 present Won and ssk
yOur acceptance Of this pitcher and these gobsts,
and they also desire me TO assure you Of the profound
regard they cherish for you personally, less on ac
count OF your private virtues and moral worth than
for your eminent and patriotic public services.
To which MIR. Potter responded az follows:
GEsTLrMFs: / can but feebly give utterance to
the grateful emotions with which receive this un.
expected testimonial Of your personal regard and, as
you are pleased 70 express it, your high appreciation
OF the services Of the Committee Of which have
honor TO be Chairman. i can only express ny un-
affected ana heartfelt Acknowledgements for the uni
form encouragement and sympathy with which you
have followed Inc in my labors and for the kindness
when prompts this generous manifestation. The
united testimony Of my feow-citizens of Wisconsin
now reading In Washington 10 the Importance and
necessity Of the duty which has deyolvsd mon the
COMMITTEE, especially in view of the opportunity
they have had Of forminga correct judgment in the
premises cannot but be most gratifying TO me- nor
viii it, trust, be without It's influence 10 remove
the prejudiees and correct the Misrepresentation
which may exist any honest mind in relation 70 this
investigation, and which, from its peculiar nature.
could hardly be avoided. For myself, am frank 10
say that from the first have fet less apprehension
from open treason than from secret diaoyalty. The
former could be successfully met by the loyal hearts
and strong arms Of the people; but with an nsdou
summing and deviGsh conspiracy which has already