The New York herald., 1861-12-19
Reception or Colonel HIulligan at tho
Clty Hall.


City Hall.
WELCOMING SPEECH or MAYOR WOOD AND RESPONSE
OF THE c0LoNEL--ENTHusIAsM OF THE PEoPLn
AND LARGE CROWD OF vIsITERs.
public reception rendered by municipal
TO Colonel James A. Mulgan the hero Of Lexington took
place yesterday the Governors Room Of the City Hail.
The having appeared in the papers that
the reception would take place at the approaches
to the Governors Room were thronged by enormous
crowd burning TO clasp the hand and gaze upon the
manly form OF one who had galant fought in defence
of the Union, and ably upheld tho character for
bravery which irishmcn have emnently gained on
almost every battle cd Of Europe II needless here TO
60 into detail Of the conduct which 'has gained Colonel
Muiiigan so eminent notoriesy at tho present time
tho picture Of suffering Lexington with gallant defend
ers, is still before our cyes.
Shortly after twelve O'Clock Colonel Muigan arrived at
tho City Hall from the Fifth Avenue Hotol carriage
accompanied by two members OF the Common Council
goodly assembago Of persons had collected outside Of
the Hail. and when the Colonel aghted from tho carriage
he received with torrent of enthusiastic
cheers, which he acknowledged by a modest
bow. In appearance Colonel Muligan is the
true type of what the mind imagine Of bravo man.
He is six feet in hoight with tho eagle eye and
firm mien of who ready and willing to perform the
most hazardous duty whore principle is in question.
Accompanying him during the reception was Mrs. Null
gan inch behind her gallant husband in personal
attractions.
Mayor office aud after the usual compliments Of intro
duction had been gono through with spirited
ton was entered into Mayor Wood then conducted the
numerous crowd OF city officials and others Owing to
tho absence Of the Chairman of the Committee Of Ar
rangements alderman Cornol) considerable delay
caused, during which the Mayor and Colonel
gagged in examining the splendid paintings which hung
around the walls Of tho Governors Room. On the ar
nf tha Nj Woadu ufa ntn
the middle Of the room and addressing Colonel Mulgan
saidActing the representative OF the Corporation Of
the city Of New York, II becomes my pleasant duty to
extend 10 you, sir, tho hospitates Of our city. At
the same time also desire to present 10 you commcnda
tory resolutions passed by the Board of Aldermen,
relation to your gallant conduct AT Lexington.
II has been my province, ever since the commencement
OF the present ruinous war; to receive in this many
whom the country indebted for bravery and
services, but whom the need of praise can bs
6ttingy extended than yourself The part which
you have just taken prominence has reflected tho high
est honors on yourself personally. am that
could have done more than you did mat OCCASION
Therefore, sir, we are gratiaed to receive you New
York. and again most cordially tender you the hospiIli
ties OF the city.
Colonel MulIcAN responded In brief and modest
speech He saidMr. Mayor, coming do, sir TO the
city of New York simply lecturer did expect TO
receive the present enthusiastic reception have offered
my ife ii it were necessary TO the services OF my
try. wish to offer the first fruits of my labor to the
land OF my ancestors. Coming such could scarcely
expect that New York would have received with that
great kindness and consideration which has been to-day
the honor which You have done to-day Of great
and lasting character that it will be borne in my
mind through life, and transmitted TO my pos
terity after death. l believe that the duty which
is before in the present contest is brief and
plain. In this country all nationacs have been fos
tered and had the high of advancement opened to
II by the constitution and laws then why not all nation
aes rally to its support All affairs have been pro-
tected by it, therefore all atars ike Moses Aaron and
Thor Of old should rally in its behalf while the Joshuas
Aghting believe that we should all stand by that
great power of the constitution Doing this, believe
that the time will come when this contest being over we
shall Under other circumstances. trust ere that
mo arrives to be able to pay up the city or New York
that debt Of honor which she hss to-day laid
After again expressing his thanks In appropriate toms
and passing compliments the city OF Now York gene
rally Colonel Muliganconcaded his response. Tho doors
Of the chamber then thrown open in order to give
tho outsiders chance Of shaking hands with the Colonel,
when terrible rush made. The Twenty sixth pro-
cinct police hand however and kept order In
admirable manner.
Colonel Mugan stood by the side or Washngon's sta
tue where no received the congratulations Of all who
desired to call upon him. Judge Dean, of this
city, was among tho first who took the
hand of the gallant soldier accompanying the cordial
bravery exhibited. He was followed by numerous
ray of distinguished gentlemen Of all professions who
expressed the lively appreciation for the conduct OF
Colonel Mugan at Lexington. lne NUMBER OF Lersons
who entered the Governors room was certainly over
3OO0 the Celtic element, in particular, being strongly
represented The knowledge that there stood before him
and vaorous testimonial to his country worth
lent higher enthusiasm to each Irshman who entered
the chamber and he casped the hand Of this proud
representative OF national honor the gltterng eye and
military vsage betokened the appreciation which swelled
UP from his beating heart.
The reception closed about two o'clock, when Colonel
Muigan, accompanied by two OF the Common Council,
proceeded to the Fifth Avenue Hotel where they will
hO n on