The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1861-11-27
Banquet to Capt. Wilkes.

Boston, Nor ga banquet was given 10
Capt. wilkes AID the officers Of the San Jacinto
this evening, at tho Revere House, which was
attended by al,eut 100 guests.
Among the invited guests were theGeyernor,
Chief Justice Big low, and number OF distin-
guished citizens and strangers. 80
Hon. T. Wiley E.imunds presided. After the
cloth was removed, he made a welcoming speech
to the distinguished guest, which was loudly
applauded.
Captain Wilkes, on rising TO respond, was
received with tremendous applause, the COM
pany rising sad giving him three times three
cheers, which were thrice repeated. Captain
Wilkes thanked the company for the kind ro-
ception they had accorded him, and for their
endorsement Of his acts. He spoke but a few
minutes, giving rapid and companions &C
count Of the cruise Of the San Jscinto in pur-
suit Of the privateer Sumter, after her ar
rival at the West Indies, which was ended by
the capture Of the rebel emissaries, Slidtll
and Mason. Captain Wilkes remarked that
he would have suffered the rebel emf saries to
pursuc thor way, II they could show pass
from the General Government.
Gov. Andrew on being introduced, said he
rrioced TO he present on the occasion like this,
for the purpose Of paying the utmost honor to
tho illustriUus commander. Ii had happened
to lin Gov. A., to be present on official bus
ines at the War Department, when the tele.
grrm announcing the capture OF tho two rebel
minister, was received. lie thought IL but
courteous that the Secretary Of War should
lead in the cheers which followed, but he begged
to assure the company he was not behind the
second man to raise bis voice in loud acclaim,
and he had the satisfaction Of knowing at a
yci, oaily hour that the territory Of Massachu-
setta would have tho opportunity OF
furnishing n prison to these unnatural and
audacious traitors. when he thought Of tho
contumcly and -corn our glorious New England
had received FROM these men, once senators,
nov captivts. he felt more than repaid In con-
temblaiing their present condition. The Gov
crnor concluded by proposing the health Of
Lieutenant Fairfax, officers and crew Of the
San Jacinto. II was received with great ap-
plausc.
Lieut.. Fairfax, In the course Of his response,
said that although he was a Southern man hc
know ui but one flag for America and that was
the glori, u Stars aud Stripes.
Chief Justice Bigclow made fervid speech.
lie indicated the act Of Capt. Wilkes a. being
in exact and strict col fomity with interna-
tional law.
lie veniurcd TO say that England unless she
falsfcs her own conduct the declarations OF
her statesmen and the decisions OF her judiciary
cannot make All issue with VA on the arrest Of
Slid.ll and Aiaion. Nothing could be more de.
plorable than war with England, but he
trusted that fit did come we were prepared e
meet it like men. We needed peace with all
nations. but we should never buyit at the cost
| Of our ow degradation.
a letter from Major General Butler was read
| In which he charaC teriled the conduct Ot Capt
| Wilkc as equalling 10 Importance any one ol
our naval records.
At 10 o'clock tie company separated, will
| cheers lUt Capt. Wilkes, his officers, the Nav
| aud the STAR and Stripes.