The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-27
THE BANQUET TO CAPTAIN WILKES.

49, SssssYOss - SNt vssSNsOs
Grand Banquet to Capt. wilkes and the
Officers OF the San Jscinto ut BOSTON,
Speeches OF Capt. wilkes, Lieut.. Fair
fax, Gov. Andrew and Chief Justice
Bigelov, &c., Sc.
Boston Nov. 26, 1851
banquet given to Captain Wilkes and the officers
of the San Jacnto this evening at the Revere House.
which was attended by about hundred and nfty
guests. The affair got up by committee of gentle
men who were sadly deficient OF knowledge Of thor
duty such occasions nasmuch they did not furnish
the slightest accommodation to the press.
Among the invited guests were the Governor Chief
Justice Bigeow the Commodore Of this station Mayor
Wighman and number of distinguished citizens and
strangers.
Hon. T. Wiley Edmunds presided. After the cloth was
removed he made welcome speech to the distinguished
guest, which was loudly applauded
Captain Wilkes on rising to respond was received with
tremendous applause the company rising and giving him
three times three cheers which were thrice repeated
Captain Wilkes thanked the company tho kind recep
ton they had accorded him. and for their endorsement
of his acts He spoke but few minutes giving rapid
ana compendious of the cruise OF the San acno
pursuit OF the privaecr Sumter after her arrival al
the West indies which ended by the capture of the
rebel omissares, sdel and Mason. Captain Wilkes
remarked that he would have suffered the rebel
commissioners to pursue their way if thoy could
have shown pass from the general government
The noble sailor is not much Of speech maker bat he
has an honest, smiling countenance, and won by his
genial bland manner upon the ready affection Of the
company.
Governor Andrew, being introduced, said he re-.
joccd to be present occasion like this for the pnr
pose Of paying the utmost honor the illustrous COM
mander who the guest Of the evening Enough
had been done during the past two weeks to make the
name Of Wilkes history. He had performed the most
usrous service that has been rendered the war
began 1t had happened to him Governor Andrew to
BIO present official business at the War Department
when the Geographic despatch announcing the cap.
ture Of the two rebel officers was received
He thought IL but courteous that the Secretary
of War should lead the cheers which followed but lie
begged TO assure the company he was not behind the
second raise his voice in loud acclaim and he had
the satisfaction Of knowing at very early hour that the
territory Of Massachusetts would have the oppor.
tunity Of furnishing prison to these unnatural and
audacious traitors When he thought Of the contumely
and scorn glorious New England had received from
these men, once Senator's now capvcs, he felt more
than repaid in contemplating their present condition
The Governor concluded by proposing the health OF Lieut.
Fairfax and the officers and Of the San Jacinto II
was received with great applause.
Lieutenant Fairfax in rising respond was received
with hardly less consideration than his commander The
Lieutenant spoke at some length giving Of the in
cidens attending the cruise and the part he took in the
capture OF the rebel ambassadors Although he was a
Southern he knew Of but flag for America and
that was the glorious Stars and Stripes
Chief Justice Bgelow made fervid speech There
were occasions when did not 10 look into law
books 10 consult counsel His own instincts and his
tiSyn, tnU hot IN do ~
Gated the act OF Captain Wilkes being in exact and
strict conformity with international law as il was
his duty as an officer He had occasion within
the last few days TO consult the last speech
Of Senator Sidell made in the Senate Of the
United States. He told the Senators in that speech
among other things, that they he Confcderates) would
cover the seas with the militia and you ask me where
our ships our sailors commanders 70 come from
II answer we will get them from England. The Chief
Justice would for IL that sdes hopes OF getting
shps and men from England would prove quite as false
as his hopes OF representing rebellion in that country He
ventnred to say that England unless she fases her own
conduct, the declarations of her Statesmen and the
decision Of her judiciary, make issue with rs
on the arrest Of SideI lind Mason We only to re.
Ter 10 the recorded judgments of her great urss to see
that she can make no just quarrel with this cues.
ton Nothing could be more deplorabc than war with
England but he trusted that II IL did we were pre-
pared TO meet it like We needed peace with all
nations but should buy at tie cost Of our
own degradation.
letter from Major General Butler was read in which
he characterized the conduct OF Captain Wilkes IS equal
ling in importance any one in our naval records.
Speeches made by Mayor Wightman and several
other gentlemen. The greatest good feeling prevailed
throughout the evening until ten O'Clock, when the com
pany separated with cheers for Captain Wilkes bis OF.
Gcsrs, the navy, and the Stars and Stripes
MEETING OF THE WHEELING CONVENTION.
WHEELING, Nov. &c, 1851.
In accordance with the almost unanimous vote Of the
people the election the oath Of last month the Con-
yen,ion 70 form State out Of Western Virginia. met
In this city to-day The attendance Unexpectedly
full for tie opening thirty counties being repre-
Sented
John BALE Of Mason, was elected permanent President
There was business done beyond organizing and ad.
miristering the cath 70 the members.