Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-07-10
ConurntuIatiOns at washington


An impromptU celebration was had at
Washington over the Vicksburg and Get
tysburg victories, on Tuesday evening. A
crowd sersnaded the President, the Secre
tary Of War, General Halleck and the
Secretary of State Secretary Stanton
said d:-"The same strategy, the same
bravery, the same indomitable zeal, which
have driven the enemy from the banks
of the Mississippi, and the Banks of the
susquehanna, will, in a very short period,
drive every armed rebel from the field, and
every Copperhead to his den"
General Halleck said that Grant had
fought fifteen battles and won fifteen vic
tories.
Mr.. Seward said that in his efforts TO
crush the rebellion, he had abandoned
party and friends, and had taken Andrew
Johnson as his file leader. Speaking of
his devotion to his country, he added that
no human being could ever make him the
recipient Of any favor from the nation
after the close Of the rebellion. He had
determined that, for one, he would not be
swerTed from his path by the lust of pow
er, under which patriotism was so blighted.
The President appeared at the window
when called upon and made the following
little speech:
"FELLow- CITIZENS II am very glad
indeed to see you tonight, and yet, will
not say thank you for this call, but do
most sincerely thank Almighty God for
the occasion on which you have called.
[Cheers.1 How long ago is it2 Eighty
odd years since on the Fourth Of July, for
the first time in the history Of the world,
a nation, by it's representatives, assembled
and declared IS a self-eTident truth, that
all men are created equal Cheers.
That was the birthday of the United
States of America. Since then the Fourth
of July has had several very peculiar re-
cognitions. The two most distinguished
men in the framing and support Of the
Declaration were Thomas Jefferson and
John Adams-the one having penned it.
and the other sustained it the most forcibly
in debate-the only two Of the fifty-fVe
who sustained it being elected President
Of the United States. Precisely fifty years
after they put their hands to the paper, it
pleased Almighty God to take both from
this stage of action. This was indeed On
extraordinary and remarkable event in
our history. Another President, five years
after, was called from this stage of exist
ence on the same day and month Of the
year; and now, in this last Fourth of July,
just passed, when we have gigantic re-
bellion at the bottom Of which is an effort
to overthrow the principle that all men
were created equal, We have the surrender
Of most powerful position and army on
that very day, [Cheers, and not only so,
but in a succession Of battles in Pennsyl-
vanis, near to us, through three days,
so rapidly fought that they might be called
one great battle on the first, second, and
third Of the month Of July and on the
Fourth the cohorts of those who opposed |
the Declaration that all men are created |
equal, turned tail " and run. TLong |
continued cheers. Gentlemen, this is a |
glorious theme, and the occasion of A |
speech, but am not prepared to make one
worthy Of the occasion. 1 would like TO |
speak in terms Of praise due to the many |
brave officers and soldiers who have fought |
in the cause Of the Union and liberties Of
their country from the beginning Of the
war. These are trying occasions, not only
in success but for the want Of success. I |
1isike to mention the name Of one single
oihcer, lest might do wrong to those I
night forget. Recent events bring up
glorious names, and particularly prominent
1nes; but these will not mention. Hsv-
ng said this much, I will now take the
music"