Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1864-04-29

GES MncHEE ~ BuRLNcroS This dis
tinguished Irish General arrived Thursday
/ by the steamer Canada. He was received at
the boat by the Hiberniau Society. while a
salute was fired from the battery \
barouche, drawn by four white horses, was
in waiting, ami the General was duly escort
ed TO the American Hotel He WIS accom-
panied by Capt. G5sson, 69th New York. of
his staff, and M,s-rs Clark and Jarvis. Of
New York
The lecture a, the Town Hall. I'm the eve
ming. attracted large audienc,. and was
finished and exceedingly interesting produc-
ton. Commencing with touching ullu.ion
To the universal love OF country which be-
comes passion when ones country. ike
wounded man, leaves track marked bv
blood and suffering, ns Is the c,se with Ire
land. the speaker proceeded to describe the
character. and the leading incidents IN the
life Of Gen Michael Corcrrsn He began
with his refusal To turn out his regiment in
honor Of the Prince Of Wales the adverse
criticisms on his course bi. triumphant
yindIcation when he left a sick bei to lead
the 69th to the defense of the Government
q his adopted country. and followed through
his military career-hi- share at the battle
Of Manassas his u months imprisonment:
his noble letter to the President while he
was beld rs hostage for the rebel
privateers, telling Mr. Lincoln TO do
his duty to the country, regardless Of per-
sonal consequences, bis promotion through
successive ranks, till he died in command Of
a Division and the affecting scenes as his
hieless body lay in his quarters before 1t was
borne away for burial and the Irish legion
marched in tears around his bier
Gen. Meagher discussed Corcoran's cbarac-
ter as model Of the loyal citizen. the brave
soldier, the true Irishman Under the first
head, Gen. Meagher indicated with strong
emphasis his own position, as a heartily low
al and uncompromising supporter Of the
Government. He declared the war 10 be
one forced on the Government, BY iaithless
md wicked faction, and the duty Of the
Government, in the suppression Of the rebel
hon, To be most sacred and noble one. He
declared that he despised the man who could
transfer his allegiance from English tyranny
to despotism founded on human slavery,
though he had more respect for those who
had done 50 openly than for the black heart
ed hypccrites, who plotted treason at the
North and encouraged the enemy with cries
for peace. He declared that Corcoran felt
for such mercer enmity than be dld for the
rebels, and for his own part he thought that
the Irishmsn who would not give his hearty
support to the Government, in this crisis bet
ter pack up his traps and 20 back to the
protection of the British Constitution, or
else 70 South and take the side of his friends
there.
As a soldier he characterized Corcoran as
cool, patient, indefatigable, just as he was
severe, blending courtesy with sternness, the
best friend and adviser OF his men, consci-
entious, dIsinterested, frank and fearless
As an lrishmen his highest anticipation was
to see his native country reestablished as
nation.-- the effort for its restoration
when the time should come, it was bis high
est hope to shsrc, and in this as in other res
uects mentioned he held him up for the imi-
tation Of his country men.
The General is pleasing and effective
speaker, and the more striking passages of
his lecture we're received with frequent and
hearty applause.
He was introduced by Capt. Lonergan, in
some fitting remarks, and was accompanied
on to the stage by the gentleman of bis suite
and Father Ryan and W. II. Hoyt, Esq.