Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-06-07

sponded as follows :-Sir-Permt me- through
you to tender to those here present, and to the
people of the State of North Carolina my sincere
| thanks for the welcome rendered me on the occa-
sion of my return to my native town. confess
| that under the circumstances AID in view of the
| demonstrations which have been made since
l reached Raleigh as well as ON the
| way, I am impressed with emotions which
language is wholly inadequate to express here in
the language of another, and it is not worth While
to attempt to improve upon it. Here in the city
| of Raleigh is where my infant eyes first saw the
light of Heaven here are the scenes of childhood
| here is everything to bird man to his fellow,
and to assist him with surrounding objects here
| is where the tenderness OF the heart have taken
firm hold upon cveryt thing to which it is attached
I In making my enhance into this city to-day, my
mind invoIuntarily wandered back to the tine
when left her streets a penniless and lnexpo-
renced lOy, to make my way in the world. APP
plause. When looking back forty-one years ago,
and on returning here to day, begin TO inquire
where are those LETT behind? aye il the language
of poetry itself. The friends OF childhood, where
are they? Echo, answers where Some have
ernigrated and gone to other lands some have
complied with the inexorabe and irresistible call,
and have passed to that undiscovered country from
whose bourne no traveller returns.
again ask, friends Of my childhood, where ere
they? Where are the Haywoods, Hunters and
Lanes where are tie Pearces, the Roystcrs and
Smiths and Joneses where is the long list of men
who lived at that day, and who commanded re-
spcct for c0nstancy to PRINCIPLES. Applause. I'm
der these circumstances ccnld feel Indifferent
1 would be false to my nature ii forgot you, and
not to indulge in standardization, can say, feel
IL, b-y+
citizens Of my native town.
s'Bcoathos there with soul dead, who
never 20 himself has said, this il my own, my ma
tive land" Applause. This is not the time or oc-
casion to discuss the political issues which dis
turb the public mind, hut a. &lusion has been
made to my first going out from among you, I
NAV say that ever since I formed an opinion as to
the fundamental principles of the government
have adhered to them ana to the Constitution, the
Union and the flag Of my country. Applause
When l went out from among yO1, and from the
time became connected with politics. laid down,
as my rule conscientious performance OF duty,
and adopted the Constitution CT my country
my guide Applause. And by these, whether in
prosperity OF adversely have always been guided
and controlled, and come veal woe, in high
places or low places, with the Constitution as my
guide with my hand laid on the altar of my coun-
try, will leave these great principles for those
who are to follow. Applause. Che OF my leading
tenets has been tho prosperity OF the great mass
of the people, holding that persons, without re
gard to condition OF color, should be esteemed &C
cording to intrinsic merit or worth, leaving each
to rise on his own merit, courage aud energy
Let this be the standard, so that to every one may
be assigned his true position. / trust and hope
that instead Of discussing party issues, creating
factions between North, South, East or West, that
all will exert themselves TO the restoration Of the
union ofthesc States, 50 that the flag may float over
contentCd end prosperous people. APPLAUSE
Let US my friends, repair the breaches made by
the war, and restore the Union. This being &C
complished, we may then make such issues as the
public prosperity and safety may demand Let
us eGace from our minds the memory of the
past. Let Us pour oil the troubled
waters and restore peace to the States. This has
been my constant object but let this pass. 1
simply came TO this place in compliance with your
invitation to participate in another ceTemony--to
confer an honor upon the memory Of one who was
few years ago in your midst. This has not enla-
mated, as | understand, from any particular quar-
ter or family.
One word to you, young men. There is much
said as to education advantages, etc, but if any
of you wish to succeed or, III common phase, make
yourselves men, you viii have to do SO through
your own cxertiOns. l know some of you are ia
miliar with the hardships and fiery trials through
which have passed during the time that has
elapsed since I left you, 1t is not for me to say
whether have succe eded or not. Let that be as
it may, my race is nearly run. am no asrirant
for anything. The way is open for all. Places
of emolument and distinction are before you
There ere here a few Of those in whose hands the
administration of the Government is to be placed.
We are passing away the next wave will bring
you, young men and women, III our places, ana
our work will fall into other hands, therefore the
greater should lie your efforts to prepare your
selves for the sponsibiities that must in time
devolve upon you.
In conclusion permit TO tender you my
thanks for the cordial welcome extended through
your distinguished representative, the Governor
of the State. Though she sent me out pennies
and friendlcss, and did not then afford those ad-
vantages which you low enjoy and though OF
returning cannot do in the language Of the
schools to my alma Mater; l can say, With pride
and satisfaction, she is my mothel, and whatever
may have been her dennquencies, love her still.
Then, ladies and gentlemen, let me again express
my h artfelt thanks for this warm and sincelo
welcome on my return to this my native city.
The President, as he retired, was repeatedly
applauded.
Secretary Seward having been loudly called for,
said Ladies' and gentlemen, of North Carolina,
Like my great chief who preceded me, it is not
my purpose to make speech, having come with
him to his city as a companion and friend. ] am
entitled to sink cut of the scene. feel the touch
ing solemnity Of the occasion. The President is
among you now. Nothing more has happened
1t is only one more citizen Of Raleigh come home
again.
owe You word OF acknowledgment, how
ever, for the willingness you have shown to see
and hear me. 1t was not so always. 1t will, l
trust in God, be so hereafter. Applause. And if
it is not so hereafter, it will be as l think, as
il has been heretofore, your fault and not NINE
Yes-yes-I have one word to say about the pol
itical situation. When the idle and mschievCus
expression, Let the hayward sisters depart in
peace ] noticed that North Carolina went on
with the rest. have not forgotten that after the
storm Of violence had begun to subside, and the
rainbow was distinguished by the faintest irts in
the political skies, we sent out the dove and the