I
THE HOUTE FROM VERA CRUZ TO
i " MEXICO.
1 Ge. Scott's mabch the CapitoL ty"
Us in all rrobwli,J' Gcn Scott,' - with an finny
bf'l2 000 or 15,00 men will hate to march from
Vera Crux, and dictate terms of Feace in the Capi
tof of Mexico, sonle idea of his route will be matter
of interest to bur readers at this time. The whole
distance is 230 iniles and there is, it would appear,
but one practicable road. For the following account
of the route, we are indebted to the " Newark Ad
vertiser, which has condensed it principally from
the memoranda of a Journal made by E J. Foa
ETAL)'Esq."of ew Orleans, and published in the
, .Commercial Bulletin" of that City.
i"Befor4 the inTasion by Gen. Scott, there was a
lijU of stages (made at Troy, N. Y ) malting three
trips every week between Vera Crui and Mexico,
with' American drivers. Seyen small Mexican
, horses 2 at the wheels, then 3 abreast, and 2 more
id! the lead-were generally driven. The stage left
Vera Crux at 11 o'clock at night, and reached Ja
lapa, (pronounced Za-to-pa,) 3 o'clock next afternoon
i70 or 80 miles. The whole road to J alapa passes
through Santa Anna's estates Tery little of which
are cultivatedthough 30 or 40,000 head of cattle
graxeon them -which pay him f 40 per annum for
a hundred head.
tjTha first part of the road along the beach is ex
tremely heavy, the animals sinking in the sand can
only walk ; -at about three miles begins the ascent
on sandy hills the road here appears to run throogh
afower garden on either side bordered with a va
riety of beautiful shrubs in full bloom, in April and
,May. The ascent of the mountain is continued al
Xqost -without intermission to Jalapa, Perote, &.C.
f About ten miles from Vera Cruz is a stream 200
yardJ wide, crossed at a ferry in scows, or by swim
ming harses over. Santa Fe is 12 miles thence to
Manancial 13 thence to Posso de Orejas, 11. All
the hamlets are composed of miserable bamboo huts
or uhburnt brick hovels 10 or 12 feet square.
iThe road is getting heavier and more broken as
we advance ; indeed, in many places, it is impassable,
id the driver is compelled to force his way through
uiioeaten tracks, where it requires all the skill of
the Mexican postillion to escape serious accidents-
tae hills are rising more and 1nore, and becoming
more and more dim cult.
The next stream, about thirty miles from Vera
Crux, is fordable, and is also spanned by a bridge
called Puente del Rey. the King's Bridge,) and also
te National bridge. Near it, on the right, is an
eminence of about sixty feet, on which is a fort,
completely commanding theapproach and the bridge.
Betweenjhese bridges and Jalapa, the road pisses
near several heights, from which the natives can
annoy invaders on the road. We quote Mr. For
stalPs diary :
Passu de Crejas to Puenta, Xacinal, 9 miles.
Stopped for the night at Pasto de Orejas, a cluster
of neat cottages, with a few small houses built of
stone. Here is seen the twsomeut or a mngniheent
palace, built for a minister called Reigns, but long
since abandoned. The country abounds with fine
shrubs and beautiful flowers.
May 1. Left at 4 o'clock, A. M.; the hills con
tinue rising, and the road is every where broken
now we are sinking in the sand, now we nre rolling
over heaps' of stones. The road continues bordered
with flowers; ve begin to see the Taper Cactus
rising perpendicularly to a considerable height, and
prickly pears nearly as large as onr bine fig tree.
Pvente National to Plan kl Rio, 12 miles. Break
fasted at Puente Nacional, formerly "del Rey" two
rapid streams at the bottom of a very deep and wide
g; crossed the road here, which is connected by
two. magnificent stone bridges, supported by equal
arches ; they would be considered a bold and fine
work in any part of Europe.
There are here only a few houses and cottages,
remarkable for their neatness; the site is remarka
bly picturesque huge rocks command this small
village, and are in their turn commanded on all sides
by the high mountains of Mexico, which here pre
sent themselves in sublime grandeur.
A portion of the road we have gone over since
breakfast must have cost immense sums ; in many
places very deep valleys have been filled up very
steep hills have been levelled or cut through seve
raljstone bridges continue the connection, which
otherwise would be effectually interrupted by wide
and; deep gaps, with rapid streams at their bottom.
The road down the valley of Plan del Rio is
abominable, with a very rapid and dangerous de
f cenjt ; we have to travel serpent-like to avoid dash
ing jo pieces against blocks of rocks or tumbling
down into precipices.-
Ftojn Del Rio to Exsero, 1 2 miles. This last point,
3000. ft above the sea, is the limit of yellow fever
though Mr. Forstall's servant wss here attacked,
having contracted it at Vera Cruz.
E'nsero to Jalapa, 12 miles. The road from En
eero s paved, but the hills are extremely rapid.
The city? 10 or 12.000 people, stands on a
shelf! of the mountain, 4400 ft above the sea from
which the Vera Crux shipping may be seen with a
glasai The city is walled ; streets wide and paved,
though irregular ; houses of stone and of one or
two stories, having flat roofs and iron-barred win
duwsj and neat court yards. One of the public
equates has a monument to the constitution. One
of the strongly built churches can be converted in
to a citadel, it has a fine, large hotel. It is a beau
tiful spot. The whole horizon, except in the direc
tion of Vera Cruz, is bounded by mountains, inclu
ding Orizaba, 25 miles distant tnougn it does no
seem,1; in the remarkably clear atmosphere, the sun
shining. upon its everlasting mow, to be over 5.
The climate is here delicious. Mr. Thompson
says there is scarcely an hour in the year when one
could'wish it were a little warmer or a little cooler;
never warm enough to pull off your coat, or cool
enou'i to button it. No spot on earth could be
Jnoreesirable for a fesidence in possession of our
race. 1 In the same garden are seen growing the
fruits of Europe and of the Tropics little atten
tion, "aowever, ia paid Wfine cultivation ; the peach
tree, jthe fig tree, the olive tree, the pear tree, are
seen jtriving along-side of the coffee plant, the
cheretooquaj the avocate, etc. There are in this
nrighborhood very extensive sugar, coffee and to
baccoTestates. The Indians are the working class.
Thisicity is .to be immediately occupied by our
troops, and is to be the headquarters tf Gen. Scott,
till he takes up his march for the Halls of the Mon
'texunias. Jalapa to San Miguel, 10$ miles. May 3. Left
Jalapa at 6 o'clock, A. M. ; the hills are rising high
er and higher, until "Las Vigas" present very steep
ascents and rapid descents : and-the road is covered
with fragments and large blocks of rocks, no doubt
scattered about during some convulsion or the earth ;
Strong, indeed, must be the vehicle, to tumble over
the small fragments, without being broken to pieces,
and expert the driver and postillion, to escape the
precipices, and to avoid the blocks of rock that can
ned be passed over. The pine tree now takes the
blace of the beautiful shrubs and plants which bor
der tie road from Vera Crux to Jalapa. t
4 The air, at this height, is very sharp; two days
Ago f was suffocating in clothes of the lightest kind,
ami I am now shivering, although covered with
cothl
Every traveller is obliged to carry his bedding
wiih im, none being obtainable on the road to Mex
ico;; an empty room with a long bench, and some
time! a small table, are all the accommodation, with
fF1 exceptions, to beTound by the traveller,
' Train VmF. r t- . . ;
,(13f food.; -water is abundant.
j w iuicg cesana irioiea loeanki
M jaigvel to.Lxu TW. 131
lXS? Wiseman J
milss. Reached
stAnd about SOOO feet above the
irtfliiBfc V''fran - . .
ZZiZ1? U 5.cVx i the road to Pe
6n fcoa?t of tb rapidity 0f the val-
leVt The rrtfrntrv ia hm '. 1
qrroach Perote, we discover large field, oflu kindl
"of in- a fine state of cultivation: eartT tw!
smorningrwe had ia view the Castle of Perote. wW
J bead resembles hero as immense tower.
Casfle,, 'Atthebofahighmount-
bermg the same name, some distance from the road
52rS?PW -Xluster of houses with a chuS
l?Jr Opposite
- - mii-A vviuinau'iinjr it
m errv
directkn, stdath castle. - It kupona flat sandy
wlnin. stmnirlv. built of stone, and-encircled by a
deWdry fosse-or dftc1hTha main entrant, is by.
going; over a enetaurjte jnze oy. sine, unvwu-a
some twentyfive or thirty atone steps to the bottom
of the fosse and crossing it to the gates, which are
on a level witn the Vottom.v The population" f Pe
rote is estimated ar 8,000 souls; it is tof
city ; the houses are generally of cae story; Duilt
of stone and covered with terraces; P""0
street is remarkably firie, .the other! are wide , and
paved. On a market day, it b really f!
seethe great variety of the be,t fruits of Europe
and of the tropics, piled . round, the square. On
leaving Perote, you pass aMxte?"T.e f1
tions of Magne (Aloes), whjehgrow 26 feet high
and bear on branches at the top numerous reddish
yellow flowers. Of this the national drink, " Pul
que," ia made- Its leaves make good cordage, and
the roots are eaten. Robbers infest the route.
Ctty of Pueila, 80 miles from Perote. There are
some half-doten miserable villages on the way.
Puebla is walled and fortified. It is built of stone,
and the streets are well paved. Here water is abun
dant, but from the National Bridge to this city, little
water can be obtaiued the natives substituting
pulque as a beverage it being about the strength or
cider. From Jalapa to Puebla, mere are occasional
heights near the road, which, if fortified, might an
noy invaders. In fact, from Vera Cruz to Puebla
this is the case the travel being alternately over
broad, unobstructed roads and narrow passes, com
manded by heights. The farms about Puebla raise
wheat, barley, and Indian corn. Thd Pueblanos
have a particular character : they are cunning and
courageous, ana tne most expert roooers anu avs.us
sins throughout Mexico. Puejbla is situated at the
extremity of a very large plain, on the Vera Cruz
side; its population is estimated at 80,000; the
streeU are parallel, and very wide and well paved ;
the houses, built of stone and covered with terraces,
nrl twn nnH ihrM stories hiffh. are remarkably fine.
The public palace would be admired in any part of
the world: it forms a pertect square; la.u
stands the cathedral ; on three other sides are mag
nificent palaces. There aro many ether edifices
striking for their beauty. There are few churches
in the world more richly and magnificently orna
mented, than the cathedral of this city. All the
chandeliers and lamps, which are in great numbers,
are of massive gold or silver ; the dome is in marole
of the country, of great beauty and fine workman
shin. There are ten chapels, richly decorated, and
closed, each of them, with an iron grate door, of
very great height and of the finest finish. Ihis
church was finished in JSCS, and is said to have cost
$6,000,000. There are also many other very fine
churches. The Almedia, or public walk, is very
well kept. It is composed of three alleys (of 500 to
COO feet each) of poplars and other fine trees, and
is surrounded by a wall, at the foot of which runs a
fine little stream of water. There are a good many
fountains in different parts of the city, and a few
jets iTeau, or water spouts. It is called the Lowell
of Mexico, having several coiion lactones, r en
cities in Europe are finer than Puebla ; but much
cannot be said for the population, which, since the
late expulsion of the European bpaniards, who were
by far the most intelligent and industrious portion
of it leaves a curious contrast between the present
occupants of public and private edifices, indicating
the highest state of civilization. The plough now
in use by the people is 2000 years old.
From Puebla to Cordova, 60 miles. Cordova is a
small walled and garrisoned town, through which
the road passes. Beyond Puebla the road is good
till it reaches the mountain of Cordova, about mid
way between the former and the city of Mexico,
whore the ascent is very rugged and steep, though
without defiles. Near the road, at the foot of this
mountain, passes the Rio Frio, or Cold River, which
has its rise in the neighboring mountain of Popocat
apel, 17,000 feet above the level of the sea. A work
on some of the heights of Popocatapel, would com
mand the road After leaving the mountain of Cor
dova, the road is good and unobstructed, with plenty
of water to the city of Mexico. For several miles
before reaching that city, the road is delightful,
pasFing between parallel 'canals and rows of Lom
bardy poplars.
The Lake of Tezcvco. This lake commences on
the right of the road, near the city, into which its
waters are carried by a canal, the latter serving also
to drain the gutters, ie. into the lake. The so
called lake is a large, long, and very irregularly
shaped basin, shallow, and containing numerous
small islands, and covered by myriads of wild ducks.
The depth of water varies with the season ; in the
rainy months the basin is filled, and then it assumes
the appearance of a large lake. Being the recepta
cle of all the drainage from the city, it is very filthy.
The canal from the city passes through it, fed by
Its waters, five or six miles in a south-east direction
to the small fort of Chalco, at the extreme margin
of the basin in that direction. This canal is used
for transporting produce into the city, and for plea
sure excursions in gondolas, &.c
City of Mexico. 40 miles from Cordova. Like all
other Mexican cities, this has walls and houses of
stone, with flat roof?, &.c. It is well paved ; a gut
ter four feet wide passes through the centre of each
street, covered by broad flag stones, removable at
pleasure. All the gutters are drained into the canal
or lake. The city has many large and strong
churches and other great buildings, easily converted
into fortresses. If its walls were repaired and
mounted with cannon, and well garrisoned, it could
make a formidable resistance to besiegers. During
the festival days, which are very numerous, the ha
ciendas for twenty. or thirty miles around send into
the city not less than 10,000 mounted peasantry of
the better class, most expert horsemen
Mexico is situated in a very extensive plain ; and
still so elevated are the mountains which surround
it, that from the cross ways in the centre of the city,
on whichever side the eye may gaze, each street
really appears to be bound by these mountains,
whose snowy heads hang as it were over the city ;
and grand beyond description are the effects of
light, during the sun's setting and rising.
1 he city is worthy of the scenery; the streets
are parallel, very wide, and well paved. The houses
are of stone and generally two and three stories
high, with very large centre court yards, and galle
ries to each story, supported by columns from the
basement : the whole city is covered with terraces :
the fronts are more or less ornamented ; there is not
a ward without its palaces ; the Palace of the Inqui
sition and the National Palace are among the most
remarkable ; many of the houses present a front of
4 to 000 feet
Senob Atocha. This individual has become
famous, in consequence of his selection by Mr.
rolk as his Ambassador to carry proposals of
peace to Mexico, and of his very unceremonious
dismissal by that government. It has been often
stated that no more unfortunate appointment
could have been tnade ; but why, we did not un
derstand. The New Orleans Delta explains it
all. That paper says that Senor Atocha is well
known in New Orleans : that
"A long residence in Mexico, a nrofitable toadv.
ism to Santa Anna, whose money bag he carried to
me cocx-pus irequented by his Excellency, an ex
tensive shaving and pawnbrokerage in a small way,
in addition to petty intrieues. all terminating in ren
dering him so obnoxious to the Mexicans as to sug
gest the expediency of his leaving the country, are
the qualifications of the individual selected by our
Government to. bear the olive branch to the Mexican
UoYernment." '
After thus 44 lejiv'mz his country for his conn
try's good." be occupied the place of nigld-walch
in New Orleans t
tsuch is the man who, without superior talents
or character, is suddenly invested with the hi?h
dignity of a representative of our government, to
treat tor peace at a foreign court, where he was
unfortunately known, and having the dispoeal of
bftcen millions of dollars 10 his power! Well
may tbe Delta sayhat the presence of such a
man as our Ambassador was calculated to excite
in the Mexican people and government, the pro
Ifo'undest contempt and indignation.
Fayettetule Observer.
Wouldn't the present be a' first' rate, time for
rresident rolk to call an extra session of Con
Jfreaa, and renew his proposition for making Mr
Benton Lt General over old Rough ind Ready
The NewYotk. Tribune publishes an interesting
Hjrrondoce"beiwefai Mr Schihcx, cjulrmln of
a Committer of the" Whigs of Auburn, Nt;Ti and
the) Honorable Hssax Clay, the occasion being the
presentatiolf of an "Office Chair and Chifographi
cal aptndages" as a metdehto of cherished and con
tinued regard. -From the appropriate and well
wvitteitletterof Mr. Schejicx, we make the following
extract: r . . :- ! '
"That the Chair will be more honorably filled
than the Executive Chair of the Nation at the pre
sent time, if the same shall be received and occupied
by the Sage of Ashland, there are few to deny that
it will be found a more comfortable seat, we venture
to presume. . m
"Sir, I have no language adequate for rhe expres
sion of my regret at the unexpected and disastrous
result of the last Presidential canvass ; yet as no of
ficial honors could exalt you in the e1'1011
American people, nor add aught to the lustre of your
fame, the issue was far more calamitous
try than to yourself. For, in your J
have the continued assurances of the peoples regara,
and tho solace of a brilliant and Pntlb'?5
solation unfelt by the present incumbnt?f!e5r
sidential Chair. Whether in the Cabinet the Sen
ate, or at Foreign Courts, you have been the fai h
ful advocate of your country's rights, and have up
held and defended the honor of her flng. He has
compromised them both, in misguided efforts at seir
promotion and aggrandizement. You have sought
the elevation and protection of your country, ue
has contributed to their depression and their expo
sure to competition from abroad.
"In surveying the acts of his entire administra
tion, there can be f und but little to approve; yet
tbey abound in illustrations of the wiloni of your
policy, and the jtfopardy of its disregard."
Whatever proceeds from Mr. Clay possesses, gen
eral interest, and we transcribe the whole of his let
ter. Its elevated sentiments in relation to the great
political misfortune of 1844, are worthy of the noble
author, and none can read without deep sympathy
its touching allusion to his recent domestic calamity :
Mr. CLAy's Answer.
Ashland, April 8, 1747.
My Dear Sir : During my absence from home,
to which I lately retnrned from New Orleans, your
official letter of the 22d Feb. last, accompanied with
the office chair, and chirographical appendages, pre
sented to me by the Whigs of Auburn, arrived in
safety.
As their selected organ, I beg leave to express to
you And to them, from the chair itself, which they
have done me the honor to present tome, my hearty
thanks and respectful acknowledgment for a testi
monial so very acceptable and valuabi3. It possesses
exquisite beauty, and contains every possible conve
nience for reading and writing, down to the minu
test object, and all finished with the greatest taste
and elegance which one could imagine or desire. It
is quite surprising how so much accommodation and
so many articles of utility and comfort could becora
bined in so small a space. Designed and executed
by American artists, and on that account more high
ly valued by me, they are extremely creditable to
their judgment and skill.
For the friendly motives of esteem, attachment
and confidence towards me, entertained by the Whigs
of Auburn, and which prompted the authors of this
rich tribute of their affection. I request their accep
tmce, also, of my cordial thanks.
You exprees your regret on account of the unex
pected issue of the but Presidential election. I ought
to feel none ipyself, personally. Besides being re
lieved from a vast responsibility, it furnished the oc
casion of the exhibition of testimonials, and the out
pouring of affection from the hearts of my friends
and countrymen of which I had no previous concep
tion that I ever could be the honored object. Their
spontaneous and disinterested manifestations are
worth far more than the Presidency itself.
For our common country, I do regret the issue of
the contest Had it been otherwise, we should have
preserved the Protective Policy, under which we
had made such rapid and encouraging advances ; tne
march and improvement of our rivers and harbors
would not have been arrested ; and above all, we
should have avoided this unnecessary war of aggres
sion with a neighbor torn to peices by internal
dissensions. The brilliant achievements, and the
glorious laurels acquired, during ha prosecution,
gratifying as they are to our national pnae anu cna
racter, can never compensate for the exceptionable
manner in which it was begun, the brave and patri
otic lives which have been sacrificed, and the fear
ful issues of which, I tremble in contemplating, may
grow out of its termination. But I have not now a
heart to dwell on this painful theme. 1 turn from
it with hope and dutiful submission to Him, whose
no doubt wise but inscrutable dispensation has per
mitted this awful calamity to visit our beloved
country.
I pray you, my dear sir, to accept assurances of
mv gratitude for the kind manner in which you
have executed the duty towards me, assigned to you
by the Whigs of Auburn, and of my being with per
fect esteem and regard.
z our friend and obedient servant,
HENRY CLAY.
Sylvester Scitesck, Esq.
SWAMP LANDS IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Governor Graham, who is ex officio President of
the Literary Fund of North Carolina, advertises
in the Raleigh papers, that upwards or fifty thou
sand acres of Swamp lands in Hyde County, are
now offered for sale. These lands belong to the
Literary Fund. They have been drained at great
expense, under the direction of skillful Engineers.
by an act of the Legislature and are believed to
be now in a condition to be cleared and cultiva
ted. A credit of one, two and three years will
be given to purchasers S.OOOarres will be offered
at public auction on the 20th May, and the whole
will be 6old, provided there be sufficient induce
ment. Would it not be well for some of our Northern
friends who are casting their eyes away West
ward, to turn their attention to these lands 1
They will be sold cheap, and they are all within
convenient reach of a market.. They are also
productive. It is a mistaken idea that there is
no home for the man of moderate means and the
emigrant, but ihe far West. The Atlantic South
ern Stales, at fhis time, present the best, and the
most inviting temptation to farmers of limited cap
ital. There are no men from the East who set
tle with us with industry and enterprise, who do
net soon become rich. We might if it were nec
essary instance the names of mny. We trust
our Northern friends will consider this matter.
We at least tell them that they cannot lose, if they
purchase farms on these land?.
Sovthern Banner.
Tallahassee. April 20.
DEATH or a DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN.
Pfince Charles Louis Napoleon Achille
Mvrat expired at his residence in Jefferson
Coumy, in this State, on Thursday last, the 15th
inst. He was the poo of Joachim and Caroline
Bonaparte Murat.King and Queen of Naples, the
former tbe celebrated marshal of Napoleon, the
mirror of chivalry and valor -tte latter, a sister
of the immortal Emperor. After the expulsion of
his family from Italy, Prince Murat resided in
Austria until 1821, when he removed to this
country and subsequently selected a place of
residence in Florida, where he has since spent
the most of his days in all the quiet and retire
ment of a country gentleman. Sentinel
We are badly beaten and more surprised.
However, it will be our time next ; and then
we'll 44 give za zicx !' Aous vm-ons.
r ' - Pelerthurg- Republican.
Agreed We are pleased to find that our neigh
bour has got or. the right track so early. We are
perfectly willing to take Old Zack next time or
any time Petersburg Intelligencer.
iftm ike Cia'rjesto Mercury.
i prmiJC MEETING.
hAtieablf U the call of his Honor thr Maror, a
i tin-Epsfj I.:. w Neck
raeetizuZ or tue cuizeaa o ihmiciuii w
i k nitr Hkll vMtertfav. to. Confer on
iaeasures'preper to be adopted for the reception of
the Hon, Dakiel wsBTKE,on nisconw5unuo
It to Ibis city. , -On
motion of Aixanokr Black, Esq. his Honor
T.LEGER HUCHINSON, was callexito theChair,
and Samuel YLTifrPEa, appointed Secretary. 4
The CJbraan stated that the. meeting had Jeen
called for the purpose of concerting measures best
adapted foe extending some demonstrations of popu
lar civility and respect to the Hon. Daniel Webster,
who was expected here shortly in the course of a
Southern tour. : He remarked that Mr. Webster
came among us for the first time, divested of all that
belongs to political position or party bias he visited
simply as a geatleman in the pursuit of enjoyment
and the information to be derived from a personal
acquaintance with men and places at the South. In
this relation it was deemed proper that the ancient
reputation of our citizens for courtesy and hospitali
ty should be sustained, and that public evidence of
respect should be extended to sodistinguished a man
a man whose great abilities were not bounded by
State limits the splendor of whose intellect had
added lustre to the history of his time and country
and whose mind had diffused itself whereverj civ
ilisation held sway he regarded the present occasion
as singularly appropriate for doing honor to ourselves
and him.
CoL I. W. Hayne rose and stated his accordance
with the sentiment just expressed by the Chair, that
it was peculiarly fit that Charleston should do be
coming honor to Daniel Webster. The narrow
and vulgar spirit which carried the strifes and feuds
of political warfare into social life was alien, he was
sure, to the Carolina character. Nay, even in lite
ral warfare, the rules of chivalry, as well as the pre
cepts of Christianity, in the intervals of battle, recog
nize that very hostility as an additional claim to
courtesy and kindness. Mr. Webster, it is true, is
politically opposed to a great majority amongst us,
and has- been so almost without exception through
out his politcal career. And South Carolina has,
when he appeared armed for the contest, on his cho
sen arena, been ready with her sons, who, more than
once, have met him face to face, and given him blow
for blow, and we the witnesses have shared
The stern joy which warriors feel
In meeting foemen worthy of their steel."
And she is ready still to grapple with him on all like
occasions. But when Mr. Webster comes as a
stranger and a guest, he is no true knight or true
Christian who would render his civilities grudging
ly because the straDger and guest is a political oppo
nents Mr. Webster's position requires more than mere
private hospitality. He and our own favorite states
man, of all the men whom our country has produced
from the settlement of Jamestown and the landing
at Plymouth, have had their intellectual position
most universally conceded to them. As a monument
not only colossal in sire but beautiful in proportion,
and adorned with the highest achievements of art.
As a model of taste we should cherish him. "His
apples of gold'' are always presented " in net work
of silver." He hasdonemore than any other public
man to preserve healthful and pure "the well of Eng
lish undefiled." As a jurist he is an honor to all
who recognize the common law. Even as a politician,
however much he differs from us, he represents a
most respectable portion of our fellow-countrymen,
and may be considered os the embodiment of their
principles. It is in some sort the South extending
civilities to the North South Carolina to Massa
chusetts, Charleston to Boston.
Mr. Hatne then offered the following Preamble
and Resolution, which were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, we have learned that the Hon. Daniel
Webster is about to visit us on a tour through the
Southern States of our Confederacy, we deem it due,
equally to the character of our city, and to the dis
tinguished ability and eminent position of our illus
trious fellow-countryman, who now, for the first time
presents himself personally amongst us, that we
should tender to him some public token of welcome,
of appreciation for his genius, and of our high social
regard. Therefore,
Resolved, That a Committee of sixty be appointed
by the Chair, with full power to represent this meet
ing in the premises, and whose duty it shall be, in
the name of our citizens generally, to extend to the
Hon. Dakiel Webster, such hospitalities and at
tentions as they may consider most fitting and ap
propriate. Dr. S. H. Dickson then addressed the meeting to
the following effect :
I rise, Mr. Chairman, to second the resolution just
offered, and I congratulate myself on the opportuni
ty of participating in a movement so honorable to my
native city. There is, I trust, in the bosom of every
man in this assembly, a sentiment rising above and
expanding beyond all sectional and partizan exclu
siveness, capable of applauding merit wherever it is
found, of reward iug useful and diligent efforts, by
whomsoever made, and of appreciating all social and
intellectual -eminence.
But it is rare, that an occasion so noble and grat
ifying as the present, offers itself for the exercise of
this better spirit. Mr. Webster is not only one of
the favorite sons of New England, but comes to vis
it us clothed with a celebrity not limited geographi
cally, or by political association. He is known over
the civilized world ; and wherever the English lan
guage is spoken, his eloquence has informed the minds
aud thrilled the hearts of thousands. Our respect
ful homage is in no degree necessary to him, nor can
it advance him either socially or politically a single
step; nor would he suffer politically or socially if
allowed to pass through the midst of us without
any public demonstration, meeting in private those
personal attentions only, to which he is entitled as a
stranger and a gentleman, and which Carolinian hos
pitality refuses to no one bearing these titles. But
I am proud to know, Sir, that our community could
not be satisfied with such a reception of such a man.
Universal feeling requires that our guest shall be
received with all the honors due to his elevated na
tional character. For more than a quarter of a cen
tury, Mr. Webster has been an historical person
age, and his biography would contain a record of a
gency in all the great events that adorn our coun
try's annals. Since we are proud of her, we must
be proud other men, and he is doubtless one of them
who have made her what she is. If her progress has
been upward and onward, he, among the foremost,
has contributed to that progress. His name is nev
er omitted when the illustrious roll of American
worthies is called over.
There is, besides, a peculiar happiness in our
seizing the present moment to show to our trusty and
well-beloved 6ister, Massachusetts, how much we
love and cherish her. It is but recently that we felt
ourselves forced and most reluctantly to treat her
with some seeming, not real incivility. We could
not permit her, through one of her nearest connec
tions and most familiar gossips, to penetrate into tbe
recesses of our domestic privacy and inquire into
and criticise our house-keeping But though we
refused her entrance into our kitchens, she and her
children are and ever will be welcome to our dwel
lings and to our hearts.
y hail the present occasion further as one of very,
grave importance in another point of view. Engag
ed as we are in a war, of which, whatever be said of
its origin, its justice or necessity the history is be
yond all hope and calculation, glorious and brilliant;
there is great danger that we shall allow- ourselves
to be seduced into an undue or exclusive preference
of military renown. But we are met here to show
that the hero of an honorable peace enjoys his lau
rels as well as the victorious General, and the Ash
bubtox Treaty, is not forgotten, even in the spirit
stirring triumphs of Monterey and Bukna "Vista.
Such a lesson is indeed necessary, and comes op
portunely to remind our ardent Soqth, that fho wis
dom of the Statesman, and the sagacity of the legis
lator, are as valuable to the republic, and as highly
regarded as the courage and energies of the soldier
and that the virtue of patriotism glows as brightly'
attains as lofty distinction, and is as gratefallv re
warded when exhibited in the Senate Chamber as
when shown upon the battle field. '
CoL T. O. Elliott then addressed the meeting,
and in a spirited and eloquent manner advanced the
claims of Hon. Daniel Webster, as an eminent
. American oiaiesman, ana as a man of genius and
j learning, to the distinguished consideration and hos
1 pitalities of our community.
As generally IritereiUng, wput. together
mber ; of paragraphs describing remarkable ifs.
plays on the nights of the illuminations ioPhfl.
' Philadelphia.
From tbe Evening Bulletin of Tuesday; we
extract the followi
i PhilaxIelphianswiU lotig remefnber the illumi
nalioo of. last evening aa the most splendid, taste
ful and patriotic affair ever wifhessed here. The
city and the dwtrhita.were ir a blaze of light, and
a more general and glorious compliment to the il
lustrious leader of a sniall.but chivalrous and dar
ing army, cannot well be imagined. The just
praise of Taylor and hie brave compatriots was
noisily sounded yesterday by the loud booming of
cannon the ringing of glad bells, and by the
strong and willing voices of four hundred thou
sand people. Thousands upon thousands bad
gathered here during tbe day. from the neighbor
ing cities and surrounding country t until at night
fall, every street in the city became wedged,
literally wedged, with humanity,, of all sorts,
colors and sizes.
There seemed to be a generous rivalry to see
who should make the best display. Bands of
music were heard at every turning of a corner,
and ever and anon, as the people caught a view of
the transparencies of Taylor and Scott, or the
different battle scenes, there went a long. loud
shout, that made the firm earth tremble. Patri
otism swelled almost to bursting.
The Hail of Independence was illuminated at
every point, and called forth the liveliest expres
sions of applause from the numerous spectators.
Great taste was manifest in the whole arrange
ment. Over the central door-way was placed a
full length portrait of Washington, standing at
the head of his charger, with' one hand resting on
the neek of the noble animal. -
The Custom House presented a very interes
ting spectacle. Copper gas pipe9 had been at
tached to the pipes at the rear of the pillars in
front of the building, being handsomely arranged
into seini-circles between the pillars,' and each
supporting a large star, containing reflecting
glass, gave out twenty jets of light, and six of
the 6tara thirty. In the centre was placed a star
larger than the others, which threw out forty-five
jets. The Star Spangled Banner was festooned
gracefully over a neat transparency, having these
inscriptions : "Tears for the ' Dead" Grati
tude for the Living" Palo Alto" " Besaca
de la Palm" " Monterey" ' Buena Vista"
"Vera Cruz" Above this was a large Ameri
can Eagle, bearing in his beak a beautiful wreath
ot flowers. Other ornaments were there which
won praise from the people.
The Ledger building gave out seven hundred
and fifty lights, and a beautiful transparency rep
resenting .Scott and Taylor, with the glorious
fields of Buena Vista and Vera Cruz in the back
ground, and the whole surmounted by the Amer
ican Eagle. On the top of this fine building was
l.iid the Drummond Light, which sent forth an
intense brilliancy, renderingthestreets forsquares
almost as light as at noon-day. Thirty Ameri
can flugs were displayed from the third story
windows, representing the thirty Slates of this
great Union.
Immediately adjoining the Ledger building, a
magnificent transparency of about twenty-five
by eighteen feet, covered the whole front of.the
building and the two upper stories. The signifi
cant expression, "A little more grape, Captain
Bragg," arched a handsomely executed picture
of Gen. Taylor, on horse-back, near Bragg's bat
tery, and the Mexicans in overwhelming numbers
rushing to the charge. In front of this picture
was suspended a beautiful ship, hung with light
ed Chinese lamps.
A transparency in the second story of the buil
ding at the corner of Seventh and Chestnut, call
ed forth the merriest humor of the gay thousands
that passed and repassed it in the course of the
evening. As it is a happy conceit we have co
pied it :
"Santa Anna's Despatch to the Governor of San
Luis Petosi:
February 23, 1S47.
Most Excellent Sir
That Northern Barbarian, Don achary Taylor,
met us to-day with his Volunteers at the Pass of
Buena Vista, and played the very devil with the
army of the great, and magnanimous Mexican Na
tion. Yours, on the full run !
God and Liberty.
Ahtomo Lopez s Santa Asna."
The North American buildings attracted a great
deal of attention and remarks. The front was
covered with a large- transparency, illustrating the
charge of our troops at Buena Vista. The dead and
dying lay strewn about, and war ''up to the handle"
is forcibly given. Proudly conspicuous appears the
hero chieftain, Taylor. Next to the battle piece is
a picture of Taylor on his horse, who is quietly
ambling to the White House. On fourth street was
displayed the attack upon Vera Cruz, General Scott
in front, urging on his forces. Then came a email
picture, with General Taylor and some artillery
pieces, the American flag waving proudly overhead,
and the words "Rough and Ready." The building
was well lighted from the cellar to the roof, on which
a Drummond light was placed, which gave real
splendor to the scene.
The United States Gazette Office made a fine
item in the general flare-up. Flags were strung
across Dock street, and the front of this building
was ornamented by a large picture of Taylor and his
horse, on both sides of which were smaller tran
sparencies. BALTIMORE.
The American and Sun give' glowing descrip
tions of the illuminations. We take tbe follow
ing from the American :
"Barnum'e Hotel attracted all eyes. Every
window in this immense building was illuminated
upwards of twenty-seven hundred lights being
used for the purpose. Over the principal en
trance, forming three sides or squares, were dis
played three transparencies. The one in front
was a epiri ed sketch of the bombardment of the
City of Vera Cruz and the Castle of San Juan de
Ulloa, whilst on either side were views of tbe
battles of Monterey and "Buena Vista."
All tbe hotels were handsomely illuminated.
On Camden street, near Sharp, we noticed two
handsome transparencies painted by Mr. Armour
one representing the death of Capt. Lincoln,
and the other Old Zac in the act of uttering a
lillle more grope Capi Bragg
Holiday street Theatre was one blaze of light
from top to bottom, and displayed two very hand
somely executed transparencies. One of them
represented the battle of Buena Vista. The o:h
er was a spirited representation of the Castle and
city of Vera Cruz after their surrender.
The office of the," American" was lit up on
both fronts, with numerous transparencies bear
ing the names of the gallant commanders of the
Army and Navy who have signalized themselves
in the war with Mexico,' and also the names of
lha gallant dead Ringgold, Watson, Ridgely, and
Snubrick. The principal transparency on Balti
more street Wds surmounted with a large star,
brilliantly illuminated.
Our neighbors of the M Sun" had their building
appropriately ornamented with- numerous flags
and transparent mottoes, and brilliantly illumin
ated. A large transparency on the Baftimore
street froht represented Geoerals Scotl and Tay.
lor with tbe city and castle of Vera Cruz and the
field of Buena Viata in the perspective. The two
scenes had bovefing above them tbe American
eagle. , . t
The Patriot" office was festooned with flags,
and lighted up brilliantly in every part.' Two
transparencies were displayed one wtthJGeiu
iayior on nis wnite cnarger, and tbe other with
ffbta OtUt flf Clam 1. J- . .
-IfthenemV onno -'FF""'
namber.hfighn; Whatr
The rfferent engine houses were al i
srraiely IrWriated and dressed. The pf:
timoret badheir beautiful suction engine d 'U
wnh flowers and illuminated, and placed at"?
entrance of McLellaftdV court, arid ,. 8
rency on it inscribed with the words of ,he PV
am - on CHartey,
TM following specimeiiof martial poetry th. v
that we have seen for many a day, we copy'froL
Boston Daily Times. . It is from the pen 0f Mr p
A..DURIVAGE, a poet of some celebrity The
ducUonis ereditable,ighlyEorto its author 2
the story of old Rough and Ready's character 2
victories is told in spirit-stirring and truly v
monious rhymes:- r"
ROTJGH AND READY-
THE SOLDIER'S STORY. '
'Twas in the trench at Vera Cruz,
A group of soldiers lay,
Weary and worn with working
At the guns the live long day
Their faces were begrimed with sand
And soot from shot and shell
Exploding in the crumbling earth
For fast the missiles fell.
Yet cheerily they "chatted.
For their hearts with hope beat hiKh
And they knew the hour of victory '
Was surely drawing nigh.
There came .a war worn soldier
To mingle with the rest '
They bade him welcome to their cheer
And gave him of the best.
He'd served with Gen. Taylor
And they asked him of the man
Who first and last had led the way
To victory in the van ;
On the winding Rio Grande
On the 8th and 9th of May,
Through Buena Vista's carnage
And the storm of 'Monterey.
I knew him first the soldier said
"Among the Everglades,
. When we gaTe the savage red-skins
Our bayonets and our blades. L
I think I hear his eheerful oice :f
" On ! column ! Steady ! steady P
So hardy and so prompt was he
We called him Rough aud Ready.
"He rode upon an old white horse,
And wore a brown surtout
But oftener, when the ground was deep,
He trudged with us, on foot. '
The man from whose canteen he drank.
Was envied and thought lucky ;
He had the brave and kind good heart
That honored old Kentucky.
"By wounds outworn, I left tho field;
But when a new campaign
Against another foe commenced,
I joined the ranks again
JTwas fun alive, boys, once again
To hear the sabre's clank,
To see old Rough and Ready ride
His white horse on our flank. ,
"At Palo Alto, comrades there
He gave us work to do, v
And o'er La Palma's sulphury smoke
His flag triumphant flew.
When from the fire his aid-de-camp
. Would have the chief retire,
Old Rough and Ready merely said,
We'll ride a little jaigher."
"You should have seen the brave old boy
In the streets of Bonterey
When the cannon sijrept'the plaza,
How he sternly stood at bay.
When shell, and grape, and cannon ball
On their deadly errand went :
The General seemed a man of steel,
And fire his element. ,
"And if a wounded soldier
In the streets of Monterey,
Or friend or foe looked opto him
Imploring, whence he lay,
He stooped to wipe the drops of pain,
That dimmed the marble brow,
Or proffered from his own canteen
A drink I see him now.
" At red Buena Vista
My part I could not bear .
But they tell me that the .brown surtout .
And old white horse were there.
And well do I believe it,"
For the foe stood four to one,
And without old Rough and Ready
How had the fight been won !
"I've worn th.e sergeants chevron
And! may wear it'yet -But
old Rough and Ready tells me
I shall wear the epaulette
But in the ranks orou$ of them,
To him Fll stilt prove steady
And long as Pre a tongue to talk
Speak out for Rough and Ready f1
So spake the war-worn soldier
To bis comrades as thev lav
Beneath the breastwork, where they'd serveil
l ne guns the livelong day. .
And their sleepiness and weariness
It fairly chased away,
Whn of Rio Grande's hero
Spoke the man from Monterey.
- t "-
A LETTER FROM FATHER MATHEW.
The following Letter from the Rt. Rev. TheoboU
Mathew, by the Cambria, (says the Albany Eta-
ing Journal) is tod precious, both in its giovuj
acknowledgement of American sympathy for wffel
ing Ireland and the announcement of his purpose
visit us, to be withheld:
Cork, March 31, 1S47.
Mr Dearest Friend: The magnificent nomam?!
evinced by our beloved brethren in the States tor w
suffering Irish has inspired every heart in this Uto
with ardent eratitude. '
We shall ever regard America as our deliverer!'
the hour of bitter calamity. The immense supK
of Indian corn wafted into the Cove of Cork the W
few days, and the free-gift cargoes daily expert1
have had an unexpected effect on tbe corn mar"
Maize has fallen from .19 tn lft the ton. la tt
darkest hour of calamity we should not despair.
The mercies of the Lord Are ahove all His wondroi
works. I am resolved, God willing, to leave Ireland
. 1 Oa-x-- v . i II 1 . .r )
iur kite ouuea next summer 11 SJiau ov y "
stunt anxious prayer that the Lord may remove e
ery obstacle, and allow me to indulge this darlm;
desire of mv heart. . -.
As soon as the expected breadstuff vessels will V,
rive in Cork, X sbaU have the pleasure of writing
you again, expressing my thanks, presenting w
est remembrance to all my friends, j
I have the honor to be, dear Mr. Weed, yours i v
fectionatel, THEOBOLD MATHEW.
"FntfiWMTrr ArvttirwT A-n Accident ofafriS
ful character occurred on Sunday night last, vi
the mail train on the Petersburg Rail Road, (
within a mile and a half of Weldon. i w' f
.was cros8tnsr a bridge over a road, when sooiejf
the props gave way, from decay., it so napp -that
the engine and tender cleared the bridge r
fore it felk-btrt tbe mat! and passenger cars w1
down.' The cars were broken and torn from tD
wheels, but the passengers received no natcjJ
injury. They probably xwed their escape to
peed at which the trial! was rumiing-r-ibe t
being behind time. Charleston News.
this