The President leaves Philadelphia and arrives at Trenton—reflections on his visit there—addressed by the recorder—proceeds to New Brunswick—to Elizabethtown Point—arrives at the seat of the Vice-President on Staten Island—New York—resolutions of the Common Council—address of the Corporation—of the Cincinnati—visits Castle Williams, the fort at Bedlow’s Island, and Brooklyn Heights—inducted into the New York Institute—address of Mr. Clinton.
Having first visited the Mint of the United States, on Saturday the 7th, the President left Philadelphia, and accompanied by general Swift, Mr. Charles J. Ingersoll, the district attorney for Pennsylvania, and his private secretary, Mr. Mason, proceeded on his route towards Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, and the scene of his own individual gallantry, in the memorable attack, made by general Washington, at that place, upon the Hessians under colonel Rahl, on the 25th and 26th of December 1776. He reached the bridge, which crosses the Delaware below that city, sometime after sunset, and his approach having been anticipated, he was received there by the municipal authorities, attended by a large concourse of citizens, and the volunteer troops of Trenton, under the command of captain Rossell. Approximating the ground upon which he had bled in the defence of his country, at a brilliant epoch of the revolution, the feelings with which the President must have been inspired, may readily be conceived. To the successful result of the battle of Trenton, he had greatly contributed, in the capacity of a lieutenant, at a six gun battery; and was severely wounded in the shoulder, in a charge afterwards made upon the enemy’s artillerists, in which they were driven from their post, with the loss of two pieces. With this wound he was confined upwards of two months, at the mansion of Judge Wynkoop, in Bucks county (Pennsylvania), at an inconsiderable distance from the scene of action. Forty years had elapsed since the period of that important and memorable event, and the subaltern officer, who was then distinguished by his active patriotism, now approached the theatre of his youthful enterprise, as the head of the nation, whose independence he had contributed to establish.
His arrival was announced by the ringing of bells, and the discharge of a piece of field artillery, under the direction of captain Yard. From the bridge he was conducted by the military escort, to his quarters, in the city, in front of which a fue-de-joie was fired. The civil authorities having soon after called, to offer their respects, the honourable Mr. M’Neely, mayor, and Charles Ewing, esq. recorder of the city, and aldermen Broadhurst, Taylor, and Smith, were presented to the President, when the recorder delivered the following extemporaneous address.
“Sir—The mayor and city council, and through us the citizens of Trenton, present to you their most unfeigned respects; congratulate you on your arrival; and give you a most cordial welcome to this city, the scene, sir, of some of the services you have rendered our country. We most sincerely wish you the enjoyment of health, a long life, and a prosperous administration.
To which Mr. Monroe immediately replied:--
“That he felt very sensibly, the kind attention on the part of the authorities of the city of Trenton; the place where the hopes of the country were revived, in the war of the revolution, by a signal victory obtained by the troops under the command of general Washington, after a severe and disastrous campaign. That he was well acquainted with the patriotism of the citizens of Trenton, and indeed of Jersey, for none suffered more, or displayed greater patriotism, in our revolutionary contest.” He concluded, “I beg you to accept my best wishes for your continued prosperity and happiness.”
The remainder of the evening was occupied, in receiving the congratulatory visits of the most distinguished citizens, and several public officers, among whom was captain Charles Stewart of the navy. On the following morning, Sunday; the President, accompanied by his suite, attended divine service, at the Presbyterian meeting house.
On Monday, the 9th, he left Trenton, escorted by the light infantry, and two troops of horse from the neighbourhood, under captains Smith and Howell, who proceeded with him several miles on his route. As he approached New Brunswick, he was met by a committee of citizens, at the head of which was chief justice Kirkpatrick, and by several companies of military, by whom he was attended into the town. On his arrival at the inn, where the procession halted, the chief justice presented, in a short address, the congratulations of the citizens of New Brunswick, upon his arrival among them, and assured him of their best wishes, for his personal welfare, and the successful execution of the important trust confided to him, as the chief magistrate of the nation.
After remaining a short time, the President pursued his route, still attended by the military, and accompanied by governor Williamson, and some gentlemen from Elizabethtown, who met him at New Brunswick. He arrived the same day at Elizabethtown Point, whence he passed to Staten Island, in the steam boat Atlanta, and at half past six o’clock reached the seat of vice-president Tompkins. The revenue cutter Active, under captain Cahoone, fired a salute on the occasion, which was immediately succeeded by two salutes from the batteries at the Narrows. From the rapidity with which his excellency had hitherto traveled, he was much fatigued and exhausted, and accordingly he spent the whole of the following day at the vice-president’s residence, in a private manner.
At an early hour on the morning of the 11th, the steam boat Richmond, captain Bartholomew, having on board a committee of the corporation, consisting of aldermen Smith, Barkett, Stevens, Arkley and Schieffelin, with majors-general Morton and Mapes, and their suites, proceeded to Staten Island, for the purpose of conveying the President to New York. At ten o’clock, accompanied by the vice-president, general Swift, his secretary, and captains Evans and Biddle, of the United States navy, he embarked under a salute from the United States brig Saranac. With this vessel, and the revenue cutter before mentioned, in attendance, the Richmond made sail for New York, and upon passing Castle Williams, a national salute was fired from that fort. The Richmond anchored off the West Battery about twelve o’clock, and a barge, handsomely decorated for the occasion, was dispatched to convey the company on shore. When his excellency landed, a number of official characters offered him their salutations. Horses having been provided, he then passed in review, attended by major-general Scott, and the military and naval officers, along a splendid line of military, composed of major-general Morton’s division of artillery, and commanded by brigadier-general Stevens. When the review was ended, the President, escorted by colonel Werner’s regiment of cavalry, together with the artillery, the Governor’s Guards, and another company of cavalry from Brooklyn, moved through Broadway to the City Hall, where he alighted, and received a marching salute.
The novelty of such an event, as a visit from a President of the United States, drew together an immense concourse of spectators, to behold his public entry. From the Battery to the Park, the houses along Broadway were crowded, and the entire multitude of people assembled, was supposed to exceed twenty thousand. The appearance and vivacity of the troops were such as to do them honour, and greatly contributed to the animation of the scene.
Some days before the arrival of the President, a meeting had been held of the common council of the city of New York, at which the following resolutions, being presented by alderman Smith, were unanimously agreed to:
“Information being received that the President of the United States will arrive in this city in the course of a few days, and the common council, feeling themselves called on by a sense of duty, to pay every respect to the exalted station which he fills; and being also desirous of testifying the high sense which they entertain of his private and public worth; therefore,
“Resolved, That on the President’s arrival in this city, the common council will assemble in their chamber, and, with their proper officers, will wait on his excellency, at such time as he shall appoint; that his honour the mayor, be requested then, on behalf of this corporation, and of the citizens in general, to tender him our congratulations on his arrival; to testify to him the high respect, which the citizens of this place entertain for his public and private virtues; and to express to him as our sincere and ardent wish, that a gracious Providence may make him its peculiar care, and to its other blessings, may add that of witnessing the increasing happiness and prosperity of our beloved country.
“Resolved, That his excellency be requested to honour this corporation, by sitting for his portrait, to be placed in the gallery of portraits belonging to the common council.
“Resolved, That his excellency be respectfully invited to partake of a public dinner, to be provided under the direction of the committee of arrangement.”
Agreeably to these resolutions, J. Radcliff, esq. mayor, and the members of the common council, presented their congratulations to the President, immediately after he was shown into the apartment, appropriated to his use, in the upper story of the City Hall, in the following address.
“Sir—The mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New York, beg leave to present to you their sincere congratulations on your arrival in this city.
“It is with pride and pleasure, that they see amongst them the chief magistrate of the nation, in the capacity of a private citizen, reposing himself, with just confidence, in the affections of a generous people; and are happy to embrace this opportunity, on behalf of themselves and their fellow citizens, to express to him the high sense they entertain of his private virtues and public services.
“Called by the voice of a nation of freemen to the first office in their power to bestow, you can possess no higher evidence of their approbation of your past conduct, and of their confidence in the able and faithful discharge of the important duties assigned to your present station. Nothing can add to the force of this testimony, founded as it is, with uncommon unanimity, on the sense of a free and enlightened people.
“We learn, with great satisfaction, that your present tour is connected with the object of carrying into effect, the measures of general defence, proposed by the congress of the United States, and that you have deemed them of sufficient importance to merit your personal attention. On this subject permit us to say, that our citizens feel a deep and lively interest. This state, form its local situation, and exterior frontier, is peculiarly subject to become the theatre of war; and the city of New York, whilst it affords the strongest temptation, is much exposed, from its natural position, to the attempts of a foreign enemy; although, in the late contest, it has not actually been assailed, we presume it may, without arrogance, be said, that the extraordinary and spirited exertions of our citizens, powerfully supported by the patriotic efforts of the people of this, and a neighbouring state, taught the enemy to believe, that such an attempt could not be made with impugnity. The wisdom of our government is displayed by the measures now undertaken, to provide, in time of peace, the security required in war; and we feel the highest confidence, that under your auspices, that security will be afforded for every future emergency. The present happy condition of our country, in general, demands our highest gratitude to the supreme Ruler of events, and opens to our view, great and interesting prospects. In a state of profound peace, after a conflict in which the rights of the nation have been exalted, we see a great people, united among themselves; devoted to a government of their choice; possessing a country fertile as it is extensive; evincing a spirit of enterprise, in the various employments of agriculture, commerce and manufactures; ardent in the pursuit of science, and in cultivating the arts which adorn civilized society; and advancing in population, power and wealth, with a rapidity hitherto unexampled;--the destinies of such a people, with the blessings of Providence, cannot be anticipated, and defy calculation.
“It is your happiness, sir, to have commenced your administration, at a period thus propitious and interesting; and we have no doubt it will be your great ambition, to bestow on these important objects, all the patronage in your power, and justify the high expectations which have been formed.
“That the pleasing prospects we have indulged, may be happily realized, and that your administration may, in all respects, effectually promote the best interests of the United States, and that you may long live to witness the prosperity of your country, and enjoy the esteem of a virtuous people, is the ardent wish of those, on whose behalf I have the honour to address you.
“In behalf of the corporation of the city, I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem, your obedient servant,
“J. Radcliff.
To this appropriate address, in which the principal objects of the tour were brought into view, the President made the subjoined reply.
“To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, of the City of New York.
“Fellow Citizens—in performing a duty, enjoined on me by the constitution and laws of the United States, I cannot express the satisfaction, which I derive from the intercourse to which it leads, with so many of my fellow citizens; and from the opportunity it affords to behold, in person, the blessings which an all-gracious providence has bestowed upon them.
“In executing the laws which congress have wisely adopted, for the national defence, the Atlantic and inland frontiers of this state, by their exposed situation, are entitled to particular attention. I am aware, too, that this populous and flourishing city, presents, in time of war, a strong temptation to the cupidity of an invading foe. It is in the spirit of the laws which I am called to execute; it is in the spirit of the people, whom I represent, to provide amply for the security of every part, according to the danger to which it is exposed. In performing this duty, I shall endeavour to be their faithful organ.
“The present prosperous condition of our country is, as you justly observe, the best proof of the excellence of our institutions, and of the wisdom with which they have been administered.
“It affords, too, a solid ground, on which to indulge the most favourable anticipations as to the future. An enlightened people, educated in the principles of liberty, and blessed with a free government, bold, vigorous, and enterprising, in the pursuit of every just and honourable attainment; united by the strong ties of a common origin, of interest and affection; possessed of a vast and fertile territory; improving in agriculture, in the arts, and manufactures; extending their commerce to every sea; already powerful, and rapidly increasing in population, have every inducement, and every means, whereby to perpetuate these blessings to the latest posterity.
“The honourable termination of the late war, whereby the rights of the nation were vindicated, should not lull us into repose; the events attending it, show our vulnerable points, and it is in time of peace that we ought to provide, by strong works, for their defence. The gallantry and good conduct of our army, navy, and militia, and the patriotism of our citizens generally, so conspicuously displayed in that war, may always be relied on. Aided by such works, our frontiers will be impregnable.
“Devoted to the principles of our government, from my earliest youth; and satisfied that the great blessings which we enjoy, are, under divine providence, imputable to that great cause, it will be the object of my constant and zealous efforts, to give to those principles their best efforts, contribute in any degree to the happiness of my fellow citizens, I shall derive from it, the highest gratification of which my mind is susceptible.
“James Monroe.
When the ceremony with the municipal officers had been concluded, the Society of the Cincinnati was introduced to the President, and the following address was presented by one of its principal members.
“To James Monroe, President of the United States.
“Sir—The New York Society of Cincinnati, take this opportunity, when your important duties as chief magistrate of the United States, have procured for this city, the honour of a visit, to present to you the assurances of their respect, and of their cordial disposition to support, with all their power, the measures which the wisdom of the government shall adopt, to promote the honour and welfare of our beloved country.
“Your presence, sir, recalls those patriotic emotions, in which the Society of Cincinnati originated; and as a distinguished individual among the officers of the revolutionary war, of which the society was composed, you are associated with the pleasing recollections, which we cherish, of the result of that ardent struggle.
“We beg you to accept our sincere wishes for your personal happiness, and the assurance of our high esteem and consideration.
The pleasure with which the President received this address, is indicated in his reply.
“To the Members of the New York Society of Cincinnati.
“Fellow Citizens—The opportunity which my visit to this city, in the discharge of important public duties, has presented, of meeting the New York Society of Cincinnati, with many of whom I was well acquainted in our revolution, affords me heartfelt satisfaction. It is impossible to meet any of those patriotic citizens, whose valuable services were so intimately connected with that great event, without recollections which it is equally just and honourable to cherish.
“In your support of all proper measures for a national defence, and the advancement of the public welfare, I have the utmost confidence. Those whose zeal and patriotism, were so fully tried in that great struggle, will never fail to rally to the standard of their country in any emergency.
“James Monroe.
The President was then escorted, by the cavalry, to the rooms prepared for his reception, in Gibson’s Hotel, in Wall street, where he dined in company with several eminent characters. Among the guests were, the Vice-president of the United States, the honourable DeWitt Clinton, the honourable Rufus King, the military officers and their suites, the naval officers, General Ebenezer Stevens, colonels Willett and Platt, and major Fairlie. When general Stevens was presented to the President, the latter remarked, “ that it gave him at all times peculiar pleasure, to take an officer of the war of independence by the hand.”
Various transparencies were exhibited in front of the City Hall, the New York Museum, and other public buildings, which were also brilliantly illuminated on the occasion, and in the midst of the exterior decorations of the Theatre, was a splendid full length portrait of the President.
Castle Williams, on Governor’s Island, the fort at Bedlow’s Island, and the navy yard, being the most prominent objects of the President’s tour, upon this station, his first business on the morning of the 12th, was to go through the inspection of these several public works; in the performance of which, he was accompanied by major-general Scott, of the United States army. The customary salutes were fired on his arrival at each of these places. At half past one o’clock, he attended at the governor’s room, in the City Hall, where he received the personal respects of a great number of citizens, after which, he dined with his relation, Mr. Knox, in Greenwich street.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Academy of Arts, the Hospital, the New Alms-house at Bellevue, and other public establishments, underwent his examination. In the evening he was attended to the Theatre by the members of the corporation.
The Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, having elected Mr. James Monroe, to a fellowship, on the evening of Wednesday, the 11th of June, was especially convened, on the following Friday morning, for the purpose of receiving and initiating him. Accordingly, after having performed his tour around the fortifications on Brooklyn heights, his excellency repaired at the appointed hour to the New York Institute. The several apartments, containing the exhibitions of the Academy of the Fine Arts; the Mineralogical and Zoological cabinets; the Historical collections, &c.; were thrown open to him, and his suite, and his excellency DeWitt Clinton, president of the Institute, in behalf of the society, addressed him in the following manner:
“Sir—As it has been the usage of this society, to enroll among its members, such characters as are distinguished for their virtues, their intellectual powers, and their literary attainments, it affords me great pleasure to inform you, that you have been unanimously admitted an honorary member; the highest honour in our power to bestow; and it is peculiarly gratifying to find, that on this occasion, the honour which is conferred is reflected on the institution.
“Viewing, in the course of your past life, a certain pledge of an able and patriotic administration, we are fully persuaded , that you will always keep steadily in view, the great interests of literature and science, as inseparably identified with the honour, the glory, and the prosperity of our country.
“Being regularly inducted into the Institute, the President made an extempore reply, to this flattering address, which has been collected with as much accuracy as possible, in these words:
“Sir—I cannot express the sensibility I feel on this occasion.
“The high honour thus unanimously conferred, by the members of this respectable institution, will ever be cherished by me with grateful recollection; nor can I but be sensible to the flattering manner in which you, sir, have communicated this expression of their kindness.
“I beg leave to assure you, and the members of this association, that as far as my influence may extend, it shall be exerted in promoting the interests of science and literature, as among the most efficient means of preserving the integrity of our republican form of government, and the honour of our country.
The meeting of the Institute being adjourned, the President visited the Orphan Asylum, the Penitentiary, and the State Prison, and dined with Mrs. Governeur, sister to Mrs. Monroe.
A meeting of the American Society for the Encouragement of American Manufactures, was held in the evening of this day, at the assembly room in the City Hotel, the proceedings of which, as they are intimately connected with the President’s tour and a form a principal feature in its course, and as the subject itself is one of particular interest to all classes of society, are inserted at length, in the following chapter.
