The President arrives at New Haven—resolutions of the Citizens—Middletown—address of the Corporation there—the President proceeds to Hartford—address of the Citizens—he repairs to Springfield, and visits the United States Armory—receives Committee from the Citizens—resolutions at New London—the President arrives there—is addressed by the Common Council—visits Fort Trumbull—the town of Groton and Fort Griswold—makes an excursion up the Thames—sails from New London—sleeps at Stonington, and arrives at Newport—proceeds there to Providence.
The people of New Haven, and others of the enterprising and patriotic towns of the state of Connecticut, were anxiously looking for the arrival of the President, upon their shores; and to apprise them of his approach, in time, arrangements were made between the authorities of New Haven, and the fort below, and the revenue cutter Eagle, captain Lee, to announce that event, either by the discharge of guns, or by some other convenient and proper signal. The disposition manifested by the citizens of New Haven, to evince their respect for the chief magistrate, is strongly set forth in the following copy of proceedings, had at a general meeting, held on the 9th of June.
“At a meeting of the citizens of the town of New Haven, convened at the State House, for the purpose of concerting for the reception of the President of the United States, on his contemplated visit to this city: the honourable James Hillhouse was called to the chair, and R. I. Ingersoll, esq. chosen secretary, after which, the following resolutions were passed.
“Resolved, That the honourable Elizur Goodrich, Obadiah Hotchkiss, John H. Lynde, William Bristol, Elias Shipman, John Nicholl, and Eli Whitney, esquires, be and they are hereby appointed a committee, to make arrangements for the purpose of showing suitable respect to the President of the United States, on his expected visit to this city.
“Resolved, That as soon as the committee shall have agreed, upon the arrangement contemplated, they announce the same to the citizens, in such way as they shall think proper.
“Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Connecticut Herald.
“A true copy of the minutes.
“R.I. Ingersoll, Sec’y.
At 4 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th, the steam boat was descried from the fort, the commandant at which caused a signal to be made, which was repeated by the cutter, and in this manner intelligence was communicated to the citizens of the approach of the boat. The cutter immediately got under way, sailed for the Connecticut, and, upon getting up under her stern, at 5 o’clock, dropped her colours and struck her top-sails, in testimony of respect to the President, and immediately fired a national salute. From the fort also a salute was fired by a party of volunteers under lieutenant Dickenson, and this was followed by another, from the battalion of artillery, stationed in the town, under captain Blake. When the Connecticut reached the shore, the committee, appointed at the general meeting, went on board, and in the name of all their fellow citizens, congratulated the President on his arrival at New Haven. Upon landing he was received by his excellency Oliver Wolcott, the governor of the state, who had rode to New Haven with his aids, majors Babcock and Huntingdon, for that purpose; between whom and the President, the usual interchange of civilities took place. Attended by Mr. Wolcott, the committee of arrangement, and several civil and United States military officers, he was then escorted to his intended quarters at Butler’s Hotel, by the Governor’s Horse Guards, followed by a long train of citizens in procession.
The uniform volunteer companies of New Haven were next day reviewed by the President, after which he visited Yale College, and inspected the gun manufactory of Eli Whitney, esq.
The 23rd, being Monday, preparations were made, and a suitable escort provided, to attend the chief magistrate upon his route to the eastward. A deputation from Middletown, and the adjoining villages having previously waited on the President, to request the honour of his presence among them, he gave his assent to this arrangement, and, accordingly, abandoned his original intention, of pursuing the coast road to New London; and in company with governor Wolcott, and a number of citizens, set out on the route for Middletown by sunrise. He reached Durham, a distance of nineteen miles, about eight o’clock that morning. There he was met by the sheriff of the county, and eight of his deputies, bearing the insignia of their office, and by a committee of the citizens of Middletown. From this place he proceeded upon his journey without delay, and having attained a point, within two miles of the city, a salute of nineteen guns was fired to announce his approach. Having arrived in sight of Middletown, at the request of the committee he descended from his carriage, and with his suite consented to enter the city upon horseback. A line of procession was immediately formed, and the President approached the city amidst the salutations and rejoicings, of the soldiery, and the people. Passing over the bridge, the troops wheeled to the right and left, and a large collection of citizens, who were present to witness the scene, arranged themselves in regular files, at each side of the militia. When the procession moved through Main street, nineteen guns were again discharged, a peal was rung upon the bells, and a number of flags and ensigns were displayed. This ceremony being concluded by a review of the troops, the President alighted at the Washington Hotel, where the mayor, aldermen, and common council were in readiness to receive him; and presented him with this address.
“To James Monroe, President of the United States.
“The mayor, aldermen, and common council of Middletown, present you their sincere congratulations upon your arrival in this place.
“It is our delight and distinction, as citizens of the United States, to see among us the chief magistrate of our common country, wanting no other guards than public sentiment and reverence for the laws.
“Appreciating the importance of establishments for territorial and maritime defence, we have the happiness of being assured, that your present tour has primary reference to considerations so interesting to the national rights, and national honour.
“With this assurance, we cherish the hope, your progress may increase and confirm the harmony of opinion throughout the United States.
“A. Miller.
“Middletown, June 23, 1817.
To this address the President answered.
“To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of Middletown.
“Fellow citizens—Your kind and friendly reception commands my warmest acknowledgements.
“If I were a spectator only, instead of a party, to this scene, I should be deeply affected by it. There can be no spectacle more interesting to a generous mind, than that of a free and virtuous people, receiving unfeigned confidence, a chief magistrate, deriving his office from their voluntary suffrages.
“Aware of the great importance of the establishment of adequate works, of territorial and maritime defence, it is my object to give full effect to the provisions made by law, for those purposes. Should my efforts obtain the approbation of my country, and contribute in any degree to promote harmony of opinion among my fellow citizens, so necessary to their prosperity and happiness, I shall derive from their success the highest gratification.
“James Monroe.
In the course of the morning, the President and suite, attended by general Humphreys, the committee, and the sheriff, with his deputies, visited the several establishments of Messrs. North, Starr, and Johnson, employed in the manufacture of rifles, swords, and other small arms, for the United States service. Returning from this visit, the President partook of an elegant collation, and immediately after proceeded onward toward the city of Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. The infantry and artillery, saluted him again, and the committee of arrangement, with the mayor at their head, accompanied him to Prospect Hill. The sheriff and his deputies, however, and the escort of the cavalry, continued their attendance, until he reached the town of Wethersfield, where he was met by the 1st company of the Governor’s Horse Guards, under the command of major Buck, who conducted him to the South Green in the city of Hartford. Immediately on his arrival there, the Hartford Artillery, commanded by captain Ripley, the East Hartford Artillery, under captain Olmstead, and the Simsbury Artillery, under captain Humphry, the whole commanded by colonel Johnson, honoured him with a national salute.
He was then received by the 1st company of the Governor’s Foot Guards, commanded by major Goodwin, and five companies of infantry, under captains Johnson, Wadsworth, Rockwell, Elsworth and Brown, and commanded by colonel Loomis, and a detachment of cavalry, under colonel Gleason. By this body of troops, and followed by an immense assemblage of citizens, he was escorted over the city bridge, leading directly into Hartford. The bridge was elegantly ornamented for the occasion, and three lofty arches, tastefully decorated with evergreen and laurel, had been thrown over it. From the central arch, was suspended a scroll, on which was emblazoned, the words “March 4, 1817.”
The cavalcade having passed, he alighted at Morgan’s Coffee-house, amidst a throng of citizens and soldiers, more numerous that had ever been seen assembled in that city before. Upon entering his apartments, at the hotel, he was addressed in behalf of the corporation, by their senior aldermen, the mayor being absent, in the manner following:
“To the President of the United States.
“Sir—The pleasing duty has devolved on us of presenting you the congratulations of the citizens of Hartford, on your arrival in this city. It is with sentiments of regard for private worth, no less than with respect for official dignity, that the personal presence, of the first magistrate of the nation is associated.
“The endearing relation which subsists, between the people of a free country, and their political father and guide, is peculiarly fitted to cherish and ennoble these sentiments.
“It is no less our happiness, sir, than yours, that your administration has commenced at a period, gilded by the recent exploits of our army and navy, and at the same time enjoying the tranquility and security of peace; when full scope is given to the enterprise, industry and skill of our citizens, in the employments of agriculture and manufactures; when the pursuit of science, and the cultivation of the arts of civilized life, are encouraged by their appropriate rewards; and when the spirit of party, with its concomitant jealousies and misrepresentations, no longer “render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by paternal affection.” We anticipate in your administration, commenced under the auspices, and blessed with the smiles of HIM “whose dominion is an everlasting dominion,” a period of glory to our country, and of honour to yourself.
“The state of Connecticut, as she was among the first to adopt the constitution of the United States, so will she always be among its most firm and zealous supporters.
“The people of this state, while they cherish a high spirit of freedom, are, from the force of our institutions and habits, distinguished also for their love of order and submission to the laws. In pursuing a policy, which, as we confidently expect, will give the best effect to the principles of our government; establish commerce upon a permanent basis; render us strong and independent; confer on us a distinct and elevated national character; and secure to our country those high advantages, which seem destined for her by Providence; you may be assured of a hearty support.
“May heaven grant, sir, that your life may be long and happy; and that the freedom and independence of our country may be perpetual.
“John Morgan.
“In behalf of the mayor, aldermen, common council, and freemen of Hartford.”
The following answer was returned by the President.
“To the mayor, Aldermen, and Council of the City of Hartford.
“Fellow citizens—I beg you to accept my grateful acknowledgements, for the favourable sentiments which you have expressed towards me, and the kind and friendly manner, in which you have received me. No one can take more interest, than I do, in the present prosperous and happy condition of our country. Having witnessed two wars, attended with imminent distress, and which made a severe trial of our institutions, I see, with the most heartfelt satisfaction, the happy consequences attending our exertions, and which you have so justly described, in the review you have taken of them. Blessed with peace; agriculture, the arts, and commerce flourishing; jealousies subsiding; and our bond of union gaining strength; our situation is particularly happy, and the prospect of its long continuance most flattering. In a state where the arts and sciences are so happily cultivated, and which has evinced so strong an attachment to the cause of liberty, full confidence is entertained, that it will always be found among the most zealous supporters of that cause, and of our most excellent constitution.”
The President soon after, with his suite, general Swift and Mr. Mason, proceeded to the review of the troops, and thence to the benevolent and interesting institution of the deaf and dumb, with the progress of the pupils in which, after a very long examination, he expressed himself to be highly gratified.
On Tuesday, the 24th, at 5 o’clock in the morning, the President left Hartford, and arrived at the line on the west side of the Connecticut river, which marks the boundary of Massachusetts, about nine. An escort from Springfield, and its vicinity, consisting of sixty gentlemen on horseback, and a number of citizens in carriages, were already in waiting on the road at that point, and immediately after meeting him, a procession was formed, extending nearly half a mile, by which, and the escort, he was conducted into the town. When the train reached the bridge, at its entrance, the artillery company of captain Warriner commenced firing a federal salute, and the bells of the town struck up a peal, which was continued until the President alighted at his quarters, at Bennett’s Inn. The following address, to which he made a verbal reply, was immediately after presented to him by a deputation of the citizens.
“To the President of the United States.
“May it please your Excellency—We wait on you, as a committee, in behalf of the people of this, and the neighboring towns, cordially to welcome your arrival within the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“Of such extent is the country, over which, by the voice of the people, according to our excellent constitution, you are called to preside; so various and all important, are the duties of your high station, that but a small portion of our citizens could ever expect the honour, and favour, of personally knowing their chief magistrate.
“When your excellency’s intention to visit the northern states, during this season, and the other states of the union, whenever your cares and arduous labours at the seat of government would admit of your leaving it, was announced, we contemplated it with pleasure, as having a tendency, to draw still closer, that bond of union, which ought never to be broken, or even relaxed, by the intrigues of foreign nations, or the faults and follies of our own.
“In personally viewing the various establishments, made by the government of the United States, since the adoption of the constitution, for the security and defence of our country, we sincerely hope your excellency will see much to approve; and that, in this place, you will find the efforts, made to relieve us from that dependence on other nations, for implements of war, (so painful to us during our struggle for independence) not unworthy of your notice and approbation.
“We ardently wish your excellency prosperity in your journeying—perfect self-complacency in your administration of the government; and, under the smiles of a kind providence, personal blessings.
“And we are, with the highest respect, your obedient servants.
“Thomas Dwight,
“Roswell Lee,
“John Ingersoll,
“Samuel Lathrop,
“Joshua Frost,
“Committee
“Springfield, June 24, 1817.”
The President and suite then proceeded on horseback to view the United States Armory, and public works, and upon reaching the ground upon the hill, he was again saluted by the artillery. In the afternoon four-hundred and ten children, from twelve charity schools, in the neighbourhood, within one mile and half of each other, were assembled in Springfield with their instructors, and passed before the President at the inn. One of the committee observed to him, “We here present your excellency, the hopes of our country, and we are endeavouring to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and in the true principles of republican government.” To which remark the President immediately answered, “I am much pleased and gratified with their appearance, and I pray God, to bless them and you, and to carry tour good design into effect.”
At 4’clock he set our for New London, escorted by the same company, to the east side of the Connecticut river, where he entered that state a second time. The citizens of New London, being apprized of his intention to visit that city, for the purpose of inspecting the forts Trumbull and Griswold, the one situated at the entrance of the harbour, and the other erected for the purpose of defending it, at the opposite town of Groton, resolved to show him all the respect due his high station. The corporation, therefore, made the necessary preparations for his reception, and appointed Jedediah Huntingdon, Thomas H. Cushing, Nicholl Fosdick, and Lyman Law, a committee, and selected also eight marshals for the day, to carry the arrangements into effect.
On Wednesday, the 25th, at one o’clock, the President’s approach being discovered from a neighbouring height, signal guns were immediately fired, the colours displayed from the shipping in the harbour, and the 1st company of light artillery, under captain Dennis, proceeded to meet and escort him to his lodgings. Attended by the committee of arrangement also, and most of the citizens, the procession moved down State and Bank streets, to the house of Mr. Taber, where accommodations had been previously provided. Under the direction of the marshals, the citizens formed two lines, between which, preceded by the military, the President passed to his quarters. Salutes were then fired by the artillery, Fort Trumbull, and by the United States vessels then in the harbour.
The court of common pleas, at that time in session, and the principal gentlemen of the bar, waited on the President and offered their congratulations. Immediately thereafter, the corporation made a presentation of their address, which follows.
“To the President of the United States.
“The mayor, aldermen, and common council of the city of New London, in behalf of the corporation, with respect for his exalted station, embrace this opportunity to welcome the President of the United States on his safe arrival in this place.
“A Visit from the chief magistrate of the nation, so respectable and important in the scale of political existence, as the United States, to this portion of the union, is an occurrence interesting to the patriot, and highly gratifying to the feelings of this community: an occurrence which, as individuals, we shall remember, and which the corporation will record. It affords us consolation that your administration has commenced, at a period favourable for improvement—for the establishment of a national, of an American character. A period, when the storms of war have passed, and days of peace commenced; when party spirit is assuaged, and a spirit of mutual charity and forbearance nationally prevails.
“That the President of the United States, in common with his fellow citizens, is enjoying that state of peace, which his own agency and energy so essentially produced, is to us a source of pleasing reflection and consideration. We trust that we may be indulged in the pleasing contemplation, that we possess our habitations in safety; that our shores are free from alarms; and that the waters of our harbour are relieved from the presence of a threatening and hostile fleet. With great satisfaction we once more behold in the chief magistrate of the United States, a man who in his youth, had an agency in achieving with his sword, the independence, and establishing the pillars of that government which he is now the head, and which is the pride of America, and the wonder of the world. From the high stations you have held and honourably sustained; from the eminent services you have rendered our common country, we have a happy assurance, under divine providence, of an honourable and prosperous administration, and, that under the auspices of your government, we shall be a united and happy people.
“Nothing can give us more satisfaction, than a consideration of the parental view and extensive survey, which the President is taking of the northern section of that country, which is happily united under a government of energy and freedom, and of which, by the choice of a great and enlightened people, he is now the political head.
“Be pleased, sir, to accept our sincere wishes, that your life may be prolonged and happy; that your administration may be prosperous and blessed; that your journey may be pleasant; and that you may in health and safety be returned to the bosom of your family, and all your endearing and domestic relations, with happiness and satisfaction.
“Jeremiah Brainard, Mayor.”
To this address the following reply was made:
“To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of New London.
“Fellow Citizens:
“In making a tour through the eastern states with a view to public defence, New London had a strong claim to attention; and in visiting it, I have been much gratified by the very friendly reception which has been given me. Aware of the favourable circumstances under which I have commenced the duties of the high trust, to which I have been appointed by my fellow citizens, it will be my zealous endeavour to derive from them, in the administration of the government, all the advantages which they can afford.
“It is only making adequate preparation for war, now that we are blessed with peace, that we can hope to avert that calamity in the future. It is only by a vigorous prosecution of the war, when it becomes inevitable, that its evils can be mitigated, and an honourable peace be soon restored. In the pursuit of great national objects, it is equally the interest and the duty, of the whole American people, to unite.
“Happy in a government which secures to us the full enjoyment of all our civil and religious rights, we have every inducement to unite in its support. With such union we have nothing to dread from foreign powers.
“For the kind interest which you take in my welfare, I beg you to accept of my warmest thanks, and to be assured of the sincerity with which I reciprocate it, in favour of the citizens of New London and its vicinity.
“James Monroe.”
Barges having been provided, under the direction of commodores Bainbridge and Oliver H. Perry, for the President, his suite, and several naval and military gentlemen; they were conveyed across to Fort Trumbull at 10 o’clock, on the morning of Thursday. The Enterprise sloop of war fired a salute, as the barges put off from the wharf, which was repeated at Fort Trumbull, upon the President’s landing at that garrison. From Fort Trumbull the party proceeded across the harbour to the town of Groton, where the President was received by a committee of arrangement, and a large assemblage of the citizens of that place, and neighbouring towns. Form the point of landing, he was escorted to Fort Griswold, by a company of grenadiers under captain Dabell, from the 8th regiment, accompanied by the selectmen, and civil authorities of Groton. Arrived at the gate of the fort, the military wheeled to the right and left, and the President, with his suite, and the officers in attendance, entered the garrison, through the two lines. The event by which this fort became distinguished in the course of the revolutionary contest, though not forgotten by the President, was, probably more forcibly impressed upon his mind, and his visit rendered much more interesting, by the presence of some of the brave defenders of the garrison, at the memorable time alluded to. The volunteer militia of Groton, had been stationed within the walls of Fort Griswold, during September of the year 1780, and on the 6th day of that month, sustained the vigorous assault and storming of that garrison, by the British under general Benedict Arnold; until overpowered by numbers, and seeing no other mode of escaping the fury of the assailants, they capitulated upon honourable terms, and provided by treaty, for the protection of the surrendered troops. The fort was entered by the enemy, but their stipulations were violated, and the garrison unhumanly put to the sword. It was the desire of the President to behold some member of the gallant band, who participated in the brave though unsuccessful defence of the fort, and at his own request, two gentlemen, Messrs. Ebenezer Avery, and Park Avery, each of them upwards of seventy years of age, inhabitants of Groton, who had been fortunate enough to survive the horrors of the scene, after being severely wounded and supposed to be dead, by the enemy, were presented to him on the spot.
Having congratulated these gentlemen, upon their escape from this perilous situation, of the danger of which their scars bore honourable testimony, and having finished his examination of the fort, he was again received by the military and citizens without, and conducted to the house of captain Elijah Bailey, where refreshments had been previously prepared for him. After partaking of these, and having been saluted by the troops, he went on board the steam boat Fulton, captain Law, which had been politely placed under his requisition by the proprietors. He proceeded six miles up the Thames, upon the east side of which Fort Griswold is situated, with a view of examining that important river, and its numerous and valuable accommodations for a navy.
Though the avowed object for which the President had undertaken his tour, was to ascertain the military strength and position of the assailable points upon the seaboard, and to provide for their repair and better protection against an enemy, yet the selection of a situation for naval depots, and military arsenals, whence the shipping and the garrisons, might draw their resources, being intimately blended with this object, he did not fail to avail himself of an opportunity of viewing a point so important as this has been represented to be.
The Thames had been proved to be capable of protecting a fleet of heavy ships, and of affording a good harbour against the most boisterous seasons of the year. It had been resorted to by commodore Decatur, at that period of the late war, when New London became particularly distinguished by the long blockade of sir Thomas Hardy.
In consequenceof the commodore’s having proceeded with the frigates of the United States and Macedonian, and the sloop of war Hornet, through the sound, to get to sea from the eastward, and of his having been driven, with his squadron, into New London, by a superior detachment of the enemy’s ships, that port was rigorously blockaded, by the Ramilies seventy-four, two frigates, and several smaller vessels, under sir Thomas. Every effort to get to sea, under the auspices of dark nights, and favourable winds, having proved unavailing, in consequence of the enemy’s being continually apprised of the designs of the American commodore, he was blockaded for many months, without a prospect of escaping, either by the ordinary channel, or by the sound. He was finally obliged to abandon his intention of putting to sea, and, being authorized by the navy department, he dismantled the frigates, and sent them up this fine river (the Thames) for protection.
The Fulton returned to New London in the course of the afternoon, and the President remained at his quarters there, until the following morning at six o’clock, when, under a national salute, he embarked on board the sloop of war Enterprise, which immediately weighed anchor, and sailed out of the harbour, accompanied by the other vessels of the United States, ordered there for that purpose. In passing Fort Trumbull, the fleet was honoured with another salute.
From New London the President was conveyed to the entrance of Gardiner’s Bay; after inspecting which, he landed at Stonington Point, and passed the night of the 27th at the town of Stonington, distinguished by its intrepid resistance to a powerful attack from three heavy vessels of war, the largest being the Ramilies seventy-four, made on the 9th of August, 1814, and which resulted in the entire repulse of the enemy, after he had ineffectually thrown into the town upwards of sixty tons of metal.
At sunrise, on the morning of Saturday, the President left Stonington, and re-embarked on board the Enterprise, and in the afternoon of the same day the fleet entered Newport Bay under discharges of artillery from Fort Wolcott, Fort Adams, and from the town. A committee of the citizens, major-general Gibbs and suite, colonel Towson, commodore Perry, and many other civil and military officers, received the President when he landed. The line of procession being adjusted in a suitable manner, and the troops, consisting of an artillery company and two companies of militia, having disposed themselves in order of escort, the whole body advanced to the quarters, made ready for the President. Forts Wolcott and Adams, were the earliest objects of the President’s attention in Newport. Immediately after he had received the congratulations of the civil and military authorities, of the place, he repaired to these forts and examined their condition with much care. The regularity of the garrisons, and the neatness and veteran appearance of the soldiery, drew from him, some very high encomiums.
After having dined, he made a short excursion into the adjacent country on horseback, expressing himself highly pleased with the local situation and beautiful scenery of the island. Many emblematical transparencies were exhibited in the evening; the two forts were splendidly illuminated; and other testimonies of respect were shown by the citizens to the chief magistrate. The 29th, being Sunday, was employed by the President in devotional services: in the morning he attended public worship at Trinity Church, in the afternoon, at the Second Congregational Meeting-house, and in the evening, at the Second Baptist Church.
On Monday, the 30th, he quitted Newport, in company within his excellency governor Knight, (who arrived there on Saturday,) major-general Gibbs, and the committee, and reached Fall River. From this place he proceeded to Bristol, where every mark of respect, consistent with his short delay, was shown by the inhabitants. At Bristol he embarked in the steam boat Fire Fly, captain Smith, for Providence and in the evening, about 9 o’clock entered that city. The ceremonies which had been observed upon the entrance of President Monroe, into the other metropolitan cities, were repeated with great spirit and cordiality by the citizens of Providence. Having arrived at the hotel, he remained some time in the piazza, with general Howell on his right, and governor Fenner on his left, for the purpose of gratifying the curiosity of a numerous crowd of people. A levee was held immediately after, when many revolutionary, civil and military officers, and a committee deputed by the citizens of the town were received. A general presentation of the inhabitants to the President, took place on the following morning; at 9 o’clock, he rode out and viewed the city, examined the defensible points, and inspected the public establishments, and at 11 took leave of Providence for Boston.
