Iowa News

The Common Council of London
have passed resolutions conferring the
freedom of the city of London on the
American Minister, Mr. Stevenson.
Sir J. Duke, Chairman of the Commit-
tee appointed to communicate the res-
olutions to Mr. Stevenson, waited on
him at the head of the deputation, and
made an address, in which he express-
ed the high respect entertained for him
by the Common Council and the depu-
tation, and hoped that he would "long
be spared to adorn and benefit his na-
tive country by his virtues and servi-
ces," and to witness what must be
"nearest his heart" "an increase of
the prosperity and friendship which
now happily subsists between the U.
nited States of America and Great Bri-
tain, on terms of honor and advantage
to both countries."

Mr. Stevenson replied by express-
ing his acknowledgements for the mark
of respect shown to his public and pri-
vate character, and his regret that he
could not accept, it being precluded by
the constitution and usages of his coun-
try and the rules prescribed for the go-
vernment of its diplomatic agents a-
broad. In regard to the sentiment
with which Sir J. Duke had concluded
his address, he expressed himself as
follows:

"I concur with you, gentlemen, in
the wish you express that peace and
good understanding may long be pre-
served between Great Britain and the
United States. I need not dwell upon
the obvious and powerful inducements
for cultivating those peaceful and
friendly relations, the value of which
is nowhere better understood than in
your great city. Every thing in the
history of the two countries is calcu-
lated to inspire sentiments of mutual
esteem and respect, and to convince
the liberal and enlightened of both
countries that their true interests are
those of peace.

"Such I know to be the disposition
of the Government and people of the
United States, and I speak with great
confidence when I assure you that per-
petual friendship with Great Britain
on terms consistent with the rights and
honor of both is what my country
most cordially and sincerely desires,
and that I can in no manner better ful-
fil my duties or serve my country,
than in doing every thing in my pow-
er to cherish and invigorate the peace-
ful relations which now so happily sub-
sist between the two countries, and up-
on the preservation of which so essen-
tially depend the prosperity and hap-
piness of both. To this end my ef-
forts have been unceasing, and it is to
this alone, I am quite sure, that I am
indebted, not only for that share which
I have the happiness to believe I hold
in the esteem and good opinion of
your community, but for the kindness
and hospitality I have received during
my residence among them."