Richmond Daily Times

THE PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO VIRGINIA

The Charlestown (Va.) Free Press states that Tuesday last was a day of joyous excitement in that town and vicinity, consequent upon the anticipated visit of President Fillmore, and the Hon. Messrs. Conrad and Stuart, of his Cabinet. We copy the following account of the reception of the President, at various points on his route, from the Free Press:

The Mayor of the Harper's Ferry, accompanied by other members of the corporation, left for the Point of Rocks to escort the President of the United States, who had left Washington in the earliest train. On arrival at the Ferry, amid the discharge of cannon, the Executive was met by a deputation from Charlestown, as an escort to our County Seat, and to make known the facilities of reaching the Shanondale Springs in the afternoon.

The President, accompanied by the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Interior, together with Mr. Corcoran, of Washington, were very courteously received by Major Symington, and Major Huger, and shown through the Armory and over the public grounds at Harper's Ferry. The time for the departure of the special train approaching, the distinguished gentlemen were proffered a handsome collation which had been prepared by the liberal officer about withdrawing from the post, as also a dinner by the citizens. but the arrangements already made prevented acceptance, and amid the discharge of cannon, under the escort of a committee, the train shot off amid the shouts of the populace.

On arriving at Charlestown, the sound of the whistle caused a large assemblage near the Depot, and as the carriage drew up and received the President and his company, three cheers were given for him and for the Secretaries respectively— and the cortege drew up at Sappington's Hotel, where, without alighting, the President received the salutations of many of our citizens. The baggage collected, the whole moved off at a sober pace to the Springs, where hundreds were already assembled from the surrounding country, and where in a short time the President and those who had not already dined, sat down to a fine dinner amid the strains of music.

After dinner the ladies were introduced to the President and his suite. In the evening, the ball at the Springs was numerously attended. The scene was all gaiety.

On Wednesday morning the President was waited upon by a committee of thirty gentlemen of the town of Winchester, consisting of the Mayor, Recorder, President of the Council, and others having been appointed by the Civil Authorities of the town to wait on him at Shanondale. They were received by the President and his Secretaries in the ladies' Parlor. The room was filled with Ladies, and the passages and windows thronged with gentlemen. The Chairman of the Committee, Wm. L. Clarke, Esq., addressed the President substantially in the following terms—

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Cabinet :

I am deputed by a Committee appointed by the Civil authorities of the town of Winchester to communicate to you the resolutions of invitation and welcome to their town. In performing this grateful office, I take pleasure in saying that these resolutions are a full reflection of the public sentiment. The citizens of Winchester will hail with patriotic pride your presence, sir, among them as the Chief Magistrate of this great republic with that of your Cabinet officers. They will evince to you and them their high admiration and regard. And in proffering to you, sir, and to them, the hospitalities of their homes, they only anticipate a sentiment which will rise up to meet you, wherever you may be pleased to travel through this ancient and venerable Commonwealth.

To which the President, in substance, replied :

I accept, sir, with the expression of thanks. for myself and my official associates here, these kind expressions of sentiments from the town of Winchester. It will afford us great pleasure to visit your ancient town, and mingle with its citizens. It is well known as long the residence of Washington, and as the spot where reposes the ashes of one of the heroes of the Revolution. I allude to Gen. Morgan. It was my desire, sir, to have passed through your State without any public manifestation, farther than to mingle with your citizens and exchange with them kind civilities. We seek relief from the cares of official station, and for that purpose, sir, we visit your gushing fountains of health, and your surpassing scenery.

I have only again sir, to return to you and to the committee, and to the citizens, for myself and those associates here with me, our thanks and kind wishes.

The address of Mr. Clarke was delivered in his usual impressive manner, and the reply of the President in a calm and dignified style, amidst the outburst of enthusiastic applause.

After dinner the Presidential party returned to Charlestown to take the special train that had been furnished to convey them up the valley, and stopped a short time at the hospitable residence of Andrew Hunter, Esq., where they were introduced to many ladies, who had not been able to visit the Springs, as well as to many of our citizens who had been debarred the pleasure of an introduction which hundreds had gone miles to realize.

They then took the cars for Winchester amidst the enthusiastic shouts of the people, with many good wishes for their safety.

The President and suite expected to reach Staunton to-morrow, where they will remain until Monday. He is to receive a public reception at the Court House on his arrival at Staunton.