The Enquirer

New York, Jan. 8.

SAILORS' DINNER.

Yesterday about 2 o'clock, P. M. the gallant Seamen belonging to the frigate United States were landed at the New slip to the number of about 400, very neatly dressed in sailor's habit; and, preceded by a Committee of the Corporation, marched in procession through Pearl-street to Wall-street, and through Wall-street to the City-Hotel in Broadway, where they partook of an excellent Dinner in the Assembly Room, which was decorated in the same manner as at the Grand Naval Dinner given on Tuesday the 29th ult. We understand that the Boatswain of the frigate United States presided, and did the honors of the table very respectably.

The Corporation and the Gentlemen who composed the Committee of the late Grand Naval Dinner, dined together in the Tea-Room.

During the procession the American Colours were displayed, a complete band of music attended, the streets were crowded with citizens, and loud bursts of applause to the gallant defenders of the country were echoed and re-echoed from every quarter.

After the procession had entered the assembly room, the following address was delivered by John Vanderbilt, jun. esq. a member of the Corporation:

'BRAVE AMERICAN TARS.

The Corporation of the City of New York, have ordered you this Entertainment—It is given as a tribute to your valor, displayed in the capture of the British frigate the Macedonian.

Behold yonder Miniature of your gallant atchievement. See yourselves entwined in wreaths of Laurels, with the brave HULL, and JONES, and their valiant crews—Emblems of our gratitude—Tokens of Honour, which alone belong to the Brave.

The burst of applause, which resounds from Georgia to Maine, and the shout of your Victory, proclaimed in the castle and the cottage, causes us to mingle our emotions of joy with the voice of every true American; and hail you here as welcome guests.

The mistress of the Ocean, boasting of her power, challenging to single combat, and confident of her superiority, has thrice been vanquished.

You have taught her a lesson, that coming in contact with the hearts of Yankee Oak, they were not encountering the vessels of an European Tyrant.

Remember then, ye valiant Tars, that you have been rocked in Freedom's Cradle; enlisted voluntarily under your Country's banners.

Not torn by a merciless Press Gang, from your wives and children, and dear connections—But, fired with an ardent zeal for glory, and to assert the rights of your injured Country, and punish the haughty foe, who dare arrogate to themselves, Rights, inherent to us, by the Laws of Nations, the Laws of Nature and Nature's God.

You have nobly vindicated your Country's Honor on the Ocean—You have added new Laurels to her fame, and your country receives it as a pledge that you are resolved to support her Rights; and that her Flag shall never be tarnished by cowardice, nor struck, whilst there is a shot in the Locker.

The Laurels thus obtained by your bravery, shall ever be Green in the remembrance of every True American, & whilst under the command of a Decatur, whose tried valor and skill, are manifest, (not only in the late glorious conflict, but also, who made the Bloody Turk lower his colors in disgrace.) you will always be sure of Victory.

Go on then as you have begun in the path of valor and duty. Your Country's reward is at hand: and, may every American Tar, animated by your example and success, go and do likewise.'

To this address the Boatswain replied in nearly the following terms:

'In behalf of my shipmates I return our sincere thanks to the Corporation of the City of N. York for the honor they have this day done us; rest assured that it will always be our wish to deserve the good opinion of our countrymen.' When the Boatswain had finished this reply, his shipmates, in token of their approbation, made the room ring with 3 hearty cheers.

At this moment the transparent paintings exhibiting our three glorious naval victories, were suddenly displayed by the dropping of the canvas, which before had concealed them. It is impossible for pen to describe the effect which it had upon the minds of our astonished sailors; their admiration was expressed by repeated huzzas, and enthusiastic acclamations. Silence was in a few minutes restored by the Boatswain's whistle, when the whole crew, to the number of 400 and upwards, commenced their attack upon an excellent dinner, which was soon demolished, and in such a manner as left no room to doubt 'that they could have done much more, if more had been required.'

After dinner the Boatswain piped for silence, when the president gave the following toast.

American ships all over the ocean—3 cheers.

Com. Decatur shortly afterwards entered the room accompanied by his first Lieut. Mr. Allen, and was received by the seamen in a manner that evinced the affection and delight with which they beheld their brave commander—after remaining a few minutes, the Commodore gave as a toast:

'Free trade and no impressment.'—9 cheers.

By Mr. Allen. 'Captain Jones and Hull and their brave crews,'—9 cheers.

After the Commodore retired, the president gave,

Commodore Decatur and Mr. Allen.—9 cheers.

A variety of volunteer toasts were given by different seamen in true nautical style, but with such quick succession, that we could only note the following, which we give verbatim:

The Corporation of the City of New-York, the Orator of the day, and all the Pretty Girls who like the Yankee Tars—

May our frigates soon be turned into seventy-fours, with Decatur, Hull and Jones at their head.—9 cheers.

Our excellent Armies—May the thunder of their cannon blow the powder out of the touchholes of the Governor of Quebec.—9 cheers.

The Wooden Walls of Old England May they serve as a turnpike Road to American Glory.—9 cheers.

Withered be the Arm—Palsied be the Head, that will not defend the Rights of his Country.—9 cheers.

Officers and Men—May each American Hero receive his pay when he has earned it.—3 cheers.

May bold Decatur prove the protector of the raging main.—6 cheers.

May we never feel want, and never want feeling for our countrymen.—9 cheers.

American Tars—They carry their protection at the mouth of their cannon... cheers.

Capt. Jones in the Wasp—Which requires English seventy fours to take an American sloop of War—9 cheers.

Success to the frigate United States, and plenty of prize money.—9 cheers.

The American Eagle—May its wings cover the ocean, and its claws grab the ships of the King of England,—9 cheers.

At 6 o'clock, at the request of the Managers of the Theatre, the jolly tars proceeded in a body to that place of amusement, in good order, where the pit had been exclusively devoted to their accommodation: The front of the Theatre was illuminated; and exhibited a transparency of the engagement between the United States and Macedonian.—

The entertainments consisted of 'Fraternal Discord,' a patriotic sketch, called 'America, Commerce and Freedom;' and 'Sprigs of Laurel.'

We do not recollect of ever seeing the Theatre so crowded. The Pit was entirely occupied by the gallant crew of the frigate United States, who behaved with the utmost decorum.