Virginia Argus

From the Petersburg Intelligencer of January 14.

DINNER TO THE VOLUNTEERS.

No pen can adequately describe the affecting, but animating scene which Petersburg exhibited on Saturday last, in welcoming by a festival, the return of her gallant VOLUNTEERS—those brave youths, who rushed, a band of brothers, to Canada, at the first alarm of a hostile foot daring to contaminate the sacred soil of their beloved country.—The approach of dawn was hailed by the reiterated thunder of the deep-mouthed cannon—The town was instantly alive with groups of their fellow citizens, eager to hail again the youthful heroes in their ranks—a They were received on Centre Hill by the different uniform Companies of the town, who, together with a vast assemblage of citizens, escorted the Spartan Band, in all the "pomp of glorious war," to the lawn in front of Poplar Spring, where, from a temporary rostrum erected for the purpose, a most animated address was delivered by Thomas Shore, Esq. There we could see the tears rolling down the cheek of beauty, whilst the suffused eye sparkled and beamed with approving delight—There could be observed the revolutionary veteran, his eye turned perhaps on his own brave boy, drop the bursting tear, whilst his weather beaten features glowed with the proudest exultation How enviable, at that moment, the situation of a Petersburg Volunteer! The company retired, after the address, to a sumptuous entertainment prepared by Mr. Simmons; of which about five hundred patriotic freemen partook; every man of whom, we will venture to assert, is ready, should occasion present, to avenge his country's wrongs, by meeting and chastising an insolent foe! After the cloth was removed the following sentiments were rapturously hailed with air rendering shouts of applause. During the Toasts, appropriate airs were played by an excellent band of music, which was greatly aided by several amateurs from Richmond. A number of highly patriotic songs echoed through the halls, which were elegantly decorated with a variety of flags; among which waved conspicuously the war worn banner of the Heroes of Fort Meigs.

TOASTS.

1. The Petersburg Virginia Volunteers—They have exhibited an instance of patriotism, than which, no superior can be adduced—their fame will live, their names will be immortalised, in the eternal praise and gratitude of their country.

Nine Cheers.

2. The Memory of the Petersburg Virginia Volunteers, who died in the service of their country "Happy are they who die for their country—their memory shall live in song the young tear of the Virgin will fall."

No Cheer.

3. General Harrison—Inventor and practical professor of new electric tactics—who teaches the art of giving minute shocks, gratis, to British veterans.

Six Cheers.

4. Commodore Perry—The amphibious heroe—with one hand he smites the vaunting monster of the Lake; with the other, the savage of the Forest.

Six Cheers.

5. The venerable Governor of Kentucky—Bright example of military subordination—Nestor in the council, Achilles in the field.

Six Cheers.

6. The Memory of General George Washington—No eulogium can equal his merits.

Cheer.

7. The Heroes and Patriots of the Revolution—Imitated in their noble examples by the brave Pike, Lawrence, and other worthies, who have fallen in defence of their country's liberties—their birthright.

Six Cheers.

8. The War—Forced on us by our enemies, it shall be supported till our rights are respected.

Nine Cheers.

9. The Union of the States, the Bulwark of the Nation—The vengeance of the people on him who shall dare attempt its dissolution.

Six Cheers.

10. The President of the United States—The firm, decided, and energetic statesman—alive to his country's wrongs, true to her cause—God be his guide.

Six Cheers.

11. Thomas Jefferson—He has retired, protected by the shield of an approving conscience—The storm of opposition—and detraction have ceased to assail him, and he is happy in the affections of his countrymen.

Six Cheers.

12. The State of Virginia—Ever true to herself and the interests of the Union—She is proud to be particularly distinguished by the foe.

Six Cheers.

13. Governor Barbour—The intelligent officer—vigilant at his post in the hour of danger.

Six Cheers

14. The Navy

"From equal force they ne'er will fly.

"But conquer, or more nobly die!"

Don't give up the Ship.

Nine Cheers.

15. The Embargo of 1813—Honorable to the majority in Congress, and a sure and effectual support of the just and necessary war in which we are engaged—contempt and infamy be upon its violators.

Six Cheers.

16. The Militia of the South and West—They hold forth a noble example to their brethren of the North and East—particularly those who refused to cross the lines.

Six Cheers.

17. Home Manufactures—Promotive of Public prosperity and domestic comfort.

Three Cheers.

18. The Fair of Petersburg—The admirers of genuine courage—They hold in contempt cowards, tories and traitors—None but the brave deserve the fair.

Nine Cheers.

Volunteer, by Major Jos. Wheaton—The State of Virginia—First in our councils—first in the field first to defend our rights—may the armies of the U. S. imitate in patriotism and valor the sons of her sires—the Petersburg Volunteers.

A superb Transparent Painting, which had been concealed by the flags which waved behind the chairman until some of the Toasts were over, was all at once displayed to the view of the delighted and astonished company, and excited the most enthusiastic peals of applause. It presented a Female Figure in the fore ground, personifying Victory, holding a medallion in her hand, on which was inscribed the words, "honor to the brave." In the back-ground was a column surmounted by an urn, supposed to contain the ashes of those who fell in defence of Fort Meigs. On the pedestal of the column was inscribed the words, "Sacred to the Memory of those who fell in Defence of their Country." The transparency was the work of the ingenious Mr. James Warrell, of Richmond, and presented as a token of the boundless esteem in which he holds the Petersburg Volunteers.—Also, a most ingenious and elegant piece of Needle Work, by Miss Hening, of Richmond, was presented and received with the same enthusiastic admiration. The day passed with the utmost festivity and harmony; and will live in the recollection of those who witnessed the scene, as a pure spark of patriotism from the altar of '76.

The following Song was composed for the occasion, and sung after the first Toast, by a Citizen of Petersburg:-

Thrice welcome, brave vot'ries of glory,

Our hearts glow with friendship's pure flame;

To hail the young heroes, whom story

Will wing to the temple of fame!

In vain vaunting Britons assail'd you—

In vain was the wild savage yell;

Nor courage, nor fortitude fail'd you,

Beneath your bright bayonets they fell!

From Canada's bleak, frozen regions,

The demon of murder arose;

Yon Eagle glared fire on his legions,

And wither'd were liberty's foes!

The Genius of Britain fled scowling,

At the sight of the brave volunteer;

And back to his wilderness howling,

The Savage skulk'd trembling with fear.

The dark waves of Erie delighted,

Swell'd proud as yon standard they bore;

The sight blasted Proctor affrighted,

He shrunk in dismay from the shore.

In safety their infants caressing,

Now mothers invoke from above,

On the heads of the youths Heaven's blessing

Who sav'd their sweet pledges of love.

The smiles of the fair are a treasure,

Reward of the brave Volunteers;

The living receive without measure,

The dead they embalm with their tears;

Thrice welcome then, warriors of glory

Our hearts glow with friendship's pure flame.

To hail the young heroes, whom story

Will wing to the temple of fame!

ORATION,

DELIVERED BY THOMAS SHORE, ESQ.

Heroes of Fort Meigs,

THE committee of arrangement have honored me with the high office, on behalf of the town of Petersburg, to welcome you to your native soil, to the warm bosoms of your friends and relatives—I accept of the honorable appointment, with a heart filled with gratitude to Heaven for your safety, and joy at your return!—Deep sensibility is excited in the breasts of your fellow citizens, and they are proud to hail you welcome—they are highly gratified to embrace you, after so long a separation, during which innumerable dangers and difficulties, unparalleled in the history of the world, have presented themselves Your conduct will long be a delightful theme for the historian to dwell upon; it will be used in times to come, to stimulate
the youth to emulate your deeds? A band of Heroes, in November, 1812, enjoying all that heaven could bestow, or man require, in ease and affluence, left their fire sides, inspired with a love of country, flew to the bleak bank of the Miami, unfurled the banner of liberty, and gloriously conquered.

Brave youths of a happy country - Valiant defenders of that country's Rights--Fellowmen, exult at your spartan conduct! A host of patriots are now collected around you, with manifestations of their gratitude for your services. You see the smile of ineffable pleasure beaming on every cheek, an indication of what the heart feels--Cold indeed, colder than marble must that heart be, which does not feel renovated, which does not glow at the recollection of your conduct; each one of us congratulates you on your honorable discharge from the service. We, in the fulness of our regard and personal friendship present you with the freedom of our houses extend to you the hand of fellowship, and offer prayers to the great and good God for your health and prosperity. This is no ordinary occasion-we behold the citizens of a republic in the full enjoyment of their rights and privileges, assembled together, welcoming the safe return from battle of those who cheerfully submitted to every privation for the good of the whole people.-The pride of Sparta were the Heroes of Thermopylae- the pride of Virginia, the Heroes of Fort Meigs.

Friends and Brothers, shall I describe to you the anxiety and interest that were felt by your fellow citizens-of Petersburg. whilst you were afar off: The morning came, and ere Aurora had thrown on her mantle, the citizen was in motion, arresting each one as he passed, with the salutation "what accounts from the Petersburg Volunteers?" Expectation was on tiptoe, and all were eager to obtain the first information— each morning found them still the same--still the same anxiety and restlessness- Accounts are at last brought of their arrival at Fort Meigs, and the preparation making to encounter the savages.- Now, doubts and fear seize upon the people, and their hearts throb with pain and uneasiness-we learn that the savages are numerous, with a large body of English mercenaries to aid them. We are acquainted with the Indian fight-we know that advantages in battle are eagerly sought by them; and we are apprized that all prisoners are reduced to the horrible state of being scalped whilst yet alive. The citizen finds it difficult to give vent to his feelings: his mind sustains the weight of a thousand fears, which crowd on irresistibly; perhaps he has a near and dear relation attached to the company- some valued friend who has been the companion of his youth-all are interested in the issue of the day. The fight begins--the Petersburg Volunteers, led on by the brave M'Rae, the Tisdales and Cook, sally forth in the face of the destructive fire of the Indian, and present a formidable phalanx-Henderson mounts the ramparts, levels the cannon and hurls death upon the enemy-Awhile the contest raged with much violence, but at last the confusion subsided, and victory, victory perched upon the Volunteer's arm!

It is not my wish to excite any unpleasant sensations in your bosoms, fellow soldiers, in adverting to the loss of those brave youths whose bodies now rest in the cold and distant clay, companions of their mother earth, whose souls as a recompence for the great sacrifice made, now feast with the angels in Heaven-- but to indulge a tear, would be rendering a just tribute to their worth and valor.-There lived a Loughton-there lived a Massenburg-there lived a Booker-there lived a Williams--there lived a Shore--willing sacrifices at the shrine of liberty --Mothers, sisters, and relatives, mourn not-- they fell devoted to their country's interest--martyrs for its freedom. Let fall the tear too for those brave volunteers, who met an untimely end, by encountering the "frigtful climate." They were equally meritorious, and would have shed every drop of blood that circulated in their veins for their country's good.

Volunteers, your struggle has been attended with invaluable benefits--the British soldier has been taught to respect and to bow to the American arm, and his fierce and savage ally, whose blood-stained hands uplifted to slay and scalp the helpless and the innocent, has been made to raise them in earnest supplication for your mercy. You have dispersed particularly that herd of savages who were constantly lurking on the borders of our frontiers.-

The lovely fair one can now repose with safety on her pillow, and pour out to Heaven her ardent prayers for your happiness--the mother too, tender and affectionate, relieved from all her former apprehensions, can now confidently rock her babe to sleep. Does not this afford you unspeakable gratification? Yes, Oh yes. I know the texture of your hearts, I know that your bosoms swell with pride in contemplating the work that you have done- This is not all You, noble youths, aided in restoring a whole territory to your country, which had been basely & ignominiously surrendered. The treacherous Hull went forth gladdening every patriot heart with his repeated proclamations, purporting to look down all opposition--hope was fondly cherished, that something decisive would be effected--the eyes of all were directed to him as the Hero of the day. Alas, he had a Hero's form, but wanted a Hero's soul. You, fellow soldiers, dispossessed the enemy of that territory which Hull had abandoned.

I cannot leave you, brave youths, without adverting to the unexampled patriotism which has been displayed by the fair Daughters of Petersburg. The same page that bears record of your illustrious deeds will also hand down to posterity, a glowing description of the interest they have manifested in your behalf. The Standard which now waves triumphantly majestic o'er my head, and which nerved the volunteer's arm in time of battle, was presented you by the patriotic fair of Petersburg-they, sensibly alive to their country's wrongs, and earnestly disposed to render it a service, prepared for the Petersburg Volunteers a Stand of Colors, to direct them in the heat of battle, in the hour of danger. Ye fair ones, this one deed has immortalized you. and the historian, proud of the task, will proclaim to admiring worlds your heroic conduct. Turn then and behold your Standard, exhibiting evidences of the Soldier's valor—he had solemnly pledged his honor to preserve it, and he has gloriously redeemed that pledge