Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Portland
Tuesday, July 22, 1817.

Tour of the President in Maine.

On Tuesday morning last, the President of the U. S. crossed the ferry from Portsmouth to Kittery, at 7 o'clock, where he was met by a large number of gentlemen of the county of York and bid welcome to the District of Maine. The President immediately proceeded on his tour to this place, accompanied by his suite, escorted by a detachment of cavalry of Gen. Leighton's brigade, followed by a numerous cavalcade. On the President's arrival in the ancient town of York, he was received with military honors and the cheers of the citizens; was waited upon by the Committee of arrangements, the chairman of which, the venerable Judge SEWALL, made an address, tendering a cordial welcome in behalf of himself and fellow-citizens, to which the President made an affectionate reply, after which he accepted an invitation to breakfast with the Judge, now in the eighty second year of his age, at whose mansion he was entertained with genuine hospitality and politeness. From thence he continued his journey to Wells. Before the President reached Kennebunk, he was received by the Committee of Arrangements, and conducted to Maj. Jefferd's Hotel. His approach was made known by the discharge of cannon and ringing the bell. The sides of the street, and avenues leading to the door of the Hotel, were lined by a vast concourse of citizens, who made "the welkin ring with loud huzzas." Here the Committee were introduced, and their Chairman, George W. Wallingford, Esq. presented an address, highly appropriate and respectful. To which the President made a pertinent and highly satisfactory reply. Here also the President was waited upon by a Committee from the towns of Alfred and Sanford, and was addressed by the Hon. John Holmes, their Chairman, congratulating him on his election, and expressing confidence in his character and administration; to which the President returned a suitable reply. From the Hotel the President proceeded on foot, to the house of Joseph Storer, Esq. where, he partook of a rich collation, prepared by Mrs. S. with great taste and style. From here he walked through the principal street, (on the left side of which, the Gentlemen were arranged, and on the right, the Ladies of the village, dressed in white, who made a most beautiful and elegant appearance.) to his carriage. From Kennebunk, the President proceeded with the escort and cavalcade, to Biddeford, near the line of which, he was received by the Hon. Judge Thacher. and other gentlemen; the Committee of Arrangements from that town, who also presented him an appropriate address, to which he replied with his usual readiness and with pleasing effect. Here the escort and cavalcade received a very large accession of citizens, and proceeded under the direction of Col. Lane, Chief Marshal, through the village, the President on horseback. to the line of Saco, where he was received and welcomed by the Committee of arrangements, from the town of Saco. On his arrival at the bridge, leading into the village, which was handsomely ornamented with an arch of ever-green, &c. he was received with a national salute, from Capt. Cleaves' company of Artillery, and was welcomed by the hearty and repeated acclamations of the largest assemblage of citizens, "ever witnessed perhaps, in that town. After being conducted to Cleaves' Hotel, the President was waited upon by the Selectmen of Saco, in their official capacity, who there presented to him by order of the town, an address, expressive of the sentiments and feelings of the town, voted and adopted, in legal town meeting. To this address the President made a very satisfactory and dignified reply. Agreeably to previous arrangements, the President with his suite, accompanied by a number of other gentlemen, were then conducted to the house of T. G. Thornton, Esq. Marshal of Maine, where they partook of an excellent dinner, prepared for the occasion. After dining the President proceeded with the escort and cavalcade to Scarborough. On the line of this Division, he was met by Major General Richardson, and Brig. Gen. Russell, with their respective suites. Gen. Richardson being announced to the President informed him, that in compliance with the orders of the Commander in Chief of this Commonwealth, a battalion of cavalry was in readiness to escort him to Portland, and at the same time offered his services as an attendant on the way. With the greatest urbanity the President accepted the attention of the Governor of this State, and the personal politeness of Gen. Richardson. At Dunstan, in Scarborough, there was a numerous collection of citizens, who hailed the approach of the Chief Magistrate with repeated cheering. A superb arch of evergreen was erected across the road, upon which, was this motto, "United we Stand." in large letters formed by roses. On passing through Westbrook his approach was announced by a discharge of cannon from a company of artillery belonging to Maj. Varnum's battalion.

The PRESIDENT'S entrance into Portland.

At 6 o'clock in the afternoon the President arrived on the western border of the town where he was met by the Committee of Arrangements and a numerous cavalcade of citizens on horseback and in carriages. Isaac Adams, Esq. was immediately introduced and announced to the President as the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, of the town of Portland, by Marshal Thornton, Gen. Richardson and his suite attending. Whereupon Mr. Adams addressed the President as follows:-

"Sir, With great satisfaction and sentiments of the highest respect, I perform the pleasing duty assigned me by the Committee of Arrangements of bidding the President of the U. S. a cordial welcome to the town of Portland, and request the favour of attending you to the house prepared for your reception, where, by permission, the committee will avail themselves of the opportunity of more fully expressing the feelings and sentiments entertained by themselves and their fellow townsmen on having the honour of a visit from the Chief Magistrate of the Nation."

The President instantly signified his compliance; left his carriage and made his entry into the capital of the District of Maine, on horseback. The procession which had been formed moved in the following order under a salute from a detachment of artillery stationed on Bramhall's hill, the ringing of the bells and the cheers of an immense concourse of citizens belonging to this and the neighboring towns.

CAVALRY ESCORT.

Under the command of Maj. Trowbridge, composed of the two companies, belonging to this Brigade. Major General Alfred Richardson, and Brig. Gen. Russell, of the 12th Division, with their respective suites. Part of the Committee of Arrangements. on horseback. Sheriff of Cumberland. PRESIDENT Marshal. of the U. S. of Maine. Gen. Swift, Mr. Mason (private Secretary of the President,) Commodore Bainbridge, Gen. Miller, Gen. Dearborn and Col. House. Robert Ilsley, Esq. Chief Marshal, with two aids. Judges of the several Courts. Reverend Clergy. Members of Congress. Members of the General Court. Magistrates and gentlemen of the Bar. Strangers of distinction. Officers of the Militia, in uniform. Citizens of this and other towns, on horseback. Citizens of this and other towns, in carriages. The Portland Regiment, under the command of Maj. Davis, was paraded in Maine Street and paid the appropriate salutes, as the President passed. When the President and the procession passed from Maine street through Back street to King street, the most beautiful and interesting scene was presented, ever exhibited in this, or any other place. The Scholars belonging to the several schools, with their respective Instructors, each having an appropriate badge, were paraded on the westerly side; many of the youths of both sexes were clad in tasteful uniforms, having their heads encircled with wreaths, formed of roses, red and white, which some took off and presented to the illustrious Chief as he passed, and others scattered them in the street, so, that his way became literally strewed with flowers. With this part of the arrangements, the President was particularly interested and affected, manifesting to this portion of the rising generation, as he rode by, the most marked attention. During this time a salute was fired by the company of Sea Fencibles, stationed near the Observatory. In passing down King-street, the Revenue Cutter under the command of Capt. Drinkwater, was anchored in full view of the procession and fired a national salute. In Middle-street the procession passed under a superb arch, formed of evergreens, and decorated with the flag of the U. S. and the colours of various nations. On one side was represented Agriculture, on the other, Commerce, by a merchant ship, which fired a salute as the President approached. When the President arrived at the head of High-street, he left the procession with the committee of arrangements, who were received by the battalion of Light Infantry, composed of the Portland Light Infantry company, the Rifle Company, and the Mechanic Blues, with the customary salutes, & conducted him to the house prepared for his reception,--The houses situated on the streets through which the procession passed, were filled with the fair, presenting at every door and window, innocence, beauty and elegance. The declining sun shed a bright lustre over the whole and all the best feelings of the assembly were in unison with the harmony of nature and the joy of the occasion. The committee of arrangements having been introduced to the President, by their Chairman, in a short time he came out upon the steps of the Portico, accompanied by the committee, when Mr. Adams addressed him as follows:

To the PRESIDENT of the United States.

The Committee of Arrangements wait on you Sir, in behalf of the citizens of Portland. on your arrival in this town, to tender you the homage due to the Chief Magistrate of a free Republic. A visit, for the first time, to this place, of a personage of such high distinction, who has so recently been elected, under such favourable auspices, to wield the destinies of a great people will be expected to excite no ordinary sensations. We see in your elevation to the Chief Magistracy, a Fellow Citizen of great experience in the policy of nations, and one, whose life has been spent in the service of his native country. We have ever been among those who have deemed experience to be the only correct source of political wisdom, and have never ceased to place a higher value upon its precepts, than upon the theories of imagination.

Your tour through the Union evinces how highly you appreciate the knowledge, derived from your own observation, above the uncertain intelligence, collected from other sources. And the early period of your Presidential term when this tour is commenced, augurs auspiciously to the great interests of our common country. May all your efforts to promote the honour and advance the prosperity of the nation. be duly appreciated by an enlightened and grateful people. Here, Sir, you behold a town once a victim to the war of that revolution, in which, you commenced your patriotic career. What you now see is but the Phoenix from its ashes,* reanimated and invigorated by the vivifying influence of the Federal Constitution. To the fostering care of the general government, to its protection and encouragement of commercial interests, are we indebted for the prosperity we have enjoyed, and on its future protection and encouragement must we rely. for the accomplishment of our best hopes. Permit us, Sir, to bid you welcome; to present you with the respectful salutations of our Fellow Citizens. May your visit, here, afford you some portion of that satisfaction it imparts to others. And be assured, that in all your exertions to promote the public welfare, you will be aided and supported by the patriotism of this section of the Union. Under your administration, may our civil. religious and literary institutions be protected and encouraged; commerce, agriculture and manufactures fostered and promoted, and that freedom and independence which, in the field. you laboured to achieve, defended and preserved. That your hands may be strengthened, and your heart encouraged, in the discharge of the high duties of your office; we would commend you to the favour of that Being who is the fountain of all power and wisdom, with our ardent aspirations to Him that your life may be long and happy; that the union of these States, our republican form of Government and the prosperity of our beloved country, may be perpetual.

For the Committee of Arrangements.

ISAAC ADAMS, Chairman.

To which the President made an able, full and affectionate answer, stating the object of his tour through the Union, which was intended to be principally devoted to subjects of a national and public nature, such as the situation of the public defence, both military and naval, and by personal observation to examine into the state of commerce, and other subjects of importance. In pursuing these objects he had everywhere met with the most respectful attentions and friendly reception. The manner of his being received in Portland, he spoke of, as peculiarly so. He spoke of the great importance of commerce, as it respected the country at large, and this section in particular, to encourage which with the institutions alluded to, and preserve and maintain the Union, Independence, Freedom and Prosperity of the Nation, would be his constant endeavour. It would be our desire to give the President's reply, to the address, more in detail, but having understood that a written answer was prepared before the President left town, but which, by some accident, has not reached the Committee, we shall postpone it at this time. in hopes it may be received before the publication of our next paper. After the procession had passed, the Battalion of Cavalry, under Major Trowbridge, the battalion of Artillery under Major Varnum, together with the Portland Regiment, under Major Davis, the whole commanded by Col. Smith, paid a marching salute, were dismissed. and the officers waited on the President and were introduced by Gen. Richardson. After which Gen. R. with his suite, by invitation, took supper with the President, who received no other company that evening, being somewhat fatigued with the journey of the day, having travelled a distance of sixty miles. On Wednesday morning many citizens of this and other towns, and the committees from Topsham, Brunswick, Bath and Wiscasset, waited on the President at his Lodgings, and were received with great urbanity and attention. The answer to addresses from the towns at the eastward, is given in this paper. At 9 o'clock the President proceeded to Union wharf, where barges were provided and conveyed him to Fort Preble, accompanied by Gens. Swift and Miller, Com. Bainbridge. and Col. House. Maj. Gens. Dearborn, Richardson, King, and Wingate, the committee of arrangements and many officers of rank and gentlemen of distinction. The President minutely examined the state of the fort and every thing connected with it : and with Gen. Swift and other officers examined with much approbation, Capt. Hall's Patent Rifles—and witnessed experiments demonstrative of their great superiority. Here the President & the company partook of a rich collation provided by Maj. Crane, commander of the forts. He next proceeded to Fort Scammel, and from thence returned to town. During the time of making the passage to the forts, national salutes were fired by the company of Sea-Fencibles, and the Revenue Cutter ; and on landing at the forts, the President was received with national salutes. He next proceeded to the Observatory, where he had an extensive view of the harbour and surrounding country; on his return he called on Mrs. Preble, widow of the late Com. Preble. At 4 o'clock. the President sat down to an elegant dinner, with a number of guests, among which, were the committee of arrangements, Gens. Dearborn, Swift, Miller, King, Wadsworth and Wingate ; Com. Bainbridge Col. House and Maj. Crane ; T. G. Thornton, Esq. Marshal of Maine, Wm. P. Preble, Esq. U. S. District Attorney, Hon. Messrs. Prentiss Mellen, Ezekiel Whitman, Benjamin Orr, John Holmes, M. L. Hill, A. K. Paris, Abiel Wood, Benjamin Vaughan, Esq. and others whose names are not recollected. After the President retired from the table, Mr. Adams gave the following toast : "Our Illustrious Visitor--James Monroe. President of the United States." At 6 o'clock, the, President attended by his suite and a number of gentlemen took a short ride into the country and visited the village of Stroudwater: the bridge at this place had been most fancifully and elegantly decorated -over which 19 arches had been erected, representing the different States, on one arch a live Eagle was perched. The municipal authority of Westbrook waited on the President with the salutations of their Fellow-Citizens. The President left his carriage and proceeded across the bridge on foot, was highly delighted with the elegance in which it was ornamented and expressed much satisfaction at the friendly manner of his reception. In the Evening, the Misses Clap's entertained a numerous party of Ladies and Gentlemen, in the first style of taste and fashion ; which was honoured by the presence of the President. It having been understood that the President would leave town early the next morning, on his return from the Hon. Mr. Claps, the Committee of Arrangements waited upon him at his Lodgings, when the Chairman expressed to him the great gratification which the Committee and their fellow-citizens had experienced in having their town honoured by a visit from the Chief Magistrate of the U. nion; wishing him safety and prosperity during the remaining part of his tour, and through life :hoping that his present journey might be a mean of promoting unity of sentiment, in that policy which would most promote the true glory and prosperity of the nation, To which the President replied that he entertained a deep sense of the high trust committed to his charge,& that it would be his highest ambition to contribute all in his power to promote the welfare of the whole people. He concluded by observing " that the very distinguished reception he had met with in this place; and the polite and friendly treatment he had experienced from the committee and the citizens, had made such an impression on his mind, in favour of the town and its inhabitants, as would never be effaced," On Thursday morning the President left town and took breakfast with Judge Thacher in Biddeford. Here the venerable Dea. Samuel Chase, now in the 99th year of his age, waited on the President, and on being introduced addressed him with the simplicity of a christian and the affection of a father. It was an interesting scene, especially when the good old man rose, and with all the dignity of an ancient Patriarch, pronounced his parting blessing. On Thursday night he slept at Dover, and on Friday arrived at Concord, N. H. From thence he was to proceed to Hanover, cross Vermont, & visit the Lakes & Forts on the Western waters. On his return to Washington he will have made a journey of about 2000 miles.

A CARD.

The Committee of arrangements tender their thanks to their fellow citizens, for the generous aid afforded them in executing the measures adopted for the reception and accommodation of the President of the U. S. during his recent visit to this town; to the Marshals for the prompt and judicious execution of the duty assigned them in preserving the highest decorum and order on the day he made his entry into this place, and to the Masters of vessels for their attention in having their vessels elegantly decorated with colours. particularly the Masters of the foreign vessels, several having their vessels fancifully illuminated, and for the honours they paid to the President on his going and returning from viewing the forts. The President entered the town on an elegant horse provided for the occasion, and his deportment during the procession, was distinguished by courtesy and dignity. His notice of civilities from the windows and balconies which he passed, principally occupied by ladies, was appropriate and polite. His attention was in a particular manner attracted by the exhibition of the long array of children of both sexes extending down Maine and Back Streets, from Green to Franklin Street, mostly clad in a neat and tasteful uniform, and making a peculiarly interesting and impressive appearance. Along this line the President passed as near as convenience would admit, and as he approached, the females scattered the garlands of roses and other flowers with which they were decorated in his path. The lively satisfaction universally experienced by the citizens assembled on the occasion, at the presence of the Chief Magistrate of the nation among them, was repeatedly manifested during the passage of the procession through town, and particularly at every stage in its progress, by the most ardent and animated cheering. One demonstration of this kind in particular, of a character the most grand and imposing, occurred on the arrival of the President at a civic arch, erected for the occasion near the centre of the town, across Middle-street, wreathed with green branches, and adorned on each side with appropriate emblems of Commerce and Agriculture A minute salute was here discharged from a figure of a small vessel of 20 guns, and cheering by which it was succeeded from a thousand voices at this period of the procession, caused a concussion in the atmosphere which appeared to arrest its passage and for a moment produced a pause. In the evening of Tuesday, the Observatory and contiguous buildings belonging were brilliantly illuminated and a display of fireworks was exhibited from the hill upon which the structure is erected. On Wednesday evening he was present at a large and splendid party at the house of Hon. Asa Clap, at which the arrival and departure of the president were indicated by performances from a fine band of music, which also contributed to the entertainment of company in the interval and after his retiring, and where upwards of two hundred persons, gentlemen and ladies' enjoyed the suavity of the President and the hospitality of the proprietor. This evening closed the visit of the President to Portland. He was obliged to decline the invitations of numerous deputations in towns at the eastward to extend his journey in that direction and the morning after proceeded to New-Hampshire on his way to Vermont, by Dover, Concord, and Hanover. Whilst the President of the United States was in this town, the following addresses were presented to him by Committees from towns named.

To the PRESIDENT of the United States

SIR,

We received last evening with much regret information that the imperious calls of duty prevent you from extending your journey beyond this town. Our regret, indeed, is greatly diminished by the kindness with which you received our invitation and by the politeness with which you assigned your reasons for declining it. Little of public importance would be presented to your notice in Bath; but much of private esteem and of ardent attachment would be evinced towards the Chief Magistrate of the Union, whose public character we have long been accustomed to respect and whose private worth we have learned to admire. The prosperity of our town depends upon such intercourse with foreign nations, and a proper reciprocation to the admission of foreign vessels into our ports, which our vessels are not permitted to enjoy The protection, afforded by garrisons and fortifications in time of war, is generally the result of preparations in time of peace. We rely, Sir, upon the generous regard, you have exhibited for every section of our country. upon the feelings that prompted you to undertake this journey ; and, in placing this confidence, are sure, that our own peculiar interests will not be neglected. We feel grateful, Sir, that your journey has hitherto been so propitious, that you have met with no occurrence to diminish the pleasure you have derived in witnessing the attachment of your fellow citizens. Accept, Sir, our sincere wishes, that your health may long continue, and that the remainder of your tour may be as pleasant to yourself, as it will be interesting to the Country.

W. KING
J. WINGATE, jr.
EBEN. CLAPP
CHARLES CLAPP
JAMES McLELLAN
BENJ. AMES
HEZEKIAH WYMAN
DANIEL MARSTON
JOSEPH SEWALL. jr.
JOSEPH F. WINGATE
WM. THORNDIKE,
BENJ. DAVENPORT
Portland, July 16, 1817.

To the PRESIDENT of the United States

SIR,

The inhabitants of Wiscasset, anticipating your visit to the metropolis of the District of Maine have chosen the undersigned a Committee to wait on you and offer their respectful congratulations on your arrival at this Eastern Section of the United States. They unite with the several towns and towns through which you have passed in tendering the homage of a free people to the Chief Magistrate of our beloved country, and in expressing their confidence in your eminent qualifications to preside over the nation. The remembrance of your former distinguished services. rises fresh to the public mind, under this pleasing testimony of your regard for the good : And a personal interview with the Chief Magistrate of a great republic, must be no less satisfactory to you than interesting to each individual, who loves his country and respects his Rulers. A survey of the extensive Coast and excellent Harbours of the Northern and middle States the cordial reception that an enlightened people cheerfully tender you. will contribute to diminish the future fatigue facilitate the arduous duties of your exalted station And on this occasion we reciprocate the sentiments of our fellow citizens of the west, at the enjoyment of the blessings of Peace, and the general tranquillity in the civilized world : we are happy in the cessation of party spirit and of political prejudice promises so much happiness and glory to our common country. it is an honorable memorial only of the respect and attachment we all feel for so distinguished a guest but of the warm is entertained of your energetic, impartial and glorious administration. The inhabitants of Wiscasset have ordered with regret that your stay in Portland. Should the fatigue of a journey ever, not prevent your visit being extended east to take a personal view of the exposed situation of our seaboard, we shall endeavor offer you our heartfelt salutations and your presence will confer on the citizens this part of the country will be received with gratitude and remembered with satisfaction. We also unite with our common country general wish for your prosperity. health happiness And may the blessing of the direct your steps and return you in safely bosom of your family.

ABIEL WOOD
DAVID PAYSON
FRANCIS COOL
JEREMIAH BA
ERASTUS FOO
SETH TINKHAM
ORCHARD CO
JNO H. SHEPP
SAMUEL E S

To the PRESIDENT of the United States

Sir,

We present you their sincere respects and wick We have been deputed by the citizens Topsham to meet you in of the United States, and to invite you your arrival tdis extensy of the United States, ard to, invite you
with your arrangements, to visit, and spend such
portion of time with them, as may give them a
more suitable opportunity of evincing their respect
and veneration for the Chief Magistrate of this
distinguished republic. of the Union, and your personal observation of the
public interest arising from your visit to this part
We are sensible of the great importance to the
so auspicious to the prospects of a happy adminis-
country, at once so acceptable to the people, and
aration of the government confided to your wisdom
and experience. Public good, thus voluntarily
conferred, exceeding far the bounds of official du-
ty, demands public gratitude : in this, permit us
to assure you, Sir, the people who have deputed us
upon this welcome occasion, are second to none.
Permit us also to add the assurance of our per-
sonal respects, and our sincere desires that your
life may be long, useful and happy.
JACOB ABBOT.
BENJ. J. PORTER,
BENJAMIN ORR.
Portland, July 16, 1817.

THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY.
To the Committees from the Towns of Bath,
Wiscasset, Brunswick and Topsham.
Fellow-Citizens,
I beg you to be assured, that it would af-
ford me great and sincere pleasure, to proceed
to Castine, if imperious circumstances did
not prevent it. I undertook this tour, to ac-
quire information, by personal inspection. of
our principal harbours, of the entrances into
them, of the state of the public works, and of
the points at which it might be proper to e-
rect others, and it was my object to embrace
in it, the Atlantic coast, to the extent men-
tioned, and the inland frontier, as far as De-
troit. I now find, notwithstanding the exer-
tions which I have made, that if I proceed
further to the Eastward, I shall be compelled
to abandon, all the Western part of my con-
templated tour, or be thrown on the lakes at
an unfavourable season ; and shall likewise be
detained from the seat of Government, longer
than a due regard, for other important
national interests, will permit. I regret,
therefore, to be compelled by these consider-
ations, to terminate my tour, eastward, here;
considerations, which will, I doubt not, have
their due weight, with you, and my other fel-
low-citizens of the District of Maine.
I am happy to meet here, deputies, from
so many of the towns, to the eastward, be-
cause, from you, I shall receive much infor-
mation, touching your local interest, which
will be useful. I shall pay to it, the utmost
attention in my power.
I am aware, that the prosperity of the
towns in this District, and I may extend the
remark to the United States, depends on the
prosperous state of their commerce. Nothing
is more just, than, that our trade with foreign
powers, should be placed, in every branch,
on a footing of reciprocal and equal advan-
tage. It gives me pleasure to state, that this
important interest, has, already, received the
considerations of the national councils, and
that I have no doubt. it will continue to be
duly attended to, until it is placed on a just,
and satisfactory footing.
On all the great concerns, of this highly
favored and happy nation, there is but one
common interest. We are all, equally inter-
esting, in preserving our present republican
government, and institutions, in their utmost
purity; we are all equally interested, in a-
dopting suitable measures of defence, land,
and naval; and in the proper protection and
encouragement of our commerce; and it is
highly gratifying to me, to witness, in the
whole extent of my tour, that, great harmony
of opinion, prevails, on all these important
points.
JAMES MONROE.