Richmond Enquirer

UTICA, July 10.—The republicans of Utica, in the course of their celebration of the late anniversary of our independence, sent a deputation to wait on Gen. Floyd. The address they presented to this venerable patriot, and his answer thereto, we copy from the Oneida Observer.

ADDRESS.

GENERAL FLOYD—On behalf of the republican citizens of Oneida county, who are now assembled at Elmor's tavern, and celebrating the anniversary of our national birth-day, we have the honor to congratulate you, on the return of this day of American glory, & tender to you their acknowledgments for the distinguished part you acted in it.

The meeting which we represent, have already, in common with the other friends of civil and religious freedom, prostrated themselves in adoration to the superintending Providence, who disposed the minds of our fathers, to that measure of high responsibility, which we this day commemorate. They have recounted the deeds of glory, which are recorded in the history of our revolution, and repeated, in order that they may perpetuate the principles on which it was founded. They have paid the tribute of departed worth, contemplated the many blessings we enjoy as a nation, and anticipated the high destinies which await our country. At the close of this day, while their breasts beat high with gratitude and joy, they beg leave to tender to you their unfeigned thanks for the share you had in establishing the liberties of your country, and especially for the part you took in the declaration of our national independence. You, sir, was a member of the First Congress : and the only one of the whole number, who was continued without interruption from that time until the close of the war. This fact speaks volumes, both as to the confidence, reposed in you by your country, and your devotion to its interests.—The troubles of America found you in the prime of life, possessor of an ample fortune, with every disposition to enjoy it. You was, however, in consequence of your attachment to the cause of Freedom, for more than seven years an exile from your home and your possessions, which, during that period were in the power and control of the enemy. On your return at the close of the revolutionary war, you found your estate in ruins, but you viewed the scene of desolation without regret, for you looked back on the events which had passed, with the conscious pride of a patriot who had done his duty, you was yourself a freeman and your country was free.

We come now to speak of the great event which the nation this day commemorate. So long as the enumeration of our rights as freemen, and our wrongs as British subjects, shall remain embodied in the history of our country, so long as our National liberties shall be an object of interest and pride with the American people, so long will they cherish the recollection of those patriots and statesmen, who on the 4th of July, 1776, in Congress assembled, made 'The Declaration of Independence.' Nearly half a century has rolled away since this Declaration was made : dear to you must be the recollections of that day, dear to the memory of those who were then associated with you. Most of those who signed it, have gone covered with glory, to another and we hope a better world. Four only survive—to speak of them in the order of age, you, sir, stand first—The others are President Adams, Mr. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and President Jefferson. It is a source of sincere pleasure to know, that those venerable and illustrious men, like yourself live in the full possession of their faculties, full of years and of honors. We feel for them all that respect and gratitude, to which their private worth and public services, so justly entitle them, and what we now say to you, we should say to each of them also, were they present on this occasion. We thank you and them, for your distinguished services in the cause of freedom and your country ; we thank you especially, for your conduct on the day which we are now commemorating. We thank you for having solemnly published and declared that 'these colonies were, and of right ought to be free and Independent States.' We thank you for having in support of that declaration, 'mutually pledged to each other your lives, your fortunes and your sacred honors.' and we thank you each and all, for having gloriously redeemed that pledge. May the days which remain to you on earth be as peaceful and happy for yourselves as those which are past, have been useful and honorable to your country. May the God of all power and goodness have you in his holy keeping, and receive you when your race is run, to his mansion of eternal glory.

July 4th, 1821.

To which he replied in the following terms:

Gentlemen—The friendly and respectful address, which you present me in behalf of a number of my fellow citizens, who are now met together, for the purpose of celebrating the Independence of America, gives me pleasure : because it brings to mind, that the measures which were pursued, and the firmness of those men who lived and were active in the revolution, laid the foundation for that extensive happiness and prosperity which the inhabitants of the United States enjoy, beyond what is enjoyed by the people of any other country in the world. And it is a consolation to me to hope, that the same happiness and prosperity may be enjoyed by generations yet unborn.

I am, with great respect, Your ob'd't serv't.

WILLIAM FLOYD.

July 4th, 1821.