Alexandria Gazette

From the Baltimore Patriot:

ARRIVAL OF MR. CLAY.-Mr. Clay, accompanied by the Committee of Escort who had proceeded to Philadelphia for that purpose, reached the outer depot, in the railroad cars, at one o'clock, P. M. yesterday. Here he found waiting his arrival the Committee of Reception, together with a vast assemblage of citizens in carriages, on horseback, and on foot, who had many of them left the city an hour or two before, with a view of welcoming by their presence the approach of the distinguished statesman of the west. Gen. Leakin, Mayor of the city, in a short but appropriate address welcomed him to the hospitalities of the city; and General McPhail, as Chairman of the Committee of Reception, assured the distinguished visitant of the great satisfaction which his arrival gave to the people of Baltimore, and tendered him an escort to his lodgings.

The procession was then formed in line, by the Chief Marshal and his Assistants in the following order: Citizens on horseback; Mr. CLAY, in an open barouche, accompanied by the several Committees in open barouches; Citizens in vehicles of various kinds: Citizens on foot. About 2 o'clock the extended line got into motion, passing up from Canton along Pratt street to Eutaw; up Eutaw to Baltimore; down Baltimore to Calvert street, and thence to the City Hotel, where apartments had been prepared for the guest, and where it arrived about a quarter past three, P. M. Some idea may be formed of the length of the procession when we state that the barouche in which rode Mr. Clay, had turned into Calvert street, and brought up at the front of the Hotel, before the rear of the line had wheeled from Pratt into Eutaw street! It is evident, therefore, to those acquainted with the localities, that the extent of the procession could not have been less than a mile.

On reaching the City Hotel, Mr. Clay left the barouche and entered the Hotel, at one of the casements of which, fronting Monument Square, he shortly afterwards appeared. And here, in presence of a vast and enthusiastic crowd of citizens, who occupied to overflowing all the open space in front of the Hotel from the Monument to Baltimore street, Mr. Clay was addressed by S. R. Richardson, Esq. on behalf of the Whigs of Baltimore. Mr. R. spoke with much feeling and eloquence; and after adverting in a summary manner, but with much power and effect, to the various passages in Mr. Clay's public career, which had distinguished him especially as an enlightened statesman and a true patriot, and had therefore served to endear him to the hearts of his fellow citizens, Mr. Richardson, in the name and by the authority of the vast assemblage who were present and seconded his words by every token of sincerity and applause, welcomed Mr. Clay to the Monumental City.

His concluding words, involving a sentiment so grateful to the assemblage present, was responded to by a deafening acclamation. When this had in some measure ceased, Mr. Clay commenced a reply to the welcome thus accorded through Mr. Richardson. His address though not occupying more than half an hour, if so long, was characterised by much of the varied ability--the playfulness, the humor, the high patriotic feeling, and the fervid eloquence, which combine to produce in him one of the most splendid and efficient orators of his age. We should vainly attempt to do justice to this address by any off-hand sketch in our power, under the circumstances, and shall therefore make no such attempt.

When he ceased, a round of applause arose that made the welkin ring. And, in view of the whole proceeding, we may safely and freely add, that if ever man was cordially and enthusiastically welcomed on his arrival in a friendly community, then was HENRY CLAY so welcomed in Baltimore, yesterday! Until a late hour in the evening Mr. CLAY's rooms were crowded by the people, and occasional cheers gave evidence of the enthusiastic esteem with which they regarded him. This morning he left in the cars for Washington, whence he will pursue his way, by the White Sulphur Springs, homeward.