Richmond Enquirer

(OMITTED ARTICLES.)

ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY AT NEW ORLEANS.

At an unusually numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of the First Ward of the City of Washington, on the 8th of January, spontaneously, for the expression of their feelings on the anniversary of the glorious Victory of New Orleans; on motion of Mr. Wright, John N. Moulder was unanimously called to the Chair, and Thomas Wilson was appointed Secretary. On motion of Captain Burke, the following proposition was submitted, and approved by the meeting: That a committee of five be appointed to draft an Address to General ANDREW JACKSON. On motion of Captain Wright, the Chairman was elected one of said committee, and five others were appointed by the chairman.

The committee consisted of John N. Moulder, John Burke, Wm. P. Gardner, James Gaither, Matthew Hines, Wm. O'Neale.

At eight o'clock, the committee returned, when the following report of proceedings was read by Mr. Gardner:

ADDRESS.

Washington City, 9th January, 1824.

General Andrew Jackson.

Sir: The citizens of the first ward of Washington, deeply impressed with a sense of the high and important services which you have rendered to your country, at a time which truly and emphatically tried the souls of men, and when our liberties and independence were a second time seriously threatened, have spontaneously, without notification, other than the ardor and gratitude of their hearts, met together, at the Town Hall of the first ward of the City of Washington, to evince the high sense which they entertain of the patriotism, firmness and courage, which you displayed, not only in the gallant defence of New Orleans, but in other highly patriotic and useful services rendered to your country, thus briefly address you.

You have, General, upon all occasions, stood forth in defence of the rights and liberties of your country. You have refused to accept an Executive appointment of high importance and trust, because you disdained the tyrant, who, (thank God, but for a short period!) ruled with a rod of iron the country to which you were appointed. Your fellow citizens, to whom you are best known, properly appreciate your patriotism, virtues, and talents. We confidently say, and truly believe, that you are entitled to the unanimous gratitude of the American people, the just reward of patriotic service. Let the foul blot be forever done away, that Republics are ungrateful.

Accept, Sir, the sincere prayers of the citizens of the first ward of Washington, that the remainder of your life may be prosperous and happy, as your personal exertions in favor of your country have been truly useful and most eminently patriotic.

JOHN N. MOULDER,

THOMAS WILSON.

WM. P. GARDNER,

JAMES GAITHER,

MATTHEW HINES,

WM. O'NEALE,

Committee.

The Committee then delivered the same to General Jackson, and the following answer was received:

Washington, 8th Jan. 1824.

Gentlemen: For the kind and friendly sentiments which, in behalf of the citizens of the first ward of the city of Washington, you are pleased to express towards me, I pray you to accept my sincere thanks.

Next to the consciousness of a faithful discharge of duty, there is no gratification superior to the approbation of a virtuous community, spontaneously. None can look back on past incidents without perceiving many things susceptible of alteration, and doubtless there are many in my own history in which there may be error.

In those, however, to which you refer, and of which you approve, I have but to remark, that, like every other discharge of public duty, consigned to me, my object and wish were so to act as that my own judgment should approve the acts when done.

If I did not yield to the Executive call made on me to represent my country abroad, it was because I was unwilling to sanction, at that time, by my appearance at his Court, the conduct of its ruler, whose course had no object but self; and who cherished nothing of kind feelings for free and liberal principles.

Again accept my thanks for your pious entreaty for my health and happiness, and in return receive mine for your individual prosperity, and for the prosperity of the city in which you reside.

ANDREW JACKSON.

Messrs. John N. Moulder, Thomas Wilson, William P. Gardner, James Gaither, Matthew Hines, William O'Neale.

On this glorious anniversary of the victory of New Orleans, second to none, in point of importance to our nation, save that of the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, the Town House of the first ward was brilliantly illuminated; several large bonfires, which were well kept up, the discharge of fire arms and the reiterated cheering of the sovereign people, were all fully evincive of the high sense of gratitude which they felt for the many important national services rendered by the gallant Defender and Conqueror of New Orleans.

Previous to dispersion, the citizens waited upon the General at his lodging, gave him nine hearty cheers, and then retired in the most peaceable and orderly manner.

JOHN N. MOULDER, Chairman.

Thomas Wilson, Secretary.