The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

ALEXANDRIA, April 21.

On Friday the 15th inst. the Hon. Daniel Carroll, and Dr. David Stewart, arrived in this town, to superintend the fixing of the first corner-Stone of the Federal District.

The Mayor and Commonalty: together with the members of the different lodges of the town, at 3 o'clock waited on the commissioners at Mr. Wise's, where they had dined, and after drinking a glass of wine to the following sentiment, viz. "May the stone which we are about to place in the ground remain an immoveable monument of the wisdom and unanimity of North-America," the company proceeded to Jones's point in the following order: 1st, the town serjeant—2d, the Hon. Daniel Carroll and the Mayor—3d, Mr. Ellicott and the Recorder—4th, such of the Aldermen and Common Council as were not free masons—5th, the strangers—6th, the master of Lodge No. 22, with Dr. David Stewart at his right, and the Rev. James Muir at his left, followed by the rest of the fraternity, in their usual form of procession,—and lastly, the citizens, two by two.—When Mr. Ellicott had ascertained the precise point from which the first line of the district was to proceed, the Master of the Lodge and Dr. Stewart, assisted by others of their brethren, placed the Stone; after which a deposit of corn, wine and oil was made upon it, and the following observations were delivered by the Rev. James Muir:

"Of America it may be said, as it was of Judea of old, that it is a good land and large: a land of brooks of waters, of fountains, and depths that spring out of valleys and hills—A land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig-trees, and pomegranates: a land of oil, olive and honey, a land wherein we eat bread without scarceness, and have lack of nothing: a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass: a land which the Lord thy God careth for, the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year, even unto the end of the year! May Americans be grateful and virtuous, and they shall secure the indulgence of Providence! May they be unanimous and just, and they shall rise to greatness! May true patriotism actuate every heart! May it be the devout and universal wish. Peace be within thy wall, O America! and prosperity within thy palaces!" Amiable it is for brethren to dwell in unity. It is more fragrant than the perfumes on Aaron's garment! It is more refreshing than the dews on Hermon's hill!

"May this stone long commemorate the goodness of God in those uncommon events, which have given America a name among the nations—Under this stone may jealousy and selfishness be forever buried! From this stone may a superstructure arise, whose glory, whose magnificence, whose stability, unequalled hitherto, shall astonish the world, and invite even the savage of the wilderness to take shelter under its roof."

The company partook of some refreshment, and then returned to the place from whence they came, where a number of toasts were drank, and the following, which was delivered by the Master of the Lodge, was received with every token of approbation:

"Brethren and Gentlemen,

"May 'Jealousy, that green-eyed Monster,' be buried deep under the work which we have this day completed, never to rise again within the Federal District!"

It may be safely pronounced that this, or a similar sentiment pervaded the breast of every individual present on the occasion.