your observation of our position and means of defence, may enable us before another war, to bid defiance to any enemy.

When, sir, we review your long tried, faithful and able services; when we consider the increasing harmony and concord of the United States, when almost universal peace reigns among the nations, we augur great and lasting happiness to the United States, in giving full scope to the developement of her faculties in the arts and sciences, in agriculture, manufactures and commerce; and in the permanent exhibition of the advantages of a form of civil and political government, superior to any that has hitherto existed.

To our fellow citizens, it is a most interesting spectacle, to see the chief magistrate of this great and powerful nation, making an official Tour through their country in the style of a private citizen, guarded only by the respect paid to the high station he occupies, and the affections of a virtuous people.

We sir, wish you, in the sincerity of our hearts, a pleasant Tour through the states, a happy return to Washington, a reputation and satisfaction in your presidency equal to any of your predecessors; and finally, the reward of a well spent life in an eternal world. We are Sir, with sentiments of very great respect, your most obedient servants.

GEORGE STILES, Mayor of the city of Baltimore.

TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BAL TIMORE.

FELLOW CITIZENS The sentiments which you have communicated, have afforded me very great satisfaction. They are just, as to the objects adverted to, and to me they are generous and kind.

It was impossible for me to approach Baltimore, without recollecting, with deep interest, the gallant conduct of her citizens in the late war, and the happy result attending their exertions. The glorious victory which was achieved here, and in which her citizens Bore so distinguished a part; at a very important epoch,

not only protected this patriotic city, but shed lustre on the American name.

Experience has shewn our dangers, and admonishes us as to the means of averting them. Congress has appropriated large sums of money for the fortification of our coast, and inland frontier, and for the establishment of naval dock yards, and building a navy. It is proper that these works should be executed with judgment, fidelity, and economy; much depends, in the execution, on the executive, to whom extensive power is given, as to the general arrangement; and to whom the superintendance exclusively belongs. You do me justice in believing, that it is to enable me to discharge these duties with the best advantage to my country, that I have undertaken this tour.

From the increased harmony of public opinion, founded on the successful career of a government, which has never been equalled, and which promises, by a future developement of its faculties, to augment, in an eminent degree, the blessings of this favoured people. I unite with you in all the anticipations which you have so justly suggested.

In performing services, honestly aud zealously intended for the benefit of my fellow-citizens, I shall never entertain a doubt of their generous and firm support. Incapable of any feelings distinct from those of a citizen, I can assume no style, in regard to them, different from that character; and it is a source of peculiar delight to me to know, that while the chief magistrate of the United States acts fully up to this principle, he will require no other guard than what may be derived from their confidence and affection.

Baltimore, June 2, 1817.

JAMES MONROE.

"After this interchange of sentiments and feelings, the Mayor, in his own, and in behalf of the corporation, cordially invited the President to a public dinner, which he declined, on the ground that it would not be consistent with his previous arrangements for him to

accept of this public manifestation of their regard. The President, in the most feeling manner, expressed the lively sense he entertained of the civility and attention of his fellow-citizens, but was compelled, from motives of public concern, to forego the acceptance of their invitation."

The city of Baltimore, the capital of the state of Maryland, is situated upon the Patapsco river, about fourteen miles from its junction with the Chesapeake Bay. It has long been ranked as the fourth commercial city in the union. It is built upon a basin, which forms a safe and commodious harbour. It is divided by a creek called Jones' Falls, into two parts, over which a number of bridges are erected to facilitate communication between the two sections of the city. The public buildings in this place, whether erected as houses of legislative or judicial sessions; public worship; the education of youth, or banking, commercial, and manufacturing concerns, certainly evince the taste and the wealth of the place. Its population in 1810, was 47,000. It is well defended by Fort M'Henry. The storm and the flood of 1817, left a gloomy track of desolation through this flourishing and growing city; but the well known enterprize of its citizens will shortly restore the place from the effects of a calamity which no sagacity could foresee; which no prudence could prevent.

The defence of this place, on September 14, 1814, shews that retribution sometimes treads close upon the heels of transgression. Gen. Ross, a British commander, a few weeks before this place was attacked, burnt the Capitol, the President's house, and the na

tional library at Washington. Near Baltimore he was slain by the hand of an American! We cannot scan the mysterious decrees of Providence; "his ways are past finding out ;" but while the noble sentiment inherent with American bosoms, induces them to honour the memory of a valiant and generous foe like Brock, they silently acquiesce in the justice of heaven in removing a Vandal enemy like Ross.

The President took his departure from Baltimore upon the 4th, amidst the prayers of the good for the benedictions of heaven upon his life, and the blessings of all upon him for his dignified affability and the deepinterest he manifested for the welfare and happiness of the place. He entered the steam boat Philadelphia, being conducted to it by the mayor and city council, and was accompanied to Frenchtown by a number of the citizens. He reached New-Castle, and there lodged. In the two last mentioned places, although there was but little parade, the whole population evinced by every visible demonstration, their high respect and veneration for the President.

He arrived at Philadelphia upon the 6th, and was received there in a style highly creditable to the taste and elegance of its citizens. The manner of his reception, shewed that amongst a refined people, the most enthusiastic admiration will always be restrained by the dictates of propriety.

The President, while in this important city, and its vicinity, instead of indulging himself in the luxurious enjoyments that were every where spread before him, devoted himself to the most minute attention in examining the almost endless variety of important establish

ments belonging either to the nation, the state, or individuals. The first object that attracted his attention here, was the great object he had in view in making his laborious Tour; the defence of his country against an enemy. This city may be approached through the Delaware by the largest ships that swim upon the ocean. It was a long time in possession of the enemy in the revolutionary war, and its possession was of immense importance to them, and of severe distress to the country. But the President now had the satisfaction of witnessing the progress and almost the completion of a great work forty miles below it, which will secure this great city from the approach of a naval enemy. He inspected the numerous manufacturing establishments upon the Brandywine, and there witnessed the perfection to which machinery had been carried by his enterprising and inventive countrymen. He was received at fort Mifflin with the customary honours, and gave it an examination with the eye of a soldier. The navy yard and the Franklin 74, were by him minutely inspected. Delightful indeed was the association of ideas when on board this majestic ship, bearing the name of the American Philosopher, and laying before the city which was honoured by his residence.

"The public establishments of this city, as well as those belonging to the United States, were visited. He was at the penitentiary, and there witnessed the most extraordinary institution in the universe; a prison to which all the criminals of the state are committed after a sentence; and the disorderly of this large city. It has at times contained prisoners of both sexes to the amount of 600. There he saw a prison, containing the