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circumstance. No doubt but that the due observation of the sabbath is one of the means of supporting the good cause of christianity. But persons in private stations, who ean command times and seasons for their own convenience, and for the discharge of civil and religious duties, know little of the constant pressure of public office; they know little of the character of the President, who think he would wantonly outrage the reasonable scruples of piety, or unnecessarily depart from a usage established upon correct principles. His arrival in this place upon the sabbath, depended upon circumstances beyond his power to control. Let his accusers blush, when they are told that upon this very day he attended church. His approach to the place called forth every demonstration of respect and attachment from its citizens. It was the first place of consequence that he reached in his Tour, and the inhabitants set an honourable example to all the rest of the large towns through which he might pass. It was impossible for the President to be an unmoved spectator of the voluntary civility of the people, nor could he hear the spontaneous acclamations of the multitude, without reciprocating this impressive evidence of their esteem. Mere mechanical applause, and that which is extorted from a degraded populace, can afford but little satisfaction to the one who becomes the object of it; but, for the political father of a great, a growing, and an intelligent people, freemen by birth, and resolved to be free, to witness such striking proofs of their fidelity and admiration, must have made a deep, a lasting impression upon his mind. He must be something more or less than man, who would view such a scene with apathy and indifference. A Janizary of

Turkey may offer up hosannahs to the Sultan, until the javelin the sultan wields ends his life and his plaudits at a stroke*; an eastern despot may be adored by his slaves who mingle groans of distress with the accents of praise; European princes may be followed by a famishing peasantry, whose huzzas are feeble from want of food; but it is the happiness of the President of the United States to be thronged by an assemblage of happy freemen, acknowledging their gratitude to the only "legitimate" ruler of a great nation-legitimate, because he derives his power from the voice of the people he governs. It is the happiness of the people of America, when they behold their Chief Magistrate come amongst them, to see a ruler who does not wield the rod of despotic power, but the sceptre of republican authority.

The following is the manner of his reception at Baltimore; the address there received, and the answer returned. This took place upon the first day of June,

1817.

"On his arrival, several of the aged and most respectable citizens attended the President, and welcomed his appearance in Baltimore. In the afternoon he attended divine service at the Rev. Dr. Inglis' church; and early the next morning, before breakfast, accompanied by Generals Smith, Stricker, Winder, Swift, and several other military gentlemen, visited the ground where general Ross fell, and the breast-works that were thrown up for the defence of Baltimore during the late war.

The mayor, and a committee from the city council, waited on the President, to whom they presented an address.

*See History of Turkey.

Agreeable to previous arrangements, the third brigade, under the command of General Sterret, assembled at Whetstone Point, and at twelve o'clock was reviewed by the President. He proceeded from his lodgings, under an escort, accompanied by a large retinue of military officers. After a review of the troops, the President proceeded to the examination of Fort M'Henry, which so gloriously withstood the bombardment of the British naval force for twenty-four hours. The recollection of this event, with other circumstances connected with the unsuccessful essays of our late enemy to gain possession of this city, gave birth to the most grateful and animating reflections.

In his deportment, the president is plain, dignified and truly republican; presenting an example of that general demeanour, which is peculiarly the delight of the citizens of Baltimore."

ADDRESS

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

SIR-We, the mayor and city council of Baltimore, embrace with great pleasure this opportunity of personally congratulating the chief magistrate of the union on his arrival in this place.

Your determination, in the commencement of your administration, to visit several of the most important places in the union, is auspicious of happy consequences; not satisfied with previous knowledge, or second hand information, you are anxious that on your part, nothing shall be wanting to promote the commonwealth.

That a city which bore so conspicuous a part in the national defence, should first be honoured with the presence of the chief magistrate of the union, is as flattering as it is natural: and we sincerely hope that

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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 BALTIMORE.

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 and 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. JAMES MONROE.

Baltimore, June 2, 1817.

"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

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