which, by extending your reputation, have given credit and fame to your country. "None cherish with more interest these, the lasting memorials that you have given of your patriotism and devotion to the welfare of your fellow-citizens, than those who now tender this token of their esteem. "We have the honor to be, with the highest respect, "Your friends and fellow-citizens, "ALFRED L. ELWYN, CHARLES W. CHURCHMAN, FREDERICK FRALEY, JOHN ASHHURST, ALEXANDER H. FREEMAN, JOSEPH B. MYERS, SINGLETON A. MERCER, THOMAS CHAMBERS, DANIEL HADDOCK, JR., HENRY WHITE, WILLIAM E. WHELAN, To this letter Mr. Webster made the following reply in acceptance of the invitation: "Washington, May 1, 1846. "GENTLEMEN,-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th of April, inviting me to a public dinner in Philadelphia. "The character of this invitation, as well as the friendly manner in which it is expressed, give it a peculiar claim on my regard, and render it indeed, on my part, not easy to be declined. "You describe those whom you represent, or who join you in this mark of respect, as men of business, removed from the party strifes of the country, though deeply affected and interested in all their relations by the action and agitation of party movements.' "I deem it a high honor, Gentlemen, to be requested by such men to accept a mark of their esteem; and when my public duties shall allow, I will gladly meet you and your friends on such day as may suit your convenience. "We are in the midst of all the business of one of the most important sessions of Congress which have been held under the Constitution. During its continuance I shall hardly be able to leave the duties of my place, even for a few days; but after its conclusion, if you will allow me, I will confer with you upon the time for carrying your very respectful purpose into effect. "I am, Gentlemen, with entire regard, "DANIEL WEBSTER. "To MESSRS. A. L. ELWYN, C. W. CHURCHMAN, D. S. BROWN, and other Gentlemen of the Committee." Mr. Webster's duties at Washington prevented this invitation from taking immediate effect, and other causes of delay occurring, the dinner was postponed till the 2d of December, when it took place in the great INTRODUCTORY NOTE.* In the spring of 1846, a large number of the merchants and other citizens of Philadelphia proposed to offer to Mr. Webster a distinguished mark of their approbation of his political course. For this purpose it was determined to invite him to a public dinner, and the proposal was eagerly embraced by the most respectable members of the community, of all parties, professions, and pursuits in life. On the 25th of April a meeting of the subscribers was called to make the preliminary arrangements for the dinner, and a large committee was appointed for that purpose. In the performance of their duty the following letter was addressed by the committee to Mr. Webster : "Philadelphia, April 27, 1846. "DEAR SIR, Your fellow-citizens of this city, desirous of expressing their friendly regard and admiration of your services to your country, tender to you a public dinner, to be given at a time the most convenient to yourself. "Nearly all who offer this mark of esteem are men of business, removed from the party strifes of the country, though deeply interested and affected in all their relations by the action and agitation of party. With these your name has long been associated as one of those whose advice, whether heeded or not, whose abilities, whether successfully exerted or not, were always directed towards the advancement of their interests, and the promotion of their prosperity. They offer to you this token of respect, not only as an evidence of personal esteem, but as a mark of sincere and grateful feeling. "But, in this expression of regard, they will not limit themselves to what may be considered as more peculiarly their own interests. As members of this great republic, they desire in this way to express their approbation and pride in those efforts that have multiplied and strengthened our ties with the family of nations; that have increased and made more stable, as well as intimate, our own national sympathies and Abridged from the account contained in the Introduction to the original pamphlet edition of the following speech. which, by extending your reputation, have given credit and fame to your country. "None cherish with more interest these, the lasting memorials that you have given of your patriotism and devotion to the welfare of your fellow-citizens, than those who now tender this token of their esteem. "We have the honor to be, with the highest respect, "Your friends and fellow-citizens, "ALFRED L. ELWYN, FREDERICK FRALEY, JOHN ASHHURST, ALEXANDER H. FREEMAN, SINGLETON A. MERCER, HENRY WHITE, WILLIAM E. WHELAN, To this letter Mr. Webster made the following reply in acceptance of the invitation: "Washington, May 1, 1846. "GENTLEMEN,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th of April, inviting me to a public dinner in Philadelphia. "The character of this invitation, as well as the friendly manner in which it is expressed, give it a peculiar claim on my regard, and render it indeed, on my part, not easy to be declined. "You describe those whom you represent, or who join you in this mark of respect, as men of business, removed from the party strifes of the country, though deeply affected and interested in all their relations by the action and agitation of party movements.' "I deem it a high honor, Gentlemen, to be requested by such men to accept a mark of their esteem; and when my public duties shall allow, I will gladly meet you and your friends on such day as may suit your convenience. "We are in the midst of all the business of one of the most important sessions of Congress which have been held under the Constitution. During its continuance I shall hardly be able to leave the duties of my place, even for a few days; but after its conclusion, if you will allow me, I will confer with you upon the time for carrying your very respectful purpose into effect. "I am, Gentlemen, with entire regard, "DANIEL WEBSTER. "To MESSRS. A. L. ELWYN, C. W. CHURCHMAN, D. S. BROWN, and other Gentlemen of the Committee." Mr. Webster's duties at Washington prevented this invitation from taking immediate effect, and other causes of delay occurring, the dinner was postponed till the 2d of December, when it took place in the great |