‘The manner in which Mr. Clay has been received in Natchez,
reflects great credit upon the citizens; nothing they could do,
becoming a patriotic and hospitable people, was neglected, and
the attentions were not confined to his political friends; he
accepted private entertainments from others, and was visited by
all.
‘On Saturday (thirteenth instant) a public dinner was given
to Mr. Clay by the people of the city and county, agreeably to
previous engagements; on this occasion numbers came to see him
from distant counties. But on one occasion of the kind, have we
seen in this city a larger assemblage of citizens, and that was
in honor of La Fayette.’
‘The honorable Edward Turner, judge of the supreme court of this
state, presided, assisted by several vice-presidents.’
‘Previous to giving the toast in honor of Mr. Clay, judge Turner
addressed the company, in which he alluded to his (Mr. Clay’s)
great public services, and concluded by announcing the following
sentiment, which was received with the strongest emotion.
‘OUR DISTINGUISHED GUEST――the firm and patriotic statesman;
the grandeur and usefulness of his political views can only be
surpassed by his _eloquence_ and _ability_ in advocating them.’
To which Mr. Clay replied in substance as follows: