Fellow Citizens: I thank you for this visit. I thank you that you call
upon me, not in any sectional spirit, but that you come, without
distinction of party, to pay your respects to the President of the
United States. I am informed that you are mostly citizens of New York.
[Cries of "all," "all."] You all appear to be very happy. May I hope
that the public expression which I have this day given to my
sentiments, may have contributed in some degree to your happiness.
[Emphatic exclamations of assent.] As far as I am concerned, the loyal
citizens of every State, and of every section, shall have no cause to
feel any other sentiment. [Cries of "good," "good."] As towards the
disaffected portions of our fellow-citizens, I will say, as every good
man throughout the country must feel, that there will be more rejoicing
over one sheep that is lost, and is found, than over the ninety and
nine which have not gone astray. [Great cheering.] And now, my
friends, as I have risen from the dinner-table to see you, you will
excuse me for the brevity of my remarks, and permit me again to thank
you heartily and cordially for the pleasant visit, as I rejoin those
who await my return.