3 Buffer doing the duties of the camp and'field, by my. own act, while separated momentarily from them by the exigencies of the public service. “You will pardon, I am sure, this apparent rudeness of refusal of your most generous proposal, but, under such circumstances, I have spoken too bitterly and too often of the participation by absent officers on such occasions to permit myself to take part in one, even when offered in the patriotic spirit which breathes through your letter, desiring to testify approval of my services to the country. u It would, however, give me much pleasure to testify my gratitude for your kindness by meeting you and your fellow-citizens in a less formal man. ner, ‘ interchanging the patriotic sympathies and hopes which belong to this' sacred cause.’ Perhaps, by so doing we may do something in aid of that cause. Whatever may strengthen the purpose, deepen the resolution, and fix the determination never to yield this contest until this rebellion, in its roots and branches, in its causes, in its effects and designs, is overthrown and utterly annihilated forever, and the power of the National Government—with its democracying influences and traditional theories of equality of rights, the equality of laws, and equality of privileges for all, as received from the fathers of the Republic —is actively acknowledged upon every inch of the United States territory, is an aid—nay, a necessity—to the cause of the country. To prepare the public mind by doubts, or fears, or sug. gestions of compromises, or hopes of peace, to be satisfied with any thing less than these demands, is treason to country, humanity, and God—more foul, because more cowardly than rebellion. “ Let, then, every loyal man join hands with his neighbor, sinking all differences of political Opinion, which must be minor to this paramount interest, and pledge himself to the fullest support of the Government, with men and means to crush out this treason, and then, and not till then, am I willing to hear anything of political party. “ Again and again returning you my grateful thanks for the courtesy done me by your action, allow me to say that I shall be in New York during the coming week, and shall be happy at any time to meet you, gentlemen, and my fellow-citi- uens, in such manner as they may think fitting. “ Most respectfully, your obedient servant, “ Benjamin F. Butler, “ Major-General U, S. V.” In compliance with Gen. Butler’s preferences, as expressed in the above, a public reception was arranged, and took place at the Academy of Music, Thursday evening, April 2d. The welcome then extended to the gallant soldier, was, in all respects, one of the most enthusiastic and significant ever extended to any honored servant of any people. Long before the hour of commencement, the house was filled in every part, our loyal women alone almost filling the balcony and upper circles. Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Banks were present, sitting in the private boxes, and upon the stage were General Wool, General C. M. Clay, and a large number of our well-known citizens. Previous to the opening of the meeting, Major-General Wool and several officers of his staff entered upon the stage. His appearance was greeted with tremendous cheers;. Gen. W etmore came forward and said: I am happy to see that this immense audience recognizes one of our noblest heroes, Major-General Wool. [Cheers.] The applause having subsided, Gen. Woon advanced to the footlights, and said; SPEECH OF GEN. WOOL. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for the honor of this recognition. I am not prepared to make a speech on this occasion. You will have those who can speak to you better than I can do., But permit me to say what you already know—I am for putting down this rebellion nolens volens, and will never concede to any compromise until that is accomplished. [Tremendous cheers.] The orchestra having concluded a beautiful introductory overture, the Union Glee Club came forward and sang, in an excellent manner, “ The Sword of Bunker Hill.” A loud and long encore being given by the audience, the Club sang: “ Columbia, we love thee, Land of the free." The orchestra soon struck up the enlivening strains of “Hail to the Chief,” which gave sure indication that MAJ.-GEN. BUTLER was approaching. Soon the General made his appearance, and was received with long and loud continued cheers, the ladies waiving their handkerchiefs, while the men strained their
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