 | The poetical writings of Fitz-Greene Halleck, with extracts from those of Joseph Rodman Drake |  |
ON PRESENTING THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY
In a gold box to a great General.
General Jackson, since President of the United States, on his first visit to New York. At the dinner with which he was welcomed (see the “Secret Mine”) by the Tammany Society, its Grand Sachem, Mr. Mooney, eloquently assured him that, at the announcement of his intended visit, the hearts of its members had “expanded to explosion.” In reply to which the General gave as a toast, “De Witt Clinton, the Governor of the great and patriotic State of New York.” As a large proportion of the guests were bitterly opposed to Mr. Clinton in politics, a compliment so flattering to him alike surprised and annoyed them. The gentlemen named in the verses were all prominent leaders in the two adverse parties, and designated, by their approval or non-approval of the toast, their party attachments.
General Jackson, since President of the United States, on his first visit to New York. At the dinner with which he was welcomed (see the “Secret Mine”) by the Tammany Society, its Grand Sachem, Mr. Mooney, eloquently assured him that, at the announcement of his intended visit, the hearts of its members had “expanded to explosion.” In reply to which the General gave as a toast, “De Witt Clinton, the Governor of the great and patriotic State of New York.” As a large proportion of the guests were bitterly opposed to Mr. Clinton in politics, a compliment so flattering to him alike surprised and annoyed them. The gentlemen named in the verses were all prominent leaders in the two adverse parties, and designated, by their approval or non-approval of the toast, their party attachments.
Elate of heart, the glad committee
Declare the mighty man has said
He'll take “the freedom of the city.”
He thanks the Council, and the Mayor,
Presents 'em all his humble service;
And thinks he's time enough to spare
To sit an hour or two with Jervis.
John Wesley Jarvis, the popular portrait-painter of the day, a favorite of his patrons and of many social circles for his genial drollery of song and story. Most of the portraits of our officers, civil and military, then winning honorable distinction, and now gracing our public halls and chambers, we owe to his admired and admirable pencil. Halleck's portrait, painted by Jarvis for Dr. DeKay (now in the possession of Drake's daughter, Mrs. Commodore DeKay), is by many esteemed the best likeness we have of the poet.
Skaats! are the ham and oysters come?
Go—make some savory whiskey-punch,
The General takes it with his lunch;
For a sick stomach, 'tis a cure fit,
And vastly useful in a surfeit.
The Council is convened again;
And ranged in many a circle fair,
The ladies and the gentlemen
Of Congress—balls—the Indian force—
Some think the General will be walking,
And some suppose he'll ride, of course:
And some are whistling—some are humming,
And some are peering in the Park
To try if they can see him coming;
And some are half asleep—when, hark!
A heart-uplifting bugle-strain,
A fife's far flourish—and “They come!”
Rung from the gathered train.
Sit down—the fun will soon commence—
Quick, quick, your Honor, mount your place,
Present your loaded compliments,
And fire a volley in his face!
Squib, cracker, cannon, musketry;
Dear General, though you swallow all,
I must confess it sickens me.
| The poetical writings of Fitz-Greene Halleck, with extracts from those of Joseph Rodman Drake | |