State of New York, Yorktovvn C entennial M ESS A G E OP THK GOV E R N O R AND REPORT OF THK Commissioners of the State for the Reception and Entertainment National Gu ests. ft- Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. State of New York, ") EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, I Albany, January 19, 1882. J To the Legislature : Herewith is transmitted for your information the report of the Commissioners for the reception of the National guests, designated pursuant to Sen- ate resolutions, adopted June 21, 1881, in words following : ki State v N e w Yob k , " IN SENATE, u A LB ANY, J a nt 21, 1881* "Whereas, The State of New York during its long ''occupation of its chief city was for a long period, "notably in the summer of 1781, ami the fall of 1782, "protected and succored by tin- troopfl which France, " the ally of the United State.-. Bent to their M8)Bt- M ance ; and. 4 " Whereas, After the victory of the allied forces at " Yorktown, the city of New York remained for a " period of more than two years in the occupation of " the British Troops : and in the disorganized condition " of the State, no opportunity was permitted to it to " express its recognition of the services rendered by " the French in protecting its soil and obtaining its " deliverance ; and, ''Whereas, In response to an invitation of the Con- gress of the United States, the French government "has signified its intention of sending a delegation to " represent it at the laying of the corner-stone of the "monument to the alliance on the ground of the vic- M tory : therefore. " Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, be " and hereby is directed and authorized to extend the " courtesies of the State of New York in such manner " as he may deem wise and proper, to the Delegation u of the French Government, the family of Lafayette, " and the descendants of the Marquis de Rochambeau, " the Count de Grasse, and of such other general offi- " cers of the French army and fleet, who served in the " Yorktown Campaign, as may visit the United States •'during the present summer; and it is further " Resolved. That his Excellency the Governor, be I " and hereby is empowered to call to his aid such of M the citizens of the State as he may select, to assist M in the reception and entertainment of these honored "guests, and he is hereby authorized to draw hi> war- '* rant on the Treasurer of the State for such moneys "as may be required for the purposes of this resolution. " By order. "JbHH W. V ROOM AN, Although the resolutions in terms authorized the Governor "to draw his warrant on the Treas- f'urer of the State for such moneys as may be "required for the purposes of this resolution." no appropriation having been made for the pur- pose specified, there was no money available to defray expenses : and it did not appear proper to me, in view of that fact, to authorize any expend- iture on behalf of the State. Accordingly, there- fore, fifteen citizens, residing in New York city and vicinity, were designated and requested to serve as a Commission of Reception. They were at the same time expressly notified that no lia- bility against the State could be authorized. The Commission thus appointed, consisted of the gentlemen named, as follows: John A. Kino. Lloyd Aspinwall. Frederick W. Seward. Horace Russell. Hamilton Fish, Jr. William W. Astor. Alfred C. Barnes. James M. Vabnum. Cornelius Vanderbilt. Francis C. Barlow Robert Ray Hamilton. William Jay. John Austin Stevens. Robert E. Livingston. William Rhinelander Stewart. The Commissioners cordially and promptly accepted the duty intrusted to them, and devoted themselves assiduously to its discharge, which was accomplished in a manner alike honorable to the State, in whose name they acted, and creditable to themselves as citizens. Indeed, it is becoming to say that their action was in the highest degree worthy of the great State whose hospitalities they were directed to extend to the distinguished guests ; and it is my especial desire to bear testi- mony to their service, so zealously and efficiently rendered in true public spirit. Besides much time devoted by the Commissioners, they personally contributed several thousand dollars for the pay- ment of hotel bills, carriage hire and other expenses, so that neither for maintenance nor travel were the National guests allowed r<> expend a single dollar within the borders of our State. Certainly, it was not contemplated by me, in naming the Commissioners, that they should assume the burden of such outlay : but, as they conceived it to be proper to take it upon them- selves, in order to carry out the spirit of the reso- lutions, it would seem but just that the State should promptly reimburse them. It is, however, due to them to apprise you that several of the Commissioners stated to me that the expenses were incurred without expectation of return, and that they did not desire it. Moreover, two of them at least, have requested that no recommendation look- ing to their reimbursement should be made. It would nevertheless, be manifestly improper to allow private citizens to defray the expense of entertain- ing, on behalf of the State, gueets coming fr<»m abroad in the capacity of National representatives on the invitation of the general government, to be present at the centennial celebration of the triumph of the allied forces at Yorktown. It is, therefore; recommended that suitable appropriation be BUUfc 8 to enable the Comptroller to reimburse the Com- missioners tor such expenditures as have been prop- erly made by them. YORKTOWN CENTKNNI A h. It seems appropriate, in connection with the foregoing subject, to* make brief reference to the representation of the State at the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the surrender of the British forces at Yorktown, last October. Congress appropriated $100,000 for the erection of an impos- ing monument on the historical ground where the surrender occurred, and provided for a becoming observance of the centennial celebration, to include the Jaying of the corner-stone of the projected monument. The general arrangements were intrusted to a committee composed of Senators and Representatives in Congress. Invitations were extended to the French government, and to the several States, requesting formal representation on the occasion ; and also, to the descendants of the principal officers of the allied armies. France for- mally accepted the invitation, and sent a deputa- tion of nearly forty persons, about one-half of whom were lineal descendants of Lafayette, de Roehambeau, de Grasse and other illustrious officers who participated in our Revolutionary struggle. The celebration began on the eighteenth of Octo- ber, lasting three days : and was a successful demonstration. Among those present were : The President and Cabinet, prominent officers of the army and navy, many of the Senators and Repre- sentatives in Congress; besides a considerable detachment of regular troops, and a naval force with ships of war. Nearly all the States took some part in the celebration. More than twenty were represented by their Chief Executives, and quite that number w T ere represented by regiments or companies of State troops. The State of New York participated by the presence of the Governor and staff, th^ Thirteenth regiment, accompanied by Dods worth's band, a portion of the Sixty-fifth and Seventy- fourth regiments, and the Ninth sepa- rate company ; as well also, by a large number of prominent citizens. The New York troops pre- sented an excellent appeara ice, and did great credit to the State by their admirable behavior. The event was in every wav commendable to the country. And the cordial commingling of citi- 10 zens and soldiers from different sections of the Union on that memorable spot, and at the particu- lar time chosen, should exert a salutary inliuence throughout our whole domain. The revival of the patriotic memories of the Revolutionary period inspired those present with renewed devotion to the Union ; and will, let us hope, promote a new spirit of loyalty for the future. ALONZO B. CORNELL. R K P O R T OF the Commission to- Extend the Courtesies ok the State of New York to the Guests of the Nation. To THE G Q V KKJS UK l The Commission appointed under the great seal ot the State, in accordance with the resolutions of the Senate of the State of New York, authorizing the Governor " to extend the courtesies of the State to the delegation of the 'French Government, the family of Lafayette, and the descendants of the Marquis de Rochainbeau, the Count de Grass?, and of such other general officers oi the French Army and Fleet who served in the Ynrktown Campaign, as may visit the United States during the present summer, and to such other guests as may be delegated or invited to visit the United State 8, for the purpose of taking part in the forthcoming celebration at Yorktown," baa the honor to submit the following Report of its action in obedience thereto: Ornani/.ing on the third of September, immediately after the receipt of your letter of appointment — your 12 Commission addressed letters of invitation to the several gentlemen invited bv the General Government and to those who would accompany them, which were forwarded by the courtesy of the Honorable the Secretary of State of the United States. It afterwards waited upon the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, arid of the Navy, in order to conform its arrangements of reception to the pleasure of the authorities of the General Government.' It is the first duty of your Commission to report the cordiality with which these gentlemen accepted its co-oper- ation in the agreeable and honorable duty of welcoming to our shores the distinguished guests of the Nation. On the arrival of the French steam-frigate Magicienne and the Aviso Dermont d'Urville, the escort of the expected delegation, under the command of Rear Admiral Halilgon of the French West India Naval Station, your Commission visited this officer on board of his ship and w r as received with courteous ceremony. A similar visit of welcome was paid to his Excellency M. Max Outrey, Minister of France to the United States, and chief of the delegation appointed to represent the French Government and Nation on his arrival from France, when a renewed tender of the courtesies and hospitalities of the State vvas formally made and accepted with frank cordiality. 13 The French trans- Atlantic steamer Canada arrived in the waters of New York bay on the early morning of Wednesday, the fifth of October, having on board the French delegation, the representatives of the family of Lafayette and the descendants of officers who served at Yorktown. The vessel was saluted by the United States fleet assembled on the station, Rear Ad mica] Wyman commanding on his flag-ship the Tennessee. The French steamer was immediately boarded bv the gentlemen of the United States State Department designated by II i> Excellency the Secretary of State to receive the honored guests in the name of the Nation, accompanied by your Commission. After the ceremony of welcome bv the United States authorities, your Commission was pre- sented to the delegation and formally entrusted with their care and entertainment while within the limits of the State of New York. Transferred to a government tug kindly tendered bv the United States Treasury Department, escorted by the United States vessels of war in the harbor, and honored by a passing salute from the United States fort at Governor's Island, the delegation was brought to the city and landed at the Battery, where carriages were in waiting to receive them, in which, escorted bv the entire Seventh Regiment, New York National Guard, which had volunteered its services on the 14 occasion, they were driven through Broadway, Fourteenth street and the Fifth avenue, to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where elegant apartments had been provided for them by your Commission. We recall with satisfaction and pride the general and hearty welcome extended by the citizens of the metropolis to these, the guests of the Nation and of the State. You will pardon a mention of the presentation of the delegation to yourself, and a reference to the magnificent military review of the First Division of the New York State National Guard, Major-General Alexander Shaler commanding, held by you in person on Thursday, the sixth of October, in the presence of the honored delega- tion, who were invited guests. The published official report of General Boulanger, chief of the representatives of the French War Department, bears witness to the appreciation the delegation entertains of your courtesy and of the soldierly bearing and precision of movement of the troops reviewed. Here, again, your Commission desire to mention the enthusiasm with which the visitors were welcomed by the population of the city, the entire length of the route from Madison square to Central Park, as they were driven up and down the line. In the evening, upon the invitation of the Superin- tendent of the Fire Department, the guests witnessed the 15 response to an alarm of tire, the execution of which, in all its details, excited their wannest admiration and received special notice in the report already alluded to. On Friday, the seventh October, the delegation visited West Point. By the courtesy of Admiral Wyman, and with the cordial concurrence of their commanders, the United States gun-boats Vandal i a, Captain Meade, and the historic Kearsarge, Commander White, were placed at the disposition of your Commission for this visit. The quests were escorted from the hotel to the river side by the Gaixles Lafayette. Admiral Wyman, Major-General Hancock and a number of distinguished citizens accom- panied the guests. The vessels sailed up the Hudson on one of the finest days of this beautiful season. At Wot Point the visitors were received with due ceremony by the Post Commander, witnessed a review ot the Cadets of the United States Military Academy, and in the evening were entertained by your commission with a dinner and ball at Cozzens' Hotel. Saturday, the eighth October, by the courtesy Of the President of the Xew York Central and Hudson River Railroad the delegation, escorted by your Commission. Was carried in a special train over the lines of the HndBOD River and Xew York Central Railroad to Niagara. The thriving industrial towns oil this extensive line were 16 pointed out to the visitors. At way stations numbers of the inhabitants were gathered and gave welcome. On the journey an elegant collation of fifty covers was served in the cars while in motion at the rate of fifty miles an hour. Sunday, the ninth October, was passed at Niagara, in quiet contemplation of the majestic grandeur of the Falls. Your Commission must bear tribute to the libe- rality of the proprietors of the grounds, who, without exception, tendered free admittance ; to the directors of the Suspension and other bridges for free passage, and for an evening illumination of the Falls by calcium light. On Monday, the tenth, by the courtesy of the Presi- dent of the New York and Erie Railroad Company, the French visitors, accompanied by your Commission, were carried on a special train to Elmira, where they were met by a committee from the city of Baltimore, to whom was confided the charge of the guests. At Hornellsville an elegant breakfast was served in the dining-room of the Erie railroad. Returned to New York, your Commission was in season to receive the representatives of the family of the Baron de Steuben, Major-General in the army of t lie United States in the war of the Revolution, who had been 1? invited by the Honorable the Secretary of State of the United States, to participate in the celebration of the victory at Yorktown. These gentlemen, seven in number, accompanied by His Excellency the German Imperial Minister, lien- Van Schlozer, arrived in the Hamburg steamer Herder, on the morning of the twelfth October. They were received by representatives of the Department of State of the United States, and placed in charge of your Commission with the same ceremony extended to the former guests. Transferred to the United States Steamer Kearsarge, which, under the instructions of the Admiral on the station, awaited their arrival, they were brought to the city under a passing salute from the tort, landed at the Battery and driven to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where apartments had been arranged for them by your Commission. In the evening, after a dinner giVen by your Commission, they were escorted to a musical demonstration of German citizens in Union Square, over which the Mayor presided, and thence t>» Jersey City, where they took cars for Washington. The French gentlemen and the representatives of the Steuben family returned to Xew York on the fourth of November. On Saturday, the fifth, they were enter- tained by the Chamber of Commerce ot the State of New York, at a magnificent banquet ot over 2f New York of the first dis- tinction. On the evening of Tuesday, the eighth of November, in response to an invitation of M. Ontrey, the chief of the French delegation, your Commission met in the drawing-room of the Fifth Avenue Hotel and received a formal acknowledgment of its courtesies, at which the Secretary of -State of the United States was present in person. The delegation disbanded the next day, a p;irt taking the steamer tor France, others departing in various directions to visit the interior of the United States and Canada. Friday, the twenty-ninth of December, your Commis- sion, informed by its treasurer that every obligation incurred by it had been discharged, held a final meeting, ordered that a report of their action be addressed to the Governor, with their joint and several thanks for the honor conferred upon them in their appointment, and was formally dissolved. All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN A. KING, ( "fm i mum . .John Austin Stkvkns, i I ding Secr eta r y . Nkw York, %9tA December^ l< s M. classes