That war embraced within its theatre of operations more than 2,700,000 men, and was signalized by more than one thousand battles and engagements. Soon after its termination, every American State, through its duly elected representatives, answered to the roll call beneath the dome of the Nation’s Capitol. The magnanimous victors in that mighty war deserved victory, and they neither abridged the rights, nor wounded the self-respect of the vanquished. Hence, to-day, all American citizens dwell together in loyal unity beneath the benign rule of our indestructible Union. And I can attest, as a Southerner, through five generations “native and to the manor born,” that if my comrades in arms of the Confederate army ever dream of future wars, it is with the sincere hope, that they may aid in bearing the flag of the Union among a people who have never looked upon its starry folds, and into lands that have never felt the power of its eagle’s beak. TOASTS. “The day we celebrate.” Responded to by Judge McKay of South Carolina. “The President of the United States.” This toast was received with great applause and drank standing. Colonel Murphy in reply to the toast said: =Mr. Chairman and comrades of the Mexican war, and Gentlemen.=--I feel highly honoured, at being called on to respond to this patriotic toast, in the presence of this important and representative assemblage, gathered here to-night, to unite in common with our countrymen at home, in celebrating this anniversary. It is significant of the ardent patriotism of our people, that however varied may be the character of our meetings, this toast to the President of the United States is always drunk with enthusiasm and unanimity. And you will, I am sure, agree with me, that the able and high-minded gentleman, who now presides over the destinies of the Republic, is a worthy successor to those who have gone before him in his exalted office. It is a matter of patriotic pride to us all that the pages of history have never yet been sullied by the misdeeds of an American President, and the representatives for the highest office in the gift of a free people have always been honored at home and respected and admired abroad.