“Again, sirs, I am pleased to accept in behalf of our State this splendid remembrance, to assure you of our profound appreciation, and to say that it shall ever remain as a memento of your patriotism and character, of the gratitude and appreciation of our good State, as an inspiration to all future generations and to all visitors to this splendid Capitol, of the value and eternity of that thankfulness which a grateful people feel for those who serve them well. “It is now my pleasure to turn the memorial over to General William Ames, the Chairman of the State House Commission, in whose trustworthy hands this monument will be placed and from whom I am sure it will receive the same careful and patriotic attention that all his other duties have received in connection with the management of our splendid State Capitol. I am pleased, therefore, to introduce to you one of our most honored fellow citizens, General William Ames, who will accept in behalf of the State House Commission.” General Ames responded as follows: “_Your Excellency, Members of the American Irish Historical Society, Ladies and Gentlemen_: As Chairman of the Commission having in its care and keeping this beautiful State House it is my privilege to bid you welcome here today. We are assembled, not for an ordinary occasion, but for an extraordinary one. We are here to inscribe upon this marble wall the name of one who was patriot, soldier and statesman, the commander who planned and fought the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. “General John Sullivan passed on long years ago to make his final report to the great Commander of us all. Yet we have treasured his memory, and through the years it has grown ever dearer to the hearts of all patriotic Americans—to us of Rhode Island more than all. And now that love has found fitting expression in this memorial, which shall commemorate through the coming ages his patriotism, his devotion, and his loyal services to his country. “A State can perform no more graceful act than to make public record of the deeds and accomplishments of its famous sons. It therefore gives me great pleasure, and I deem it a high honor, to accept for the State House Commission the custody and care of the beautiful memorial placed upon these walls by the American Irish Historical Society.”