1854 Speech by Walter Raleigh Danforth (1787-1861), Fourth Mayor of Providence, RI File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Brenda Bova (© 1997 Brenda Bova) USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, *and* permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. -------------------------------------------------------------- This is a speech made by Walter Raleigh Danforth (1787-1861), Fourth Mayor of Providence, RI, at the time of his leaving office and of the installation of the new (fifth) mayor, E. P. Knowles. Walter Raleigh Danforth married Elizabeth Ann CARTER. ======================= From City Document, No. 1 Organization of the Municipal Government of the City of Providence, June 5, 1854. Municipal Government Providence, June 5, 1854. This being the day designated by the City Charter for the organization of the Municipal Government of the City of Providence, the Mayor, Alderman and Common Councilmen elect assembled in the Council Chamber at 3 o'clock P.M. Hon. W. R. Danforth delivered the following address: "Gentlemen of the City Council: This being our municipal anniversary, you have been summoned here for the purpose of organizing the city government for the ensuing year. One year since, I appeared before you, and was installed as Mayor, having been elected to the office by a majority of the electors on that occasion. On accepting that office, I was not pledged to any party, or to advance any particular measures, but resolved to discharge all official duties according to the best of my judgment and ability, for the common good of the city and its inhabitants. For the year past, with the exception of two months confinement by sickness, I have devoted myself dilgently to the advancement of the city's interest, in all the multifarious branches of its concerns, but with how much success my efforts may have been crowned, it is not for me to say, not to judge. My official and personal intercourse with you, gentlemen, through the year, has been interrupted by no unpleasant circumstance; and for the indulgence and courtesy you have ever extended to me, I beg leave, on this last opportunity of addressing you. to tender you collectively and personally my sincere and warm acknowledgements. The voice of the electors of this city has recently been heard again, and it has summoned another citizen to the Mayoralty. To that voice I yield as ready obedience as I did on the last anniversary, for it is the 'will of the people, constitutionally expressed:' and on this occasion it has called to the highest office of the city, a gentleman of extensive experience in municipal affairs, who, as a member of the board of alderman, has, for a long series of years, enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens. It will know be made known to you officially who has been elected Mayor; and when I shall have administered to him the oath of office, my official functions will cease, and I shall return to private life, cherishing ever the liveliest hope for the future prosperity of the city of my birth, where I have been honored by its citizens far above my deserts."