The Daily Dispatch: March 9, 1861., [Electronic resource]

The Ohio delegation, now in Washington, called on Mr. Chase, the new Secretary of the Treasury, on Thursday, and drew from that official the following speech:

‘ I am very much indebted to you, my friends, for your congratulation upon a subject which, I must say, was to me the most painful trial of my life. I should very much have preferred, had it been the will of the Chief whom you have placed in power, to continue in the service to which I was called by the Republicans of our own State. I need not say to you how much more agreeable it would have been to me to have fulfilled the implied obligation under, which I came to the people of our State, than to accept of any other service. But you know when the time comes, in the course of human events, when we must take our refuge in Abraham's bosom, [laughter,] we have no election. [Renewed laughter.] Wherever the old Chief calls, we must follow. Allow me to thank you for this call, and to express to you the hope, which I unfalteringly entertain, that Ohio will ever remain true to the cause of the Union and of the Constitution. [‘"Good,"’ and applause.] Let me express the farther hope, that it may be in our power, by kindness, by conciliation, by firmness, to recall all those who have wandered from the fold of the Union back to it. [Applause.] I again return my thanks to you, gentlemen, for this visit.

’ Three cheers were then given for the Union, and three more for the President and Governor Chase, when the delegation moved off and called on General Scott. On arriving at his rooms, corner of Sixth and D streets, the General came upon the platform and addressed them as follows:

‘ Fellow-citizens of Ohio--God bless Ohio and every other State of this Union. [Amen.]--Some of those States we may have lost for a short time, but I trust we shall win them back--[applause]--and enfold them all within the arms of that Union which has given us so much honor and so much glory. But be that as it may, whether they return to us as brothers or stand aloof as strangers, I thank God that we yet have left to us a great and a glorious Union. [Applause.] I thank God that we have yet a Government. [‘"Yes,"’ and applause.] A short time ago we were threatened with the destruction of the Federal Government, but I thank God that on Monday of this week a new President of your choice was duly installed into office, [‘"It wouldn't have been so if it had not been for you!"’] and I believe that that President is actuated with the best intentions, gifted with sufficient ability and wisdom, and filled with a lively and ardent desire to do all in his power to reunite the members of this great Republic, or at least to contribute to the glory, prosperity and happiness of the States that remain with us. [Applause.] I have long since ceased to be a politician, and am now singly and only a Union man, a soldier, and I trust a patriot.--[‘"You are, indeed!"’] Fifty odd years of my life I have devoted to the service of my country, and I hope that I have been a faithful servant. [‘ "You have!"’] I do not desire to survive the Union. I mean to die by it. [Applause, and ‘"That's where we will all die!"’] No reward on this earth is so gratifying to an old soldier as the approbation of his countrymen. When I look upon your faces, and hear your voices, your cheers, I feel that I have that reward. [Applause.]

’ The party then, after giving three cheers for General Scott, three for the Union, and an indefinite number for everybody else, proceeded to call on Vice President Hamlin.

The Diplomatic Corps, in full costume, Thursday afternoon, paid an official visit to the President by previous arrangement, as is customary on the incoming of a new Administration. They were accompanied by the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, to the White House, who first presented to the President Commander Fegauiere, the Minister from Portugal, and the longest in the diplomatic position in this country, who made an address in French, a translation of which had previously been furnished to President Lincoln. It was of a complimentary character, and expressive of the good will and feelings of their respective Governments, toward that of the United States, and for the success of the Administration. All the Diplomatic Corps, he said, entertained the best wishes for the peace and prosperity of the country, and for the continuance of the friendly feelings now existing.

The President briefly replied with much warmth, heartily reciprocating, both officially and personally, the kindly sentiments expressed.

Commander Fegauiere then introduced respectively the other Foreign Ministers and then the several Foreign Secretaries of Legation.

This part of the ceremonies having been concluded, the members of the Cabinet, by invitation, entered the reception room, and were introduced to the Diplomatic Corps.

Mrs. Lincoln was after wards presented, and for some minutes there was a general and unrestrained social conversation.

A dispatch, dated the 7th inst., says:

‘ Several removals were made to-day in the Departments. The first one was General Granger, Recorder General of the Land Office, a brother-in-law of Judge Douglas. Mr. Leonard, the Secretary to sign Land Warrants for the President, was removed.

Mr. Lester, the Librarian of the Interior Department, had notice to quit — a son of Secretary Smith takes his place. Mr. Lester is a Mississippian, and a secessionist per se.

George W. McLellan, of Boston, has been appointed Second Assistant Postmaster General.

Mr. McBlair, of this city, will be Commissioner of Public Buildings.

’