Gansevoort speaks at "grand supper" for Governor Bouck

From the Albany Argus, Friday, June 21, 1844

GOV. BOUCK IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Correspondence of the Argus
New-York, June 15th, 1844 

… On Wednesday night, the proscribed watchmen and other democrats in the 11th ward, the headquarters of the New York Democracy, returning as it does 1200 democratic majority, invited the Governor to a grand supper. Some three hundred sat down to a table most sumptuously spread by Mr. Waring, the proprietor. Among the invited guests were his Excellency, the Hon. B. F. Butler, Ald. Purdy, L. B. Shepherd, Wm. McMurray, Gansevoort Melville, and others—by all of whom soul-stirring speeches and sentiments were given….

In honor of the Governor’s arrival, the 11th ward cannon was brought out, and alternated its thunder with the softer strains of a most excellent band of music.

MR. MELVILLE, in the course of his remarks, said “The people had tried the ‘old white horse.’ They had found him a good courser, they were going to put him on the track again, and when he once had his feet upon it, he was sure to go right through.” This was received with most hearty and repeated cheers. -- GenealogyBank.com

The New York Tribune, June 20, 1844, was quick to print this scornful reply (to an earlier printing of the report):

The Albany Argus thinks that in the late Eleventh Ward supper given to the ‘Old White Horse’ by the ’rank and file’ of this city, Mr. Master-in-Chancery McMurray officiated as ‘rank’ and Mr. Examiner-in-Chancery Melville as ‘file.’  Very likely.  They are two ‘nice men for a small party.’  -- Fultonhistory.com