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Arriving in the United States in July 1849, Fr. Theobald Mathew was an esteemed guest. He was welcomed by crowds at the New York City Hall, the White House, the Senate, and the House. Everyone was eager to meet the humble yet powerful teetotalist. Even vice-president Fillmore was there to welcome the esteemed guest to American soil. Zachary Taylor invited him to eat at the White House. The House unanimously admitted Fr. Mathew to be seated on the floor of the House and the Senate admitted him to the bar. This was a great honor and very few people received this prestigious of an opportunity.  Fr. Mathew then proceeded to journey around America spreading the doctrine of temperance. In his wake, he left entire communities completely abstinent of alcohol. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Delaware, and Virginia, among others, were all rocked by his powerful ideas and presence. Upon leaving the United States in 1851, Mathew remarked, “I thank heaven I have been instrumental in adding to the ranks of temperance over 600,000 in the United States.” This is a profound tally for any one man.  Fr. Mathew was also an abolitionist. He was scheduled to publicly denounce slavery but turned down the offer in an attempt to stay friendly with his temperance supporters, most of whom owned slaves themselves. Theobald was forced to choose between keeping his temperance friends or his abolitionist friends so he decided to sacrifice his minor goal for his main purpose in America. References- Zachary Taylor: Taylor was the President at the time of Fr. Mathew’s visit. He invited the noble figure to dinner at the White House. This relationship shows how revered Mathew was both in Ireland and in America. A person must be a big deal to be invited to the White House. Mayor Caleb Smith Woodhull: Mayor Smith was in charge when Fr. Mathew visited the United States. Being his first stop in America, New York was a profound moment in Fr. Mathew’s visit. Being granted control of City Hall during his stay in New York was indicative of his prestige. Clearly the name Fr. Theobald Mathew preceded his arrival and opened doors to spread temperance ideology. Works Cited "Caleb Smith Woodhull." //Wikipedia//. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. "Theobald Mathew." //CatholiCity//. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. "Theobald Mathew (temperance reformer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia//. Web. 4 Oct. 2011. .