Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-07-14

| enjoyed beyond what fall to the lot of any 9TH
er portion of the globe. Hence truly there is
cause of unfeigned gratitude to the God of ar
mics. While we deprecate war, and lament
that through human frailty, there should ever
be occasion to WELD instruments of death. at
the same time we heartily accede to the wise
polIcy-n peace prepare for war. Should our
country call us from the endearments of the
domestic circle, to take a station--the. tented
tleld,we will most cheerfully and heartily obey
her voice.
While favored with the smiles of the fair
sex, be assured that this standard, the ensign
of our liberties, shall never become the trophy
of the enemy. Defended by these slittering
bayonets, it shall proudly wave over our heads
in victory, or with the ground absorb our blood,
shed in the cause of our national rights.
The Standard for the Rifle Company was
presented by Miss Sarah Ellis, with the fol-
lowing
ADDRESS.
GENTLEnIEN,-With peculiar pleasure, this
day again reminds 0s of the important era of
our national independence, and of the sol nmn
pledge, which our venerated fathers gave to
emancipate their country from slavery and des-
potism. Excited with the deepest emotions of
gratitude, our imaginations recall that period,
when the soldier went forth to battle with his
eye intently fixed on what was then the only
reward of noble deeds-the love, and respect
OF his country. And who would contend more
fercely with tyranny and cruelty? Since to
conquer was to bind that love and respect to
him forever. We live to see the fruits of his
tolls realized the starred banner of Columbia
has prevailed over that of her opposing enc
mics. and our country is free. In presenting
you this standard, cannot but recollect, with
delight, that our sex have robbed war OF half
its terrors, by uniting the delicate myrtle with
the dark foliage ofthe wreath of conquest. In
remembrance of the illustrious deeds of the
daughters of the revolution, we present you
with what we hope will ever be the standard
OF victory, and pray that it may never be the
rallying point of defeat. While you gaze on
its unsuilied whiteness we would point out the
emblem of soldiers honour; and should it
wave over the field Of conquest, ere you bury
your weapons in the bosoms of the vanauish-
ed, remember that it came from woman,s
hand, with the best'wishes of woman's heart.
Should you look upon it in the hour of dam
ser, you will recollect, that to you we intrust
the preservation of all we hold dear, and while
the spirit of freedom shall unfold it to the
breeze, may victory ever accompany its march,
and mercy follow its rear.
To which Ensign Clemens made the follow
ing
REPLY.
The company to which | belong receives,
through me, this elegant Standard, with all the
emotions Of love and esteem for its generous
donors,- which tenderness and virtue alone can
inspire, and with the livliest sensations of VEN
Grafton and respect for the fortitude and BRAY
cry which animated our fathers at the event"
tul period Of our country, which this occasion
SO naturally calls to mind. While we recip-
rocate with you the emotions ofheart-felt graf
ltude to those, who fought for liberty, and the
fruits OF whose tolls we now realize, we esteem
it the highest duty of the soldier to die in de-
fence OF his country. Love and respect are his
best and most durable reward. By emulatins
the virtuous daughters Of our revolution, you
offer sure guarantee for the lasting freedom
of our country. To be virtuously free, is to be
nationally happy; and true courage is but the
fruit of that virtue in the youthful breast,
which it is peculiarly your province to cult
Hatc. To you we look as the arbiters of En-
pire. We shall never behold this standard I'M
'A'"N'N"A VI NAAS CpOScu III VI Ic~
gardless of the soldiers honor; and, should
| it wave over the field of conquest" a soldiers
heart shall stay his hand and shield the van
pushed foe. Should fortune call us to the
field, which may decide the fate of your and of
your country's hopes, rest assured, that when
this banner shall cease to wave, your hopes
are not buried in stalking image, with SOL
dier's form, without soldiers heart, but in the
clods of earth, that mingle with the soldiers
| dust.
After this the ladies were escorted to the
Westinghouse by the companies, attended
with excellent martial music. The exercises
in the house were chaste and appropriate
the music, both vocal and instrumental, under
the direction of Mr.. Whiting, was such as ex-
hibited skill, refined taste, and elevated senti-
ment in the performers.
The address, by the Rev. Mr.. Rich, was in
chaste, appropriate, and perspicuous style,
Astounding in refined, elevated and patriotic
sentiments. After the close of these exercises
the procession moved to bower, where about
400 ladies and gentlemen partook of an excel
lent repast, served up in a superior style, by
Messrs Witt & Weld.
The company retired at a scasonable hour,
highly gratifed with the good order and deco
rum observed, the friendly interchange of SEN
timcnt, and the agreeable and pleasant trans
actions of the day.