Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-12-08

MAJOR GENERAL GAINES.

turday evening was presented with
! handsome sword, which had been at'
for him by order of the legislature o
Virginia. The presentation was made
by the Governor in the Council Cham
Der in the Capitol, in the presence o
Members of the Executive Council
and number of ladies and, gentlemen
The following are copies of the Cover
nor's address and the Generals reply:
GOVERNORS ADDRESS.
General Gaines: The General As.
sembly of Virginia well knowing that
the appreciation of his country is the
most grateful reward which the gallant
soldier can receive for his tolls and per-
lis in her service, did, at the same time
that they possessed a proper sense OF
the good conduct of the citizens of the
State at large, whilst engaged in the
late war, with Great Britain, select a
few, whose lot placed them in eonspicu-
Gus situations, during that contest, on
whom TO confer marks other peculiar
APPRECIATION.
In the list OF such your name is found
and the following resolution, in relation
to you was adopted on the 18th day of
February, lsl6:-"Resotred unani-
moasiy, That the governor be, and he is
hereby requested to present the thanks
of this Assembly to Major General Ed
mud Pendleton Gain, S, native cit
zen of this state, for his bravery and
signal good conduct in repelling with
great slaughter, an attack made on
Fort Erie By greatly superior force of
our late enemy, on the 18th day of
August, 1914; and that the governor be,
and he is hereby requested to present
suitable sword, with proper emblems
and devices thereon, to a. or General
Gaines, for such. his good conduct and
gallantry." The vote of thanks direc-
ted by the resolution having been pre-
sented to you by Governor Nicholas,
it has devolved on me to execute the
remaining part of the resolution. War
is under all circumstances, one of the
greatest calamities which nation can
encounter; but neither justice, nor mo
deration, nor impartiality is at alltimes
sufficient to avert the evil from govern
,aents Of the most pacific character
This wa, peculiarly the case in our late
contest with Great Britain. Impressed
with the opinion that the love of gain was
the predominaiing characteristic Of our
country, and that il would be unprscti-
cable TO drive us from the course best
calculated to ensure its evils upon evils
were heaped on US, till our peace loving
government was compelled to make the
appeal TO arms. The result of that APP
peal is matter of histor, and Slown to
all. The usual vicissitudes of war ac-
compauied it. Some disasters, particu-
larly in the early part Of the contest,
attended our arms on land; but very
short time was sufficient to satisfy the
most inci edulous, that though we loved
peace, wken war was inevitable, we
were ahundantly competent to meet its
severest trials Among the prominent
events that occurred, your memorable
defence of Fort Erie, against greatly
superior force, attracted the particular
attention of your native state; and in
compliance with the requst OF IFS legis-
lature. and as testimonial of its high
appreciation of your conduct, present
to you this sword, well assured it will
never be used but in the promotion of
your country's welfare.
GEN. GAINE>'S REPLY.
GovERNoR-l accept with illial de-
votion, this signal token of the appro-
baton of my native state.
Virginia. like the celebrated Roman
matron, distinguished as she is for the
care and kindness with which she has
kept an eye to. and cherished her off
spring, whit ersoever they go, cannot
fail to secure the homage and admira-
ton due to an effectionate, just and
generous parent. That the General
Assembly should have deemed me wor-
thy of so prominent station as that
which they have unanimously assigned
to me among the meritorlous citizens
of the state, fill me with unspeakable
gratitude. can promise nothing in re-
turn, commensurate with the value
SCI upon tHe HoDoT tuey pdfc Cohiciito'
But am we'll aware that no pledge or
promise is expected from me in return,
other than that which is impifd to be
due in common from every other citi.
zen of the state that is. fidelity to The
comm nmealth, obedience 10 the laWs,
and honest faithful service in their de-
fence. A scrupulous regard to these
duties is all that Virginia expects of her
sons; and as to their performance, their
conduct rather than their profession or