Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-02-18
CAPTAIN WARRINGTON.

From the Richmond Compiler, February 10 :.
Yesterday, in pursuance Of the resolution OF
the House, inviting the Governor to present TO
Capt. Warrington, in the Hall OF the House oil
Delegates, the sword voted to him by the Le-
eislature, the Committee OF Arrangement m
PRODUCED into the House, the Governor and
Members of the Executive Council, the Speak
er and Members of the Senate, the Judges, and
officers Of government, all OF whom were as
signed seats. The Speaker vacated the chair,
and seated himself by the Speaker OF the Sc
nate. After pause of a few minutes, captain
Warrington was introduced, and conducted 10
the centre Of the Hall, where he was addressed
BY Governor Tyler in the following TERMS
Sin: In obedience 10 resolution of the Gen
eral Assembly of this State, have to perform
the pleasing task Of presenting you this sword
1t is the Offering Of parental gratitude-an Of
fering due to you for your gallant bearing on
board the Peacock in her action with the Eper-
yisr
The sailors life is at the best a life OF dam
ger He pursues honor on the mountain wave,
and finds it in battle and in storm-and never
did a more distinguished chiValry display It.
self, than in the conduct Of our seamen during
the late war. II had been vauntingly said that
the infant Navy committed to the protection oil
yourself and comrades, would be buried In the
ocean by the first blast, that swept the Allan
tic But the blast came-the battle ragged
and vet the banner of that Navy Aoated in proud
triumph. The waves Of every sea reflected its
glory. and the wilderness itself was awakened
6y the shouts Of victory. Virginia regards
YOU, her gallant son, as having greatly contrl-
br,ed IN producing these glorious results.
Proud is the reflection consequent upon
faithful discharge of our duty-still Prouder,
the recollection that we have so acquitted our
selves as to have advanced the reputation Of
our native land in the eyes Of Foreign States.
That modesty so inseparable from true valor,
NAV lead yourself and your gallant compatriots
to believe, that you have only contributed to
exal, the character Of your country In the eyes
of the present generauon-but believe not that
the effects Of your valour are to be as teetng as
the DAYS Of that race Of men who behcld your
exploits.-The chivalry Of Drake and a
Howard, pointed the way to Aboukir Bay and
Trafalgar
The applause Of his native land is the richest
reward for which the patriot ever asplres 1t
is this for which "he bears to live or dares 10
die" 1t is the high incentive 10 those achlev-
ments which illustrate the page Of history and
give to poetry its brightest claim. Happy Is
that man who wins that reward by virtuous
and patriotic deeds. This, sir, has been your
forrune-receive then this sword, the memorial
Of Virginia's gratitude-I am sure 1t will be
drawn whenever duty shall require 1t, and In
none other than in your eountry's cause.
To which Captain Warrington made the
following reply:
Sir: In approaching this, the most interest
ing period Of my life, it would be aHectation, to
conceal the pride and embarrassment, by
which am overwhelmed
The 1attering expressions which you have
been pleased to bestow on my humble services,
have far exceeded their merits. Emanaring
as they do from the Legislature of my native
State, and conveyed by its highest organ, am
at loss Cor language in which to express my
gratitude. 80. ;.
rhe reflection consequent on faithful dis
charge of our duty, is indeed proud and tri.
umpRant one; and the applause of the land Of
our birth, reward the richest that can await
the efforts Of the patriot.
In the various stations to which have been