Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-07-06


grateful. The representative principle, founded
on the natural rights Of nan, first seen in the writ
ten constitution of Virginia, has radically chang
ell the hole structure aud character of Republics
snd rendered modern republics, cerlsinly the
Nirginian Republic, wned for their era.
uiuje, towards their meritorious citizens as
were the republics OF old, proverbial for ,hrir in
gratitude, towards theirs. Virginia prides herself
too highly upon the many vslorous deeds of her
sons, not to keep their heroic authors, who are no
more, forever embained in her grateful asfrc
items; and. sir, whilst, upon this in eres,ng occa-
sion, cannot avoid expressing my sincere condos
ience with the nearest male, and all other reatv
oil the gallant Major Holmes, for their sad be-
feavemcnt, produced by the mysterious fare of
battles, hope. L may DE INDUCED in sympsihsins
not Only with his relatives, but with his country
inthe proud, conso!atory objections that in the
last act Of his life, the piiliot hero was covered
with glory, which is publickly co,nmcmora,
tel by has grateful country, and " i'll b.. handed
down, with its haowed plaudiis, 10 the latest
posterity.
Deeply impressed with these sentiments and
feelings now present you this sword, Sir; in be.
half of the Commonwealth OF Virginia, to be pas.ed
over to the nearest male relative of the late cal,
liant Major Holmes, aud trust he will derive a
consolation from seeing ia this act of the General
Assembly towards his departed relative; tina, Wills.
The patriot hero Is no more, his valorous deeds will
forever remain fesh in the recollection of HIS afree
tionate and applauding country.
To which MIR. Nicholas male The following Re,
ply:
GOVERNOR GILEs - The occasion which has
called together. is of no ordinary interest 1t is
eminently calculated to excite the warnest feelings
OF patriotism, and appeals most fotcbly 10 the
finest sensbli,es OF the heart.
When we were engaged in war; with on of the
most powerful, and warlke nations OF the earth
MIR. Andrew Hunter Holmes young man of ta-
Tents, then in the practice OF lucrative profession
with the most hattering prospects OF success. rous-
ed by sense OF the wrongs done TO his country
and the dangers to which she was exposed, deter
innedto abandon the emPloyments OF peace for the
honorable, bu, more pe,lous career of arms lie
obtained command in army. Ardent 10 his
character, emuious of military giory, he enba red
with his whole soul in the conflict, and resolv ed to
stake his fame, and his life lie issue Dislin-
gusked by his valor, and his enierrrize he court
ed every opportunity 10 meet the enemy, and to
him tie post of danger, the post of honor
Ills career, though short, brilliant. His pro-
motion was rapid, aud he babe fair 10 attain the
hghes, honors of bis profession. But Heaven
decreed il otherwise! In the last battle in which
he was engaged lie fell whilst gallsnly leading his
men to the attack, cheering them by his words,
and his example.
In receiving this sword for Governor Holmes.
whilst sensible of the honor conferred on me, in
oeihg selected as his agent, my mind is impressed
10y mixed sentiment oil pleasure and regret
dO
honor TO the deceased AID sorrow. that the gal.
liant and high-minded Holmes, did not survive 10
receive this richest reward of patriot soldier
Alas! that the laurel which adorns this proud trophv
OF peoples gratitude, should be commIneled wi,h
cypress wreath.
Ihe loss OF such man is irreparable. That his
friends should mourn his bligh,eJ pro spec,sis
natural. Bd, grief is aeYisted by the reflection,
that he has fallen the bed of honor fighting for
the rights and interests of his country and that hi
memory is cherished by nations gratitude, aud
smbsined in nations tears.
1he day selected By you. Sir, to perform his
touching ceremonial, Is most appropriate Wbst
more ht time could have been chosen than the dao
dear TO ireemen, the anniversary of our indepen-
dence, 10 commemorate act of heroic devoted
ness 10 our beloved couptryi What better caIcu-
iated TO do honor TO the expression of the will OF
the legislature, or TO hold out to the chiyalrous
youth OF our country shining examplei What
more congenial with the feelings of The friends of
The lamen,ed Holmes.
shall avail myself of the earliest opnor,unity
to deliver to Gov. Holmes, this precious gift of his
native state, and his known, and well .red princ-
pies and character, afford the surest guarantee.
that this sword, The reward of heroic achievement,
and consecrsted by the blood of beloved brother
VIII never be used, either by biAsel or Others on
whom he may bestow it, but in sustaining the rights
oil his country, or in defence of the public liberty
am particularly directed by Gov Holmes. 10
'N4NS9' VI Jou, on 10 communicate to The legsls-
ia'uTe, his grateful sense of the honor done 10 the
memory OF his deceased brother, and TO himself
Kermit the TO add, that if any thing could en-.
nance that honor, it would be the very feeling
ana impressive manner, in which the intentions of
the legislature have been carried into effect by the
CHIEF magistrate of this commonwealth himself
one OF the most distinguished citizens, who has
hied The highest Offices, with so much credit 10
himself, and so much utility TO mis- country
~ ne governor then observed, that there was
sun sword 10 be delivered 10 Capt Henley: but
as that gentleman had been unable 10 attend and NO
person appearing to represent him, lie must pos,
pone The execution OF that part of his duty TO some
future occasion.- The ceremonies then closed in
the Capital.
Inese swords were executed at PHILADELPHIA;
under the immediate direction Of Gen. Cadyallsder'
10 whose taste aud attention the Stale is already SO
much Indebted on siuilaT occasions. The sword
voted IN honor OF Capt John Richie has on it,
blade with variety OF emblems and inscrin,ions
View Of the Falls of Niagara near which he fell
= Inc DINER sword IN honor OF Capt. Andrew H.
Holmes, Is also decorated with emblems, inscrip.
lions, and View of Fort Michilimackinac.
The line was formed on the Capitol SQUARE by the
military CompsDies at IL, and sfter firing asaute
ihey dispersed to their respective places of dining:
Capt. Rulberfoord's Company OF AuilIstv. TO
CiIke's Spring. Capt Johnsion's COMPANY of
Light Infantry Blues. to Bucbanan's Spring with
'neT respective guess "A large patty of citizens
1,hso 81 hincheh's Spring; where Peter V. Daniel
Esq. presided, assisted by Messrs L. ~ Nicholas
aud Robert q. Scott as Vice Pfesidents.-A(ter
The cloth was removed, the following toasis were
given:
The Day we Celebrate MAY its sloriou.
associations annually Terminate our love OF Ii
betty.
2 The Patriots Of the Revolution Love and