The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-10-03
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS, SPY.
MILITARY.

On Saturday, the 18th ult the company of
Washington Fusiliers, under the command of
Capt. Daniel Hubbard, assembled at Holden
for the purpose of receiving Military Stand
ard from the ladies of West Boylston and H OIL
den The weather was remarkably fine, and
every thing conspired to heighten the gratiG-
cation which the scene inspired. The process
sion moved from the hall of Col. Samuel Da-
man, to the green near the common, and, after
appropriate and impressive prayer by the
Rev. John Walker, the standard was received
by Ensign Winslow Fairbank, from the hand of
Mrs. Sylvia Smith, accompanied by the follow
ing
ADDRESS.
ENSIGN FAIRBANK-We lament the necessi-
ty which cOmpels man to arm himself against
his fellow man, and cultivate the art of she'd
ding human blood, and our feelings recol at
seeing our brothers and nearest connexions
welding the implements of carnage. But ex-
perience shows that countrys freedom is the
price of blood, and its continuance secured only
by military strength. Although our own coun-
try, the wonder and terror of despots, has, for
half a century, been an asylum of liberty, and
at present enjoys the serenity of peace, still,
the cries of oppression are waited on every
transatlantic breeze, and the clang of the 1oGr
horn soon may reach our shores. The rest
less spirit of tyranny knows no bounds and the
yet be pointed at the heart of fair Columbia
1t is to you as soldiers that we look for protec-
ton, for which we can make no return but the
tribute of grateful hearts. In token of this,
and in behalf of the ladies' present, / now pre-
sent you this Standard. 1t is an ensign of lib
erty: it bears an impress of the price of blood
May the same patriotic spirit which first excit-
ed your exertions, and that unanimity which
has thus far marked your progress, ever prompt
o. Al, .x1,.l
of brothers. Whether at home or in the tent
cd field, may this excite you to courage, and
the performance of every duty; and may 1t
never be unfurled but in the cause of Justice
Should you be called by your country TO assert
her rights and draw tho sword in her defence,
our best wishes will attend you, and, should
you fight under this banner, let it wave tri-
umphant to the note of victory, or lie besprink-
led with your blood. Nav you prove worthy
of the profession in which you have engaged
and be assured of our sympathy in all its trials
Strive, individually, to initiate the example of
that departed hero whose name you collective
~ bear, and our country may safely entrust her
defence in your hands. May she long be ex-
empt from the tumults of war; and you finally
become soldiers in the kingdom of the Prince
of Peace.
REPLY.
! Mrs. SMIFH-While we regret that mental
depravity, which involves the human race in
the miseries of war, we take the most efficient
measures of averting the calamity by active
measures of defence To take the life of a
fellow being is, indeed, an act from which hu-
manty recoils, but the means must be taught
until the corruption of the human heart is dis
PEELED by burst of universal philanthrophy.
The liberty and independence of our country
we inherit by hereditary right: our fathers
paid the purchase with their blood, and it is
our duty to preserve il with our own. On us,
as soldiers, devovcs this important trust, and
We exult in the idea Of being considered guar
disns Of your snx, tire source Of every social