Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-07-19

AAA VI AAG
passed over TO the nearest male relative o.
the late gallant Major Holmes, and ] trust
he will derive a consolation from seeing in this
act of the General Assembly towards his de-
parted relative, that whilst the patriot hero is
no more, his vigorous deeds win forever remain
fresh in the recollection OF his sffectlonate and
applauding codhtry-
ii, NICHOLAS replied in the following i'm
p~ressive manuel:
GoVerrlor G1ss-The occasion which has
called US together, is Of no ordinary interest,"
It is eminen,ly calculated to excite the warmest
feelings of patriotism, and appeals most forci-
bly, to the finest sensibilities Of the heart.
When we were engaged in war, with the
most powerful and warlike nations on earth,
Mr.. Andrew Hunter Holmes, a young man OF
talents, then in the practice OF a lucrative pro.
fession, with the most ffattering prospects OF
success, reused by a sense OF the wrongs done
IN his country. and the dangers to which she
was exnosed. determined to abandon the EN-.
nloymen,s of peace, for the honorable, but
more perilous career of arms. He obtained a
command in our army. Ardent IN his charac
ter. enulous Of military glory, ne embarked
with his whole soul in the conflict, and resolved
IN stake his fame and his life on its issue. Dis
tinguished by his valor and his enterprise, he
cour,ed every opportunity to meet the enemy,
and to him the post Of danger was ever the
most of honor. His career though short, was
brilliant. His promotion was rapid, and he
bade fair to a in the highest honors of his
profession TX Heaven decreed it otherwise!
In the last battle in which be was engaged, he
fell whilst CALAMITY leading his men to the at.
tack, cheering them by his words and his ex-
ample.
In receiving tthk sword for Governor Holmes.
whilst sensible OF the honor conferred on me,
in being selected as his agent, my mind is I'm.
pressed by a mixed sentiment OF pleasure and
regret. Pleasure, that | can assist IN any man
ner to do honor to the deceased. and sorrow,
that the gallant and high.minded Holmes, did
not survive to receive this richest reward OF
a patriot soldier. Alas! that the laurel which
adorns this proudtrophy Of q peoples graft.
tude, should be comingled with a cypress
wreath.
The loss of such a man is irreparable. That
his friends should mourn over his blighted pros
poets IS natural. But grief is alleviated by the
reflection, that he has fallen on the bed of
honor, fighting for the rights and interests of
his country, and that his memory is cherished
by a nations gratitude, and embalmed in a ma
tons tears.
The day selected by you, sir, TO perform
this touching ceremonial, IS most appropriate.
What more fit time could have been chosen,
than the day dear to freemen, the Anntversa-
ry of our Independence, to commemorate an
act of heroic devotednessto our beloved coun-
try! What better calculated to do honor to
the expression of the viii OF the Legislature,
or to hold out to the chiyalrous youth of our
country, a shining example, What more con:
genial with the feelings of the friends OF the
lamented Holmesl
l shall avail myself Of the earliest opportuni-
ty to deliver to Governor Holmes. this precious
gift of his native state. and his known and
well tried principles and character, afford the
suresr guarantees, that this sword, the reward
of heroic achievements, and consecrated by
the blood of a beloved brother, will never be
used either by himself, or Oilers on whom be
may bes,Ow it. but in dsfncs of the public
liberty.
am particularly directed b sGoy. Holmes, to
request of you, sir, to commdmcRe to the
Legislature, bis grateful sense of We honor
done to the memory Of his deceased brother,
and to himself.
Permit me TO add. that IL any thing could
enhance that honor, it would be the very feeling
and impressive manner, in which the intentions
of the Legislature have been carried into eff
feet, by the Chief Magistrate of this Common
wealth, himself. one of her most distinguished
citizens, who has filed the highest Offices with
SO much credit to himself, and SO much utility
to his country.