Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-07-11

manner:
Goee'nor GGeS:-Thc occasion which has called us
together, IS of ordinary interest. 1t is emiueDty
calculated TO excite the feelings patriotism
ana appeals most forciby the finest sensbiles of
! The heart.
Nhen we were engaged in war, with one of the most
powerful and warlibc nations of the EARTH Mr.. An
drew Hunter Holiness young man of talents. then
I'D the practice OF lucrative profession, with the
ua'teFng prospects OF success, reused by OF
me wrongs done TO his country, aud the dangers to
which she was exposed, determined abandon the
Ploymeuts of peace, for the honorable, but peri
ious career ofarms. lie obtained command in ouT
army. Ardent III his chracter, einulous of military
glory, he embarked with his whole soul in the conflict,
and resolved TO stake his fame and his life issue.
distinguished by his vaIor and his enterprise he
yea every opportunity TO meet The enemy and to him
the post OF danger was ever the post Of honor His
career though short brilliant His pTumotnn
was rapid, aud he babe fair TO attain the highest
donors Of bis profession. But Heaven decreed If
therwise! In the last battle in which he engaged,
he fell whilst galRntly leading his to the attack
cheering them by bis words and his example.
In receiving this sword for Governor Holmes, whiisr
sensible OF the honor conferred in being selec
ted as his agent, my mind ia Impressed by mixed
sentiment ot pleasure and regret. Pleasure that
can assist IN do honor 10 the deceased,
and sorrow, that the gallant and high minded Holmes,
dad not survive to receive this richest reward of pat
riot soldier. Alas! that the laurel which adorns this
proud trophy of peoples gratitude, should be
| mingled with cypress wreath.
| The loss OF such is irreparable. That his
friends should mourn over his bhghted prospects Is
natural. Bnt grieis aleva;ed by the reflection that
he has tailcn the bed ofhonor fighting for the rights
and interest Of bis country, and that memory is
cherished by nations gratitude, and enbaH,ed 10
uatioH's tears.
The day selected by yon, sir perform this touch
ing ceremonial, IL Bost appropriate. What Ct
time could have been chosen, than the day dear 10
/ free men, the Anniversary of independence, 10
commemorate an act OF heroic dGvoedness beo-
we'd country: What better calculated 10 do horror
the expression OF the will o. the Legislatures or 10 bold
ont 10 the chValrous you'll: of country, a shining
example? What more Cnngenal with the feelings of
the friends of the iamented Holmes?
shall avail myself OF the earliest opportunity 10
deliver to Governor Holmes, this precious gilt of
his native state, md his known and well tried prnci-
pies and character afford tie surcsi guarantees, that
this sword, the reward ofhcroic achievement and cur
sPcrated By the blood OF beloved brother, will
be used either by himself others whom he may
besiow it, but i'll defence of the public liberty.
az" particularly directed by Governor Holmes, 10
request cf you sr, to the Legislature,
bis grateful sense Of the honor done tire memory OF
Eb deceased brother, ard Ia himself
! Permit 10 add, that If any thing could enhance
that honor, il would be the very feeling aud impress
sive in which the Intentions of the Leg slaiure
have been carried into effect by the Chief hlags-
trate OF this Co'nonw eaith himself! OF her
distinguished citizens, vino hns filed the highest Offices
with 50 much credit To himself, and utility
lis country.