Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-02-28
Alh#aSs Al Ef.DHs9As
wrnNrsnAy MORNING, FEBRUARY %. 1927


- the military portion Of our citizens. The
fine Infantry company Of Independent Blues,
commanded ty Captain Thompson, hac pro-
cured a splendid Banner, emblema,ic Of the
Father Of bis Country and the little band OF Pa
,r;o,s who followed him across the Delaware
River. on the memorable night Of the 25th Of
Dec. l776, and Immediately preceding the de.
cisiye and all important battles OF Trenton and
Princeton. This flag, which we learn was de.
signed by member Of the Corps, and executed
by distinguished artist, was presented by Cap
tain Charles Mcknight, who formerly, Tor ma.
nv wears, and throughout the late war, com.
mapded the Company much to their satls'ac-
ton, as was evinced by the honorable duty I'm.
posed on him in the ceremony just mentioned.
The COMPANY, attended by several other Vo.
lunteer Corps, and Band OF Music, was drawn
up in from, of Captain Thompson's Quarters,
when Capt. Mcknight approached the centre,
and delivered the following address
Fellow soldiers! In accepting the high dis
,iuction which your Partially has conferred up
on me, am actualed by gratitude for the re-
pea,ed manifestations OF your esteem, and not
by the vain hope Of cIiciting your applause
I am aware Of my inability TO sustain the inter.
est of ceremony which you have anticipated
| with so much anxiety and becoming PRIDE: but
| could not resist an OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES the
last one-of assuring the Blues, that they still
| have INV fervent aspirations for their happiness
and fame.
Brief as the time may seem, it is now near
| twenty wears since we associated ourselves tor
the defence of our liberties; and my heart swelis
with pride when reflect, tina, during that long
period, the objects Of the association have been
constantly kept in view. and tha, no circum.
stance has taken place which could lessen our
confidence in one another, or raise blush on
the cheek Of the most scrupulous soldier.
| The era Of our existence is one that can never
be forgotten by Amerieans.3ktis marked bya
memorable historical Fact. While France and
England, reckless of their faith, and OF mutual
rights, sought 10 involve US in their struggles
for power, by sweeping our commerce from
the seas, and each throwing the blame on the
other, an incident occurred which filled the A.
merican people with indignation, and rallied
them around the standard Of their country.
allude to the wanton attack Of the Leopard
we HsH Is 5d s GShss s then
: vices TO the nation-It was then tina. we united
as independent Blues Though the storm wa,
, dispersed without war, it gathered again with
, ess haP?y consequences, and you were ready
20 meet them Upon every emergency you were
'oand al your post. From the commencement
10 the ermination Of the contest, your pecu.
mary interests were sacrificed at the shrine Of
your coun,ry's good, and when you were al.
lowed to meet her enemies, you proved your.
serves competent TO meet them again.
ny gentemanly department in the dis.
charge Of your duty, and jealous application
70 your military studies, you acquired disci.
pine ana reputation which have rarely been
exceiied, and which constituted your CORPS de.
slrable school for the citizen soldier. Here
you have seen mary valuable officers rise from
your ranks, and they are still proud TO acknow.
ledge their origin.
| Judging Of the future by the past, I confident.
| ~ look Tor continuance Of your reputation: and
l cannot doubt, that should our country again
| require your services, her call will be obeyed
WIN efficiency and promptness. Under these
Pieaslng impressions present you, on the birth
gay OIL Washington, Banner, bearing The like.
ness OF ahas Immortal patriot, and recording one
o. MS most brilliant and eyentful deeds. You
pee nim at The head Of his suffering division
~ inc act Of crossing the Delaware, on the nigh.
p,eeeoing Inc momentous battle Of Trenton
~O"'u "S hhoTe appropriate, lhaI
oat'ie, and the consequent victory at Princeton,
removed the melancholy gloom that had over.
spread the country, revived the despondinp ar.
my, and demonstrated the superiority of the
cHizen soldiers over the disciplined slaves of
an ambitious tyrant
Fellow soldiers, present you Just such a ban.
nef as ought 10 wave over the heads Of the
brave and the free. Take it-Hallow i,-ney.
er Iniurl il, but in just cause, and then the
god oil battles will aid you in its protection.
Ensign Runnells then received the Banner
under salute from Capt. Morse's Artillery, du.
ring which the Band played Washoglon's
March; and when the music and firing had
ceased, he replied in behalf Of the Company, as
follows:
~ olR:-In receiving from your hands this
banner, exhibiting on its surface, that emblem,
sacred to tie cause OF liberty, and grateful to
.se hearts OF freemen, I feel proudly conscious
VI 'ee nigh honour my fellow eountrvmen, have
conferred on me. Honours of this description
nave formed in ancien, as well as more modern
countries, the very Qchme of nnblic rssnect and