Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-11
RICHMOND, MARCH IL.
TRIBUTE TO rHe BRAyE,

vi uie gay OF the Adjournment OF the Leglsia-
ture Ctne list inst) an honorary sword, which had
been voted 70 Capt. Henley of the Navy, was de-
llvered TO his friend Mr.. Holt, Speaker of the Sc
nate, by the Governor of the Commonwealth
The scene took place in the Council Chamber, in
presence OF the Executive Council, and Several
members of the Legislatures, and Citizens Mr.
Holt was prevented by indisposition from attend
mn on the last 9TH OF July, when the prescnta-
ton OF swords was made in the Capitol. The fol-
lowing is copy of the Governors Address upon
the occasion, and Mr.. Hollis reply:
.Hr. JJm. c. Holt.
SIR-in compliance with a resolution OF the Ge-
neral Assembly of Virginia, it has become my du-
ty 10 present to you, sir, as the representative of
the gallant Captain Robert Henley, sword in COM
memoraton OF g his signal and important services,
rendered in the engagement, and capture of the
British fleet on Lake Champain.''
Highly approving OF this act ofthe General AS
senbly and deeply participating in the feelings,
which must have dictated il, take great pleasure
in performing the duty assigned me by the reso-
luton.
WhilstI conceive this public commemoration
offers but just tribute TO the merits of Captain
Henley, it holds forth to all patriotic defenders
OF their country, the most appropriate incentives
10 emulate s. his signal and important services rem
dered IN battle affords at the same time a
mother striking example, to falsify the common
calumny OF ngratitudc, proverbially urged against
republics.
No! The Virginian republic can never be I'M
grateful The representative principle, founded on
the natural rights of man, first in the written
constitution oil Virginia, has radically changed the
whole structure and character of Republics s.
endered modern republics, certainly the Virgini-
an Republic, las renowned Tor gratitude towards their
most meritorous citizens, as were the republics of
old, proverbial for their ngratude tow ards theirs
Virginia prdes herself too highly upon the many
vaorous deeds of her sons, not TO keep their hero
&c authors in affectionate remembrance.
Deeply impressed with these sentiments, I now
present to you, sir, this sword in behalf of the
n Of hn
the gallant Captain Henley; and | sincerely pray,
that he may long live to wear this honorable en-
blem OF his former heroic achievements, in the
service of his country and if unfortunately future
occasions should call it into action, he may render
it still brighter, BY glorious emulation to outstrip
even his own former valorous deeds in arms.
MIR. HOLT'S ADDRESS.
Governor Giles:
The official dn,ies of Capt. Henley, depriving
him of the pleasure of appearing here, in person,
he has done me the honor TO select me, as his re-
preventative this occasion. In his name sir,
| accept this sword. He has instructed me to
express to you his profound acknowledgements for
this signal evidence of the appreciation Of his ma
tive State.
| cannot permit, sir, the relation in which I
stand to Captain Henley, TO restrain me from brief
iy adverting to the splendid achievement which
prompted the General Assembly to bestow upon
him this honorable mark of their favorable consi-
deraiion.
The ever memorable battle of the IIth Septem-
Ger 1914, IN which it the good fortune OF
Captain Henley to sustain so conspicuous part,
was one oil the most brilliant in our naval annals.
a tlotiila, superiour to ours in number of vessels,
IN men, and in guns, aided by the presence, coun-
tenance and support of powerful army: an army
composed OF veterans who had conquered in
france, Spain, Portugal and The Indies. and led by
the Governor General of the Canadas: this Flotila
commanded by the gallant Downie, and manned by
brave crew approached, with a favorable breeze,
and under press OF sail, little squadron,
oh in ftnaN 1f-s Il IDl-.4-
easy and complete victory. Every preparation was
made by our skilful and intrepid officers to give
them warm reception. The shock was terrible
the conflict, though short, was desperate and san
g'unary. But neither disciplined valor, nor supe-
riolty OF numbers could avail against the indomi-
table spirit OF treemcn. Decatur, Hull, Perry.
cambridge, Warrington, Porter and Jones' had
dissolved the charm Of British nyincibilty on the
Ocean.
II was the enviable lot Of CAPTAIN Henley TO
witness the proud flag of England cover before
the victorious banner Ofour confederate Republic
Sir, this Sword richly, amply, compensaes him,
for the tolls and the pcriis Of that day.
The ingratude Of Republics has been fruitful
theme OF defamation for the mnions and parasites
OF monarchy, in all ages. But sir this foul stain
furnishes not the escutcheon Of the Republics of this
Western World
Was the universal burst Of enthusiasm which
greeted the noble, the generous, the chivalrous,
the umyalled La Fayetie--were the distinguish
ed honors accorded to him every where during
his tour throughout the regions of this vast con
tedcracy, were these evidences of the ingrattudc
OF Republics! Sir, is this and other swords the
spontaneous offerings of Virginia to her patriot
warriors, proof of the ingratitude Of Republics!
Sir, am charged by my friend to repel this base
and gratuitous SANDER.
shall seize sir the earliest opportunity TO place
in the hands of Capt. Henley this invaluable esd-
nonla; this appropriate incentive" 70 noble and
" valorous deeds.'
feel perfectly convinced, sir, that it will ne
yer DC unsheathed except in defence Of the rights,
the interests, and Che glory of his beloved
country.
Allow to add, sir, that I viii convey to
! Captain Henley, as well as language can d. so.
my deep sense OF the very eloquent and impressive
manner in which you, as the Chief Magistrate Of
the Commonwealth, have discharged The duty inn
posed on you by her phFioGc aud enlightened Lee
gslature.
JACK Cf.-,,S IVEp A-rr7pr-