The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-10-26

/ Il
time when we had many and serious obstacles to
contend with, public opinion opposed 10 us. diff
culties thrown in our way on every hand, and
feyen by those who should have been the first to
| help us forward it would not have been matter
| OF much surprise if our existence had been brief
indeed but we were fortunate in selecting one
SO well qualified in every respect as yourself to
take command Of the corps.
! Under your charge the company prospered and
increased beyond our most sanguine expectations.
AT lis meetings spirit Of mutual forbearance and
concession rued-at its parades every man ielt
proud OF his company, and felt as If its. honor
rested on him,-wng and prompt to obey the
orders of their commander, they soon acquired
that knowledge Of military tactics that has SO Of
Ten since won for them proud name, and given
character and standing to the corps.
AS company all political or party feelings are
discounenanced; we know no party-we are
Americans-emhodicd for the good of our com
mon cauniry-and should she require our services.
| you will sec our banner unfurled to the breeze.
sour country" will be our watchword, and in
the foremost rank you will find us fighting for her
cause, right or arong.
| Your resignation of the command OF the Wash
ingon Light Infantry was received and accepted
a by the corps with deep regret Elected to the
command at It's first organization, enjoying the
confidence OF its members to an unlimited extent,
/ feel proud i'll saying that confidence was
never more worthily bestowed. The friendsbins
that have been formed between the members and
yourself-the many happy hours spent together
IN social enjoyment-the many pleasing associa-
tons connected with the corps-the several az.
curslons taken by them under your command
and so much that is worthy Of remembrance con.
nected Herewith, have all served to endear Won
to us.
It is unnecessary for me to say that we parted
with reluctance with one who had gained the
love and esteem Of every member of the CORPS.
In receiving your resignation the corps felt it
their duty, in consideration Of the services YOU
have rendered them, to present YOU with some
small token as an evidence Of their esteem.
now have the honor Of CARRYING our their
wishes, by presenting you in their name this Gun.
You will be pleased to accept it, as the free will
offering OF It's members, and as testimony Of the
high estimation in which they held YOU as their
commander. May it serve to recall 10 your me-
mory in after years the Washington Light In
tantry, and all that is worthy of remembrance
connected with the corps Accept our warmest
wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity,
and may the choicest blessings Of Providence be
your portion through life.
To which Capt. Blake replied:
Capt. France-It is with feelings of the deem.
est gratitude that | accept this handsome token
of the respect and esteem Of my feow-soldiers.
The Washington Light Infantry has, by the pa
triotism and public spirit of its members, attained
an emlnence which few associations in this or
any other city in our country has ever arrived at
Public opinion at the time Of its formation was
decidedly opposed to the militia system, and at
that time the strongest demonstration had been
made OF determination to put down all attempts
to sustain military spirit in the community.
The difficulties of which you speak, and with
which we had to contend, are attributable to that
cause It is well known to you sir. that this
company was formed and its members associated
together upon principles strictly democratic
There was no militia law in force at the time. and
although we did conform to all the forms usual
in establishing an independent military COMPANY.
we were and ever have been governed by con-
stltution and laws Of our own making. and the
success of the company made to depend mon
the public spirit of its members.
Sir, the credit of raising and establishing this
company is not to be given to me. came to
THIS city but lew years since, an obscure indi-
vdual, and at the time of its formation was
! str9lger to most of its members. accepted the
command with reluctance, fearing that nv want
OF military knowledge and experience might have
an unfavorable effect upon the interest of the
corps. The event has proven, sir, that when
men OF the right spirit associated together for
the accomplishment of laudable object, no OBJ
stacles can prevent their success. This company.
sir, is composed of what may be Justly termed
the bone and sinew Of the land. 1t is to this class
Of cltzens that our country must look in the hour
| OF peril ior hghtlng men--those who can endure
the hardships and submit to the privations of the
camp and OF the field battle; and have no doubt
that SHOULD our country require your services.
you will most cheerfully obey her CALL and show
by your actions that you are determined 70 sus.
tain those free institutions which were established
by the wisdom, the patriotism, and the yalor of
our fathers.
Sir, am happy TO add my testimony to your
statement, that no political animosity has ever
made It's appearance in this company, although
you have some Of both the great contending par
ties amongst you, who are bold in asserting, and
strenuous in maintaining their principles and OPT
mons; yet they have always agreed together like
a band Of brothers, and it has always afforded ma
the greatest pleasure 70 notice the kindness, the
forbearance, and the aifectionate attachment th,,