The native American., 1839-10-26

Il FORMED ulucI peculiar circumstances, anu al
time when we had many and serious obstacles to
contend with, public opinion opposed 10 us. diff
Iculties thrown in our way on every hand, and
tlevcn 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 yaur charge the company prospered and
increased beyond our most sangIine expectations
At lis meetings spirit Of mutual forbearance and
concession ruled-at its parades every man ielt
proud OF his company, and felt as If its honor
rested Oh hlm,-willing 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
disconntenanced; we know no party-we are
Amercans-embodied for the good of our com
mon cauniry-aud 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 ,rrong
| Your resignation of the command OF the Wash.
ing'on Light Infantry was received and accepted
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 III saying that confidence was
never more worthlly bestowed. The friendships
that have been formed between the members and
lyourself-the many happy hours spent together
i'll social enjoyment-the many pleasing associa-
tons connected with the corps-the several ex.
curslons taken by them under your command
and so much that is worthy Of remembrance con.
nccted Herewith, have all served to endear Won
to us.
| 1t is unnecessary for me to say that we parted
with reluctance with one who had gained the
love and esteem ofeyery member Of the corns.
In receiving your resignation the CORPS fall i
their duty, in consideration of the services Won
nave rendered them, to present you with some
small token 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 its members, and as testimony Of the
high estimation in which they held you as their
commander. May it serve to recall to 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-Itis with feelings of the deem
est gratitude that accept this handsome token
of the respect and esteem Of my fellow-soldiers.
The Washington Light Infantry has, by the pa
triotism and public spirit of its members attained
an eminence 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 a 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. 1t 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-
stituton and laws of our own making, and the
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-
vldual, and at the time of its formation was a
stranger 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 Oh inc right spirit are 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 snew Of the land. It is to this cass
OF citizens that our country must look in the hour
| OF peril lor lighting 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 to sus.
tain those free institutions which were established
by the wisdom, the patriotism, and the valor Of
| our fathers
Sir, am happy TO add my testimony to your
statement, that no political animosity has ever
made lis 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 opi-
mons yet they have always agreed together like
band of brothers, and it has always afforded me
the greatest pleasure TO notice the Kindness the
forbearance, and the affectionate attachment IN,
l. l..-, II