The native American., 1839-10-26

Il fOrnlcu unucI peculiar circumstances anu al q
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
ffeven 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 sangune expectations
Att lis meetings spirit Of mutual forbearance and
concession rnled-at its parades every man ielt
proud OF his company, and felt as If its. honor
rested OH him,-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.
4 As company all political or party feelings are
discountenanced; we know no party-we are
Americans--embodied for the good of our com
mon country-and should she require our services.
you will sec our banner unfured to the breeze.
sour country" will be our watchword, and in
the foremost rank you will find us fighting for ler
cause, right or acrong.
1 Your resignation Of the command Of the Wash
ing on Light Infantry was received and accepted
by the corps with deep regret. Elected 10 the
command at its first organization, enjoying the
confidence OF It's members to an unlimited extent.
/ | feel proud in saying that confidence was
never more worthily bestowed The friendships
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 sever,l ~.
cursions taken by them under your command
and SO much that is worthy Of remembrance con.
nected Herewith, have all served to endear vou
/ to u.s.
| 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 fell il
their duty, IN consideration Of the services YOU
have rendered them, to present YOU with soma
small token as an evidence of their esteem,
| now have the honor Of CARVING onr tba;r
wishes, by presenting you in their name this cun.
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
fantry, 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-solders.
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-
stltutlon and laws of our own making, and the
success of the company made to depend upon
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 few years since, an obscure indi-
vidua, and at the time of its formation was
strlger to most of its members. | accepted the
command with reluctance, fearing that nv want
OF military knowledge and experience might have
an untavorable effect upon the interest of the
corps The event has proven, sir, that when
noh VI VIC SHt SPlfit are associated together for
| the accomplishment of a laudable object. M oh
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 cltlzens that our country must look in the hour
lof peril Tor lighting men--those who can endure
the hardshps 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 sns.
tain those free institutions which were established
by the wisdom, the patriotism, and the valor of
our fathers.
i 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 OPT
Mons; yet they have always agreed together liz
band Of brothers, and it has always afforded ma
the greatest pleasure to notice the kindness. the
forbearance, and the a1ectionate attachment IN,
has tn N