Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-25
General Peter D. Porter of tie New York Volunteer
Reply of Commodore Thos. Up. c. Joncs.

Repiy of Commodore Thos. 7p {. JonoS
GovERsoR-The highest reward the patriot wlrrlo
can desire is his countrys appreciation
IT, then, amid wars desolation, when duty prompt:
and hope animates such demonstrations we no~
called 10 witness are freely offered in the fu h and
pride of victory, how much honorable, not t, "c
recpic mt than TO the from which they enlanatr
are such spontaneous Tributes rendered as II were ~
another generation freed from wars alarms, deliberate
IL ratifying with flla pride, the judgment Of fathers
formed in the days of national triumph.
To me- this presentation conveys solace which none
but those who have mingled in battles unsuccessful
strife can we'll appreciate. Unlike my compatriois N
war, who stand before you, my dearest efforts
were not crowned with rietory. Nevertheless ! an
not without reward. Independent of this 'nesma-
BILE SYMBOL which it shall be my constant care through
cs remnant to preserve unsullied as receive 4,
the presence Of this distinguished assemblage and
pecally the approving smiles Of many Of virginia
fair daughters would be recompense most ample ci
all that have done suffered in opposing the ioe,
whose watch-word at the gates Of one OF the iIes'
and richest cities of our beloved Union, "BfAtTi
and BooTY"
1t is, therefore, Sir, that in receiving this sword,
regard II not more as mark OF appreciation Tor 'hr
part bore in the scenes richly inscribed upon Y,
than pledge on my part for renewed and increasing
devotion to my country and to her cause, long .
that cause shall be Liberty and Union.
And when in Natures rapid course, the hand w'ci
receives the glittering blade shall no longer y
able TO strike for Liberty and Virginia,
''Thc land Of the free and the home OF tie brave,
it shall pass my sons care with the prayer Of tsr
father that it may never be drawn but in Freedom
cause; and when so drawn, it may never be seatI'-
while tyrant foe remains nnconqucrcd
| Could any thing, Governor, increase the obligation
already imposed me by the vote of the Legislature
of my native State, supe1added 10 that solemn onta y
which, than five and thirty years ago, II I''-a
Heavens sight, and in view of this Capitol, so@'-
fidelity the Constitution and faithful service . ny
country, it would be found in the highly compliment
nv manner in which your Excellcncy has tins rncmo'
able day-a day dear TO all who love liberty ard
revere the name Of WAsuIsGToS-discharg the iF"'
enjoned you by the resolutions to which you nave
just adverted.
Accept then, pray you, Sir, for yourself, ior w.
General Assembly of Virginia, and for the good -
pie of this Commonwealth, the grateful ackno~ leg
ments and thanks of your and their faithful servant
~ y ~ THO. AP CATEsBY JONES,
Resolution roting n s,rord to Hugh Nelson Page.
Agree! Ia 5y both Houses, March s. 1891. ),
ReSoired unanimously 0y me General .fSS'"2'g J.
Yucnia, That the Governor be requested 10 pfocu's
a sword ornamentcd with devices embcmaiica! ~ w.
brilliant rietorg obtained Lake Erie by he mara oTf"
Of the q. s., undcr the command Of Commodore f~'s.
orcr those of Great Britain, under The command u ~
Barcay, and present the same 10 Hugh Nelson FHs'
in the name of the General Assembly, as tr'04it .
its high appreciation Of The raior displayed by htm 2" e.
occasion.
Reply Of Captain Page.
/ In receiving ut your hands, the sword voted 70 ~
by the Legislature of my native State, be assured :
deeply feel the debt Of gratitude owe and e'r ga
to that land which gave birth, and whose mono
and prosperity it shall ever be ,ny pride and pleasure
to defend
That my dear Old Virginia should think that NY
feeble efforts have assisted in any manner, to exam -
already high character, is more than | can snPpos
can assure her, however, that she will never ma y
wanting, when my services may be called INTO fef'''
ton. Ks.
Accept Governor, the thanks Of VirginIan ~ ~
manner you have executed the duty assigned 70 !ol
duty which, no doubt, has been agreeable y !o''
as important 10 me.
Resolution rot;ne s,eord 10 r. IT. Bell, Esq late t's
. tain IN the .4rmy Of Mc uaited Sates
Agreed by both Houses, February , l-.-' #, I,
RESOLVED, unanimously, by HE Goaer0t !sSe"' !,
Virginia, That the Governor be- and he IS here
quesed to present TO X. H. Bell, a citizen Of I"@"'
late Captain in The .lrmyof The United States, s"
,cih suitable dcrees testimony Of the hgh s". t
fertaiafd by The Legislature Of Mis Comnonnt"''a :
his gaiianry and good conduct in The battles H.
Field, Forty Nile Greek and Lyons creeh ana y
patriotic services generally, during The he 'r-'
Great Britain.
Reply of M Gresery OF behalf Of the heirs q eGf'
Bell. .4
Your ExcELLExcy-C Circumstances have 0'' -,
upon me the duty Of receiving at your nan" ~. 4.
sword which years since was fotea - =.
H. Bell, by the Legislature Of his native s'".s
greet that this duty has deyolyed upon me- ~
ciay the cause which has induced u. ~ - Me
of the duty which have undertaken, beg iea'e Ca,
name and behalf of the widow and ch'loie v.n,d
: Bell, to return to common State theif u"''