The Democratic Whig. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1842-1843, 1843-08-17
Ve:y respectfully yours,
JOS. q. COBB.
CoLUMBUs RIFLEMFNs ANNIYERsARY

their last anniversary on the 9th inst, at the
Choctaw Springs, where they were sumptuous-
Iy entertained with a, dinner, given in compli.
ment to them by the citizens Of that neighbor-
hood
On the 18th medal was shot for, which was
presented By Mr.. J. d. Montgomery, member
of the corps to be awarded to the individual,
who should make the three best average shots.
Mr.. Henry Dickinson. DR.. Smith, and Mr. Jos.
B.Cobb, were selected as judges to decide upon
measurement of the shots to whom the medal
should be awarded.
After the firing was concluded, and the diff
ferent shots were examined, they determined
that AdolPhns G. Weir, Esq, had made the
three best average shots and that the medal
should accordingly be awarded to him. ..
Upon the presentat ion of the medal, Mr.. II.
Dickinson made the following address:
Nh. wE,R:-
The gentlemen, who have been appointed
Judges of the shooting, have decided that you,
having made the best three shots are entitled to
the prize, gold medal. which has been presen-
ted by Mr-J. D. Montgomery, one ofyour corps,
to be awarded to the most skilfhi marksman. 1t
have no doubt you viii value it highly; and from
the liberal spirit, which prevails in your, Com
pany and the generous character of emulation,
which distinguishes lis members, am sure that
your competitors are as highly grati6ed as your
SELF This medal, as beautiful as it is. you will
prize not SO much for its intrinsic value, as for
its connection with scenes, and associations, to
which in after times you will recur as constitu-
ting some of the happiest passages of your life.
The variable state ofthe weather, to day, at one
time lighted up with. a gay and cheerful SUM
shine, diffusing its gladstone influence over the
spirits ofall present, at another, lowering with
dark and sombFe clouds, occasionally emptying
themselves in torrents of rain, present not an
inapt illustration of the vcssitu6cs Of life; and
however checkered may be your future course,
whether borne lightly on the wings Offortnne,
or struggling under the tOilsome load Of adver-
sity it will be % suck occasions dis. 1hnt the
mind will revert with feelings Of most pleasure
to scenes. when we have turned aside from the
cares of life, the excitement of politics and the
tumult of the world and in the fun spirit of en-
ioyment haze assembled to spend short period
in social and friendly intercourse Such scenes
are the brightest spot in our existence.
Gentlemen, the inequalities, which have
been extended by the citizens of this neighbor-
hood to the columbus Rifemen' on this coca
sios whilst they evince their own liberality, fur.
nis1 the best evidence Of the estimation in which
you are held as gentlemen and citizen soldiers.
In bestowing upon you this manifestation of
their. respect. they have displayed a spirit of
generous hospitality, which reflects . high de-
gree of credit upon themselves. 81
You are now celebrating the sixth anniyersa-
ry of :his Volunteer Corps; and this is not the
first instance in which your fellow citizens have
borne testimonyfo the mefitmfich has distin-
guished you. The high state of your military
training, the strict regard which you have uni
formly manifested for the rules by which you
ere governed, and your rigid Observance of
military discipline throughout so long period.
whilst they furnish the highest evidence of the
qualifications and spirit which distinguish your
officers. give the best assurance Of the perma-
nency of your existence. In addition to these
marks of distinction. which you have received
from your fellow citizens, you have on this oc>
casion the approving smiles of your fair country
romen, and auI sure from the spirit of gallan>
try. which is always inseparably connected with
bFiaverp. that YOU well know how to appreciate
this distinguished compliment. Some few years
since hadthe honor of presenting TO you IN bee
half of the citizens of Colunlbnss the beautiful
! Gag, which is now waving over your ranks, ana
the pledge which your gallant captain tfen gave:
fhat YOU would defend il win your honor and
vour lives. we are confident will never be for
| faited. For your high and chivalrpns bearing
- citizens and soldiers afford us the strongest
assurance that you viii be true to yourselves
your flag. and your country.
Mr.. Weir replied in the following brief re-
marks:
In receiving the medal, which you have
been selected to hand to me, take the occa-
sion to express for the company and myseiL ouf
qualification at the highly complimentary ana
handsome terms, in which you have Deen peas
ed 10 sneak of our efforts TO qualify ourselves
| - discharge the duty we owe our country as
citizen soldiers. IL our own sense OF the oph-
ration. which every patriot is under 70 De pre-
Jared on all occasions to defend his country 9
riCbts or redress her wrongs, bad stood N need
ofadaifional motives to stimulate MS TO qualiiy
orrealpes in time of peace to be her protectors
II war. the marked respec and distinction. WIN
which our fellow citizens have repaid our nuIl-
/ .hla exeFtlons, would be amply sufficient 70 az
| ford that stimulus.
Won. sir. correctly portray my pnlotlons,
,'sr xs,lI saw that ii times to come shal re-
100 3, thfsae scenes az constituting some ofthe
,.saat agreeable passages Of my lite Yes Hlr.
| Il u5;ll He with no ordinary gratlhcatlon thar
sl,al racsll che pleasure, which have derived
f.,. v,v association with The members OF this
..,,s,,r M occasions like this. an 1joynenf
49, -. heen Inarred bv one solitary p1-
IN the eaclaI and hian
s II fers6hrss nf this band of bIut hers