The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1847-01-16
Col. MONTAGUE :.


Never, on any occasion, have felt so much
embarrassed; | fear, sir, that cannot command
language sufficiently strong and impressive to ex
press my feelings. Born, sir, in land of Iiberiv
raised and cherished Virginian, and actuaied
in this conflict by no other motives but those of ;,
patriot, have thrown aside all other considera
tons, and embarked in this glorious cause This
Is. as you have so justly remarked. a Government.
the sovereignty of which abides 10 the people and
unlike the Governments of the Old Wor!j. where
men are forced by their rulers, to do duty in The
tented held; here every man, feeling as a free
man, leaps at once 10 his country's call TO pre
serve unsnIlied and untarnished her national char
acier. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
guarantee to every citizen equal rights and even
handed justice, giving TO all an equal chance of
Distinction, and leaving the path of honor open 10
all thus it is that whenever blow is made IN
arnish the one, or disgrace the oiher everv Gill
zen feels, at once. the necessity of their preserva
ton. Up to the present time the institutions of
our beloved couniry have been fostered and we
stand In the estimation Of the world as nation
admired and respected The war with the Pa
publIc OF Mexico WAS not of Onr seeking on the
contrary, every honorable proposition 10 an AMIGA
bic adjustment of our difficulties was made yes,
not until fobearauce ceased 10 be virtue. the
God of battle appealed 10, was the tucsin Of v ar
sounded. and the sword unsheathed from its scab
bard, IN vIndicatiUn of our country's rights
1t is not my design, if had the lime. To enter
into all the causes of the war suffice it to saw
The proper funclionarles of the land and the Gun .
siIinied authorities. the immediate Representa-
lives of the people, authorize and sustain it, and
II is now too late for any American citizen to in
qolre INTO The justice, injustice of it; and heart.
less is that man, who would not sustain his coun
try, right or wrong. ln compliance with reuui-
ton made by the President of the United States,
on the Governor of Virginia for Troons We hav
been successful in raising one Volunteer Company;
that, sir, have the honor TO command. and in
mat capacity, accept this beautiful Sword, &C
comPanled with the blessings and smiles of lovely,
charming woman. This would indeed. he an
honor at any time, but under the circumstances.
mold II more than an honor Armed as shall
ne win this weapon on the battle field, and hav-
ing at all times ndelibly impressed upon INV
MIND, The source from whence il came | should
indeed, be recreani to all that constitutes the ma
me patriot, and the soldier, were to dishonOr it
Sir, hold 1t dear, most dear, and as the repre-
sentative Of the dunor, Mrs. Doctor CotIrvs of
Washington City, | present you nv heart. fell
gratitude for the honor she has conferred upon mo .
tell her, sir, shall ever cherish and preserve il
as an invaluable gift, and whenever it is unsheath
ed in the battle field recollection that with il.
came the blessings Of lady Of my own native
Town, will cheer the on in the hour If conflict.
have, also, to request you, on your return
home, TO express to my worthy and highly esl.
mabe friend, Dr. WIN. Collins, my gratitude for
his kindness and 8ateriog mention of myself and
company; and 10 the distinguished member of
Inc Caoinet, the Hon. John Y. Mason, from VIZ.
glna' Tor the kind remembrance. for the hatteriny
notice ne has taken Of my Company. Breaches
there man with soul with soul 50 dead who IN
himself hath never said, This is my own, nv ma
tive land !"