The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-08-09
Sword Prasentation.

Sword Presentation
Yesterday was as proud a day for Gen Persifor
f. Smith, and one that viii be as long remembered
by him. as that on which he was publicly received
with 50 many demonstrations of respect and affee-
ton by his fellow-citizens of New Orleans, Our
last Legislature it win be recolleeted, duly appre
ciating the valuable services of Gen. Smith, rem
dered to his country, and the lustre he had shed
upon our State, by his chivalrous conduct, voted
him beautiful sword and this token of the popu-
lar feeling towards the hero was yesterday pre-
sented to him, by Gov. Isaac johnson, in the pres
ence of large number of officers and citizens. At
about O'Clock, procession was formed at the
State House, under the direction of Col. Pallrey,
and preceded by fine band Of music, marched to
Armory Hall, where the presentation took place.
Among 10 officers present at the Hall, noticed
Generals Brooke, Lacoste, and Augustn; Colonel
Labuzane8sc.; Major Whiting, besides General
Smith and large number of other military
gentlemen who took lively interest in the cere-
.mony. The sword has already been described by
the different papers of the city. 1t is of Roman
shape, the scabbard of gold richly chased, and
bearing the simple inscription To the hero of
Contreras" Soon after the procession arrived in
the Hall, Gov. Johnson stepped forth upon the plat
form and addressed Gen. Smith as follows:
GenSrql- Although not soldier by profession your in
stnC led you to study and contemplate a noble
occupation when waged in defence of national honor and
the rights of the peoples and in relation to the Mexican
the world knows that craven doubt of It's Justice and
ceSsty, trucking alterhOught could for chill
the ardor of yonr patriotism. am aware General that
aeprOne to tell their presentmen and predictions after
rather than before the happening of but in good
truth never had stronger proof that mans destiny often
turns on the decson OF moment Ihan on that memorable
I'd of May, 1876 when in the early morning Fastening to
my residence y9n were e JSL refralt az 7mSrca 70 an
tcipate the Startling call winch proclaimed h0sttes on the
Rio Grande. At that brief interview which, Difference
to the wishes OF the experienced and head of the
Army Of pccupatq9 and 10 ths convictions OF my own
Judgment let add resulted, albeit without the authority
of law, in your appointment to command the Brigade Of
LOUISIANA FquheeIs can never forget the emotions you
betrayed the mete OF nature, transported with the
uttered but few words but the homage Of look stronger
than language, plainly revealed how intensely you felt
only boon for which you had woosd her with constant eyo
ton with this vantage ground, under the inspiring action of
the Legislature became the life
military movement which dtfused spirit with the
sumbe of peaceful epOse a lively but stern sense of pa
roc duty From this time your State watched your
with confidence which has been than justified by your
conduct and with jealous sympathy that would have
dehed any attempt TO do you injustice. And now, General
after the lapse of more than evenu years recognize in
that first recruit the guard not OF shattered and dcOn
fitted army but OF an army IN the mea time formed
quer in every hed-O fill the world with the fame Of its
achievements, and finally dictate generous peace to
the poweress enemy in his capital, when sessed the
power to declare the extinction OF the national existence
Of Mexico What more sir, remains TO be SAID in your
praise will refuse for you the poetry Of the Imagination
ana appeal to the sober OF men TO supply the
menay that for you tulIness Offame that falls
to the lot OF but few The part have played this
grand Mexican damano deracuon can darken and stu
died euOgy OF mine brighten the world standS
bold relief from the military horizon that bounded yOur opera
onS ana speaks or ITSELF II mas passed INTO hlstoy-has
been engaven on the and embamed in the heart of
an adminng and grateful country. From the picturesque
scenery of Monterey 10 the romantic temples of the Monte
zumas and from thence your beloved louisiana an
sponsbe ciy well as military capacities, attest your merits
and establish your enowni True sir your exploits have
been baZoned in hot haste and with meCs accuracy by the
partial pen of anxious friends you let them
caun tnelL own epcs ana 10 th your modeSy and good
strategy the battle field The empire of Mexico presented
an ample field Of glory to the ambition Of the army of heroes
engaged in It's conquest The harve has been great all
and happily there's Involvement to be ungente lay
claim to laure for yOu which egitmaey belong 10 Others
am therefore, well pleased that this day am officially
associated with an event interesting in the annals Of the
people for the honos you have won her and for the s you
have so largely contributed TO shed on American arms
come now, General in conclusion the point and am
authorized to say for gaany and exalted pa.
tnOsmOr signal services rendered in the with Mexico
and especially for able skitu and gallant conduct the
battle OF Contreas this sword has been manufactured, and
by the Legislature directed to be presented the Hero of Con
ts III ule name OF he people ana state OF Louisiana.
No one fail to be pleased with the beauty and novelty of
the inscription the blade intends with matches dehcaGy
that shall be delivered to the vetabe Hero of Contreras
tons and ia the presence OF these enlightened witnesses,
tender the beautiful present Impartial history and the free
consenung voice OF twenty million OF your COuntrymen
ty and approve the act.
Gen. Smith appeared deeply affected, and his
emotion rendered his reply almost inaudible We
c,.ii not therefore do him the injustice to attempt
b aive his language That portion of it which we
head, marked by a lively feeling of gratitude
at receiving this renewed demonstration of the love
o: his fellow citizens, and this seemed but poorly
~ DCrtray the emotions of his heart. The ceremony
sa1c Ighout, was one of the most interesting we
:. e ever witnessed, and at its conclusion. Gen.
Smith was escorted back to the st. Charles Hotel.
where the procession broke up.