The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-29

The hatcher Free Trader of the 9th contains long
account of the formal presentation OF the sword voted by
Congress to Gen Quman, for his noble conduct at the
sormng of Monterey The sword was pre- ented TO Cen
Qnitman by Capt J. S Johnston, of Jefferson county,
Miss the ID inst, IN the courthouse at Natchez IN
the presence of large concoursc OF persons The Free
Trader says at interesting scene, and deeply
affected the numerous friends present OF the citizen SOL
der" On delivering the sword to Gen Quitman, Capt
Johnston addressed him in eloquent and impressive terms
reviewing his gallant career and dwelling on bis brll
liant achievements in the bae-heds OF Mexico. In
clusion, Capt. Johnston SAID
To magnanirnous mind like yolrs, General, the
seriousness OF having done duty and whole duty
to your country, ia the hour OF her trial and danger, Is
alone and Itself a-sullicient reward. The patriot
claims equivalent demands satisfaction, PEN
him for the sacrifices and suferlngs he endures in his
counys defence But sir while grateful and approving
government poers you recard for patriotic de-
votion, public authorities have rghdy respected the
popular WILL and hIy reflected the national and
appreciation your eminent services by voting you,
compliment, this superb and elegant sword
In their name, therefore, and on their behalf deputed
thereto, present you this beautiful and opposite
token nations gratitude. In receiving from me-
their humble organ this delicate and sacred have
already gwen the best and pledge, by your deeds
you will suffer the slightest Of dsbonor
arns the unsued surface Of It's pure and polished blade
and that you will be ready it, and, need be-
flesh in defence OF the nations rights, whenever for
cgn IS 10 D" fepeie'' OF an n''ieh' enemy
accept it. them General the gt of the American peo
pie, and like the giants sword, wach the ancents kept
suspended the red temple, only be drawn and used
in times Of public danger, sir, may this line
weapon be unsheathed by you for except
punish your countys foes, to ayenge your count
wrongs.
Captain Johnston was listened TO with interest and
marked attention, and frequently interrupted by
bursts OF rapturous applause In reply, Gen. Quitman
said.
SIR accept the elegant weapon you have been charged
by the President deliver with emotions
prooundes gratitude. Were il but oaken staff instead
OF this superb arid splendid sword, testimonial Of the
nations appreciation OF my poor and unworthy services
would possess a priceless value in my eyes.
Ia the complimentary remarks with which you have
thought proper TO accompany It's delivery you have done
than Justice by declaring that embarked in
the from the sole patriotic motive of serving
what conscentousiy believed TO have been a Just
and righteous struggle for the protection of her sacred
rights.
In Fastening Defence felt like one OF the cham
pions ia The Old mode ofdecidng disputes by wager of bat
leready and willing appeal to the god Of battles, for
the justice Of IL was my fortune Lead bat
sppi and their invincible bravery that am in
debged for all the honors my country has bestowed upon
To them and Is due this hattering
NAL of national approval in their name, therefore, and
their account proud accept thls elegant sword
n tribute of their country's gratitude TO them.
Be pleased SIR convey the President my kind ac-
acknowledgements for the very obgug and gratifying
in which he has executed the atering intentions Of Con-
gress towards me and say further TO him, il you please,
that he could have transmitted this handsome token
IN way that would have been welcome accept
able Than through the hands of one whom
and myself Tor many years have subssted rea-
At the conclusion OF Gen Quitmans reply the assem-
bage gave him three loud and hearty cheers and
more, equally enthusiastic, for his friend Capt Johnston