Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-01-16
INTEREs TING SCENE.

The New York Herald gives a picturesque
sketch Of the reception of the Joriy.sir Mexi-
can trophies at the Military Academy at West
Point. They were presented by the Secretary
of War through Mr. Campbell, chief Clerk OF
the War Department, to Captain Beaverton,
the superintendent
.The place selected for the solemnity was in
front of the Academic Hall, upon the portico
of which the superintendent, Captain Brewer
ton, and his staff, were collected When the
head of the column was filing to the right, 10
form in line facing the hall, the scene became
intensely interesting; an hundred flags, bearing
the marks Of wars rough usage, torn by shot,
discolored by sun and storm, and recalling most
vivid associations of blood and battle, were
thickly sown among the files OF cadets; the iine
band, relieving the field music, struck up Inc
Mexican air. ala Ponchada," and the assem-
bled spec,ators all expressing the liveliest en-
lhusiasm-all seemed 10 belong more TO the ro'
nance of chivalry than TO the ordinary scenes
Of our work-day world.
"Formed in line facing the hall, the standard
bearers were ordered to the front and brought
TO the about face. Arms were then presented,
the music saluting withithc highest honors. !"
The letter of Mr.. Marcy was read, as a'so
The order Of Captain Beaverton, which goes Oh
10 say:
Although derreca,ing The horrors OF war, ana
l,men,;ng ,hat its laurels must be sprinRlcd WIN
Mood we We, feel grateful that our conflict win
Wey;c, has removed the prejudices heretofore
eyistinr against the West Point Academy, and
that reproach can no longer br brought asains'
Us OF being Holiday Soldiers, foslered by an ans
locratic and useless institution Our gratitude is
also due 10 the iustrious Generals, who, in lea
ding the divisions OF our gallant and eyer-victo
| fipus little army into the heart OF The enemy's
| country, have elected the admiration OF The ma
lions OF the old world, skilled as they are IN al
the airs and appliances Of war.
These brave commanders have borne ample
testimony 10 the value OF the Military Academy
| and the nation has not been backward IN award
| ing honors 10 those OF our distinguished com
rades whose good fortune il was 70 participate II
The glorious achievements Of the Mexican war
|, is source Of no little qualification 10 US ina
the President has been pleased to bestow mi:
mark OF his appreciation OF the services oil I'M
graduates of the Military Academy, IN selecting
!, as the depository ot these trophies, and II re-
ouires no assurance that il will be equally gu
pride and pleasure 10 preserve these precious me
MORALS OF our couutry's glory
The scene which followed was deeply excl
ting:
The pent.up enthusiasm OF the corps, whe
three cheers were called for, ioncd vent in
harry nnela-Saxon shouts as ever preceded
charge in Mexico, and struck terror into the enc
INV soldiery. The company OF sappers an
miners, whose name is closely connected wit
crane and canister and the hand 10 hand s'Ius
Gle 10 The van OF battle, bore in triumph the ba
pe,s which they captured 10 Mexico, and man
veteran might have been observed vi n gls!er
ing eve, as the scene called him back 10 ,. yer
Cruz and Cerro Gordo, 10 Conlrcras and Chnrt
busco, 10 Moline and the Halls OF the Mon'ezt