Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-05-03
Monday April 80.
THE PRESENTATION BY VIRGINIA
OF THE SWORD VOTED TO CEN.
TAYLOR.

States in honor Of the distinguished courage
and conduct displayed by him IN his victoricu us
achievements in Mexico, was presented to
him, at the Presidential Mansion, by the Com
mttee Of distinguished citizens Of Virginia
whose names have been already mentioned.
The Committee having been introduced to
the President by Mr. Preston, Secretary OF
the Navy, Mr.. Daniel, in behalf Of the COM
miuee, addressed the President in the follow
ing terms:
/ GENERAL In the name Of Virginia, we
are deputed TO present to you Sword. On
it is inscribed, in enduring characters, her mes
sage Of afIec,ionate appreciation, Presented
by Virginia 20 her distinguished son, Major
General Zachary Taylor, for his gallantry and
good conduct at the battles of Palo Alto,
Resaca dc la Palma, Monterey, and Buena
Vista"
To the modest ear of manly worth We know
that the language of personal eulogy, howev-
er sincere and well deserved, is always un-
pleasing. But there are occasions, and this
is one, when the full hear, may speak out
when, anticipating the impartial jndgmen, of
history, it may, without offending proprlety,
render to exalted services performed by the
living that tribute which treasure cannot pur-
chase nor power extort--,he spontaneous
homage ofa Free, enlightened, and grateful
people.
Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey
and Buena Vista What mingled emotions
Of j,y and melancholy arc excited by these
names OF grief for the
4" Brave who sank to rest,
BY all their coun,rys wishes best
OF 'exultaon at the proud achievements of the
living on those glorious fields.
Sir, you cannot know, as we know, how,
at the fs, threatened shock of arms on the
Rio Grande, when, to the general surprise
and vi h,ut a sign of warning that gal an,
lille b nd under your command, poorly APP
pointed, few n numbt rs-many Of hom had
never met an c: e:emy-was seen opposed TO
an Overw helming force, Of triple its own mum
bers, the very flower of the Mexican army
when, 10 all, great loss seemed inevitable, to
many its entire destruction not improbable .
when, in the pause Of excited expectation, the
very hear, of the nation fell still,
Il" And the bravest h, Id his breath for ,ime;'
you cannot know, ] say, wha, an electric
thrill Of eXutatiCn sho, through that heart
when the news came TO US that you had tr.
umphed that victory had impressed upon
your standard that prestige which could never
afterwards de,er it.
At Monterey What fresh emotions of
pride and satisfaction walled up in that hear
when the world beheld with admir- ng eyes,
not alone the valor Of the soldier-,he wis
dom of mature and wel.considcred .ounse,s-
but that brighter exhibition of greatness hich
spared woman in her weakness and childhood
in its hcplessness and could mercifuly tcm-
per the splendors of victory with still more
alorlONs humanity.
Butna Vista T. II is a field that will live in
story with The Pass of Thermopyle. Where
else w's victory ever achieved against such
fearful ODDS And when We consider the cir
cumstances under which you courted that con.
fct-lhe intrepid boldness Of position as
su.ncd against the unins,ruc,ed counses of su-
periors, the wisd IN Of which was vndcated
by complete success when we regard the
al tha IF Ia;
cal and mi'iary- which would have flowed
from disaster to our arms or, looking to the
Mexican side, think Of the momen,ous issue
TO the commander, struggling for existence at
home, and setting all upon cast, perhaps
there are few events in our annals Of deeper
interest and importance to the soldier or the
statesman who would st udy well the history
Of his country.
Sir, i, was for the sterling qualities Of hoad
and hear; spayed on these occasions Of un-
common trial that the nation has learned to
look to you as one in whose hands lis desti-
MES will be safe who will again illustrate in
is history that the successful warrior may yet
be the wise and moderate and pruden, states
man {; and exemplify again that truth, so full
Of moral beauty, that
- Peace hath her victories,
No less renowned than war"
| May your Administration, sir, rebound to
the honor and prosperity Of ou beloved coun-
try; anc, that well over in retirement, may the
evening of well spent life be as serene and
happy as its noon is bright and glorious
1t only remains to deliver to you this, the
bright gift OF Virginia, our common mother
a cherished possession to yoursclf-an heir
loom Of fame to be transmitted to those who
will come after you Well won, we know
IT will be worthiIy worn-in the spirit Of iha,
sentiment with which the Father Of his Coun.
try bequeathed the sword which achieved its
libcriies--neyef to be drawn but in that coun.
try's defence, and never shcathcd until the
object be obtained.
Gen. Taylor replied to this address as to-
lows