The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-07
Trtb ute to GalIantry,

| nave Tue WnOle vi MI leVci oco'o u', ahu
will lay it before readers, perhaps Tomorrow
~ Tribute Gialiantry.
We have failed to notice several scenes that passed
during the last week in this city, in consequence of the
pressure of business which crowded in upon expiring
administration Among these was the presentation OF
the swords which had been voted by Congress Major
Generals Butler of Kentucky, Twiggs, Worth, Quitnan,
and the heirs of the late General Hamer They had
Gently been finished at the celebrated mandatory of
Ames, of Springfield. They are OF superb manufacture,
costing 50 900.
1t was Friday last that the presentation took place
the Executive Mansion. We should have been happy
to have witnessed the ceremony, that might do
justice to its beauties But learn that took place in
the presence of many ladies' and officers of the army
General Towson received the sword which had been
worthiIy won by Major General Worth; and Mr.. Nor
rs, the of General Hamer in Congress- under
took to convey his family the sword which he had
purchased by his precious blood In consequence OF the
presence of General T0wson, and the death of General
Hamer, the President of the United States induced
give special answer in both these cases. The swords
of the other gallant officers accompanied by
mon letter from the President addressed to all. The
sword for Major General William O. Butler was put
into the hands of 'the Honorable Linn Boyd the one
for Brevet Major General D. E. Twiggs delivered
to Brevet Lieut. Col Andrew Porter; and Major General
Pnkney Henderson's to the delegation of Texas. We
happy lay before readers the address and
respondence which passed upon the occasion
On the presentations of General Worth's s,cord
President Polk presented the following letter to Gen
Towson, accompanied by few highly complimentary
remarks on Gen. Worths galantry and services:
WASHINGTON, March g. ls49
SIR In compliance with the request of Congress, ex-
pressed in Joint resolution of the Cd of March, IS47,
have procured for You sword, as testimonial OF the
high entertained by that body of your gallantry
and good conduct in storming Monterey" Concur
ring in the sentiment OF Congress in regard to your
distinguished services the occasion referred to,
gives sincere pleasure to carry their request into effect
understand that it is your desire, you cannot be
present in person to receive this memorial of the public
appreciation Of your merits that should be delivered to
General Towson, your friend and fellowsolder the
early part OF your military career have placed i in
his hands, with the request that he will avail himself oil
the first opportunity OF presenting il to you. with the
of my esteem for your public services and my
sincere personal regard
/ am, very respectfully your obedient servant.
J. X. POLK.
Brevet Maj Gen. WIN. j. WoRrH, U. S. A.
To which Gen Towson replied in the following ad-
dress:
Mr. PRESIDENT: Major General Worth, now with
his command, requests me, as his Oldest constant
frend,' to represent him on this occasion
In with Mexico much was expected of General
Worth By all acauansd; with MS previous military his
cal reports OF the many brilliant victories in which he
was conspicuous, testify.
His conduct In storning Monterey, for which he re-
ceives through you the thanks of Congress and this
sword places him high among the military captains OF
the age. To his command was assigned the difficult
the direction of Saltllo. The approaches on that side
strongly fortified by nature and art and were held
by superior force. The attacking column was too dis
ant from main army to be reinforced, and its COM
mandsr had to rely solely his judgment and
sources. Gen Taylor mentions the movement thus in
his official report: AT dawn Of day. the heights above
the Bishops palace were carried and after merid
an the palace itself taken, and its guns turned upon
the fugitive garrison The object for which the second
plished and felt confident. that with strong force
cupyng the road and heights in his rear. and good
position below the city in our the enemy could
not possibly maintain the town" Thus it appears that
General Worth fully effected all that had been expected
by deachng his commands but that did not satisfy him,
and he Immediately commenced preparations for assault
10 a. m, the Odd, heavy fire was heard in the
opposite quarter; its magnitude and continuance did not
permit doubt that the General was conducting main
attack and that his orders for my cooperation had failed
to reach Under these convictions the troops
instantly ordered to commence an operation had de-
signed TO execute in part under favor of the night"
II appears that the streets defended by artillery
der cover Of heavy masonry and 1t would have been I'M
possible for Gen Worhs troops have advanced in the
usual way without great LOSS nH AVOID ns ne deter tier
of the houses, and in that way his column reached
within one square of the Grand Plaza by dark. 1t
his intention to renew the attack morning. but the
enemy asked for suspension of hostiites and the
render OF Monterey followed.
shall avail myself of the first opportunity to have the
sword presented to General Worth agreeaby to your
request.
General Haners sword.
WASHINGTON, March 2, ls49.
SrR In compliance with the request OF Congress- ex.
pressed in joint resolution of the I'd OF March, 1877,
have procured for you, the nearest male relative of
the late Brgadier General Hamer sword, tcstimo
NAL of the high entertained by that body of the
galIanuy and good conduct of your lamened father in
sormng Monterey. Concurring as do in the senti-
ments of Congressman may venture to say. of the
whole nation-as to the eminent services and distin
gushed merits of your father gives sincere pleasure
TO carry their request into effect.
As cannot person deliver to you this memorial of
the nations grateful of his gallant conduct have
awaited myself of the kind offer of the Hon. J. D. Morris
TO present it TO you in my name
am, with great respect, your obedent servant,
JAMES X. POLK.
To the ELDEST Son of the late Brig Gen. Thomas
Hamcr.
Presentation of the other swords.
WASHINGTON, March Q, 1s4o.
SIR: By a resolution of Congress passed on the 81
March, 1si7, was requested to swords with