Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-01-12
PRESENTATION OF A SWORD TO
COL. CASTOR MEARES.


ply, on the presentation of sword to the latter
gentleman by the citizens of Wilmington, which
we take pleasure in spreading before our readers.
Mr.. HILLS ADDRESS.
Coz. MEAREs IL have been appointed 10 a
pleasant and honorable dhty--that of presenting
you the congratulations of your feIIow-cltlzenS'
on this your visit to your native place. aod q" pre-
senting you, in their pane, with a sword as 'eS-
timony OK their appreciation of your gailan'ry anu
good conduct in the late Mexican war;
A few years ago you left the community !"
which YOU were born, TO seek an honorable I'VE
lihood and worthy fame among the people OF '"e
great valley of the West.-Carrying with you
Courageous heart, and guided only by generous
;mnuses we had right to expect that you would
add another name to the bright galaxy of emigrant
aons ubo have gone from North Carolina to pro-
side over and direct the energies of her Southern
sisters.
War we did not then foresee, but when the
sounds of hostililies commenced on the Rio
'Grande came 10 our ears, and while volunteers
everywhere were responding with alacrity to the
call of their country, were proud TO hear that
the companion of our boyhood-the leader OF our
mimic battles-had dedicated his person to the
service of the nation; and as the Adjutant ofthe
gallant YELL, had gone to fight his country's bat
ties on the fields of Mexico
Following the long and hazardous march of
Gen. Wool, you were deprived, until the battle
OF Bueua Vista, of opportunity of actively en-
'Saging with the enemy occasion was then offer
ed for testing young soldiers patriotism and
valor You who participated, we'll know all the
dangers, difficulties, and the final triumph Of that
last battle of Gen'I Taylor. The deaths of Clay,
Hardin, Mckee and others, together with the loss
of your own gallant commander, attest the sharp
ness of the conflict and the galIantry of brave
countrymeh 1t were, perhaps, honor enough 10
have fought by the side of such men and the
Secretary of War very truly remarked, in his let
ter to the commanding Officer " 1t will ever be
proud distinction to have been in the memora-
Bile battle of Buena Vista" We are the better
pleased, that amid such flash Of honors-such a
prodigal lavishment Of heroic life-as that day
witnessed. the fortune of war should have graced
our young Cape Fear soldier with high and hon
~oraEc distinction.
Gov. Yell, killed as he was Ieuding--the fore
most man-the Arkansas cavalry against the
Mexican laDcers, new and more responsible duties
devoIved upon you. It is because you were fully
equal to the emergency, and because honor, truth,
and vaor were eve- present with you in the field,
that you now behold this fair assernblage of your
fellow-ciizens, citizen soldiers, and fair country
women, browning and grazing this ceremony with
their presence.
Yours was no excursion for popularity, you
sVere not content with having merely manifested
your patriotism and courage, by your presence in
the enemy's country, for, after your term of SER
vice had expired, and the greater part of your re-
gment had returned home, you formed compa-
ny ofthe brave men who would enlist with you
for the war, and again offered your services to
your country, which again were most promptly
accepted.
In view of your past merit, and your future ca
ree, this day has been chosen with special refer
ence to,its association. 1t is the anniversary OF
the great battle Of New Orleans. The spirit OF
Jackson seems to claim the day peculiarly its
own and what presiding influence, let me ask
could more appropriately fill our hearts! The
memory of The model soldier and the pure patriot
must hereafter be associated with the OCCASION
His upright strength that never quivercd amid the
lightning storms that flashed around him in bat.
tle or in cOntroversy,-his adamant ne Judgment
against which adverse opinions dashed lhemselUe:
to break in scattered foam, his far-reachng faitt
and earnest afection-hs parent tenderness and
humble fidelity a sworn servant of the people
who gave him rule and eeVaIion-form a charac
ter worthy of all imitation, and calculated impress
siveIy to influence one whose carly career like
his has been amidst war and its triumphs.
Proud America ! who, in her short hut unpar
alleled career, can already boast SO many day.
made gacred and festal by the great acts of he
great men Hearty congratulations to our town
which henceforth will be enabled to associate will
the memory Of world-Ienowned hero--the mod
est daring and innate worth of one of her own tru
sons!
And now. Colonel, in delivering you thi
Sword. would fain express to you the pIeasur,
it affords us, to see you thus safe and honortd a
mOngst rs. While another of our brave towns
men-the lamented Capt. Burgwin-was Gale,
upon to seal with his blood, and to testify by hi
death, hS devotion to duty and his country. you
unframed, and yet with proud laureIs upon you
brow, have been permitted 10 return once more
the bosom of your family and friends We hav
paid the last sad rites of sepuIture to him, W
would new. by that Sword, presented on the yer.
spot where his eulogy was spoken, acknowIedg
our obligation and exhibit our pride in you.
Whenever hereafter you look upon it, we de
sire that the recoections it will excite may ell
courage you onward in the path of right and du
tV. In the warfare and struggles in which peac
mo less than war abounds, it will testify to vo
the generous rewards Of faithful discharge q
your citizenship; and if again called to the feel
in defence of the Constitution and our oIor;ou
Union, or for the perPetuation of out RepubIica
system, though the words are not inscribed IN i,
blade, let the presiding genius of the day lead
his voice,
Draw me not without occasion sheathe n,
not without honor"