The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-18
Governor Trumbull's Address.

Col. THos. Fl. SEYMOUR
We, as a committee appointed by the General
Assembly of Connecticut, are commissioned to pre-
sent you this sword-evincing in some small degree
the high estimate placed by the Assembly and by
your feow-ctizens, upon your military services in
our late war with Mexico-a war almost, if not en-
tirely, unexampled in the splcndor Of its achieve
ments, and in its uniform, unvarying success--a
war exceedingly creditable TO our army, and more
especially TO its officers; among which officers you
have borne conspicuous part.
Sir, your countrymen have watched your honorable
career with great anxiety, and with proud satisfac
ton In the midst OF appalling dangers, they have
you triumphantly mount the ramparts of the
enemy-with your own hands tear down their stand
ard, and PROSTATE il in the dust.
In the battles Of Churubuseo, Contreras, Moline
del Rey, Chapultepec, and in all conflicts with
the enemy Immediately preceding the conquest Of
the city of Mexico, yours was most arduous and
difficult duty more particularly in the assault upon
the heights of Chapultepec, when, after the death
of the lamentcd Ransom, the command of the 9Th
Regiment of Infantry devolved upon you The dis
tinction acquired by you upon that memorable oc
cason reflects great honor upon yourself, and upon
your native State--an honor in which we all parti-
cipste, and which is worthy Of who claims his
descent from the Ledyards and from the Sey-
mours-names belonging TO families that have freely
shed their blood in the cause Of their country, and
will ever stand conspicuous in military history.
Who in Connecticut is ignorant of the brave de
fence of Fort Griswold, ON the 9th day of Septem
Der, 1881, made under the command Of your kins
man, colonel Wll1am Dcdyard, ana OF the horrl-
bic murder inflicted upon his person with his own
sword after his surrendery
Who in this vicinity is ignorant that your uncle,
William Seymour, then fresh from his collegiate
studies, while a visit 10 his uncle Ledyard, vol
unteercd TO participate with him in the pcrilous
service in which he was cngagod-a service that
cost him the loss of limb, and nine wounds,
the Of which he carried with him 10 his gravey
In this connexon must not omit 10 make
mention Of your uncle, Captain Thomas Y. Scy
mour, who commanded troop Of horse in the cam
paign that terminated in the surrender of Bur
goyne in l777, with great credit 70 himself, and
who, a mark of distinction, was entrusted with
the safe conduct Of that officer from Albany through
this city 10 Boston.
There are gentlemen in this assembly who well
remember the valuable military services Of your
cousin Thomas s. Seymour, in the war Of 1912,
who, while serving under General Jesup tho
Canada lines, exhibited in the hour Of surprise and
OF danger "A selfpossession and personal daring
almost unsurpassed in the annals Of warfare.
Sir, II is with great satisfaction that we find
ourselves enabled to add your 10 those who
have done lasting honor TO your family and your
country.
To some Of us who have witnessed your early
exertons for the attainment Of a military educa
ton, the meriorous distinction you have earned
among the brave and accomplished officers in our
army not entirely unexpected We have
day rejoice to unite cordial congratulations in
your final success and triumph.
Colonel Seymour, we beg your acceptance Of this
sword a token Of the favor Of your fellow-citi-
Keep il evidence Of their sincere esteem,
and Of the gratitude which they admit to be your
due.