Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-07-13
From the North State Wing.
CAPTAIN JOHN D. CLARK.

This excellent officer died about the close
of the Mexican war. He was in most OF the
engagements The people of this, his native
county, purchased for him most elegant
sword, but he never reached home 10 receive
it. 1t will be seen by the following cores
pondence what disposition has been made of
the sword =
NEAR LEEcHv1LLE, Beaufort County,
June IL, 1919.
Dear Sir-Allow me to solicit your accep-
lance of the sword which it is my melancholy
pleasure hereby 10 tender 10 you. 1t was pur-
chased, as you are aware, by the voluntary
contributions of the citizens generally OF this
(BeauforD county, for your lamen'ed brother.
Captain John D, Clark, of the 9Th Regiment
of the U. S. Infantry, as a testimonial OF their
high appreciation of his gallaatry and dlstln-
gnished services in the war with Mexico
His generous feelings, manly impulses, and
patriotic conduct, had won the admiration and
esteem Of all who knew him, and the people
at large rejoced at his distinction. We have
the testimony Of his noble and lamented COM
nlander, Maj. Gen. Worth, that he was one OF
the most gallant and popular young officers IN
| the army, and we all know how anxious our
people were 10 extend to him their thanks and
congratulations for his merilorious conduct
A Committee was regularly appointed TO OBJ
tain this sword in behalf of the people OF the
county, and 10 make appropriate arrangements
for lis presentation on your brothers expected
return home but in the midst Of all our graft
hcatIon and pride at the gnod name and honors
he had Won, when the whole county was rea
dy with open arms to receive him. the hearts
of all were mournfLIy affected with the SAT
intelligence of his death 1t is with sincere
sorrow that our fellow citizens have thu.
been deprived of the proud qualification o
paying their high personal regards to him
who so nobly merits the enduring esteem o
all. The committee feel, in this disappolnt
ment of their fond hopes, the dnty devovins
upon them of making some other appropriate
disposition of this sword; and after timely de
liberation, they believe it proper and in accor
lance with the public will that you shouit
have it, and lave therefore requested me Il
present il to you in their behalf. hope yol
will accept il and deposit it with those othe
sacred military treasures of your brothers tina
are now yours, and which you obtained i
ynur recent distant toul TO the scenes OF hi
labors and his death
need not say more of The laurels whic
our young friend had won, and Of his risin
fame in the cause of his country. They wi
be cherished in graceful remembrance by HI
S counlrymen. and be preserved as rich inher
lance TO the common glory of his native cour
; ty and State. Our memories will ever lingo
S fondly on his name and his deeds, so long q
5 the highest virtues OF the human heart are az
mired, and so long as the memorable battle
of Palo Alto. Resaca. Monterey, Vera Cru;
Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, Contreras, and
: Molino Del Rey, shall shed their brilliant lu:
ire over the pages OF our national history.
Very respectfully, yours. &c
: S. S SATCHWELL,
} For the Committee.