Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-01-12

first instance, and that high degree of patriotism
which seemed 10 animate the whole nation, subse-
Guently led to series of victories, redoundng to
Sbe honor of our common country. 1t was war
pecpl;arlv calculated to reflect upon the whole
ton, inasmuch as but comparatively q small pro-
portion Of those engaged in it were Professionally
soldiers. They were men taken flom the various
pursuits of civil life, and consequently illustrating
more powerfully the real strength of the nation.
That feeling of independence and sense of honor,
incucated by the spirit of our institutions, which
makes every citizen soldier when his country re-
qures his services, was we'll calculated to aston
ish the subjects of those governments whose poll
CIV it is to enervate and destroy the nohler quail
ties of man. The truth has been happily illusira-
ted that the strength Of our nation does not con-
sist in large standing armies, the characteristic
feature of monarchical powers, but that our coun-
try will always find IFS surest defence in that spirit
which anmates the bosoms of its citizens. Our
Regular Army, so limited in lis numbers and
scattered over so wide an extent OF country, Is
happily so constituted not to become odious
to the community. Intend,d, as it chiefly is. TO
disseminate and encourage a scientific knowledge
of the various branches of the military art the late
war, whilst it has displayed their vaOr, has like.
wise shown their superiority to the most on!ight-
ened nations of Europe, 10 their attainment in the
profession. Odr Military Academy, whilst it has
kept together nucleus, the value of which their
services will sufficiently attest has likewise fur
nished many, throughout the wide extent of our
population, who have been always found ready to
enlist in the cause of the Republic. That those
once members of the institution, and who had sub
sequentIy abandoned the profession Of arms, were
not unmndful of that debt due their country for
her fostering care might cite the fall of Mckee
Clay, and many others, whose lives were devoted
| to her cause.
| The State of North Carolina was not wanting
in that degree Ct ardcr and patriotism which has
ever animated her sons. Being among the first
in that war fos our independence, from which has
| flowed the innumerable blessings VIC row enjoy
she has always been found ready to sustain them
| During the latter part of my service. formed a
part of the same division of the army with the
North Carolina Regiment, and am proud to say
| Gin doing which | speak the common sentiment o
those who knew them that there were none in
the service whose conduct was uniformly more
correct or soldier-like. They were noted for thei
excellent discipline, and experience proves that
in times calculated to try them, those troops usu
ally acquit themselves best who are in the highest
state of discipline.
do not deem it necessary. on this occasion, tc
| dwell longer Upon events connected with the war
The various official reports. emanating from time
to time from our distinguished leaders, have rem
dered them familiar.
In enlistng in the service, I felt it d duty due
my country, for favors received at her hands,
This, to me- had there been none other, would
have been sufficient inducement Having cndea
vored TO perform that duty faithfully, it will eve
be source of the happest reflection, that the cit
zens of this my native place, should have placed 81
high an estimate upon my services as is presented
by this distinguished mark of their favor.
Allow me, in conclusion, to return you my cor
dial thanks for the highly fattering manner in
which you have been pleased to mention my ser
vice in connection with this war; and can assure
YOU that the spirit Of appreciation which reign'
here to-day will ever be the highest inducemen
so to wear this testimonial Of their regard neve
to forfeit that confidence of my feIlow-countrymcr
dearer than lite itself