The daily union., 1852-08-29
Presentation Of Sword to Col Roberts by the
State OF Iowa.


The ceremony Of presenting TO Colonel Roberts the
sword recently voted to him by the Legislature of Iowa
recently performed by Hon. Mr. Dodge one of the
senators now representing that State in Congress.
The following speech, delivered on the occasion by
Senator Dodge has been furnished TO us for publication
together with the reply Of Colonel Roberts,
Speech of Senator Dodge.
COLONEL RoBERrs: The governor Iowa. being informed
that you would not probably for years visit your
adopted State, has imposed upon the pleasing duty of
presenting TO you the sword which now hand you.
II was voted you by the general assembly the State
OF Iowa the l5h of January, lSi9 in words OF its
joint resolve. 'ns of the pride of your fellow
citizens of the STATE of Iowa in the soldier like patriotism
and deeds Of valo performed by you late war with
Mexico !" and should the calamity of again be fall
country, in your hands am his weapon will do
good service.
have said that the duty pleasing and it so
because OF perfect upon my part that your
services such merit the com pllment our State
has conferred upon YOU As humble friend who was
instrumental in eecng your restoration, May, 1885,
that profession in which Bred and from which, in
the opinion of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate you
had been rudely and illegally elected, l. in with
your friends in Iowa. watched your Mexico with
deep interest. Your rank humble but il
that rank upon which the eye-toeye and
fighting OF all wars is usually devolved.
From the official reports of general and your other
superior officers observe that led the rifles in the first
enuenched works taken by the bayonet Puena del Me-
dia Vera Cruz, General Scotts line operations
that participated in all of his brilliant battles thence
the city of Mexico leading the advanced guard
of Twiggs's veteran division at Conreras command.
ing the from Smiths Brigade and leading the
advanced column in the assault Chepuepec that YOU
charged by the indomitable Twggs with the flag
that the sormers OF his division carry certain
death victory sad that the cool and chvac Qui,ma
ssid, Csptain Roberts OF the rifle regiment who had led
the advanced company of the sormng party at Chepue-
pee, and who had greatly distinguished himself during tho
preceding day, detailed by plant the starspan.
o he Nat p.I
were In command Of the picked forces fought the
last fight in the streets Of Mexico order and the
lives and property Of your vanqushed foes.
While Iowa the loss of her dauntess Mi, m ior
of the fifteenth regiment, who precipated himself upon
Mexican steel ON the day Of Chuubusco Captain Guthrie
and others who fell at the post Of danger and duty she
will never cease to feel other than grateful her living son,
who have contributed, however humble may be their rank
TO the glory and renown OF common country
In behalf OF Governor Hempsed who has requested me
to express you his regret having the opportunity 70
present this sword in person. of my pres
ent and Of my myself conclude by wishing you health
happiness aud the highest honors in your profession
Colonel Roberts's Reply
This beautiful sword presented through you by my fellow
citizens Of Iowa, is accepted with unaffected satisfaction
IL comes from an unostentaous and virtuous people, er
pessive Of their appreciation OF the services of an officer
from that State in the conflict with Mexico TAis
sign of their approval Is the welcome rd that Off
could DESIRE and the most valued by the
soldier when the Of war has passed away To ,erye
country, sustain the honor Of srms approve ourselves
and be approved by Others, are among the manly mo-
ves control officers pers Of battle and the other
hazards Of war The degree Of appreciation this
expresses confirms gratefully the conviction did not
fail In my duty.
But sir your hat,erng language is significant Of trusts
that strike the fuurethe sentiment Of partial friends in
my adopted State, that the honor Of the country and the
glory will be vndieated by this sword should its
be needed for that purpose Permit me to assure Them
through you thar IL will be the object OF my life not 10 dis
appoint their expectations. To my poserty this sword
will pass legacy to be diverted from these uses
or prolsned by gnobe or selfish purposes SIR my heart
is unegnedly affected with emotion Garry to INV partial
friends 1t, grateful OF their kindne..
shall always watch with interest their growth In great
intelligence and virtue My heart and nterests
with them and shall forget wish them prosperity
and blessings.
Much has been said specplsively and much has been
phiosophicay written, upon the .erie. Of
successes in Mexico unexamped in the history OF military
conquest The forum, the press, and the pulpit have pre-
eed praises upon the consancy and vslor Of the citizen
'oIdiery Even woman, whose hands does not SOIL
and whose mercul breast is seeled against pity by
It's horrors has with her smiles Of approval added usre
70 too gems mat sparkle in the wreath the country has
wrought or Tho apoheosis of IL. heroes You have been
told mat me servants o. God left their sanctuaries that
lawyers closed their briefs that the farmers le Tho
plough In the furrow, and the sickle in the .heaf h,
the busy loom and the hyng shuttle stood s,i b, ,b a..
left his shop, and the anvil and the n,ne ,.sre do
that the counting closed and ali alas.
es trades and csings "poured forth and formed IN bs
ranks Of war r. An army OF this composition moved nv
the divine motive OF duty cannot be conquered Yet this
army did notwin the victories compel the peace The
ability OF s great snderthe skill OF the officers OF
the old army who conducted the In baulethe
example and fmness old line that danger could not
.ppsl difficulties dishesrten-the reliance Of the old