Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-08-04
Commander Ingraham and Koszta.

The presentation Of the sword to Commander
lngraham by the German citizens Of Charleston
took place at the Military Hall of that city. II
was done without ostentation The hall was fill
ed, when Captain Ingraham, accompanied by
several friends, entered, and Mr. Melchers, editor
Of the Zetung, on handing him the sword, made
a long speech. He thus described the sword:
ct is designed, manufactured, and embellshed
by resident citizens Of your native city; speci-
men of Charleston mechanical and artistical skill,
presented by Charleston citizens to an ilustrous
fellow-citzen. Anxious to combine the agreeable
with the useful, we adopted for this sabre the
pattern used in the service of which you are an
ornament. The blade bears our plain dedication,
and your memorable reply to Mr.. Koszta petit
ton: DO you want the protection Of the United
States You shall have IT,. The belt is repre-
sentation of our glorious national flag; which we
hope will not be considered desecrated by being
made TO support the principal pom of one who
so nobly sustained its sanctty and invioability
The ornaments are emblematic illusions to your
profession, and our country and State, the Anchor
the Eagle, the Stars, and the Palmetto"
Capt, Ingraham replied in the following terms:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen ofhe
German association!
cannot but feel highly gratified that the Ger
man portion Of my fellow townsmen have deemed
my conduct in the affair of the Cd july at
Smyrna, in rescuing Martin Koszta from the
Austrian authorities, Of such character as TO in
duce them TO present me with this beautiful
weapon. believe Martin Koszta entitled to the
protection he claimed at my hands, and should
have proved recreant to the trust reposed in me
by the government, had not extended to him
the aid he sought II has been a source Of great
qualification to me, that was so nobly sustained
by the head Of the government, the chief Of the
department under whose immediate control | was,
and the whole American people. II is not gene
rally known that ! waited upon the governor Of
Smyrna and urged upon him in the strongest
language could use, the propriety Of his demand
ing the immediate restoration OF Rosetta TO the
soil of Turkey, from whence he had been 30
cruelty and unjustly forced. He admitted all |
said, but as he had not the power to enforce the
demand he could only report the case 70 Constan n
tinople. then determined that Koszta should
not be sent TO Trieste; and soon after made the
demand which so happily ended in his release and
safety without bloodshed. Mr.. President, in ac-
cepting this good sword, allow me to return
you my thanks for the very fattering manner
you have been pleased TO speak of my exertions
upon the occasion for which | am thus honored
shall always wear IT with pride, as the work Of
artizans Of the loved city which gave me BIRTH
and where hope to rest when ! shall have full
filled the time allotted me upon earth. To you,
gentlemen, individually and collectively, wish
all the happiness and success You seek In the land
Of your adoption, and where all who conduct
themselves good citizens are sure Of being
bonored and protected,