The Sierra citizen., 1855-01-13

this most deserved and appropriate pres
eut but owing to Mr.. Cossitt's legal en-
gagemeuts that day the sword was present
ed by Col. Tay lor, after very appropri-
ate extempore address, in which he spoke
eloquently Of the distinguished services Of
New York's sons, not only in Mexico, but
on other fields of strife. We regret that
our limited space will not permit full re.
port of his remarks, but we must content
ourselves and our readers by quoting only
the closing words of the address, he said
"This blade is Of true steel; and in the
day oftrial, hereafter as heretofore, may
you ever be found true as steel to yorf
friends, and to your country. The blade is
bright; SO were your own brave deeds up
on the battle fields of Mexico, in behalf of
that proud banner of our Republic. 1t is
bright; so is the recollection OF your SER
vices in the hearts of your comrades in
arms, and Of those who this day surround
you. 1t is bright; so may your pathway
be through this life, wherever the star of
your destiny may guide you. The hilt OF
this good Sword is bound with silver, firm
ly bound. May it be long-long years ere
the silver cord Of your life shall be loosed;
cor the pitcher be broken at the foun-
tain, or the wheel broken at the cistern." !"
This scabbard is gilded with the glow of
the most precious of metals; so may your
own deeds, untarnished, glow with golden
light while you shall remain on this terres-
trial camping ground and when at last
you Shall march forward at the great "ro!
call" hereafter, may your field of duty be
in land whose golden brilliance shall be
undimmcd forever"
To which Maj. Hungerford replied:
"Col. Taylor, and gentlemen of the Sier.
ra Guards -
ut is with pleasure and pride that l
receive this beautiful memento of your an
probation, though l fear that in this in.
stance, the merit has been overrated. Be
that as it may, your kindness of to-day will
be, by me, remembered with gratitude, and
it shall, opportunity ever presents, be my
incentive to such conduct as may be more
deserving of such mark of your consider.
alton.
"The inscription, engraved upon the
scabbard of your testimonial brings vivid.
ly to my mind scenes in which it was NV
good fortune to be an humble participant,
the result of which l leave to your kind in
diligence, and the pages of our country's
history.
"W hat wonder is it that our arms are
brilliant with gallant deeds when such re-
ward awaits the Soldiers return p
~ accept this splendid sword from the
Sierra Guards, and here. in the presence
Of this asscmblage, dedicate it to the SER
vice Of My Country, subject to her calls,
whether it be on foreign shore, defending
her rights, furnishing her wrongs, or, upon
her own soil, repelling an invading foe-or
worst of all that can befall natior-a ci-
vii strife, threatening her nationality to
any and all of which, l most sacredly vol
unteer its good steel. trusting in the God
Of Battles for strength to WELD its bright
blade in the cause Of liberty and the rights
of man-justiee and the honor ofmy coun-
try"
The Guards made q fine appearance that
day indeed it would be hard to find finer
looking little company any where. The
company was formed at the instance of
Maj. Hungerford. and very apt scholars
hare they been of very accomplished in.
structor.