The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-08-08
THE GENERAL JACKSON GOLD BOX.

The Joint committee of both boards of the common
council of New York, which appointed some time ago
to select the person most worthy to receive the gold box
that presented to Gen. Andrew Jackson by the
thortcs of that city after his elevation to the
presidency and his death left by him to that person
who should be adudged to have been the valiant in
defence of his countrys rights have length concluded
their labo, and decided that this gift Of ncstmable
value should be given to Lieut.. Col Garrett Dyckman
of the New York regiment which served in the Mexican
The following communication, signed by number
of gentlemen, received by the committee, and in
which imboded the grounds upon which the conclu
sions of the committee are based
GENTLEMEN The undersigned in claiming in behalf of
Lieut. Col Dyckman the gold box left by Andrew Jack
son, do not the grounds that he the brayes
in the New York regiment, that his galantry in
the with Mexico unparalleled to the exclusion Of
every other soldier in that war; the plea of his
lofty military position of the officers of the first
regiment New York volunteers but the ground of his
having performed many deeds of bravery and daring
and added much honor by his services to the escucheon
of his State an other man engaged in the to the
truth of which proudly REFER without the fear of
tradiction, to the following specifications
First For having, from the landing at the iland of
Lobos to the final surrender of the city of Mexico the
best disciplined company in the regiment the being
always under the most thorough command and control
Second For leading his company the first Sunday
after the landing at Vera Cruz skinishes the sand
plains, its walls and taking position the Orzaba
all the batteries of the cywhin hearing Of the enc
my-until after dark, when ordered to retire behind
sand hill
Third For his having taken on the succeeding eve
ming possession of the Oaba road and udciously post
ing pickets thus preventing all communication from that
road to the city during that night.
Fourth For having taken position with his company
of twenty eight in ambush and within half mile
Of six hundred Of the enemy to prevent the entrance
the citythe enemy before reced could be distinctly
heard giving oreand for performing constantly in his
company scouting duty around the walls and roads Of the
city during the time.
Fifth For having engaged and sustained a charge
from six hundred ancers holding the position until
lieved by Col Ward B. Burnett at Nueva Rancho.
Sixth. For gallant service, equal to any other
officer, at Cerro Gordo.
Seventh. For leading his company in charge at Che
rubusco and remaining in advance of his command under
the shapest fire of musketry experienced during the
where he fell severely wounded, thus setting example
of bravery for his men to emulate.
Eighth For devoting his time and attention to the
discipline comfort, and interest of his men.
Ninth. In saying to his men $50, when there
a chance for brush with the enemy, but always
saying ''Comeas he would permit either officer
private of his company to be in advance of him in
ton, in any other duty where he was in command
Tenth. For receiving the endorsement Of his brother
officers, both senior and junior, of his conduct brave
soldier and officer and gentleman by electing him from
the position Of a junior captain to that of major.
Col Dyckman is quite young man. and refused to put
in his claim until the committee induced by the test
mony Of numerous witnesses waited upon him and urged
him to make application. He finally did So and the
suit has been that he has received of the greatest
marks Of honor soldier could possess.
The snuff box which is valued 81 0oO is now in the
hands Of Andrew Jackson jr, of Tennessee who pur-
poses bringing it to New York himself 1t will probably
be presented Major d. by the committee front Of
the City Hail. l4th September, which occasion the
military are expected to be out banquet given and
rather splendid affair made Of the proceeding