Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-08-19

to the distinguished nonor. -vsr7 - $50 r.. (.
: Having said thus much in, explanation of
my position aud agency in the proceeding of
the day,I will read to you the responses
prepared by Gen. Burnett, nnder the ex,ec-
tation OF being personally present. and OF re-
ceiving it from Col jackson.
Before doing SO, however, trust siall
be pardoned TOR expressing the conviction,
based upon a personal knowledge of Cen.
Burnett's services, that the avs ard is just,
and that gallant as were the many SOM of
the city of New York in the war with MCxi-
CO, she had none more so than was Gen.
Burnett. / trust / may be allowed also to
express the personal qualification | feel, that
after the most patient aud thorough exanin-
ton of the claims of all the compel itors for
the distinguished honor of being its recipient,
Col Jackson;s conclusion evinces but a
Just appreciation of the character and ser
vices OF Gen Burnett. =
1t may not be uninteresting for me to give
you a brief sketch of this distinguished son
of New York. When a small boy-a POOR
orphan boy in that great city, by bis spTi ght-
illness he attracted the notice of Col. Ward,
then aud Subsequently member of Congress
from that city. Having strong military as
prations--without the means OF procuring an
education and without influential friends.
other than Col Ward, he made an effort to
get the place OF cadet at West Point. But
the New York appointments Were all full.
The bold youth migrated to Pennsylvania,
and an appointment was obtained for him as
citizen ofthat State He passed through
that institution with such ripeness as a
scholar. and so much proficiency in his pro-
fession, thai he was retained at West Point
as a Professor or Instructor for snnnn years-
Ultimately the accomplished young officer
won the hand of the beautiful and accomP-
lished daughter Of bis early friend and patron
Col. Ward, and afterwards resigned his COM
mission in the army. 1t thus appeared that
his early friend had been the means of de-
priving his country of the services of this
promising officer.
But upon the first tocsin of war-upon the
first call of his government Tor her sons TO de-
lend her honor aud maintain her rghts-Col.
Burnett, at the head OF a splendid regiment
of New York Volunteers, already we'll drill
| ed rendered the first regimes Of New York
| Volunteers to President Polk, and was &C
| ceptcd. This fine regiment participated ac-
| lively and CALAMITY IN ali the operations OF
| the American army before the walls of Vera
| Cruz in the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contre-
| ras aud Cherubusco, on the last of which bat
| ties the American army, out OF 10000 men,
| lost in the killed and wounded 1000 men.
In this action, Col Burnett received pain
| ful wound, of which he lay at the point OF
death Tor many days. On his return to his
| State, he was breyetted by his Government
| a Brigadiel General for his distinguished ser
| vices. Such is the brief history OF The officer
| who now has the honor OF being the legatee
OF the immortal hero of the Hermltage-as
| the most valiant Of the sons OF the great city
OF New York.
| will now read the response of Gen. Bur
nett, SO Justly in accordance with the patrlO-
tic motives Ui The illusirious testator, and far
more interesting and beautiful than anything
can say
Col. ANDREW JACKSON:
In receiving from your hands this legacy OF
inestimable value, bequcathed by your Illus
trious kinsman, accept 1t with the most
profound sense OF the honor conferred upon
me, as the bequest of great soldier, award
I'd by you in compliance with the generous
decision and Judgment OF my brothers IN
arms.
The heroic Spartan who fell at the straits
OF ThemOpyle lac, and who taught the hosts OF
Persia how strong were the liberties OF
Greece, when sustained by phalanx OF Spar
tan valor and virtue, bore as the only cpl
taph upon his tomb t'Sparta hath many q
worthier son than he"
Sir. when | remember the brave officers and
men of the citizen soldiery of New York,
with whom | have had the good fortune TO
be associated in scenes of trial aud danger
both the living and the dead-around whom
the laurel and cypress have been sadly inter
twined, | should realize a just hesitation IN
accepting the high distinction now proffered
me, auG would indeed shrink from its aceep-
lance were 1 not prompted by the liberal ac-
cord with which they heve selected me as ats
recipient.
1t is an additional qualification to me that
many of my fellow-soldies OF the Pennsylvan-
ia South Cnrolina and other regime Its, officers
and men, have generously commended the
action of my own immediate command.
Many OF the actors i'll the scenes, OF which
this gilt must hereafter be proud remlnls-
cence have passed away. My immediate
commander of Division in the field. the gal
liant Quitman is gone! Quitman! The high IN
thought and pure in soul the soldier
without fear. the patriot without reproach!
His spirit, bright and nnsulIed as his own
true blade far from fields of strife, now
dwells in the presence of his God. With
ColoneIs Butler, Baxter, Dickinson and many
others, lie now rests, companions III glory
aud the grave.
$50 sieep the brave who sink in rest,
b., all their country 5 honors blessed"
Happily, among bis many military asso-
ciates, the gallant Gents. Pillow and Shields
still survive; again perhaps, to lead the citi-
zen soldiery OF their country in the path of
danger aud reuown. To have received the
approving sanction OF such men, shall ever
be esteemed by me the highest honor. aud to
deserve it, shall ever command my highest
efforts.
The Communications of my companions in
arms should be regarded as no ordinary hou-
or, since next TO the performance of honOra-
BILE deeds, the praise OF those whom the world
praises for such deeds, is inestimable.
Doubly fortunate am |, sir, that after
years OF diligent enquiry and patient re-
search on your part, l should have been Sc
lectrd 10y you avs the recipient OF this be-
quest.
Sir,I shall bear this gift with me as legacy
OF honor, from n great soldier, statesman and
patriot who loved his country as il he had no
friend; and loved his friends as il they were
his country. Time may mar its beauty and
dim its golden lustre, but his deeds, which the
city of New York determined TO commemo-
rate, will never be forgotten.
lind it difficult to express the deep emo
ton and gratitude, with which l receive this
treasured relic from the eminent soldier and
civilian, whose memory is now so universal
ly reyered. 1t shall b. so placed, rs TO con
tnuc fresh in the memory Of our people, the
gallantry oi the immortal jackson. and the
interest he ever manifested in those who par
ticlpated, however humbly, in events which
have contributed to tue power aud greatness
OF our beloved country. BY myself it shall
be cherished in grateful remembrance, as a
memento of the generosity OF those comrades,
VINO, In your Judgment, have accorded 1t to
me, and as an incentive To be ever ready to
serve our country, should my service be re-
CURED again upon the battle deld.
The citizens present we're then invited to
inspect the box, which invitation was general
ly accepted, and the assemblage dispersed.
Il. w. McGAvocK, Charm an.