New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1859-12-02
AN AGREEABLE PRESENTATION EVENT.

VI eho u"y, eHldHdllIlS from a cDmmlttee OF that
gallant corps, The Washington Artillery mott
flying us to be on hand at their Girod street armory
at 0 p. NJ on Wednesday evening, Nov Both, and
this order bore the significant notification, in lend
capitals, Mum is the Word'-an altogether su-
perfuous injunction, as we knew nothing with
negative reference to which we could act upon the
discreet admonition to practice " mumness.'' But
the strong odor of mystery about the affair reused
all our curiosity in arms, and we determined to see
the matter out, even if it were dark lantern con-
vention preliminary to an expedition to rescue
Gov. =" Gizzard Foot Wise from John Brown.
We went! And by the monosyllabic laconism
of this announcement the reader is to understand
the whole narrative of our nervous preparation,
our vaiorons determination in going thitherward, :
our steady and unfatering march to the mystical
rendezvous, our animating and encouraging secret
adjnratons to ourself to acquit oursef in mettle-
some and audaeions manner whatever might turn
up and = stand up like whitehead" to whatever
fearful consequences We might come upon We
arrived! Ihls understands all the particulars of
our cordial greeting at the ar1nory by officers of
the corps, our admiration of the adroit drill and
saber exercises of the company dnring our brief
sojourn, through which they were put by Lieuten-
ant Voorlles, and the impartng of the secret that
|~pb"hf y
day night, they were about to serenade him and
make surprise presentation Of plate. The mur-
der was then out, and not being of very diabolic
character, we were not called upon for any great
exercise of grit to abide the ISSUE and cheerfully
resigned ourself to the course of events, though
they under the direction of sixty keen sabers
borne by as many determined looking soldiers.
These events conducted us up to Captain (and
er TEN. oticio, CooneD Walton's residence on st.
Joseph street, where the band diseoursed some
agreeable music before the doors were thrown
open and the company invited in, and, after being
greeted in his genial manner by their commander,
First Lieutenant Voorhies, in brief and neat ad-
dress, announced that they had come to serenade
their esteemed commander in honor of his birth
day. Then came the event and the Colonel's sur
prise, for the splendid service of plate was borne
in before his astonished eyes, and Private j. B.
Wilmington stepped from the ranks and delivered,
in the most graceful manner, the following feeling
and eloquent presentation address:
G,;a Hatol Before you SIR stands tonight that cors
whose proudest boast you as its comapder-Tbe
Washington Artillery.
We have SIR though may charge disturb
ing your domestic uc and of ntrndng upon your family
circle at time wheIi perhaps, of all Others
sire to be free from interruption for the purpose Of performing
long required neglected duty that of acknowledging
you our heartfelt gratitude for the Of kindness
which you have been the author and the recipient.
Long, long sir. have felt the great obligation which we
have thus been under to and which began with day you
became chief officer and has continued
from that time to the moment long de-
sired the of fit occasion opportunity when we
might. at least, confess Won top wa
should be unable to cancel any portion OF it.
Tonight sir being the anniversary your natal we have
deemed such occasion oppone and to this end have Ne
come.
II ba vain, Co,. Xynltnr :
srable to recaptuate this time all the many acts
of benefacton that have received your and which
make the of that Indebtedness obligation Of
which speak. ......
We all know-we all appreciate them.
Coming sir you did when were decapitaed
feeble in numbers discipline indeed gaspng for exist
shruk the unpromsng aspect we presented
but with brave heart and strong graped our
little bark regardless of the rongh upon which
was tossed or the clouds of adversely which it,
and guided into that prosperity where it now rides
proudly at anchor
Taking the command of Company sir, moment when
the most sangine of The continuance of
our organization you closed your to everything that
spoke OF failure unsucce and keeping view that
one great object future elevation have last
that enviabe position occupy.
Indeed sir it only by marking the exhibited
in the Washington Artillery of since o-day
that fully and appreciate how great obligation
to you
How much of time your labor your energy have
pu'e Night after night day after day, and week
have nbored with unceasng uning for our good
Your whole aim sir since have honored by your
command seems 10 have been the prosperity of the Washington
Artillery 1t has been with you sir the Washington Artillery
first everything else afterwards.
This magnaninlous exhibition of your orr behalf
Captain call forth much from us for
such nsefs conduct since hope receive at our
hands augh that yo have always posesseour love nd
nliration and esteeli-is rarely be found.
Words SIR would fail did possess the ability to properly
tonight the noble position you occupy towards our
corps As soldier officer gentleman friend You
have proved yourself all that could desire There is none
among who do hold You the highest esti
nation We have but one sentiment your and our
regard-a sentiment in which is blended friendship gratitude
esteem and honor
That true Captain and that in speaking as do echo
the feeling of each of you no greater
than that afforded by the which have
conducted ourselves toward during the period your com
n'nd Though at times sir have without doubt done
much that reprehenbe and contrary TO your
DESIRES yet feel confident will affirm the now
make that with the exception of such instances have Just
named have all with accord abored obey yor conn
ands and wishes and have willingly cooperated you in
the frherance every that you advanced for
the interest of the corps.
Yet sir the fully to impress you if possible the
trn'hulness of or professions and to give you asn
and of regard for appreciation of
YOU resolved rely tonight upon the exhibitions VIZ
have thus far made by word and action you on this
occao yet more convincing evidence of sincerity and
esteem.
We have therefore, Captain prepared your acceptance
this testimonial before yol, and which, your per.
mission now in the behalf of the
officers and members of the Washington Artillery.
PREsENTATIoN:
Captain This tribute of esteem which have thus had the
honor and pleasure you the instance my fellow.
soldiers permit you, is the voluntary Offering of
grateful hearts
1t is given you with the hope purity of the motive
which has prompted you preserve cherish it
of that high regard and kindly feeling we have for
and which, tonight, have attempted, though feby 10
portray.
Abont you will find much that will ever call to yonr lively
remembrance the represent for have endeavored TO
make it en,bcnia,ic of the Washington Artillery.
The the ball the eagle, the knapsac and the FLAG
which and adon IT. will ever speak you to those
who behold it, of thnt Company whose prond elevation was the
res,, of your inlefagabe exerons and uniring zeal
We sincerely Captain, that this gift may add an
other link 10 that chain of friendship and which now so
firmly binds us to and that will it that
benefit extend beyond the present occasions so
that when and SIR and those whom represent shall
passed away that unknown region beyond graye-a time
that is far distant but will surely come-that even
then be found remaining memorial your posterity
them of the merit Of a noble man. good
soldier and loved officer, and the gratitude affections of
his friends and corps
The Colonel was taken completely by surprise
but not aback. His military training was too tho
rough to be for more than moment without re-
source and, like old soldier he quickly put him.
self upon the defensive, and though his voice was
choked with emotion, and his eyes dimmed with the