The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-07-05
DAv1DsoxCoLLEaE, Nov. 4th, 1858.


To his Ercellency r. f. W. AHsfgn, Governor DC. dc:
Dear Sir-Your letter of the Goth ultimo enclosing
resolutions of the General Assembly In regard tn
presentation of a sword, reached me or days ago
Lore for and pride in his native State is the birth
right of every Carolinian token of regard from her
must then be peculiarly gratifying to her
To win that regard is among the cherished objects of
life with all worthy of being called her children. This
noble aspiration has made her statesmen incorruptible
in council, and her Pamettos invincible on tie
field of battle. I my fortune to stand the beach
of Vera Cruz by the side of full-blooded Vermont
Yankee, when the noble regiment from our glorious
State filed past in all the pomp of war; their serried
anbs then unwasted by disease and the havock of
He gazed for some time upon the gallant host with
silent admiration and then exclaimed aloud Il use his
words) those fellows obliged to fight WELL they
have much damned State pride"
Ah that State pride forsook them for moment;
not when their intrepid leader struck down,
and when the best blood of Carolina flowing like
water upon the plains of Churubusco. They still
remembered that far distant eyes still upon them,
and with three loud cheers, wild rush. and hurried
conflict the entertainments of the enemy were
But sir, do not suppose that the desire OF State
appreciation confined entirely to that chivarous
regiment. 1t shared equally with them by the
graduates of West Point serving in the regular army
1t burned brightly in the breasts of the lamented
Williams, Stuart Calhoun, Noble, Screeven, Reeves and
Deas. 1t stimulated Huger, and made him next to
Scott the right arm OF the army and without compeer
in zeal, efficiency and untirng industry 1t nerved the
of Anderson, Jones, Rhett and Bee, and carried
them 'where blows we're heaviest and favors fewest y
stnrmng party against the Castle Of Chapultepec. We
had floor for bed, and one blanket in common for a
covering the night preceding the assault. remember
we'll his last words before fell asleep: '"If we live
through Tomorrow, the old State will remember u.s.
mention this but to show that under no crcumstan
of danger, privaton and death, true Carolinian
be Indifferent to the opinion Of his native State
1t matters how long he may have been separated
from her, and how little hope he may have of ever
again being enrolled among her citizens.
! trust sir, that am behind none in my devotion to
South Carolina. that can be more
proud of her exalted patriotism her unsullied honor
and her long catalogue ofillustrous names. am sure
that be grateful for testimonial of her
esteem. Permit me, them to return, through your
Excellency, my grateful acknowledgements to the
Legislature for this distinguished mark of their
sideration.
Allow me, ALSO to thank your Excellency, personally,
for the complimentary terms in which you have been
pleased convey the wishes of that body and especially
for the happy significance of the embems and devices
suggested by you to the manufacturer of the sword
1t enhances the gift ten-fold in my estimation, that it
will remind me of brave old Carolina, of the
Military Academy at West Point, your alma Mater as
we'll mine and of that institutions best friend and
most efficient patron-Carolina's greatest son, the
worlds purest and ablest statesman.
With great respect, your obedient servant.
TSgnedl d. H. HILL.