Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-08-15
The Sword Presentation.

|
In our last issue we made mention of the
presentation of sword to Capt. Kistler, of
the Westmoreland Blues, and promised, at
the solicitation Of numerous frierds of the
parties who acted: in the pleasant affair, to
give synopsis at least, of the addresses on
toe occasion.
Gen. H. D. Foster, happening to be pres
ent, broke the ice" by handing Gen. Stokes
the sword, to be delivered by him to Capt
Kistler, at the same time giving utteranre
to remark. which though brief, (chara1ter.
stic of the gentleman conveyed meaning
not susceptible of beiog misunderstood. n
Con. Stokes presented it to Capt. Kistler
|, in the most original and beautiful address,
which it is, we regret to say, impossible ad-
equately to report. Ee drew the sword from
the scabbard, and said, handing it to the
Captain. Take this sword, which | give
you uns5eathsd. that you may recollect that
| it is at once the instrument and the emblem
of war-to be both worn and atsed 1t is the
only and universal original weapon-conse-
Grated by Yelor in all ages, and is blade
shines brightly with glory from the war
waged by Israel, by Gods personal COM
mand, to this present war, as holy as that,
and made Tor the viEdicaton of the Heaven
born truth of mans equality to man. Success
IS as certain as the Divine Omnipote tenee.
which decreea hell for the first Secessionist.
The argument of the Devil for rebellion was
far better then that of orr traitors, for the
Devil was a scholar and a gentleman
| Swords of honor are commonly the rewards
of successful yalor, but we knoac you, your
officers aud men, and we may safely, by pre-
senting the weapon nosQ. anticipate result
certain ip the future" Gen. Stokes al
length continued to examine the causes of
the war and vindicate its justice.
With evident emotion the Captain replied
as follows
/ My Dear Sir Language fails ne to ex.
press my heartfelt gratitude for this beauti-
ful sword, presented to me in behalf Of the
citizens of Greensburg and vicinity. Sir, l
accept it as token of their respect and
friendship. | do most assuredly appreciate
the gift Not on account of its value not
that have as yet merited this noble gift at
your hands, but on account of the confidence
placed in me-a confidence which l will nev.
er betray.
In accepting this trusty weapon / discard
any revengful feeling or desire to shed the
blood of my fellow countrymen, but desire
only to WELD it in defence of our government
our liberties, ou- freedom, our homes and
our families.
May the arm be palsied that ever attempts
to WELD it in any other than the cause Of
Justice and truth-and in your presence and
the presence Of my friends, assert my firm
determination to sacrifice my life, if needs
be, in defence of that flag that has so long
and so proudly waved its starry constellation
under the broad canopy of heaven, and un-
der whose folds, we, as q united people, have
so long been protected and respected.
In conclusion, permit ne to say to my
friends, that they shall never have cause to
regret the confidence reposed in me-and /
trust that this valued gift in my hands shall
never be stained with dishonor, but will
grasp it firmly with an uplifted hand and go
forth in the defense of the Stars and Stripes,
and to aid in the maintenance of the supre-
macy Of the Constitution and the perpetuity
of this glorious Union.
Capt. Trees, Of Salem, being present, was
called on. and responded in few beautiful
romarks appropriate to the occasion, which
were well received, at the conclusion of
which the crowd gave three hearty cheers
for Captain Kistler, and three more for Eos
ter, Stokes and Trees. The train having
now arrived the Captain got aboard, and
thus ended the presentation. Il Pennsylvania
Argus, Greensburg Pa.