The national Republican., 1862-02-20

SLIoND v NEhAOoI tEulhENT,
Camp Griffin, Va, Feb. 10, 1862.
Eittrs Of tie Republican:
Among the many sword presentations noticed
By your paper, have been sorry not to see
the one to Gen. o. o. Howard, by the non.
commissioned officers of the Second Vermont
regiment. This regiment was attached to the
brigade commanded by Gen. Howard at the
battle Of Bull Run, and they have never ceased
70 regard him with respect and affection, both
for his character as man and soldier.
In token Of their regard for him, the non-
commissioned officers CT the eiment purchased
an elegant sword, sash, and belt, at the cost of
$500, and deputed three of their number to
then present It to him. On the 9th instant, the
committee proceeded to his headquarters, and
made the presentation.
Lieut. Edgerton, their sergeant, in behalf Of
the committee, made the following remarks:
GENERAL HOWARD: The non-co mmissoned
officers Of the Second Vermont regiment, have
long meditated giving you some token of their
high regard and esteem. We now come as
their representatives, to tender you this sword,
rs fitting tribute TO your care for, and
kindness to us. 1t might be a.ked why We
now, separated from you, should do this; we
have only to say, you were our FIRST general
and we cannot forget the forbearance which
life.
On tAat ever memorable march to Bull Rnr
and the retreat from It, and subsequently until
we were removed from you, your care for oui
comfort we shall ever remember with feelings
Of gratitude.
Allow me then to present you with this
sword, also this sash and belt. We ask you
not to remember us by them for their intrinsic
value, but for the feelings which prompted
their gift. would quote the motto engraved
IN the scabbard, Pdiman qui meruit ,ferat, "
Let him who has won it bear the palm" and
only add the remainder "Tumm est" 1t Is thine
To which Gen. Howard replied as follows
GENTLEMEN: 1t afforIs me- sincere pleasure
10 be remembered kindly by those with whom
have served, and particularly so by the off
GERS and soldiers OF the Vermont Second regi
ment.
My first acquaintance with you was at Cler
mont, near the abandoned homestead of OLD
Commodore Forrest. Your happy faces, your
bright arms, come up In the field Of my recol
iections and help TO inspire me with confidenc,
in cur troops, and with stTopg hopes that the
-aal issue will be success.
remember you on the march before the
2lst OF July, at Sangsters, at Centreville, and
On the memorable day at Bull Run. l often
sp'ak OF your behavior on that occasion: cool
mad atady asr gular troops, you stood on the
brow u! thM hill and fired your thirty rounds
and retired only at the command Of your colo
rei.
remember you when you gathered around
me on retiring; l remember you when yo,
were suffering in Alexandria market house
and also with what cheeriulness you took ur
the march again to the old ground at Cler
mont
call TO mind the Vermont men as respect
'ni. hardy. and ready for action. Every papeI
is~d to come In the proper shape, and the mer
IN guard and patrol were neither ashamed no,
afraid TO do their whole duty. have had q
good deal to do with men, and much 10 dc
with regiments, duri. & the past year, and think
! may ray, without Injustice to others, that
have not had regiment 10 my brigade that
could place above yours These are and hav,
been my sentiments. Now, In response. with
out INSTRUMENTATION, you have rendered
ine this appropriate gift for which accept nv
nearly thanks, yourselves, who have done mt
the honor to come go far to my Headquarters
this inclement day, and be kind enough to carry
The same to the donor, who have thus honorec
me with this beautifu! expression OF their con
6lence.
May the Divine blessing rest upon you,
regiment, AMI the finger Of God direct you tc
'eipvra' aud eternal success.