Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-07-07

present, it abounded in many passages of
true eloquence, which were rapturously
applauded. We attempt no synopsis Of
the oratiOn, as we had expected to publish
it in full but are prevented by circumstau-
ces we need not explain. We understand
a copy ofit will be furnished the Committee
OF Arrangements, who design publishing
| i'll sa -f.are DOES - r.a1.
After the oration came the presentation
to the State authorities of the rebel gun
captured at Romney by the forces under
Gen. Kelley.
Major Constable, U. S a., was introdu-
Ced 2.-'I--
He said he had been selected as the only
artillery officer at this point to perform this
pleasing duty-pleasing yet at the same
time painful-to hand over one of the
weapons oftheir enemy to the civil author
tiles. He read the letter of General Kelley
to the Governor, saying that having under
stood the loyal citizens of Wheeling desi-
red to celebrate appropriately the anniver-
sary of National Independence, and that
the ordinance of the State Government be-
ing in the field they were unable to fire the
national salute, it afforded him much pleas
ure to be able to remedy this and contrib
ute somewhat to the ceremonies of the day.
By presenting one of the cnnnon captured
from the enemy at Romney, in October
last, to be used at the approaching rs well
as on future occasions when our loyal peo-
pie might be called upon to celebrate glor-
ious events in our nations history The
General added the hope that before anoth.
er returning anniversary of the nations in
idependence, the rebellion would be put
down and our Southern brethren have re-
returned to their,,allegiance, fully convinced
that our revolutionary fathers infused such
life and srength,into the Government as to
. enable it to defend itself successfully
against both domestic traitors and foreign
| foes.
Major Constable said this was unlike any
/ trophy it was ever his part to present be-
fore. 1t was trophy taken from brethren
and given back to brethren-takea on one
of the hardest fought tle-felds of West
crn Virginia | Hm sure, he said, that
while give it with feelings of pride it is
also with ferliugs Of sorrow to think amy
such dreadful necessity us the taking of it
should ever existin this glorious land. This
subject is one that has been so fully dis
cussed just now by the reverend gentleman,
that it woAld be ridiculous almost for me,
IL soldier, again TO go over 1t. But at the
Snme time ] cannot possibly help saying
what all who are. engaged in this cause
m uSL IGGlt LuAL WuIlS we hlC NOluB Jul
our hearts are sore at being obliged to draw
these swords against our brothers. will
say more, that we only do our duty; that
not one step has ever been made beyond;
that the whole world must stand astonished
ut the sight of this war on this continent.
THERE'S every cause for vengeance on our
side, but has one cry yet been raised for
vengeance? No sir; the glorious specta-
Gle is exhibited to the world of sixteen mil
lions of people amid all the outragcs of
the last eighteen months, asking only for
Justice Their fathers aud brothers have
bled on the battlefield, yet not one cry for
vengeance has been raised, We only ask
for the restoration of the gov rnment and
as soldiers we will take nothing more
Applause
1t was always painful to contemplate the
scenes of war. If they could only stand
upon the field the morning before the battle
aot behold the landscape stretching out be-
meath their gaze. dewy and brilliant in the
mornings sunlight, benntiful and bright rs
fresh FROM Gods own hand, trees bearing
their blossoms of beauty, and the fragrance
of flowers rising up to heaven-the fields
waving their garments of gold and green
and all nature blooming like Eden-Nnd
then stand upon the same field the morn
ing after the battle, after the destroying an
gel has passed that way, and see the green
grass crimsoned with human gore, the
fields strewn with their brothers, rebels and
friends living unfortunately side by side,
while the very mir of death lowered over
all the scene, they would realize how sad
a thing is this strife of arms. The "glory"
of war is a very fine thing to talk aoout,
but the reality is dreadful. And while
we celebrate this glorious day, let US think
InVa MHGN al
Ian before Richmond. Even while am
talking SO peacefully to-day. how many
brave men may be sacrificed to this hideous
monster of rebellion. Let us think of the
sick and wounded who come from these
dreadful battIeields. l appeal to every man
and woman here. before they return to-
night to send what little contribution they
can to relieve the suIferings of men who
are in our hospitals to-day. Let US at least
celebrate this day with hearts thankful to
God, by contributing to the relief of our
fellow men who are sufferers in this right
eous cause.
Governor Peirpoint responded
Through YOU, sir, desire to thank Gen.
Kelley for the bestowment of that piece of
ordnance on the Government of Virginia.
I have not thought of that cannon since
Gen. Kelley sent it here, but with feelings
of sorrow and regret; and my fellow citi-
zens, to day, did | think that it came to US
q trophy simply, won by those that were
stronger from those that were weaker;
won by those more skillful from those less
skillfuI, on the Geld of battle in contest
between brothers fighting together, could
have little heart TO speak of it with pleas
urs and satisfaction. do not, however,
look upou this trophy in that light. | look
,,uo, - 90 that which beIOnped to VIRGINIA