Nebraska advertiser., 1862-02-27
TI9g Presentation TO the Paddock
Guards,

T9g presentation to the Paddock
Guards.
During the early stages of the rebel
lion, and when we upon the western
borders were threatened byfoes on more
dian one side, il will be remembered that
Gov. Saunders was absent, looking after
uauers connected with equipping the
Nebraska Regiment. During this time,
Secretary PADDOCK was Acting Govern
g. The prompt and efficient manner in
rh;ch be discharged the duties of that
| GAGE, was the ad miration of all who
rsre witnesses. About that time the
PlDDOcK GUARDS Of this place were or
-aaized, and named in honor Of him..
Las. fall, Mr.. Paddock sent the Captain
q the Company a check for $50, with
which to purchase It's %colors. The flag
was ordered in Philadelphia, and arrived
By express a few weeks since, and the
formal presentation fixed for the ODD Of
February.
The flag is a splendid affair. Thema-
terial is twilIed silk size-that of the
Standard flag of the U. S.-4:4 by 6:6,
and trimmed with heavy gold fringe, gold
cord and tassell f; surrounding the
Slaf 4 finely carved and brOnzed Amer
ican Eagle.
The Guards met at S o'clock, at Denis
Hall-which they have rented for a drill
room during the winter-and in a highly
creditable manne performed various
military evoluliOns. The Hall was soon
a dense mass of human beings. The
largest turn out-especially of ladies'
we have ever witnessed in this place.
In fact many could not get in the Hall.
It wa hoped hat Mr. Paddock would
be present and present the flag in person,
Being absent from the Territory, he del
egated r. w. FURNAs to present it in
bis behalf Indoing so, Mr.. F. said:
Ladies and Gentlemen Officers and men
of the Paddock Guards
Hon. A. S. Paddock, to whose munif-
cent donation YOU are indebted for the
splendid banner here displayed, not be.
ing present, as was anticipated, has con-
ferred upon me the honor Of presenting
It 10 the company named in honor of him.
IN performing this pleasant duty, 1 shall
conform to the established custom of the
day, governing such occasions f: namely,
brsvity.
Under the peculiar circumstances ex-
listing between the donor and yourselves,
Mr.. Paddock, gentlemen, has very nat
urally watched with no small degree
of anxiety aud interest, your conduct
and progress. He has been pleased
10 believe you in earnest in fitting and
preparing yourselves for any and every
emergency /; and that while organized
merely for home protection, you have
beee equally attentive to regular drill
as have those upon the tented field. A:
? consequence, this course has proved ar
InceShve &c many 10 enter the grand ar
Ry &C hx UrifedrStates, in defence Of
tie Onio1 Ehe company has been as
u were 3 nursery for the regular army
Need l naotion the 1aet hat Capt. Mat
thews and mar2 Of The priTates formerly
Of your company are now with Genera
Hunter, occupying p~roninent and honor
able positions by reason Of the profcieu.
cy.attained while commander and mem
bers of the Paddock Guards. Admiring
therefore, your promptness, patriotism
zeal and loyalty. Mr.. Paddock request
me to present you this flag, as a Sigh
testimonial Of his regard and respect-for
and confidence in you as soldiers. A
you will observe, it is no gaudIly arrang
ed affair, for mere show. 1t is simpl
the stars and stripes; the old flag Of on
fathers; the emblem of our nationality
the antitype of which has never beer
trailed in the dust by others than traitors
Ihey have done so of late, it is true; We
the dastdrdly act but endears 1t the NOR
g true lovers ofthe Union; upholders of
free government. That flag, guided an
cheeEed our patriot ancestors in sc
curing the Liberties transmitted TO US Ur
furnished. AID under which we have S
long lived, and ~pFospered as has no Othe
people on Gods footstooi. 1t has lie
our armies 10 victory on many a battle
field Il is to-day leading them in anothe
struggle for national existence, and whel
ever unfurled, even on what we regard
disloyal soil, the loyal, but hitherto dowr
uodden inhabitants rejoice at its approaC
and Ay, with open arms to receive it,
Il is the hope of the oppressed of eUe1
cline. Let 1t meyer be dishonored /
you let no traitorouS hand soil a strip
or oblitsfate a star! In the language
the patriot of Ashland. "Let not Il
banner you have loved so long, be borr
piece-meal Ger the distant sea; tor
TGmpled under foot by a frenzit
throng; divided; measured; parcelled on
tameiy surrendered up forever, to graz
fly a s~oulless rou Of traito RS ="
Although this particular flag has u
been 'woye by maid and mother; CO.
secrated by their love blessed with the
lips; with their kisses and their prayer,
as,bas been. so frequently the case du
ing the present struggle, yet the ladies'
God bless them-are here tonight,
add character TO the occasion and W
--.c. --sa--~~o~ .-o.