Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-03-21
TEsTIMONIAL 10 COL. WHITING

I 1t is well remembered by the friends Of the
I'd Vermont Regiment that for time after
the Regiment left the state there was not the
best Of feeling towards its commanding officer,
and even up to the session Of the Legislature
last fall many thought that he ought to be re-
moved from his command. We shared to
some extent in this feeling. But time has
worn away the prejudices which then existed,
and a better feeling exists, as is manifested by
the fact that the privates of the regiment
lately presented Col. Whiting an elegant
sword, sash, belt, saddle and horse equip
ments, the expense of which was four hun
dred dollars. Upon the scabbard of the sword
was engraved " Presented to Col. Henry
Whiting by the Priva'es Of the I'd Vt Regt.
Fiat Jastitid." The presentation was made
by Vernon d. Hood, private of Co. II, who
made the following remarks:
6oL; WEtrrHo-S'rs These tokens which now hold
iu my hand am about TO present in behaH Of the
nfivates o your regiment Having the honor to perform
this little task which affords much pleasure (being
appointed by the committee chosen from the respective
companies of the regment shall be as bfef possi
hle, knusug that these emblems in themselves suf
h'en to show unto you the kind regard and high appre
You have been relieved from your arduous duties for
short time by being permitted to visit friends with whom
you have been accustomed to associate in bygone days
trust many pleasant interview and happy hour have
spent by you during this absence and make
glad your return by presenting to you this sword SASH
belt aud also the horse equipments. assure you that
do not present yOu with thesr merely because IL Is
customary 70 make like presentations among all reg
msuts but that all might in a simple manner show 10
that the kindness you have ever manifested towards
us is duly rccprocatcd.
Take them. use them to the best Of your ability; and
a. ruNf aN. h.~.
chance participate largely in may they buoy
up your spirits feeling that the generous donors
those OF your command the sturdy Of the loyal
Green Mountain State aud the offspring " such men
the heroic Ethan Allen, who willing lay do wn
their lives TO maintain this government, with all its
cred honor as our iOreahcrs were to establish Il This
rebellion, which has involved us in civil war much
to be dreaded by every one, is about to receive final
blow Oue newspapers for the last few weeks have been
filed with the details Of series Of victories in favor of
the old hhg. The clouds already beginning To break
awAy allowing the bright sunlight of feedon 10 shine
through with such buliancy to render it wholly i'm.
possible for the mystic yapors Of treason to again eune
to shut out its piercing hiht Our officers and soldiers
are becoming in earnest and beginning to deal Out 70
traitors what they most justly deserve just God who
will suffer the last vestge Of true government to be
bntted out forever, with success, and
will smile upon us He has done for many years,
on a happy aud thriving republic.
May this sword efficient weapon welded in
sefdefence, and may its shining blade beckon 10
victory which shall tell towards the restoration Of this
once glorious and happy Union
The above was delivered in a graceful and
easy manner, ana AT the conclusion colonel
Whiting replied as follows
This is indeed magnificent present. IL could not
have proceeded from any other and be priced
much it is. The good Of any gin depends upon the
way il is received,
II this present should seem TO be the result Of winkng
violation Of military discipline its reception would in
my estimation degrading. The parent who is
faithful in the discipline Of his family in time receives the
respect ~ his family
The officer who is faithful in disoharging his duty in
time receives the respect Of those whom he has
been placed Still the disciplined rarely find the
else pleasant and i1yous at the time Hence this pre-
sent has taken by surprise this time. This act
tells that you have passed that point az which you
may have felt much depended on the letting off by
your officers and that you have deliberately to the
conclusion that you ready 20 do your whole duty
Your ntellgen assists you In seeing 20 what extent
you have for the ume parted with your freedom in TAX
ing up arms in this day Of your countrys pdrhcaton
your good suggests the necessity Of parting with
every right that prevents efficiency soldier Bear
this In mind the you forced suffer, the
you become imperded ia this war, the satisfactory
will be the remembrance OF IT,
The Second Vermont have not hinohed on the field
picket, aud here am tempted to boast somewhat, but
forbea Let trust that by your temperance, patience
and hmness, you will take pride in saying that you
have served in the Second Vermont in any capacity.
Soldiers l thank you for this present May this act
be interpreted by each ot that determined TO
stand by each other ill this call Of country shall
have been fully answered or expect 10 suffer
and be sraghtened while here, but the Throne Of
God Is opened, His Grace is free.