The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-07
Tho Cavalry Regiment---Col. God
dard's Resignation.
CAMr PESoDscor, AUGUSTA, !
March 3, 1862. {

Colonel Goddard took formal leave OF hi'
command on Saturday, his resignation as
Colonel having been accepted, taking effect
on that day. At eleven o'clock the several
companies with their officers marched in
front of tho Colonel's quarters and being
properly disposed, the Colonel made fare
well speech to the soldiers and officers OF the
Regiment. Thespeech was very appropriate,
pertinent, and alike creditable to the patriot
ism and heart OF the Colonel. A friend has
furnished q copy and we send 1t for the
benefit of the readers Of the Union and
Journal. 1t is as follows:
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE lsr MAINE
CAVALRY: Our recent victories in Missouri,
Kentucky and Tennessee-the brilliant
achievements OF our army and navy all along
the Southern coast-the devotion to our
glorious Union-the determination to defend
our Country, its Constitution and its Laws
against the present diabolical and desperate
rebellion, though countenaDced and sane
toned by foreign powers, which by all the
ties of kindred, humanity and justice, should
have been our friends, furnish congratul atory
assurances to us that the old Constitution Is
yet preserved.
1 say, fellow soldiers. that the daring yalor
of our glorious volunteers, displayed so
recently upon every occasian where 1t could
find an opportunity-the determined energy
that has been displayed by our present Secre-
tary of War and by oil the heads OF the
various Departments Of our Nation, added to
the fact that strong Union sentiment has
been found to exist in almost every rebel
State-making it evident that this rebellion
is to be speedily overthrown. and its leaders
brought to summary justice-while these
glorious truths carry JOY to every loyal heart
throughout this vast Nation, they also satisfy
me that this patriotic Regiment will not DO
called into actual service. .
In view Of these inspiring facts, to which,
permit me to add, that great pecuniary losses
and revcrses Of fortune that have met with
since have had the honor to command you
with the particulars Of which many OF you
are conyersant) render it necessary. that
should personally attend to the wreck OF my
property, have been induced to tender my
resignation. 1t has been accepted, to take
effect this day and while leave you with
feelings of sincere regret, knowing as do,
that YOU have for the term OF fiyo months,
endured all the rigors ola Northern winter
without murmer, living in tents and pro-
tected only by single roof OF thin canvass
and blanket,-that you have too, cheer
fully, obeyed every order-that you have
been temperate and gentlemanly IN your
demcanor, both on duty or otherwise, there
by acquiring reputation ofwhich you, your
State and your country have good cause to
be proud; still feel Il my duty on this. my
last opportunity, to offer you a few words OF
admonition and friendly counsel.
To the officers Of the command l have to
say, that, at the time had the honor to
assume the command Of this Regiment
rendered to me by His Excellency the Governor
feeling satisfied that the disaster that hap
pened to our forces in the early part Of this
unnatural war, were mainly attributable to
intemperance. felt 1t my duty to institute
pledge Of total abstinence and having signed
Il myself, il was then signed by every com.
missioned and non-commissioned officer OF
this command. We then pledged our sacred
honors 10 every soldier Of the Regiment, that
we would not, on any pretext whatever,
make use Of spirituous or malt liquors as a
beverage. during our continuance in this
Regiment. am happy to be able to say
that most OF us have kept II to the letter.
while few only have fallen.
I leave that pledge with Major Allen and
invoke al to continue TO respect your
honor, and religiously keep It, at allevents
and under all circumstances. Ii isan honor
20 obserye it-an everlasting Disgrace, o.
Syrn;no shame to him that breaks II (noI
matter how high his rank.) hope also