Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1862-03-21
[Our Army Correspondence
FROM THE SECOND REGIMENT.
4 Presentation 10 Colonel Waiting.
CANT GRIFFIN, Va,
March 6, lo62.


March 6, lo62.
lfe,srs. Edi,ors oftI- Free Press;
Some time in January while Col Whiting was
home on leave of absence, the privates Of the I'd
Vermont proposed among themselves to surprise
him on his return, with a testimonial Of their es-
TEEN for him as an officer and man. They raised
entirely among themselves, about $3.50. This
they placed in the hands of Lieut.. Col stannsrd
with the request that he would aid them IN pro-
curing the desired articles, and to him they are
largely indebted for the success in the selection
and procuring Of the same. They consisted Of a
splendid sword, with handle Of solid silver, jew
eled, with guard and scabbard heavily plated with
gold, beautifully chased, and engraved with the
words, Presented to Col. Henry Whiting By the
privates of the I'd VT. Regt., 1852 Fiat JH'f'''a'
There was also plain scabbard for common use.
These with the belt and sash were enclosed In
neat mahogany case, with Col. Writings name
engraved on plate on the cover. There was also
a complete set OF horse equipments Of the finest
quality, er closed in plain stout chest, and su-
perb brace of revolvers made in London, enclosed,
with all the fixtures, in a neat mahogany case
The chest and this case also bear the Coloners
name. ! question if Gen. Mcclellan can show 30
fine a set Of equipments.
These, to-day, were presented in an unosteuta-
tious, but expressive manner. Private Rood, Of
Co. II, was selected to make the presentation,
which he did very gracefully, with the following
remarks:
Col Waiting sir: These tokens before you l
am delegated BY the privates OF your Regiment 70
present to you. Honored with this pleasing task
shall vet nave but little TO say for these gifts OF
themselves arc sufficient TO show the kind regard
and high appreciation we entertain Tor you az
commander. You have recently returned to US,
having been relieved for a short time from your
/ arduous duties to mingle with the friends and
cherished associations Of former days, and doubt
less many a happy hour and pleasant interview
have you enjoyed in your absence. And now we
would gladden. your return to US, by presen ing To
you this beautiful sword, sash and belt, together
with these complete horse equipments assure
| you we do not present these merely for display,
but to show in our nnobtTusive way that the kind
| ness you have ever manifested toward us is duly
| Appreciated. Take them-use them in the con-
hicts before u.s. as you shall judge best, remember
| ing that the donors of these are the men Of your
command-the sons Of the loyal Green Mountain
| State-the descendants oi sueh men as Ethan Al
len-ready to follow where you may lead, and to
lay down their lives, if need be, to maintain our
Government, and preserve the hallOwed institu-
tiOns of our forefaihers. The dark clouds OF re-
bellon are beginning TO break, and the bright sun
of freedom to shine through with such intensity
10 render it impossible for the black yapors OF
treason to unite again and shut cut its pcnetrat-
ing light. A just God is with to bless our Ia
bors, he was with cur fathers, and crown to them
with ultimate success. May this sworj be ever
effectively welded in countrys defence, and
its shining blade beckon on to speedy victory
in the restoration Of our once hapPy and glorious
Union.
Col. Whiting replied:
This is indeed a magnificent present and il
could not have come from any other source and bt
prized by me so highly. The value Of any gih
depends much upon the way it is obtained. L
this present had bsen the result of winking at yio
stons Of military discipline, its reception would
in my estimation, be degrading The parent who
is faithful 10 the discipline Of his family, in thu
end is sure Of the respect Of that family. The Of
fcer who is faithful in discharging his duty, re
ceiyes in time, the respect Of his command. Thi
discipline, however, is rarely pleasant at the tint
it is exercised. On that account, this presen