Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-01-24
swnRn PRESENTATION


The sth inst. was the occasion Of an ele-
giant sword presentation to Col. stephen
Thomas of the 9Th Vermont Regiment at
West Fairleo, his native town. The affair
seems to have been admirably conducted and
passed off in pleasant and satisfactory man
ner. The music Of the Bradford Brass Band
did them credit, while the singing Of J. b.
Cram and suite from Thetford added largely
to the interest Of the evening.
The presentation speech was made by the
Hon. Alvah Bean, in behalf Of the citizens Of
the place, who said
Col THowAs-You, sir, are now called upon in this
most perous hour Of Countys history, by your
tive state TO forth in defence of our Nations Tag, TO
sustain and perpctuato this great and elorous Govern
men-he proudcs and nobest upon which the sun ever
shown and We rejoice sfsin your elevation 20 This post
NJ honur-or 10 is unfadng honor wreath of glory
upon his brow who is willing cter be- sacrificed upon
his couutrys altar We feel SIR that this trust could not
have been committed TO trucr and more worthy hands,
aud doubt not that you will win for yourself new au-
fes and rchectupon your native State he land u the
lamentcd Alen-addtona honors. Therefore. sir per
init In behalf Of your townsmtn and fiCuds a
token " our confidence and regard and for your deyo-
tiou your country this her darkest hour ~ trial 20
present you with this sword May IL be your shield in
the hour OF conflict and may u n your hands be in
strumtntal in guarding and sustaining our beloved Com
stuuon as t Tor It was framed by The purest hearts
aud the nuhlest hands.
We doubt not Thar bravery will characterize an your
efforts And we'll, sir might imagine that amid the
din Of battle and the clash NJ arms when the can.
mons roar shall drown every voice. that this gl tcring
blade "ll wave on nigh beckomnR on your soldiers 90
thc conflict Aud trust SIR IL will remain sheaied
until rebellion is mo- more until the eagles voice b. heard
bearing me motto Union now AVID forever 20 every
sister state, until the nations lag shall at upon every
breeze rom ocean 90 occan-rom the gulf TO the North
seas,
Bot ,r & is 10 me. and doubt not to this large con
NJ friend, here assembled associated together
We have been This many Years, most painful dafy q
know thar duty calls. know that the Of hunan
" the world over calls and we know that beloved
therefore, bid you go, bearing with YOU high
est respect and esteem, and ardent prayers for
your safe return i1 your native State
COT. THOMAS REPLY.
Sir, have loved my country from my earliest moments
Of recollection, and 10 Is this love NJ country that has
compelled me 90 flcgo the society 1f fficnds aud leave
my native State. in her defence lts this that has par
ed me in the position which I occupy. Aud mir,
accept this beautiful present with grateful heart art
wherever upon the field NJ battle the enemies " this Clio
rious constitution and Union the thickest-He VIII,
governs the dcs;iucs Of nations being my heper-the,
shall This sword wave. Trusting iu Him Tor aid VIII,
stood by the immortal Washington and his noble com
patriots iu arms, my object and aim Will be that neither
this sword nor my native state snail suffer disgrace.
have contemplated The results of 10 all It's varic'
phases its dangers and It's horrors vet believe IL
duty 90 respond 10 my country call, 20 forth ia de
Tense OF Our nations flag Aud permit noe here TO say
,re IN ,,f,,,,,,,.y me- ro r,iln t,,d - men \,
Re,;,r,t I'D h.s ,e, io a.. c., N,,r.ir 3, n,
GAN bo,st Of better And ibave ,be ronBdence an he
Nsve maj tbrv viii st,rd by me In tho hmm N r.rJ =
They too. have been willing to sacrifice home with ali 20
cndeauug associtiiuns for the welfare " our common
country ard God being my helper will stand b, then
las know they will stand by me-in prosperity au
adversely. Do sickness and in health. do not eXpcc
that shall 40 gain behold he green hills Of
oy bs s,i n ,b, ne d@Se s s aad Com
PEELED TO an we t.,d as soldiers ought 20 die
, ~" not Ing 'o'esa @ % sq',s 'i ,n' demon
q he principles spouse 10 he sica Struggle for t6
eAi'ie9,g,g-a, you have w'h aid, the ptoade.t an
70 pcrpetuae ne same and transmit, !, To- po.,tr an
impaired. am willing % sacrifice all that ] nm aud al
'n4i nave up2" "' 'g1H' a..., mo-.
no, teil YOU Why shiu inger Ions 10 take the la.