The Portland daily press., 1862-09-23
Sword Presentation.

The friends of Capt. Enoch III. Hines in Co.
b, with which he has been connected as a
drill officer since its formation, desiring to
prove to him that his defeat in not obtaining
the position of Major in the 23d Regiment has
not changed their feelings of respect for him,
on Saturday, the 10th inst, raised fund and
procured for him an elegant sword. The pre-
sentation took place on Saturday afternoon in
a very quiet and happy manner.
The company formed at their quarters in
camp Abraham Lincoln, from whence they
marched, under the command of Capt Chas
ii. Prince, to the American House.
After making proper arrangements TO re-
ceive him, Capt. Hines was called out. lie
was sauted by the LIST Lieut., Albion Thorme,
who formally presented the sword with the
following brief address:
Capt. Hines With feelings of pleasure tinciured
with some shadow of disappointment we greet YOU
on this occasion, TO prove to you that although de-
priYed of your services the field of battle and of
glory still hold YOU in remembrance and esteem.
Your services TO this company for which YOU scorn
pecuniary reward. have bound hearts in ob
CATION to show that your labors have not been in
vain, and that your works have been appreciated IL
may be well known 10 you that unanimously de-
sired you TO receive tie honor of being numbered
wished you TO take has been assigned to another one
whose abilities and character we respect and in wi ON
we have entire confidence a leader. Though Your
present position may not seem to demand the action
about to take, hope that a future day will
dawn upon you with brighter sun and fairer sky,
when you may look back upon this occasion with de-
light thaiin an hour of darkness your friends remain
ed steadfast.
The fate of our country Jnow rests in the hands
of Almighty God, and the and sinew of her pa
riot soldiers. In these trust confident that The
cloud of rebellion and danger viii soon disappear;
among those who already have DONE and are still
willing TO do, their utmost to sustain glorious cause
and preserve unsued and entire the heritage of
fathers. whose blood to-day calls TO arms.
In testimony of our esteem present you this
sword, trusting it may never be unshcahed in in
glorious cause but ready at your counfrys CALI
and our prayer j., that the day speedily come
when all the nations of the world shall bless pres
ent contest and learn the arts of more. May
your life be pure and free from stain this bur
nished blade rejecting glory and honor upon your
country and kindred, as bright as the rcsplcrdenf
rays of the sun which fall upon this steel Accept
1t with warmest thanks for your assistance In
forming aud drilling this company; and may heaven
shower her choicest blessing upon you and yours for
ever.
Capt. Hines responded, in substance as fol-
lows -
officers and Soldiers appreciate the feelings that
have actuated you To show me this honor aud al
though should not dcian you a moment from Your
duties. yet 1t becomes my duty TO respond TO your
most honorable call.
Perhaps, under the circumstances, it would have
becn more appropriate for you 10 present me with
musket than This sword if feither. But YOU have Civ
en- me this weapon which few DAYS ago YOU expect
ed me to use when leading goU on against those
grateful villains who trying to destroy the best
government that ever existed. and that which has
cherished them since its formation. made them rich
and put arms into their hands which they are now
using really, for their destruction. As for me-
| do not feel very bad because am not of your
field officers; although ambition prompted me- when
solicited by friends to desire and seek for posi-
ton among your commanders, and have failed 10 OBJ
tam after having an assurance from twenty of your
line officers that should have the position of Major.
Yet feel that an honorable defeat Is better than a
dishonorable election; and in this matter, if in no
other during life have clear conscience ! have
made no promises that have not carried out TO the
letter and no trades that am afraid to have known.
Understand me, gentlemen. when tell You that /
am not accusing any one of dishonesty. bur simply
say that men sometimes land rightfaHy tool change
their minds
You have in my humble opinion obtained as good
man for your Colonel as could have been furnished
within the limits of your State. l have known him
since was small boy. He is of our oxford
bears-a scholar, gentleman. and a military man.
Your Lieutenant Colonel know only by reputation
ana if his abilities have been rightfully represented
to me (which ! have no doabt they haNe by his
friends, he will be worthy of the position in which
you have placed him, aud ] shall not be sorry that
have advised my friends 10 assist him. As for your
Major regard him worthy of the position he holds
and man that ought. at least, TO look out for his
men from the western part of oxford. Mr. Bray,
your Quartcrmasier | regard as better qua ihed 10
fill that position than any man with whom am
qnainted And now, TO close all remarks about your
field aud staff officers, tfor viii say nothing about
Adjuiant,l hope when Oxford calls upon Andros-
coggn County again to furnish them with field and
siaif officers, that they will be, | have doubt
your officers ROW are, ready TO be examined before
leaving the state, and if Androscoggin furnish
better officers than oxford | hope they will come
from there, for know that portion of the boys
from oxford are not afraid to shoulder musket:
and now If that county claims every thing, give it 10
them. and not dis ute, let them have every staff Off
Ger, rather than have any trouble; but when YOU
come into battle show to your color company that
oxford is going to help protect that old flag. and if
you have Ho sword 10 use, that you have learned 10
handle musket. am sacrificed but ii is no sacri-
flee. ! can handle musket better than a sword and
boys, j am going to the An officer has rank
that private has not, but private has rights which
must be respected.
! will not detain You longer. Go forth, brave men,
10 battle; and if You fall upon the field of conflict
you vii be remembered 10y yonr friends and ill he
ro's grave; il you return, you clothed with
honors. Go forth feeling Lochie did when the
old seer warmed him not to go the field of bat
tie again. He says
"Lochiel, unainted by fight or by chains
While the kindiiug of lie in his bosom remains
Shall victor eXnlt, or in death be laid low
With his back to the field and his feet 10 the foe
And leaving in battle no blot on his name,
Look proudly to heaven from deathbed of iame.'