The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-21
Presentation of Sword to Gen. Howard.

l
Our correspondent, F. V. R., writing from
Camp Griffin, gives the following account of the
presentation of sword, by the non-commis.
stoned officers Of the ID Vermont Regiment, &c
Gen. Howard
perhaps ought to speak of the presentation
of beautiful sword, sash and belt, which has
just taken place, by the non commissioned Off
GERS of our regiment, to Brigadier General D. o.
Howard, who, it will be remembered, was our
first Brlgadier, and the one under whom we
fought at Bull run. He is one of the men who,
although educated and trained to the military
all his life. has not forgotten to be gentleman.
Although we have been very fortunate in being
brigaded, we have often required to Gen. How
ards treatment of US with feelings akin to what
a child feels for father. We We're so green
and he SO attentive and patient. His calm, de-
clded voice at Bull run, steadying our line when
shot and shell We're whining all around us and
spreading death and carnage in every direction,
will never he forgotten.
Well do remember, when some Of on. Cap.
tains, with more impeuosity, perhaps, than
discretion, at a time when the rebels threw out
the Stars and Stripes, which caused a little fa!-
tcrng along our lines and they showed some
signs of giving way, sprung before their compa-
MES that sheir presence and words might en-
courage their men, how he sung out to them, in
his clear, distinct tones, " Captains, get in rear
you shot at this time" We also remember,
when we were retseating, how he dismounted
his horse and put wounded soldier on him. and
walked in our midst himself, although we were
hard pushed by the enemy and apparently little
chancc fnr tbnse fh,,r IN oSc.co
Gen. Howard is pow in command near Alex
andria, and the committee appointed to make
the presentation went down to day and per
formed the duty. The sword sash and belt
cost two hundred dollars and, are very nice
F. M. Edgertsn, formerly Sergeant III Co. B,
now Lieutenant In Co. f., made the presenta-
ton speech, to which Gen. Howard responded.
The following are the speeches on the occasion
Lieut.. Edgerton said:
GENERAL HOWARD: We, non-commissioned
officers of the Second Vermont regiment, have
long meditated giving you some token Of our
high regard and esteem. We now come as their
representatives to tender you this sword, as
fitting tribute to your care for and kindness to
US. 1t might be asked why we, now separated
from you, should do this. We have only to
say, you were our first General and we canno,
forget the forbearance you exercised toward us,
unused to the soldier life. On that ever MEM
orable march to Ball run, and the retrea from
it, and subsequently until we were removed
from you, your care Tor comfort We shall
ever remember with feelings of gratitude.
Allow me, then, to present you with this
sword-aso this sash and belt. We ask you
not to remember us by them for their intrinsic
value, but by the feelings which prompted this
gift. l would quote the motto engraved on the
Scabbard, 'Pal0aan qm meriut Jerat, Let him
who has won it bear the palm and only add
the remainder, I'un est, 1t is thine.
GENERAL HOWARD REPLY.
TO the Committee delegated from the "a ".
Regiment:
GENTLEMEN 1t affords me sincere pleasure
to be remembered kindly by those with whom
have served. and particularly by the officers Of
the Vermont Second Regiment. My first ac
quantance with you was al Clermont, near The
abandoned homestead of old Commodore Forest,
Your understandable grey, your happy faces, your
bright arms, come up in the field of my recol-
lection, and help to inspire me with confidence
in our troops, and with strong hopes that the
final issue will be success remember You on
the march before the 2lst Of July at Sanesters,
at Cent,eyille, and on the memorable day at
Bull run. | often speak Of your behavior on
that occasion. Cool and steady as regular troors,
you stood On the brow of that hill and fired
your thirty rounds, and retired only Il, the com.
mani Of your Colonel. | remember you when
you gathered around me in retiring. | remem-
Der you when you were suffering in the Alexan-
dria narket-house, and also with what cheer
fitness you took up the march again 10 the old
ground at Clermont. l call to mind the Yer
mont men as respectful, hardy, and ready for
action. Every paper used TO come in in the
proper shape, and the men on guard and pa
trolls were neither ASHAMED or afraid to do their
duty. have had i good deal TO do with men,
and much to DO with Regiments during the
past year, and think may say without MUS
tice to others, that have not had Regiment
in my Brigade that could place above yours
These are, aud have been, my sentiments. Now,
in response, without REORGANIZATION, you
have rendered Inc this appropriate gift, tor
which accept my hearty thanks yourselves, who
have done me the honor to come SO far to my
headquarters this Indictment day, and be kind
enough to carry the same to the donors who
have thus honored Inc with this beautiful ex-
preston of their confidence.
May the Divine blessing rest upon your Regi-
ment, and the finger Of God drecl you to tenn
pOral and eternal success.