Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-07-25
The Swords of Gen. Twiggs.

General Butler las sent to President Lincoln
the following Characteristic letter, giving the
history Of the seizure OF the swords of the trai-
tor General David L. TWiggs:
Headquarters Department Of The GuiG
Neio Orleans. July l, 1862 I
10 the President.
SIR have the honor to send you, with this
note, three swords with their equipments for
nerly belonging to David E Twiggs laie Brevet
MAJOR General in the army of the United States
They ARE each presentation swords One
given him by resolution of Congress- which bears
the following legend
" Presented by the President of the United
States, agreeable TO Il resolution Of Congress, to
Brig. General David L. Twiggs, in testimony of
the high sense entertained by Congress of his
gallantry and good conduct in slorming Monte
rey. RESOLUTION approved March "a, 1917"
Another by the State of Georgia, and bears
the following legend and inscription:
"Constitution. "
" The State of Georgia to Major General
David H. Twiggs, U. S. A., as tribute to his
gallaniry in Mexico, lS47, Palo Alto, Resaca de
Ia Palma, Monterey, Vera Cruz, CerrO Gordo,
Chapultepec, Mono del Rey, Mexico"
The third by his native city, Agusta, Georgia,
and has the following legend
'Texas, 9Th and 9th of May, 1886. Monte
rey. Vera Cruz Cerro Gordo. To Gen. David
Il. Twiggs, from the city of Augusta, Georgia"
Gen. Twiggs left these words with a young
woman on the evening before be fed from New
Orleans ; and in his flight on the day of the ap-
proach Of the fleet, he wrote in his carriage,
while en- route, this extraordinary paper:
"l leave my swords to Miss =, and box of
silver. D. q. TwIGos."
" New Orleans, 25ih April, l6G2
This paper was claimed deed of gift Of
these very valuable weapons by the young wo
man named, but as she had neglected to inform
her father Of this singular donation cdusd flgs
and us the girls mother caused them to be given
to u negro to be sent back to Gen. Twiggs'
house, | ventured to interfere with this tesla
mentafy disposition.
more lamentsble instance of the deRrada-
tiOn to which this rebellion has reduced its vo-
taries can hardly be imagined. Swords given
to General for courage and good conduct in
the armies of the Union, tokens of admiration
by his fellow citizens, aud the gratitude of
State and nation, voluntarily bequeathed for
safe keeping to woman, as a more proper Gus
todian than himself by that same General,
when flying at the approach Of the armies Of
that country which he had renounced aud be-
trayed, at last find depository with negro
for the sake of ensaying whose race the double
crime of treachery and rebellion has been
consummated.
Now that the weapon given by the United
States is returned to the Executive, and the
others placed at his disposal. might take leave
to suggest proper disposition of them2
Might not the first be presented to some Off
GER as a token Of appreciation of loyalty and
devotion to the country The qualities Of cour
age and good conduct in the battlefield have
never been found wanting in our armies; but
loyalty and entire devotion to the country have
failed in so many examples, of which Gen.
Twggs is a shining one, that some token OF re-
spect for those qualities, bestowed in this man
ner mightnot be inappropriate.
The sword from the State of Georgia might
be deposited III the library at West Point, with
an appropriate inscription, as a perpetual ,ps-
menio to the youth there how worse than use
less are all education and military training,
even when allied to gallantry and courage, if
heartfelt patriotism and undying fealiy to the
Constitution and the flag is wanting,
That given by the city of Augusta might be
deposited in the Patent Office, as a warning
against the folly and useessness OF such an in
yention as secession"
Pardon the freedom of these suggestions, and
believe me. most respectfully, your obedient
servant,
BENZ. F. BUTLER.