Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-01-03

DEPARTURE OF THE l24TH REGIEEET-
PRESENTATION OF CoLoRs.-The 124th Regl-
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel
Payne, left for OovingtOn, Kentucky, yester-
day lTbursday) about noon. On the way
from Camp to the Depot the regiment halted
at the Square, and was presented with set
Of colors, in view Of a very large cOneourse of
spectators. The presentation was made BY
George Wiley, Esq.
On presenting the colors, Mr.. Wiley spoke
as follows:
COLONEL OLIVER HAEARD PAYNE, OFFICERS
AID SOLDIERS:
The announcement comes suddenly upon
rs, that the electric messenger which signals
our armies in the field, while it heralds to
the citizen its daily tidings Of victory or de-
feat, now flashes upon the Hundred and
Twenty Fourth its marching orders.
This disciplined array, these resOlate and
manly faces, betoken that you are ready, as
brave men always are, at the call of their
country.
1t was not intended that this hour of part
inc. the saddest ever in the true soldiers life,
ahsuld pass unnoticed. Gentle hands, trem-
bling with anxiety, have wrought this ban
nsr for you. Brave young hearts, worthy to
have descended lineally from the Mothers of
the Revolution, send it to your standard
bearer. Cost them what it may to say it, as
true daughters of the Republic they can send
you, with your flag, but the single message,
q Return in honor, with it, OF die beneath its
folds"
Though coming amid the holidays, this is
no holiday gift. It beckons you to triumphs,
hut It pledges you to dangers. And yet
amid them all, whether in hospital or camp,
whether treading the silent rounds of the sem
try, beneath the stars, or struggling amid the
Ere and flashing steel and carnage Of the
battlefield, remember that He, without
vhcss notice not even the sparrow falls, will
hallow the spot where sinks the humblest sol
der, sighting bravely for the great cause Of
truth and right.
Government is the highest aehieTement
and emblem OF civilization Whoever de-
feuds It, from foes without, OF tFsachery
within, becomes champion Of civilization
Man will applaud him History will honor
For Civilization, in its higher types, must
Prevail. The Nineteenth Century is a cen
turv of progress, not of disgraceful retro
grade. This country is one country, span
ming from Ocean to Ocean, from the Lakes to
the Gulf Nature ordained 1.-THE Constitu-
ton affirmed il. The tide Of conflict may
sometimes surge against US, but so surely as
the North has people worthy Of its ances-
tn, or worthy to be even connecting link
between past and future generations, so sure
" will the great cresting waves Of Constitu-
tional Law and Liberty overtake this Rebel
lion, and overwhelm it forever.
In this noble cause, nobler than which
never challenged the heroism or fidelity Of
man, we count upon it that the Hundred and
TWenty-Fourth win bear gallant and dis
tinguished part. To you, Sir, its youthful
commander, and to your brother officers, has
been committed q weighty trust. Many Of
you have seen service on the battlefield.
You have borne yourselves, as officers, with
bravery eRd discretion. Standing at the base
Of Perry's Statue, we cannot but be reminded,
tkat You, Sir, bear, in part, name of his
torical renown. We shall demand it Of you,
that you and your regiment on the land, shall
emulate the dauntless courage which that
youthful hero made immortal, upon tAe broad,
blue waters Of Lake Erie.
Take, then, this banner, and with il city e
blessing on you and your COMMAND.
To which Colonel Payne, receiving the
colors, replied as follows;
Ma. WILEY With grateful heart ae-
espt this beautiful stand Of colOrs in behalf
Of my command, and return to you, sir, and
the young ladies whom you represent, cur
sincere thanks.
Il aWakens deep emotion in Us to be dis
tinguished thus p1blicly and respcnsibly ::
for while this elegant token Of their regard
honors as among other regiments that leave
the State, In a manner most gratifying TO our
pride and ambition, it also imposes upon Us