The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-04-18
SWORD PRESENTATION,
AtFort NegIey, NashviIie, ON non.

-
day, AprIl fstb, 1909.
AT 8 o'clock, P. NJ, Capt. WHrrE's
Siege Artillery Company, 100 men
strong, were drawn up in line, and Cor
poral SAMUEL HEEDRrcKs, on the part Of
the Company, presented to lst Lieut..
JAMES W. JACOBS, Of said battery, a mag
ni6cent sword. He spoke as follows:
Lisulmant JacJs-SR: On the part Of
the brave and patriotic boys OF the 18th
Indiana Battery, | have the honor to pre-
sent to you this magnificent sabre as a
token Of our unbOunded confidence In
you as an officer, aud az a lasting proof Of
our respect for you as a gentleman. Ac-
cept it, Sir, and may il prove a terror 10
vile traitors, who have torn down and
trampled under their unhallowed feet,
that glorious old Star Spangled Banner,
the emblem Of our countrys' free and
glorious institutions. But not only has
our flag been insulted, but all those bles-
sed rights and privileges, far more dear
than life itself to the heart Of every true
American, have been alike ~disregarded
aud treated with contempt, by an infa-
nous band Of traitors, who are now en-
gagged ia waging an unholy war against
the best government ever devised By the
mind Of man,-a government that cost
many precious lives TO establish-one for
which we are resolved to sacrifice our
lives, IL need be, 10 preserve pure and uL-
sulHed as it came from the hands Of our
patriot forefathers, who generously suf-
fered so many priyalions and hard
ships, that they might secure to
rising generations the inestimable
privileges that it has been our happy lot
10 enjoy for so many years in peace and
uninterrupted tranquility; but treason
has Infected The hearts Of a portion Of
our people, and q cruel and desolating
war, the penalty Of treason, has laid
waste the beautiful woods and valleys Of
the sunny South, and should il tYer be
our lot 10 meet upon the field Of battle
the despoilers Of our happiness, may this
gliitering blade be so engaged that 1t
will emblazon the pages of our nations
future history, and secure for him TO
whom we have the honor TO present il a
name immortal, and preserve an honor
pure and unsullied and lasting as time in
the memories of your countrymen. Again,
sir, let me ask you 10 accept il, and with
il the kindest wishes of the light-hearted
and happy boys that now compose the
18th Indiana Battery.
Lieutenant JACOBS replied as follows
Fello0. Soldiers and BroIer5 in arms
/ accept the proffered token Of respec.
with a grateful heart, in return [ pray
you accept my warmcst thanks. assure
you this act Of respect, kindness, anC
generosity on your part shall be remem'
bered by me to the latest moments Of my
existence. / shall wear il while doing
battle for our country, and should | b.
brought hand TO hand with our enemies
snail WELD il with the utmost energy 0
my ''strong' right arm-neyer will / sur,
render it to a traitor Of our glorious gov.
Q nment. Should | be spared to return
( peaceful ayocation5 Of life, / viii TAX
Nith me, as a memorial Of this hour
tlis beautiful sword; there it shall b.
kept sacred, and, as now, free from tn
blight and corroding influence Of seces,
sion. / shall LOOK upon it with pleasing
recollections Of those brave, cheerful ant
hardy sons Of my native State who stan,
before me now, and when ! am csller
from the shores Of time, when / hay
fought my last battle, and won my las
victory, | shall deliver this sword 10 m.
son with this injunction: Should the
demon secession eyer dare to raise is hea
again, that he shall stand firm on ia
side Of his government, and should fort
Of arms be necessary to crush the mon
ster, that he 90 forth in defence Of III
Constitution and aid in enforcing th
laws. Eighteen months ago we came "a
geiher, in obedience TO a call for troops
suppress rebellion, we were then strang
era to each other, but we had one CON
mon object in yieW-the preserVati on
our government, since that time We has
been constantly together. If during thi
time, my conrse Of conduct as \ sOldi
has been such as 10 merit this token
your very high regard, having ever bee
animated by a principle Of respect
those with whom / arr surrounded, and
lust sense Of my duty, determined 10 {
ny duty, be that what it may, and in
doing, having won your respect, ] sha
endeavor 10 maintain IT By my yigilaur
aud soldier.like conduct. III fall up,
the battle field, 10 rise no more, / shall
my dying moments have the consolati,
, Of knowing that | have done my dnty
4 that / have bean TAI hful to my COUNT
aud that l am dying in defence Of II
beet Government ever devised by ma
Let US be prompt and energetic, in di
charge Of every duty. Occupy ing Il
position We do, II behOOyes Us 10 use Il
; utmost diligence. Let Us be as We are
! ever ready to speak forth through tho
long " toms" in tones Of thunder that VI
. tell 10 unmistakable Language Of our d
termination 10 stand by our GOyernme
10 It's darkest hour, and preserve IL Or
> in the attempt. Again i thank you
, this token oil respect Tor me, aud with
lest wishes for your future prospect