The New York herald., 1864-09-16

came forward to the platform, and, presenting arms,
came TO 4 shoulder.
cEsKRAL MEADE,
commanding the Army OF the Potomac then arose. and,
during the utmost quiet and most respectful attention.
addressed the soldiers foilows:-
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FigrH CoRPs--I have to-day
10 perform most pleasant and crafty duty-to pre-
sent to certain mertorious Objects ana
privates medals OF honor conferred them by the war
Department for distinguished conduct on the eed O. ol
to- In capturing flags iroD the enemy has oeen Gus,
tomary all ages for nations TO commemorate ana rewaru
tho gaaptry ana devotion OF their sons when engaged
In tho holy Of defending their country In the
Word OF tod some Of the beautiful passages o tho
Psalulst are devoted to commemoratipg aud praisng
the deeds OF the warriors OF DID, for oven the choen peo
pie OF God wero. in tho execution OF HIS wili' COM
pclied TO take up and battle for tneir
cause. The histories OF tho ancient republics
Of Greece and Rome arc filed with accoinls
or tho honors baslow ed uron these Warriors GROWING
them with wreahs OF laurels, by triumphai pro.
cessions IN which were exhibited the trophies and
Ing out to do honor these heroes. moro modern
times nations have adopted variousanodes OF conterrng
rank, titles Of nobility estates and appropriations cf
money the private soldiers medals and other decora
s,Sns together with pensions and endowng I s.
and quieI Nor has our own country Desn
romss IN this respect; Notwithstanding tho OF
sides numerous votes Of thanks by Congress-, tho
gratitude people for the devotion displayed by sol
diers on the battle field has been testified IN many
ways-Staes counties and cities have presented andf
honses The fairs devoted to raising FUNDS FOR the
Sanitary Commission haye been made tho means OF
honoring the brave and distinguished and during The
session before tho last Congress passed resolution
authorizing the secretary OF war confer dsiln-
gushed commissioned officers ANA privates mehaa OF
honor. This is the hst occasion on which the
men or this army have beeu 50 honored and
/ have deemed i proper, through your corps
mander to call you together that the comforting Of tns
distinction might be witnessed BY the comrades OF tho
recipients that The influence OF their example might
10 incite others TO emulate their worthy conduct
wished moreover, TO say to you THAT although TINS
the OF presentation Of iness medals or
honor trust and have beAeve the precedent
thus made will be followed by many other prcsenia-
tions and that preparing list OF names OF en-
listed who have from to time since my assum.
ing command OF this army distinguished themselves ny
been reported officially TO the Department This list
shall transmit TO the secretary OF War, aud urge on him
tho ustce and expediency OF sending medals OF nonor
to all mentioned therein. II has always been my DE.
sire promptly to reward the good conduct OF the pvae
soldiers OF the army. have always borne testimony 70
the devotion and bearing .of the OF my command,
and upon all occasions like the present where have had
Opportunity to give public expression to my views
have stated the herosn and galantry OF the
private soldiers that in this war WAS due
and upon which our future success depended know,
and YOU know that whatever may BE- the
genius OF a commanding general, ana however well laid
his pans unless he s sustained ny tne brave hearts ana
stout arms OF his soldiers success will attend his
efforts. y therefore take this opportunity, while re-
mnding you OF how much depends on the indyiduai
exertions OF each one Of you to say 10 you nat our
look for renewed exertons 10 unceas
ing and persistent efforts to our enemies and
bring this war to close and trus, the medals now pre-
and supass the deeds OF comrades now about to be
honored Sergeant John II. Shilling Third Delaware;
private George w. Reed, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volun.
teers now present you with the medals OF honor. con-
ferred you by the Hon. Secretary Of War by virtue
OF the authority Of the Congress OF the States for
gaantry and good conduct display cd In
e ss ed Oa % battle s from % As
pride. Preserve them and hand them down TO
your pos.erity as testimonials .., Of the faithful
and served your country In lis hour or tral3.
Accompanying each modal you viii 1nd letter from the
acknowledgment Your replies, when made, shah be
happy TO transmit to the Department. And now,
YOU 70 emulate ,bs example OF these honored ,uen,
and by your future efforts not only deserve similar
rewards but aid in the great work which all
engased-the overcoming the of
the restoration OF and happuess TO the whoe
as to origin OF this war, have daily and hourly
evidences that 1t exists and that 1t can only oe ter
minated by hard lighting and by de.ermined efforts to
the armed iocs OF the government. Nor do
think II proper to raise here any questions as
to the policy on which this war should be conducted
With these questions soldiers have nothing 30 do
Their discussion among DOT only useless, but per
nicous. Our policy Is % fgh; and the only question as
the conduct Of the pertinent for us TO discuss IL
how best defeat those rho Acms with The
avowed suppose Of destroying that govsrnsnt undsr
which, for three quarters OF century wcnad lived
united and happy people, almost reaching point when
would have ranked among the first Powers on the
earth. Our duty 10 10 compel submission 10 tho laws,
enacted with the consent the very people who
rebel against them, on the special plea OF self
bere prescn, ven snow for II Is no more than right to
admit that foes nGht with bravery and detcrmna
tion worthy o! better cause But IT rs duty which
know you will all discharge at every sacrifice. and
earnestly pray the Ruler o the Universe aat in His int
nits wndom and mercy He may so order eventsthat
through your bravery and devotion 10 tue cause, our
enemies may be 20 yield and the cause OF truth
aud justice prevail SO that peace bong restored to tho
land flag OF fathers honorcd and respected from
the ST. Lawrence 10 the Rio Grande may be enabled
homes and families, to receive those
honors grateful country is ready to oessow.
GENERAL.
Upon she conclusion OF the address General Warren
stepped forward and asked the "boys 20 give thseo
hearty cheers show the General they had heart to
appreciate bis kndness, which done, and tney
given with a will that uus. have acquainted the
"Johnnies' with the fact tnut something unusual was
going The band struck up ''Haii Columbia" the
troops were marched their quarters and General
Warren invited his guests partake OF collation. which
was the least agreeable feature or the proceedings
Thus peasany passed occasion OF interest many
both In and Of the army. which, IL followed up and
justice done TO brave boys By tho War Depart
ment bids accomplish the most beneficial results
oArTuRED KEBEL yfAos.
These three flags captured in tho late assaults
made by the enemy 10 retako tho Weldon Railroad and
are the latest captures made Tho War Department have
10 possession nearly hundred rebel Gags for
which ia Indebted TO soldiers, and which call for
ike expression Of sentiment 10 that given to-day
The Adiutant OF the Third Delaware, Lieutenant NJ
Eyre also captured nag from South Carolina regiment
at the same time tho others captured bot, being
commissioned officer, be does not come under tho order
awarding medals that relates only to enlisted
THE DAVIS nyoAPrURrp BURNED.
About two weeks ago the rebels made . charge upon
the Davis House. where Lieut., Clark signal officer had
signal station capturing it, and have since held It, Last
night squad Of penetrated their lnes driving In
their videttes aud setting 10 the house. burned
the ground. This bold piece Of work, and IN It's
execution evnced spice OF that bravery and dash which
have so long distinguished the Fh corps aud given u
It's enviable reputation.
Trains will commence running on the new ailrcad 10.
morrow making four or Ave trips daily rne works