The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-04-05
From the 9th Iowa.
IN CAMP AT HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, !
March 9th. ls6l. (


March 24th, 1864.
DEAR GUARDIAN Perhaps nothing
which conld communicate to you, at
present, would be more interesting and
instructive, than the following speeches,
which were made on the occasion of a
sword presentation, which took place OH
the 21st of this month. The magDifi.
cent present, (of which description is
given below, was the gift of our com
pany officers, to the worthy Lieut. Col
E. S. Sampson, of the 9th Iowa. The
speech was made by Capt. d. S. Lee, in
his own most happy style of taste and ell
oquepce, the Regiment being formed in
to a hollow square, with the giver and
happy recipient in the centre, the Capt.
said
"11EUT. Col. SAMPSON IL have been
selected by my brother officers OF the OH
Iowa, 10 be The medium through whom
they desire, on this occasion, to express
their high regard and esteem, and 10
present you a fitting token OF their lust
appropriations OF your distinguished ser.
vice and galantry, while in command OF
the Regiment, during the march and 90
the field OF battle in the world renowa.
ed camp again against that rebel G bar
altar, Vlcksburg. | would have wished
that this distinction and honor had fallen
TO the lot OF one more capable and clo
quent than myself, for ! can not but teel
that | am unequaled to the task of doing
justice to the occasion. There are times
aud occasions when the hearts deep feel
+ ings obstruct the tongues utterance, and
when the emotions Of the soul, thouy h
silent, are more eloquent than words.
however fifty spoken. Such, sir, is this
occasion, by assembling together here
TO day, to pay greatfu tribute to a
brave and gallant officer, we are remind
ed, not only of the glorious acknowledg
ments of the gallant officers and brave
men, who so daringly fought in defense
OF the country and it's proud old flag.
upon the ever memorable occasions a,
jackson. Champion Hill, and Vlcksburg,
hut we are reminded Of the many true
and brave men, our companions in arms,
Mho bra ely fought and fell victims "a
this cruel and relentless war, and here
let US pause and drop the kindly tear, in
memory OF those brave boys, who, heroes
as they were, gave up their lives in de
tense of their country's flag and their
country s cause. When the future His
to"ian records the accounts of this bloody
war, no part Of its history will shine
forth with more brilliant deed, of noble
daring, than that which records the try
ing scenes of that eyentful campaign,
and more that will chaIlange in the
hearts OF greatfu people. the acknowl
edgments Of well-merited praise, and a
deeper sense of gratitude towards the de :.
tenders of their country's cause, during
those trying times, and the occurring OF
those stirring events, we are pleased aud
proud to acknowledge you. as our brave
and gallant leader. for your unfaltering
courage and gallant bearing on those oc
casons, We delight TO honor you. In
appreciation, sir, Of your valor and
worth, and in consideration OF the high
esteem and regard we bear for you for
your devotion 10 our cause and country.
We ask YOU 10 accept this belt and sword
AS token Of our respect and admiration
Receive 1t, sir, and with this bright
blade flashing from lis scabbard. defend
that ilag-lhe bright ensign Of our Ma
tons greatness aud glory; stand by il
and protect II let not It's sacred folds be
defied by rebel hands or trail tors touch.
but proud y raise il aloft, aud let il flaunt
deiianty and with scorn, in the face OF
the vile wretch whose traitorous hand
would dare 10 insult or deface il. As a
token OF peace, and an emblem OF power,
bear II proudly along. until the last ditch
/ Is found aud the last battle won With
the fall Il our flag, and the defeat Of our
armies, perlshes NOT only our Nations
greatnes and glory, but with it the last
iond hope Of L'derty and equality through
the world Then | repeat. sir defend il,
and should il fall, If fall il must, let there
be nothing around it but crumbling
walls. and nothing above il but the An
eel. who shall speak The end Of time aud
the beginning of eternity -
To which the Colouel replied in the
following beautiful language
CAPTAIN AND BRaTRER OFFICERS -
Permit me 70 say 10 you, first. make
no pret nsions Of being worldly OF a giit
OF such beauty and significance as his