The Portland daily press., 1864-04-12

1851
The presentation was made by 1t. Col. l..
b. Smith, in the following brief and appro-
pirate address:
pleasant duty OF presenting these tokens of our re-
gard. regret only those who feel themselves
united that some one else should nos have been
lected TO express to you the feelings that have
prompted the members of this Club to make this
presentation.
We have never forgotten you during y our absence
and though have celebrated one anniversary
since you left you have been gratefully remem-
bered, aud while we missed your familiar face
around the festive board" we did not forget the
cIuse which had called you away.
Take then, these tokens OF our regard, and as you
have occasion for ther the field OF stIfs re-
member that for you and the Cause our hearts shal
never cease to beat. That God may bless and pro-
tect you. sam, aud speedily give victory to all
our "beys of blue" both on the field and on the
wave, is the earnest wish of the V. c. .&P.C.
Lieut.. Thurston could scarcely suppress
the deep emotions Of gratitude that well up
from the heart in ''tear of joy" when true
friendship ripens into actual deeds of kind
ness, and finds expression in bestowing me-
mentoes to perpetuate that bond of friend
ship, and though somewhat taken by surprise
on receiving the presents, replied as follows:
Ny Friends knowing as you well do that I am
no orator will not be surprised at the breyy Of
the response shall attempt TO mako for the dstin-
guished honor you have seen lit to confer upon me,
by inauguratng this occasion, although the themes
suggested by it eindeed worthy of being enlarged
upon by the ost gifted # men,
As look about me my eyes are g'addened and my
pulses quickened by behoidiEg the friends and
panions of former years those with whom have
spent many happy hours But some of those whose
faces we're once familiar to US on these festive
sons see not now; and in the midst OF our Joy full
ness let us pause moment and drop q tear TO the
memory OF the departed
On occasions like the present. regret. de eply
greet that my poor utterance il not capable Of ex-
pressing the sentiments of my heart.
But what shall say for these beautiful and useful
speak for Themselves
When on the march In the active campaigns before
US, this Hayersack shall be tho depot Of supplies for
my personal commi,sary department and as 1 daily
draw forth the rations thefefrom 80 CITIZEN ard
invigotate the inner man, and loosen this sabre for
moments rest. my thoughts shall wander back to
the warm-hearted friends who so kindly furnished
Them and this shall gird me with renewed strength
for the day of battle. prize these tokens Of your
kinu regard; NOT chiefly on account OF their intrn-
sic value.-fhough this were ever so great, nor
even ms remembrances of your sociiude for my per-
sonai weliafe but rather prefer TO look upon them
as ties monias to your intelest in and approval of
the glorious cause in which am engaged, and
IN which hope to be an humble laborer, till he who
controls the desiinies OF nations shall give us VIC
tory, union and universal liberty.
Those of us who remain at home have important
duties 20 perform. not only in encouraging aud assis-
ting those who go out TO fight the baiil.s OF our
country but also in maintaining that correct public
opinion and political integrity without which the
most successful Generals and victorious armies will
shed their blood in vain.
AS our forces move to the front and attack the
rebel hosts the soldiers look you that there shall
be no "ire in the rear" May you prove equal to
the trust reposed in you, aud may the members of
TINS venerable Fraternity, ever be foremost in the
right.
After the presentation and before taking
seats at the table, an original song of welcome
prepared for the occasion, was sung by Messrs
Shaw, Morgan, and Fernald, in which all the
members Joined. After partaking of the sup
per, song and sentiment prevailed until late
hour, when, after taking leave of their guest,
and closing the festivities with "Auld Lang
Syne," and three times three cheers, the com
pany separated with a mutual agreement to
meet at the Depot on Tuesday morning next,
when Lieut.. Thurston will take his departure
to join his companions in arms, to take final
leave and wish him God-speed on his perilous
mission.