Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-01-27
BALTIMORE, MD, JAN. IA, 1864.

please publish the same as per request, and
oblige Yours, B. HARTsHoRN.
BALTIMORE, MD, JAN. IA, 1864
Mr.. BENIN HARTSHoRN DEAR SIR !:
Pardon me for the privilege have taken in
addressing you, an entire stranger. A few
days ago our Captain, James NJ Welch, was
presented with sword and belt. Enclosed
please find notice of the presentation and
the remarks made on the occasion, which you
will have inserted in your county paper The
RgftSBton' Journal, and You will confer a
favor on me. Having seen Capt. Welch ex-
press box TO you, / learned your address :;
and by that knew you to be personal friend
of his. | thought best to request you TO
have the enclosed inserted, as | have done
this unknown TO my Captain. Hoping that
you viii be pleased to know that Capt. W is
held in such high estimation by the soldiers
of his command, you will grant the request
of one OF them. Should you deem proper
TO give the name of your authority you may
do so, but | would rather give the initials
only. | am, sir, very respectfully,
Your unknown friend, DAVID H. MAGEE
A Handsome Sword Presentation.
On Saturday, January 9th 1864, Captain
James NJ Welch, formerly of company K
ls6 Penn Rifles, now commander Of com
pany ID goth Regiment Invalid Corps, sta
toned at Lafayette Barracks. Baltimore,
Md, wassthe recipient OF a very handsome
sword and belt. The blade is Of the finest
Italian steel, and the handle Of solid silver
and Is finely figured. The scabbard is made
OF solid silver, surmounted with heavy and
beautiful. Embellishments and bearing the
following inscription Presented to Capt.
James NJ Welch by the members of com
pany u Goth Reg't Invalid Corps The
Belt is OF morocco and handsomely finished
The sword and belt exhibits very beautiful
specimen of workmanship. The presenta-
ton was made By lst Serg' I Lyman p War
ner in the following appropriate remarks:
captain q 1t affords me great pleasure
to present to you, In behalf Of company ID
10th Reg l Invalid Corps. this sword and
belt. We deem it a sence of duty to show
you our gratitude for the many favors ex-
tended, and for the gentiemanly conduct
you have manifested as an officer towards
US We are happy to know we have an Of
hceT so worthy TO receive our respect, and to
prove our esteem and gratitude we have
chosen that which is more substantial than
words-somethiug shat viii i'll after years,
when peace and tranquility Is once more re-
stored 10 us and we are permitted 10 enjoy
the society of home and friends, and when
we rest after our arduous duties and priya-
tlons and sufferings III the service Of our
country, be looked upon as mark Of es-
TEEN OF men who are happy to know they
serve under such an excellent officer.
" hat can we say for ourselves. Nothing
more than we always tried to do our duty.
Many a long march have we accomplished
many a severe battle have We fought and
many have been our trials, our tatigues and
our hardships, but during all these We can
say with pride-pever have we served under
a more kind, generous and iudicious officer
ever ready to supply our wants ever pleas
ing and of an affabe disposition. Yes take
1t, and would that we were more able to pre-
sent something more worthy our esteem and
respect for you
After Captain w received the sword, he
replied in the following words:
''SFRGEANT | take it Bus / am at a
loss Of language to express my gratitude and
feelings in being the recipient OF such
handsome present. Why have | merited
this? will look upon this gift with delight,
and never until my latest DAY will | forget
you. ca veterans with whom | am as
sociated and have the pleasure TO command,
L feel that l am unworthy to wear such
splendid sword But it shall be preserved
with care. and whenever occasions render it
necessary 10 be worn. 1t viii be with hap
py remembrance Of you. fou. war-worn
veterans, the donors, remember you viii ey-
er be thought OF and when We part 70 20 to
our loved friends and homes (as many OF
you Will IN 8 very short tilne), bear IN mind
that you carry with You my everlasting graf
itude | am proud TO be the commander Of
such devoted m6n Not only to me- but to
your country and its rights and It's liberties,
should it ever be necessary for you to go
forth again in its defence. may you carry
with you the same true devotion that now
Inherlts your bosoms. | am proud of you
as a company. our gentlemanly conduct,
your soldIer-hke appearance, and the man
ner in which you have always done your du-
ty, has not only commanded my respect but
that of all your superior officers Allow me
to excuse myself-being almost forced by
you to present myself before the company.
when ! was made aware that | was to be
the recipient Of such a beautiful gift. My
feelings will not allow me to express my
thanks in the manner [ could wish, and |
hope that by actions | shall prove myself
the worthy recipient of your munificent gift.
A short time ago Capt Welch was the re-
cipient of a very fine silken sash. We hope
that the friends of this brave soldier. who
has suffered everything but death in his
country cause, viii feel proud that he is
held in such high esteem by men who few
months ago were entire strangers to him.
Would that every officer who to-day has the
command of men in his count1y's cause.
would conduct himself in the manner our
noble Captain has done. He is worthy the
devotion of true and loyal patriots, and we
have perfect confidence in him in any case
of danger or emergency, We are happy
that we were put under command of Capt.
". His company represents no less than
eight different Regiments and as many
States and every one Is war-wnrn rn.nr-