Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-01-22


SWORD PRESENTATION TO BRIeGDIEE GEN.
ERAL J. A. DEwEr.-we have just received
from Dan. NJ. Page, lstLieut and Adjutant
1IIth o. S. c., an account of q sword pre-
sentation, on Christmas Eve, at headquar-
tiers, Murfreesboro, Tenn, to Brigadier Gem
eral Joel A. Dewey, Q. 8. A., formerly Colo
mel of the 1I1th U. s. Colored Troops, by
the officers Of the regiment. Regreting the
detention Of the manuscript, we give place
with pleasure to the report of the proceed
ings.
Col. Dewey having received an appoint
ment as e Brigadier Of Volunteers, a few
days before Christmas, It was arranged BY
the officers to present him a handsome
sword before he took his farewell leave. The
sword purchased for this purpose was one
Of the finest to be obtained. Nine rubies
glittered on the hilt twelve were set in the
plating around the first and second bands
of the scabbsrd, and three in the plating at
the extremity. Upon the scabbard was the
following inscription:
Presented TO Brigadier General J. A.
Dewey, U. S. Vols, by the officers of the
L - ~ 1AOANA 1ASOB1N q a ~
their regard. Murfreesboro, Tenn"
The arrangements were kept secret in
order that his surprise might be complete.
Lieut.. Frank Baird, Regimental Quarter
master, was chosen to make the presenta-
ton speech, and a committee consisting of
three Captains as appointed to wait upon
the General. At halF-past eight the com
r,;,+oo ,.o.or4al tboreo1-o. 49, Ii -
stated that his presence was desired at the
quarters Of the reginlental commander,
Captain W. H. scroggs, and conducted him
thither. Lieut.. Baird was then announced.
He entered, followed by an officer bearing
the gift. The Lieut.. spoke as follows:
Geseral: In consideration of your pro
motion to an elevated position Of honor and
distinction, q position in which you will
necessarilytbe separated from US, we indulge
in this, perhaps our last, opportunity TO
tender you our heartfelt thanks for the many
tokens Of kindness you have bestowed upon
us, and for the deep interest you nave ever
manifested in our behalf while exercising
authority over us. We are aware that you
have devoted much special attention to the
Officers and men Of this regiment, that your
chief aim has always been to promote the
general good and welfare of all in your com
nand, and TO place them in a state Of thor
ough military discipline.
Consequently, we are doubly grateful to
you for the good instructions you have i'm
parted to US, for the essential lessons you
have taught us, and for the honorable
shield you have ever extended over US and
although we deeply regret to part with so
noble, valiant and efficient a commander, |
one with whom we nave enjoyed so many
.nlaoeant aauOefoffOpa ~ fa rrufknA faals.1 /
Of pride and admiration that we behold you
in your new military sphere, and with Joy
and gratitude we offer you our renewed con-
gratnlations upon yonr well-deserVed pro-
motions. And as q tribute of our respect
and a token Of our deep regard for you, /
have the honor, General, in the name of the
officers of the lIlth United States Colored
Troops, to present you this sword Handing
the samel. Trusting that it may meet your
kind appreciation that you will retain it as
a memento Of the officers Of this regiment ;
that il il becomes necessary for US to avenge
another national wrong it will leap from its
scabbard and glitter beneath the silken
folds Of the starry flag of our Union and
that you will WELD it with honor to your
self and credit 20 your country, and win for
yourself new laurels of military distinction;
and if amid the terrible scene Of fierce con-
fict you should be among that number who
al II suNlL COuutIl buClc1ocg CEo Liz bplTlI /
wings its way to another world, remember:
"Dulcet decorWN est pro patriG mort"
As for us though you may never command
US again, we viii always rally around the
same banner of Liberty that we have
fought under during the last four years, as
long as a shred remains for Us to cling to.
However we will not brood over the gloomy
expectation Of another wsr, another season
Of carnage and blood, but rather indulge in
the cheerful anticipation of soon being
permitted to return TO cur dear and happy
homes, again to resume our respective aYo-
cations in civil life, and after we separate
here, although we may never again meet on
earth, we will always enjoy cherished recol-
~lectiops Of tho many fond and pleasant as
s5ciations we formed while in the army and
ever glory in the sentiment that we can still
Give like patriots, live like Americans,
united all, united now, and united forever"
In conclusion, General, please accept our
grateful consideration and earnest prayers
and best wishes for your future happiness
and prosperity.
The General said in response
Lielsteaunt Baird and G~eatlemen:
You have seen fit TO tender me a most
elegant gift on this occasion, when military
fOTfune appears about to destroy the close
relation which has 30 long subsisted be-
tween u.s. IL Will perhaps De suLlclenb Tor
me to say that l accept this testimonial, and,
as l now do, thank you most sincerely and
gratefully for the gift itself, and for the
confidence and delicate kindness displayed
IN offering it, especially at this time, when
The opportunity for repaying the obligation
under which it places me, seems to have
passed. But l will not omit adding my
congratulations on the fact that our inter
course has been so generally happy and
satisfactory. l give you my wsrmest
thanks for having 80 generously and thor
oughly sustained me in the discharge of my
duties just closed. Of differences even
in an official way we have probably
escaped what might be termed our share.
and tonight, in this last formal meeting
we may ever enjoy, l desire to say that !
do not cherish any bitter feeling, against
any officer of this regiment, and always in
the future / shall be rejoiced Ito meet you
and, if possible, aid you. Can I respectful
ly trust that this sentiment is reciprocated
on your part? Again, let me express my
great gratitude for the uninterrupted kind
ness you have shown me while we have been
together, for this beautiful present I now
hold, and for the ~singularly appropriate oc-