The weekly Butte record., 1866-06-16
Flag Presentation.

county TO Company 4, First California Cavalry
some sixteen months ago, was, on Thursday even
ing last presented 70 the 0roville Guards by the
members Of that Company, vino have been mas
tered out Of service and returned TO their homes.
The occasion was improved for 4 social dance at
the Armory OF the Guards in the Union Hotel.
The presentation speech was made by ". Z BLISS.
Esq, who was member OF Company 4, and
shared is fortunes in Arizona.
Fellotr Citize1ss, Ladies and GsatisSssn--
Something over year ago, the citizens of Butte
county presented TO Company 4, First Cavalry
California Volunteers this beautiful banner
The Offering vas received by Is with due ap-
probation Of the distinguished honor conferred up
on us By It's presentation.
We have ever cherished it as sacred treasure,
and it has been our constant ain while engaged in
the service Of our country to prove ourselves wor-
thy the confidence so freely bestowed upon Us by
fellow citizens.
Though We have not had the opportunity 70 en-
twine around it a wreath OF laurels won By vic
tories over the enemy in mortal combat, we have
at least the privilege Of returning with it. as We be
leve unstained by a single act Of dishonor. 1t IS
not torn by ballets IS it stained with blood, for
il has not been or fortune 10 meet a fighting foe
We bring it back in its maiden purity. and
our Company Is now disbanded, and our comrades,
one by one, are separating from and being scat
tered throughout the land, desire 10 deposite
beautiful Battle Flag where may be occasionally
looked upon by those who feel just pride in its
presentation, as proud momento, calling to mind
the "reminiscences Of the past.
In accordance with the wishes and on behalf of
the members Of our Company, both present and
absent, would say, we desire the Oroville Guards
10 become the future guardians of this our loved
Banner feeling assured, we do, that it viii be
surrounded by true and brave hearts and support
ed by the strong hands of honorable and patriotic
men, and to you, Capt. SIMPSON, as the honored
leader of that noble ba nd I now deligerit.
To which Capt. SIMPSON responded as follows:
SIR: Wehave among the honored names of Amer
lea, one known as ''Rough and Ready think
am somewhat Ike him as TO the ''Rough,
but very far from resembling him as to Ready"
for, Sir, feel that no preparation corld make
Ready" to properly respond to the compliment
paid the Oroyie Guards in the presentation of this
gift. Hence you must indulge ne If I do so in the
Rough About sixteen months since this Flag
was presented to Company A. lst Cavalry Califor-
MIA Volunteers by the citizens of Butte county,
since which time you, if not the Flag. have been in
the service of our country; and although you ma
not have met the enemies of the Government on
the field of battle Y0u are. nevertheless entitled to
the gratitude Of your c0untrymen. In the art of
it is not possible for all get the front and
he is true seldier who fights it out the line up
GU which be is placed. You, gentlemen have done
this, and have returned to your homes and brought
with you this Flag unsulled, by any act of yours,
1t having been your pleasure to make the Oroville
Guards the custodians OF this Flag, allow me, gen
tlemen, in their behalf, to return to you their
thanks for the compliment thas paid them, and TO
you that 1t will be preserved for the citizens
and cherished in memory of the donors trusting
that tie necessity that brought it into existence
may not again arise, and that Peace, having come,
may long continue to bless our land. Bat should
He who holds the destiny OF nations in His hand.
rule otherwise, doubt not you will be found at
your posts doing daty. and have no fear but that
ably commanded. as you should be, you will add
new laurels to the many that now cluster around
the name of America.