Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-12-26


YEsrERDAY was generally observed By
our citizsns as a holiday, the principal
business houses being closed, and appro-
pirate services were held at the different
churches. One Of the most interesting
features OF the day was the presentation
Of an elegant gold watch, costing $500, 10
Col. James Coleman, Superintendent
Telegraph, BY the employees aud others OF
the Sixth District OF ths Western Union
Telegraph Company. Major Woodson
made the presentation in the following
neat aud appropriate manner:
CeLoxEL: For nearly eighteen hun.
bred years a good old custom has existed
Of presenting on this day testimonials OF
Appreciation aud affection TO those who
have endeared themselves TO ms; and in
behalf Of the employees and others Of your
district, allow me TO present you this
watch, as token OF our esteem and re-
gard for one in whom We have ever found
all those qualities which men delight TO
honor Take II. sir; and when you gaze
upon lis truthful face, as it checks Oh
the hours OF time, rest assured that there
will be no error sheets sent back, and
may It serve to recall the memories OF
those who have united in the Offering.
To which Colonel Coleman responded
as follows:
"In receiving this beautiful and sub
stantial testimonial of regard from your
hands, in behalf Of your brother opera
tors and co-laborers Of the telegraphic
fraternity Of my district, taken so sud
denly by surprise, l am unprepared to
make the proper Acknowledgements and
give expression to my feelings in the
manner in which this handsome honor
conferred upon me deserves. But rest
assured that l am not insensible TO
gratitude and the feelings produced by
this unexpected and generous act, on the
mart of my brothers of the mystic art, is
deeply engraven upon the tablets OF my
heart; and it will always be source Of
proud satisfaction and an evidence OF
The high esteem in which I am regarded
by those with whom am daily associated
and who know me best. l cannot say
/ merit this marked distinction. We have
labored together in the cause of our COM
pany and the public, and | congratulate
myself that there is not q more faithful,
competent and gallant corps OF men IN
the service Of any department OF the
telegraph than those in my employ. The
public has intrusted you with the most
responsible and delicate duties, and in all
of which you have performed your labors
and discharged your duties with the most
entire satisfaction. Our own relations
have always been Of the most genial
character, and not an unpleasant senti'
ment has ever passed between us. The
public owe you more than most OF them
Are aware. After the tolls Of the day,y
labors do not cease. There Is not
single night in the year, not even except
| ing the sacred Sabbath, but your dutiet
sum mon most of you into the ranks Of
midnight toll, and while the man of trade
and commerce and speculation enjoys
the sweet comforts of his home fireside OF
the delights of repose, dreaming OF bril-
liant speculations, large gains and future
bright hopes, you are still at your post
faithful to the trust imposed upon yon by
him, transmitting to and fro, almost te
the ends of the earth, his communica'
tons. while all are slumberiDg In thu
quietude of night. And yet there is nc
class of men so poorly rewarded, aat
whose labors are so little appreciated BY
the public as the telegrapher, simply
because they are ignorant of the obliga
ton they are under to him. You are the
representatives of an honorable profes
sion, and of a powerful company with
capital of more than $4,000, 600, .and
whose wires extend from the Atlantic tc
the Pacific, and from the lakes to tht
Gulf. embracing large territory. Stll
continue to serve your company and dc
your duty to the public faithfully,
and will always endeavor to promote
your interests and welfare. feel that on
this day and occasion ] have a double
reason to rejoice--both for the honor CON
ferred upon me by you, and that liberty
has been restored to our unfortunate and
distinguished citizens who have been sc
long banished from their native land.
tender again to you nay sincere
and grateful thanks for the beautl'
full and costly present; and, although
| of much intrinsic value, the spirit II
which it Is given enhances its value tai
beyond price. The remembrance OF this
evidence of your esteem and friendship
snail live fOr6VeF III u iaiohiui onu 81"
cere heart, It is sweet to feel that WI
have the love and confidence of opI
friends. wish you, gentlemen, mos
happy Christmas, and in the future many
long aud peaceful years, and that all the
crosses of life will be only sthe crosses
of the lines"
The following is the inscription
/" Presented to Dol. James Coleman, Su'
nerintendent, by the employees AID Others
Of the Sixth District of the Western
Union Telegraph Company. Memphis
Tennessee, Christmas, 1858" The watch
was manufactured by James Nardin d
Co., is q full chronometer, very heavy
cases, and cost four hundred dollars
PEST roll butter, at J. Devoto's, corner
1 Third and A6sms. ~lO2