Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-05-04
Ffrcnlen's Presenta ton.


monthly meeting of Killington Steamer
No. 3, which was held last evening, at
Landon's Hall, was interrupted by very
agreeable episode. The members OF the
company desiring to give some substantial
token of their esteem for their popular
captain, Major Levi G.. Kingsley, had
procured an elegant freman's trumpet,
and the meeting last evening was made
the occasion of its presentation. The
gallant Major, had been kept in the
most profound ignorance of these
designs, and consequently the presenta-
ton was complete surprise. On behalf
of the members of the company, Henry
Clark presented the beautiful testimonial
in the following brief address:i
Captain Kingsleg,-You are doubtless
taken by surprise to see stranger invad-
| ing your camp but I come on legitl-
mate mission in the performance of a
grateful duty as pleasant to me as it is
honorable to you. In the life of every in
dividual, who stands faithfully in the
line of duty, there come occasions of more
than ordinary interest on which are made
manifest expressions of good will and
esteem, which serve as moral reward to
the recipient. You are a representative
man of class who occupy position in
the community of responsibility and peril
In the firemen of Rutland our citizens
have placed reliances in the hour when
they knew not but they were travelling
over mine that was liable to explode at
any moment. All was shrouded in mys.
tery. Those were hours of terror and
anxiety, but the fremen were promptly
at the post of dangerous duty and molly
and successfully did they defend life and
property. Our village had been
swept by the scourge of fire and
in the progress of events it became neces-
sary to make more ample protection
against the fearful danger. 1t was then the
company of which you are now the head
was organized. As their leader, you have
won their confidence and respect, and
come at their bidding tonight commits
stoned to present to you as token and
in recognition of your services, this beau
tiful trumpet, to be held by Killing
ton Steamer Company No. 3, in the office
you now honorably occnpy. [ beg you to
which it is extended-and may the sjIOe1
be the emblem to you of the substantial
friendship of life, and as you oft look up.
on its golden lining, may it remind you
of the golden hours passed in the service
and society of your associates who thus
tender this chaste testimonial for your &C.
ceptance.
Captain Kingsley, though taken com
pletely by surprise, replied in few i'm.
promtu remarks, expressive of his high
sense of the honor conferred, and return
ing his cordial thanks to the donors He
had laborsd to maintain the standing OF
KilliDgton Company No 3, and to keep
the ranks filled up. But be did not feel
that be had merited such token of esteem
as had been presented. He trusted that
the pleasant relations that had existed in
the past would be continued in tn e
future. Expressing regret that oppor-
tunity had not been allowed for prepar-
ing suitable response, he again feeling
ly returned bis sincere thanks fsr the I'M
expected testimonial.
The occasion was one of sincere enjoy
ment tn nil and tho reoiprouat1on of
kindly sentiments will make it an event
long to be cherished by all participating.
The trumpet is of an unusually large
size and very rich and elegant in design.
1t was made especially Tor the purpose
by the Meriden Britannia Company, to
the order of Messrs. Clark Brothers &
Marshall. 1t is a heavy silver plate upon
nickle, with Iining~of gold. Upon one
side Is a well-executed design of a steam
fire engine, and below is the inscription.
ITO the Captain of Killington Engine
Company No. g." On the opposite side is
an deliberately wrought medallion of the
head of female. The bell of the trum-
pet is also richly ornameuted with en-
blematio designs. the edge being finished
with handsome bead. l. is altogether a
very elegant and tasteful affair; a worthy
tribute, worthiIy bestowed. It's cost was
about sixty dollars.