The New Orleans daily Democrat., 1877-12-23
SOUVENIRS OF THE PAST.
The Presentations to the Continental
Guards Last Evening.

The Presentations to the Continental
Guards Last Evening.
Last evening the armory of the Continental
Guards was the scene of pleasant reunion be-
tween the members Of the Continental Associa-
tion and the Guards. The occasion which called
together these two highly respected bodies was
the presentation to Company Of the magnifi-
cent sword given by the State of Louisiana to the
hero Of Oontreras. A number Of ladies added
their charms to the gathering.
After the meeting had been called to order by
Thos. W. Bothiok, president of the association,
who stated the object Of the call, John G. Flem-
ing, Esq., an old member of the Guards as we'll
o. Of the Association, arose and in an earnest
manner, marked with deep feeling, addressed
those present.
He gave succinct history of the formation Of
the first company in 1854, when New Orleans
was the scene Of riot and bloodshed, and the OBJ
feet Of its formation was for the protection of
life and property without any alliance to any of
The then political parties. 1t was received with
. hearty welcome by the populace, and even then
won the full confidence OF the community.
When the war between the States broke out
two companies we're sent to the field Of action
noble soul, gallant citizen and true patriot
He then said that the Benevolent Assoca-
tion, having in its possession portrait OF
its frat president and fret captain, the
lAmented George CLARK, desired to present it
to Company A of the Oontinentsls, as the sue
cessors Of the older members. He, with much
emotion, alluded to the high quail les Of their
former leader, and rendered the picture to Capt.
Pierce.
The captain, in neat and earnest speech, re-
Ceived on behalf of his company the present.
MIR. Fleming then presented the hero's sword.
It is one of the finest pieces of the goldsmith's
work it has been our good fortune ever to have
and it's massive scabbsrd is Of solid gold. The
grip represents figure of Victory delicately
carved.
Mr., Fleming, in alluding to its original owner
said that to him belonged the honor of being the
first volunteer for the Mexican war. He on the
I'd day Of May, 1S46. in the early morning, has
tened to the residence of Gov johnson, then
20 the country in anticipation Of the Call for
troops.
The speaker then related how Gen. Smith. on
Che night of August 19, 1S47, visited Major Gen
eral Scott and laid his plans before him for the
capture Of Controrss before daylight, and asked
permission to make the attack, which was granted,
and the place was soon in our hands, the number
OF prisoners taken being larger than what was
left Of the gallant amy.
q, Z. Hall, Esq., received the sword for the
OOmpany in appropriate terms, and then display
ed portrait Of Gen. Washington donated by Mr..
j. 4. Bernard, the artist. An old copy Of paper
containing the account of Washington's funeral
Ne also donated as memento Of by-gone days.
After the ceremonies we're closed, headed By
ne Thirteenth Infantry band, the Association
and Guards took up their line OF march for Nc.
CIoskey's. where bo1ntilui spread awai.ed
then. and where toast followed toast until late