The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-09-16
AN INCIDENT.

| At Leeds Foundry on last Friday, Immediately
after Company D, q. O. W. L., had come to a
'front.' preparatory to taking up their line Of march
to join in the parade, Lieut.. Aleyn stepped for.
ward and on behalf Of Company D presented
Capt. Archibald Mitchell handsome sword.
Capt. Mitchell was completely surprised, and for
few moments could scarcely utter q word to
express his thanks, go great was his astonish.
ment. The boys say this was the first occasion
| on which they ever saw the Captain go totally
nonplussed.
Just previous to the presentation Capt. Mitch.
ell remarked that there was quite number oil
his friends present, and felt gratifed to think
what an interest they were taking in the move.
ments Of his company, never suspecting they had
any other object in view.
The weapon is very handsome specimen OF
workmanship. On the scabbard the following is
engraved: presented to Capt. Archibald
Mitchell by Company d, First O. O. Regiment,
New Orleans, Sept. IA, 1877, as token Of his
distinguished services in the restoration of
Louisiana to self-government."
In presenting the sword, Lieut.. Alleyn said:
CAPTAIN MITCHELL becomes my pleasing duty
on behalf OF Company D to present you this token
vices during the dark days when oppressed 1bu-
isiana, borne down by corruption and fraud, was
struggling to free herself from the hands Of the
usurper. In those times which tried mems
souls, your utmost energies, both with the pen
and sword, we're devoted to the best interests of
the State, and to your untiring exertions in the
Workshop, in the council and in the field, are to
be attributed in no small degree the success
which has at length attended our efforts. The
members Of Company D shall ever treasure it as
one of their proudest boasts that they had for
their captain one so prominent in the late strug
gle for local elf-government. We present you
this sword with the full confidence that in your
hands it will fly from it's scabbard whenever the
rights Of the people are invaded or their freedom
threatened.
After recovering somewhat from his surprise,
and with some little hesitation Of manner, Capt.
Mitchell responded about as follows:
Gertlenae7e-I most earnestly assure you that
this present was very unexpected on my part. In
fact, had not the remotest conception of such
an honor being conferred upon me at your hands.
And, moreover, have done nothing deserving Of
it but my duty. To yourselves more than to me
is all credit due for whatever services have been
Der, 1874, and on the 9th day Of January last.
The compliment paid me is therefore the more
appreciated. Gentlemen, I thank you most
kindly for this generous gift. This is all that I
can find to say in this moment Of surprise. Had
any of my friends informed me of this intended
affair I should have prepared something that
might have been worthy of the occasion. In con-
clusion. let me again thank you, and say that
should it be necessary in the defense Of our State
and our rights to draw it, I shall never sheath 1t
until the day Of deliverance shall have arrived.
Capt. Mitchell then buckled on his sword and
the company marched forth to take their places
in the line of procession.