Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-10-18

A pleasant surprise greeted Col. w. L. Bum
gardner on last Friday night, when being sent
for to witness the dress-drill of the West Au-
gusta Guard, be was made the recipient of a
handsomely appointed sword rs a testimonial
on the part OF the company o. their high regard
and esteem for their former Captain. The
presentation was made by Lieut.. CroWder in
the following terms:-
CoLsW, L. BUMGARDNER:-
my comrades, to present to you this sword as,
in some degree, an appropriate token OF the es-
TEEN and regard they bear for you as soldier
nave endeared yourself to every member Of it,
by the vigilant care manifested for their well
fare. In your official conduct the authority Of
the officer has always been SO tempered with
moderation and courteous kindness to each
and all, that ties Of closest friendship have
been cemented. and while in the sundering Of
our late close relationship we feel regret, still
a generous pride and interest in your future
leads as 10 exult in that promotion that calls
you to wider sphere Of duty; and to more I'm
memorial the feelings OF affection and conf
dence we all cherish for you, has been opr con-
deputy Of my fellow soldiers, / am called upon
to deliver into bookkeeping this pledge Of their
renewed confidence and 0ev ton. That will
ranks Of the Guard for one moment doubts.
aud should the supreme A0Hr ever arrive
when the dictates OF duty should require you
!
STRIFE we feel that the arm to which 1t is COM
mitted is quick and ready, and the spirit will
ing.
shining emblem of the career that awaits you,
and may the strength of its tempered steel 1T
~ symbolic the strong feeling Of attachment
that binds the heart Of every member of the
old West Augusta Guard to his regimental
commander, Accept 1t, sir, and when in the
future your eyes should rest upon 1t. deem 1t
not merely the empty and gitttertpg device Of
military decoration, but rather the living and
enduring pledge OF the loyalty of your old
comrades In arms.
In accepting the sword Col. Bumgardner re-
sponded as follows:-
OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, AMP OLD FRIENDS
III were Daniel Wehster, J4o B. Baldwin,
or Jno. W. Daniel, could thank you In fitting
and eloquent words, but even then, could not
express the deep and SINCERE feelings Of my
heart, in accepting this chaste and elegant me-
mento of yOur esteem and friendship. Were
to say that 1t was not beautiful. and that this
was not one of the happiest hours of my life,
would be telling you falsehood for from no
| other people could there come q souve,air that
would excite more genuine appreciation than
| from the worthy hands and true hearts OF the
prosperous and happy country ever be dis.
| turbed (God forbid that 1t ever should be) and
demand my services as q soldier: when draw
this beautiful blade from its scabbard, prom
ise yop that it snail NOT be sheathed ia dishon-
| or or should 1t happen, after my three score
and ten. trust to leave TepEese1tGtjye who
will wear 1t with honor, as 1t will ever be hands
Allow me, fellow soldiers, again to thank
you: my best wishes and prayers will follow
you through life. and may that sublime word
Duty be your guiding STAR.