Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1882-08-09
Presentation.

Company A, Fifth Battalion, Presented
With Life Size Portrait of Captain j.
HI. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of Eek IND Pres
emit Officers.
Last evening a very interesting occasion
took place at the armory of Company A,
Fifth battalion, at their armory on Crown
street. 1t was the occurrence of presenta-
ton by ex-Captain James H. Wilkins of an
elegant life size portrait of himself made in
crayon by Tierney, the artist. 1t was most
faithful picture of the ex-captain and was
elegantly framed in solid oak and ornament
ed in the corners.
Captain Ladieu, the present commander,
called the meeting to order, and said that he
supposed all knew the purpose of the meet
ing. If such was not the case he would call
on ex-Captain T. J. Grifing to explain.
Captain Grifing came to the front, and af-
ter few preliminary remarks spoke in SUBJ
stance as follows: have been deputized to
present to you this life size portrait of your
old commander, J. II. Wilkins. About
twenty years ago Captain Wilkins came to
this city. He remained until the rebellion
broke out and then offered himself as a vol
unteer. He was rejected because he was a
sets, where he enlisted in the Fifty fourth
regiment in that State. He returned to this
city after gallant service in the war, and since
then you know his history. He was one of
the first to advance this organization, and
under all circumstances he has held an open
hand to churches, societies and other kindred
institutions Would it not be well, said the
speaker, if we had more of such liberal men
among us. I believe that this company is
well worthy of the name of "Wilkins'' and
the reception of his portrait will be honored
by this command. Let me ask you then to
be more vigilant in your Duties and not
again let it be said that the Fifth battalion is
no credit to the Connecticut National Guard.
Respect your officers and they will respect
you. Let there be no dissensions among you,
attend to every military duty, and when your
| five years expire Connecticut will feel that
she cannot do without your services. There
l is no prouder title than that you have served
your State and country faithfully and well.
believe that you will go into camp next year,
| and if you do not we shall inquire why not.
| The speaker referred to the late Colonel Ba-
| con, who was the first white officer to come
| into the armory and impart his military
l knowledge to the company. In conclusion
he asked the company in behalf of Captain
Wilkins to accept the testimonial presented.
Daniel S. Lathrop, clerk of the compan y,
in reply said that to no man did this com
| pany more owe their success than to Captain
Wilkins. He referred to the early struggles
of the company when fourteen colored men
assembled to learn military tactics. He said
| that Captain Wilkins was one of this number.
He went to the war, returned with honor,
| and the Wooster Guard was formed through
the exertions of Captain Wilkins. While di
rectlv identified with the company he brought
it up to high standard of military disci
| pline, and since he has severed his connec
ton with the company he has never ceased
49, tai Sr-$a S,,A &I,<
battalion. ''There has, I think" said the
speaker, "been organized effort to get ric
of this colored battalion but still live and
I believe, will continue to live" In conclu
sion the speaker thanked Captain Griffing il
! behalf of the company for the beautiful gift
Three hearty cheers were then given fol-
| Captain Wilkins.
Mr.. Cromwell was called out and mad,
very pleasant remarks regarding Captain
Wilkins and his war history and his unabatee
interest in the welfare of Company A, Fiftl
| battalion.
Adjutant Jones, of the battalion, made
few complimentary remarks regarding tn
testimonial. He thought if all pulled togethe
they could discredit the statement that tn
| colored soldiers were no credit to the Con
necticut National Guard.
Private G. D. Jones was called out H
said he believed that he was one of tn
youngest enlisted men in the company. H
| advocated union and respect for the officer
of the company and battalion. He was prou
to be a member of the organization an
proud of Captain Wilkins, whom he though
6 | they could speak we'll of at all times.
Captain Wilkins entered the room and wa
7 received with round of hearty cheers. H
l | was called on for speech, and spoke a fe,
| words of encouragement He said the bal
talon had strong friends in the Connection
National Guard ALI the battalion had to d
9 was to compete with the National Guard an
l thoy would be respected. He believed til
f tide was turning in favor of the colored mer
He urged them to stick close to this organize
ton. Learn the art of war, said the captain
u, in time of peace, and be able to stan
9 side by side with the white MAI
/ Obey the commands of your officers, which
the first duty of a soldier, then obey til
laws of your State and country and then b
gentlemen and you will be all right, an
g you will be respected.
D Captain Ladieu said he expected, as con
mander of the company, to see the compan
. on as high a plane of military knowledge
+ any company in the city and to this end
, | should bend all his energies.
Sergeant Phillips was called out and e.
pressed himself as much gratifed with tn
success of the company and said he hope
!. that it would continue to prosper. All tbs
=, was necessary was that every member of tn
| company attend to his duties and respe,
., the officers.
This closed the exercises and the meetin
i | was adjourned