The Warner weekly sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1885, 1884-09-19
General Twigg's Swords.


Atthe Bureau of Engraving and Print
ing in Washington the visitor is shown,
as n OF the objects of interest, a wooden
case containing three swords sheathed
in scabbards of rare and costly work
manship. A single glance is sufficient
to convince him that they are in all
respects O superior article, but he opens
his eyes to their full extent when the
guide assures him in an oracular tone
that those swords cost $35, 900. The most
elaborate Of the three bears the following
inscription:
Presented by the president of the
United States, agreeable to a resolution
OF congress, to Brigadier- General David
E. Twiggs, in testimony of the high
sense entertained By congress of his gall
lantry and good conduct at the storming
Of Monterey, May s and 8, 1916. Res
olution approved March 2, 1857.
1t is evident that Congress in those
days had an appreciation of soldierly
valor, as appropriated $4,000 forthis
sword presented to General Twigs. 1t
is beautifully ornamented with precious
stones, and various devices, suggestive
Of military exploits. Engraved upon it
is representation Of the battle of Mon
terey. Another of the swords bears an
inscription showing that it was present
ed to General Twigs by his fellow citi-
zens of Augusta, Ga, where he lived.
This one is said to have cost so, 000.
The third was a testimonial to General
Twiggs from the Stste of Georgia, its
value being fixed at the more moderate
sum of %, 900. 1t has engraved upon it
the names of Monterey, Palo, Alto,
Cerro Gordo, and other battles in Mexi-
co in which General Twigs was engaged.
1t is we'll known how Twiggs lost the
good name he gained by fighting for
the flag in Mezic9. Just prior to the late
war lie was in command of the depart
ment of Texas, with his headquarters at
San Antonio. With the first rumblings
of the approaching conflict he made
haste TO cast his fortunes with the re-
baliieus States. Nearly two months
before the war was actually begun by
the attack on Fort Sumter he turned
over to the rebel authorities OF Texas
| all the arms, ammunition and govern
ment property under his control, and
surrendered his soldiers as prisoners of
war. The records of the army show
that for this traitorous action he was
dismissed the service on March /, 1861.
Twiggs was then an old ~man-nearly
seventy. He was too infirm for active
| field service, and he did nothing therea
| sitter TO make him conspicuous. In,
| deed the great destroyer was upon his
track, and left him but little time to
ssset5his house in order" He returned
to his old home in Augusta and died
broken hearted, it is said. Sept. /, 1862
| HIS swords, mementos, and his former
glory were deposited for safe keep
ing in the vaults of q bank In New
| Orleans. They fell INTO the hands
| Of General Butler when he captured
that city, and were BY him s'confiscated"
| and sent to President Lincoln IN 1862.
They we're turned over to the Treasury
Department for safe keeping. Their
custodian became connected with the
| Bureau Of Engraving and Printing,
| which is q branch of the treasury.
| When the bureau was removed to the
new building, near the Smithsonian, he
took the swords with him, and there
| 49, ~nxaan nvan unfo This day. "A few