The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-05
General Twigg's Swords.

ing in Washington the visitor is shown,
as one of the objects Of interest, 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 iii
respects superior article, but be opens
his eyes TO their full extent when the
guide assures him in an ofacular tone
that those swords cost $35, 600. The most
elaborate of the three bears the following
inscription:
Presented by the president of the
United States, agreeable to resolution
ofcongress, to Brigadier- General David
E. Twiggs, in testimony of the high
sense entertained by congress of his gal
lantry and good conduct at the storming
OF Monterey, May and 8, 1916. Res
olution approved March 2, 1857.
1t is evident that Congress in those
days had an appreciation Of soldierly
valor, as itappropriated $50 600 for this
sword presented to General Twigs. II
8 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 il was present:
ed to General Twigs by his fellow citi-
zens of Aug lsta, Ga, where he lived.
This one is said to have cost $4,000.
The third was testimonial to General
Twiggs from the State of Georgia, its
value being fixed at the more moderate
sum of 81, 900. 1t has engraved upon it
the names of Monterey, Palo, Alto,
Cerro Gortlo, 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 MEXICO. just prior to the late
war he 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-
bellious 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 l, 1861.
Twiggs was then an old man-nearly
seventy. He was too infirm for active
field service, and he did nothing there
after to make him conspicuous. In
deed the great destroyer was upon his
track, and left him but. little time to
''set his house in ORDER" He returned
to his old home in Augusta and died
broken-hearted, it is said, Sept. l, 1862.
HIS swords, mementos, and his former
glory were deposited for safe keep
ing in the vaults of bank in New
Orleans. They fell INTO the hands
Of General Butler when he captured
that city, and were by him ''confiscated"
and sent to President Lincoln in 1862.
They were turned over to the Treasury
Department for safe keeping. Their
custodian became connected with the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing,
which is o branch of the treasury.
When the bureau was removed to the
new building, near the Smithsonian, he
took the swords with him, and there
they remain, even unto this day. A few
years ago the heirs of General Twiggs
fled with the Government q claim for
the swords, placing their value at 1885,
600. They want either the swords or
the money-the latter preferred, as
they probably would not bring by auc-
ton quarter Of that sum.
A striking illustration of the freaks
wrought by the "whirl,gig Of time" is
found in the fact that General Butler
is the attorney for the claimants. He
has been trying for years to secure
restoration of the swords or their value
in currency Of the realm, but has not
yet succeeded. Chicago Inter.O Ocean.