Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-06-20

Medals for Heroes of Port hudson.
After two desperate attempts had been
made to carry the rebel stronghold of Port
Hudson by storm, Gen. Banks, on the 10Th
Of June, 1868, called for volunteers for a
forlorn hope, promising in an official order,
promotion to "olicors who lead the column
of victory in this last assault and "to
every officer and soldier who shares its
perils and glory a medal of honor The
names Of ten Nermonters, of the Eighth
Vermont Volunteers are comprised in the
roll of those who offered themselves in re-
Spouse to Gen. Banks call The medals
were never given, but a bill has passed the
Senate 'to provide medals for the mem
bers OF the Port Hudson forlorm hope
storming party. Lieutenant Il. W. But
tie OF the 1891 New York, who was one of
the number in q forcible communication in
the New \ DIRK Tribune urges the House to
concur in this measure of Justice He says;
If Congress should pass a bill granting a
medal to cvcrN hero OF the Va, from the brave
defender, of Fort sumter to the privileged re-
relNers of Lees surrender at AppomattoN,
still the obligation to the Port Hudson storm
ing column would not be cancelled. If Con-
CresS decorated every member of the storm
ing column with medal for bravery in the
assault of the eth of May, and another for
their iudomitable courage in the assault
On the llth Of june, stlll the contract which
eaeral Banks made with these volunteers
would not be fulfilled, and the Government as
an honest debtor. would still have to make
provision to take up h promis-ory note given
by General Banks ON the 18th of June 1858
Wedo not expect the men who went into the
army for the loavcs and fishes, bounty jump
erS, 50 to take tine same view of our claim we
do, Nor do We look for cooperation from the
men who speak of the lattle of the Wilder
hess as the s0-caIled' battle Of the Wilder
| the "~1-cal'od" battle of Cedar Creek. and OF
the Port HudSCn fOriorn hope stOrming col
! umu ~ the ",o-CIllci' Port Hudson fororn
| hop stormins co.u uu. We expect Lothlng
! they are relogated to their farms, or to log
| rolling. the better. But from every brave
| cOnradc OF every army corps OF every mill
! tary division, who fought for the old flag he
cause he honorcd il and the principles it stood
! for, who is too magnanimous to permit ieal-
| Ou~Y to pardlNXe his sense OF truth, to whom
| his country : disgrace is his dishOnur, from
| him we expect and Will receive hearty assist
HnCC in { last forcing tardy recognition of our
! Just claim. From the patriotic men who sup
| piled The means to carry on the war, who
! formed as il were, our base of operations, We
Will have energetic support From the boys
of those day, now grown to be men and voters,
| who love their country and their country >
! honor, aud from the good and upright citizen,
! of Whatsoever political opinion in every State.
! we VIII receive help to save our government
from those who would burden il with bro en-
[ promises. The question is not only shall these
/ men receive the medals that were promised
/ them. but the broader one which touches every
honest citiZcn-shall the integrity and honor
of the republic be kept untarniShed:
/ In behalf Of the volunteers of the Port Hud
/ son fOrlOrn hope storming column.
L. W. BUTTLE.
New York, June ,, 1880.