The age-herald., 1898-11-01
COL. MCDONALD
 GIVEN A BANQUET Officers of the First Drink His
 Health. PRESENTED WITH A SWORD As Token of High Esteem and Respect in Which He Was Held by His
 Associates in Mill
 tary Life.
PRESENTED WITH A SWORD

One of the most brilliant and successful banquets ever enjoyed in Birmingham was given at the Morris last night in honor of Col. John B. McDonald of the First Ala bama regiment, which was mustered out of the service of the United States yester- day.
 The banquet was given by the officers of the regiment, and took place off in one of the private halls of the Morris. The hour appointed was o'clock, and shortly after that time the officers and their guests as- sembled In the place of feasting.
 The chair was occupied by Major Thos Q: Smith, on whose immediate right sat Goi. McDonald and Chaplain Fitzsmmons; on his immediate left being Hon. Frank " Evans, mayor of Birmingham. and Lu- cien Walker. Before the banquet began Major Smith arose and in the name of the officers of the regiment presented Col. Me Donald with a superb cavalry sabre in the name of the officers
 Major Smith said that it was proud privilege for him to speak for his brother officers in paying tribute to Col Mcdonald. They received Col. Mcdonald as a stran- ger; they parted with him as a conirade and brother. They had all learned to love
 
 memory of him true friend and one who had at heart the best interests of the First regiment of Alabama volunteers, Col. Mcdonald was a true, brave, a chiv- alrous man, and he could not be forgotten, for brave men could not forget so noble a type of the army officer.
 With these words Major Smith presented to Col. Mcdonald the sabre of honor, and
 
 Donald declared that he had received no greater honor since he began to serve his country. He felt that he was not worthy, for the officers and soldiers under him had made the regiment what it was-one of the best in the volunteer service, though it. had not been offered the opportunity of fighting the enemy. It should always be happy memory with him that he had been granted the privilege of serving with regiment from Alabama, his native state, and from which he had been sent to West Point. He had been a part of that regi- ment one of it, and he should always bear in mind that the regiment was eager to go to the front and face the foe in battle. That was denied them, but they still were true to the cause of the union, and the sole reason that they did not fight Span iardS was DScduSe they "eiS hot aiioWSu to.
 The scabbard of the sabre, which was magnificent gold-mounted weapon, bore the inscription:
 -.sTo Iieutenant-Co Colonel John B. McDon- aid. First Regiment, Alabama Volunteers, Prom the Officers of the First Regiment" On the weapon itself was engraved Lieu tenant-Colonel John B. Mcdonald"
 The sabre was passed the rounds of the entire table, at which over fifty officers sat. and was greatly admired. Colonel Me- Donald was moved by deepest emotion, and seldom does any officer receive more heartfelt tribute than was accorded to him All present stood and cheered him again end again.
 Grace was invoked by Chaplain Fitzsim- mons; the presentation was by Major Smith and the response by Colonel Mcdonald. 'The Alabama National Guard" was re- sponded to by Captain J. B. Morson; "rhe First Alabama" by Major Mcleod; Our Alabama Home," by Major Mcleod; "Bir- ningham," by Mayor Evans; ''The Press," by Mir. Ellis, and The Girls That Welcome Us" by MT. Walker Other speeches of an enthusiastic nature were made, including those by Captain Parkes, Lieutenant Mall lett, Lieutenant Ed Johnston, Lieutenant MeCrossin; all fervent and patriotic.
 The banquet hall was profusey decorated with American flags swords, bayonets and sabres. The electric lights were colored red, white and blue.
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