The Worcester spy., 1898-10-21

three months service in command ot
the Sd battalion of Rifles. Many of
us can remember with what amazing
patience he displayed in the oIganiza-
ton, training and instruction, until
from a confused crowd individually
martialed enough in purpose and lat
ent capacity to become a veritable
military engine, obedient to the mind
of its master, steady, exact and pow>
erful. Who that saw him will ever
forget the calm courage with which
he went into action for the first time
at Balls Bluff?
He received in that first battle a
wound which compelled the amputation
of a leg and would have justified his
retirement from the service, but that
he never thought Of No man was
more free from that ambition which
corrodes the soul, or from envy, no
man more Loyalty subordinate to his
superiors in command. When he re-
turned to the field after his wound and
was for time in command Of brig
ade, it was suggested that promotion
was his due, that mis- rank should cor
respond with his courage, with his ac~
tual command. He answered. Don't
worry yourselves about stars. The
eagle is a very pretty bird, and I am
quite content to wear it on my shoul-
ders, and the highest honor / aspire
to, is to march back into Worcester
with the 18th regiment after the war
is over
Comrades. I have said enough, if
have recalled to you who knew him,
the distinct memory of the man we
knew; if L have succeeded in giving to
those who did not know a true concep-
ton of his character. To me no char
acter seems more inspiring, more prec-
ious as a heritage for future genera
tions than that of this plain, brave,
faithful man; not set apart from his
fellows by splendid talents, great posi-
ton, glittering success, or the blaze of
notoriety, but simply one Of us, though
the best of US. l cannot believe that
Worcester will ever forget to hold his
memory in honor.
When Postmaster Greene had fin
ished, the acceptance of the gift was
in order, and this speech was made by
Commander Burbank. The commander
was visibly affected by the words of
Capt. Greene, and when he started in
to speak there were many wet eyes in
the hall He said, in accepting the gift.
Comrades and members of the 18th
Massachusetts Regiment Association;
am sure nothing could be presented
to Post 10 which will be so highly priced
as this medallion of the brave, gallant
and honorable soldier whose name wa
bear. 1t is now some time since his
revered and cherished face looked
down upon those who were his COM
rades in arms OF all the losses we suf-
fered from the burning of our head
quarters, the one most keenly felt, and
the one most deeply regretted, was the
oil painting of Col. George H. Ward.
That picture, hallowed as it was by
all the associations of more than a
score of years, had become very sacred
to the members of this post, but now
it is that the true sympathy of com
radeship has prompted your associa-
ton to repair the loss, and am sure
that this medallion, which for ten
years adorned the monument on the
Col. Ward fell at Gettysburg, will be,
if possible, more highly priced than the
picture which it replaces.
1t is then with the deepest pleasure
that. as the representative and in be-
half of George H. Ward Post TO- @. A.
r., l accept the gift and extend our
sincere thanks, with the promise that
while Post 10 exists it shall be guarded
with the most Jealous care. TO Com
rade Henry E. Smith, who has so kind
| ly borne the expense of placing the
medallion in its place of honor at the
| head of our hall, and to you, Capt.
| Greene, for the eloquent manner in
which you have presented it, and also
to Comrade David M. Earle, at whose
suggestion it was given to the post, we
express our hearty thanks.
At the close of these remarks there
was speaking by several members of
the post. including Department Com
mander William H. Bartlett, Senator
| Alfred S. Roe, Gen. A. B. R. Sprague,
| Col e. j. Russell, Capt David NJ
Earle and T. ]. Hastings, all of whom
spoke of Col. Ward and incidentally
mentioned in this connection the other
two heroes that Worcester delights to
think of as a product of her patriotic
son, Willie Grout and Gen. Charles
Devens. There was a pleasing vocal
selection rendered by Mrs C. H. PIais-
ted, and after that the meeting broke
up.