The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-12-29
One of the Remarkable Victories History the
World by Forty-Two Irishmen.
The Heroes of Sabine Pass Under COL Dick Bowling
Forgotten in the Sunny South.
Repused Whole Army and Captured Nine Times
Number Of the Union Soldiers

other picturesque feature Of the deco
ration. Flowers and plants also made
the platform more enchanting.
The hero and the heroine of the oc-
casion were undoubtedly the aged Will
liam Gleason and his aged wife, who
occupied seats on the stage. Mr.. Glea-
son is one of the few survivors of the
Davis Guards.
The programme began with prayer
by Father Lee, pastor of Sacred Heart
Church.
Mr.. l.. G. Ii. Brothcrson, of Calves
ton, made the presentation. He rccit-
cd how the sword Of Dick Bowling had
come into the hands of his father,
Lieutenant Bowling had secured Il su-
pcrior sword to this one, and. thinking
very highly of his army friend, Cap
tain l.. l.. Brothcrson, the speakers
father, Lieutenant bowling had pre-
scntcd him with this sword borne by
him at the battle of Sabine Pass.
Comradc w. w. Dexter received the
sword on behalf Of Dick Bowling
Camp, and said
Captain Commander, Comrades, La
dies and Gcntlcmcn:-.It becomes nv
pleasing duty upon this interesting Oc-
casion TO accept, in behalf of Dick
bowling Camp. Il priceless relic-the
unjcwcllcd sword of a valiant knight;
the sword of a soldier whose vAlor, in
trcpd courage and saSacjous conduct
at the battle of Sabine Pass, thirty
seven years ago, struck terror to the
hearts of an invading fleet and put to
flight 10000 frightened advcrsaries.
1t was he flash of this blade ns it
reflected back the glittrring sheen of
the noon days sun. together with the
grim spectre of Il few pieces of artil-
lcry rntlWnchcd in Il fortress of mud,
that created the CONSERVATION which
caused hundreds of the wcl-armrd en-
envy to surrender to Lieut.. Dick Dow
ling and forly-tWO brave Irislmcn on
the afternoon of September s, 1863,
thus giving to the pages of history
one of the worlds most remarkable
military achievements. This is why
we make so much tO-dO over the dear
old sword worn by the dauntlcss, dash
ing, daring Bowling upon that mcmor-
able OCCASION
My friends, time has woven the
brown glare Of rust and decay around
this once polished blade; in time it will
destroy it, but no time can destroy,
no age can dim the lustrc OF that
matchlcsS victory; it will live in his
tory forever, although as yet true
credit has not been accorded it. 1t
bchoovcs this camp to see that truth
and justice is done and when this DO
accomplished we can exclam, as did
our immortal chieftain, Jefferson Da-
Wis. that "a halo Of glory will cncirclc
It forever"
For this relic we are indebted to the
young son of the lamented Captain y.
Bowling presented it after the battle
of Sabine Pass.
Comrades, it is useless for me to ask
If you are prepared to receive this
trust I behold the answer in the pa
triotic fire that flashes from your be-
dmmcd eyes. Then, in your name
OnI far I n in,
so, extend to you, Mr.. Brothcrson, our
profound thanks. We assure you this
sword passcs into hands that will
guard it zcalously guard it with fl
deity such as characterized the Con-
fcdcratc sentinel on the outpost of
duty; guard it, sir, until the last mem
Der of this camp has passed over the
river and entered the shades of that
eternal camping ground beyond the
mystic vale Of the sea of life; guard it
until our souls have winged their flight
to join the white caravan that moves
eternal in the valley of the great un-
known: guard it until our spirits, like
LhC EIOSI luc lllIS Ol NlONCTu,
shall stand sentinel: but, sir, ere we
have all departed we will have be-
qucathcd it as II priceless legacy unto
the Sons of the Confederacy, who will
take up the sacred vigil.
An grafton was delivered by Rev.
J. II. Brown, followed by poem by
Mrs. Ellen H. Groom. of which the fol-
lowing are three stanZas:
Remember that September day
You held that Yankee fleet ut bay,
Just forty-oIe men. all wearing the
gray,
Led on by brave Dick Bowling.
Just forty-one men with the Texas
yell,