Year: 1863

ing of course, upon the gallantry and
good conduct of his noble men, who will
not fail him, who have unbounded conf
dence in him.


"PsroxAc"


Correspondence u the Tribune


Presentation.


Camp Randall, Madison, Wis


March Esd 1863.


Mr. EDIToR:-The 2lst of March was
a day of all others to be revered by the
members of tho Burton Guards" It
was indeed day Of unalloyed pleasure,
and inexpressible joy. am confident it
will be looked upon, and dearly treasured
up as one of the brightest and happiest
DAYS of their lives. The above mentioned
day was set apart for the presentation of
an elegant sword, sash, and belt to Cap
tain LEWIS S. Burton, commanding com
pany.


Before proceeding further l wish to say
that this token Of friendship has been
meritoriously earned by Captain Burton.
He is gentleman of high culture, and
meritorious. qualities, exacting in his eve
~ day life, and military profession. His
uncsasing devotion to his men has won
the appreciation. of the entire Regiment
The line and field officers, together with
all others who chance to come in contact
with him, look upon him as eminently
qualified to occupy q more exalted posi-
ton than the one he no ds at present The
unbounded confidence which he has OBJ
tanned, and the high esteem in which he
is held by his men, speak more fully than
words of his general character and worth.


Now to the presentation. At1 o clock
A. NJ precisely, the Burton Guards were
formed in line on their parade street, and
a deputation was selected and instructed
to wait upon the Captain, and informed
him that his immediate presence was
sought by the members of his company
After an clapse of ten minutes, or therea
bouts Captain BURTON made his appear
ance, and by request took his position in
front Of his company, entirely ignorant OF
their intentions.


lst Lieut. WILLIAM H. GILL was select
ed to present the sword, which be did,
accompanied by the following brief re-
marks:


CAPT BURTON:


II have the honor and the pleasure of
presenting in behalf of your company
sword sash and belt, tokens of the conf
dence that the soldiers of your company
place in you, and the respect and love
they bear towards you. You, sir, have
sacrificed much-gave up your business
sacrificed the pleasure and comforts OF
home, and civil life, and embarked at your
country call in your countrys service.
Your soldiers, likewise, have made great
sacrifices, they like you have torn them
selves from happy homes, subjected them
selves to the severities of military disci-
pline They have prepared themselves
= IL g ,f fha
march, and the dangers of the field. Re-
posing their trust in your abilities and
integrity they have chosen you for their
Captain Thus far they have felt that
trust has not been misplaced. You, sir,
thus far have fulfilled their highest wishes
and expectations. You have attended to
their interests with watchful and zeal
GUS care Your zeal and untiring inter
est in their welfare is hereby acknowl-
edged Accept, then, this humble token,
and we shall continue to believe thatthis
blade will never be drawn, save in the
path of honor, duty and right"


Here % Lieut. PRIEsTLEY, now acting
as Adjutant of the drafted militia, stepped
forth and buckled the sword on to Captain
Burton after which the Captain returned
his thanks in the following language:


''Lietenant and Soldiers You have
taken me so completely by surprise that
you cannot expect speech from me
besides you we'll know that l don't make
speeches. Nevertheless allow me to re-
turn you my sincere and hear: felt thanks
for this elegant present will not prom
ise you in accepting it, that | will not sur
render this blade till my last drop of blood
is gone but will let the future tell for
itself l have endeavored during the time


l1o- 30
charge to the best of my ability, the du-
ties Of my position, and shall continue to
do so. have endeavored to be strict in
discipline, knowing as we all do, that dis
cipline should be the principal study of
soldier You may, perhaps, at times con-
slider me harsh; but have only attempt
ed to carry out that which / told you at
the start | should do, viz: maintain my
authority, and enforce disciplince Impair
TALLY | too have my superiors in rank
whom l must obey. endeavor to do it
cheerfully, and expect the same cheerful
obedience from those under my command
| shall value this present highly, not for
its intrinsic value, knowing that you do
not thus make it; but l shall ever consid
er the motives that | know prompt your
brave hearts. Again thank you sincerely,
hoping that ere long great success will
crown our army, our government proved
safe from destruction, and that we may
be permitted 20 meet as we first met-cit-
izens of a free country"


At the close of the remarks three cheers
were given for Captain BURTON The
sword is of regulation pattern-the blade
Of the finest tempered steel and bautiful
finish This token of friendship will be
cherished by the receiver, and am con-
fdent its bright blade will never be sui
lied in an unrighteous cause.


FRANK