Year: 1860



 On behalf of this gallant troop which have the honor to command, can scacely find suitable language to express to you our grateful acknowl- edgements for this manifestation of your kindness; be assured that it is with feelings of no little pride and satisfaction that we accept this Banner as tribute of your high considera tion and esteem; and believe me, when l say that the heart of each soldier here present thrills with joy in knowing that he has your sympathies and that your hearts are enlisted in his cause. As yet we are unskilled and inexperienced in military sci-l ence, and there is much before us to learn; but if there is anything that could incite Us to attain that per- lection in military discipline which is so necessary to make the soldier, it is the generous encouragement that we have this day received at your hands. The days of Chivaky and Knight errantry have passed away; and though we may not be permitted to break lance ih your behalf yet the privelige n)hst not be denied us of inscribinshpon our hearts the mem ories of this day; and should an occa- sion ever offer itself we will endeavor to prove to you by our acts that the trust reDosed in our hands this day has not been unmerited.

 You must not believe that the life of the soldier is one of ease and nac- tivity but it is in time of Peace that we must prepare for war.-lt is then by study, patience and perseverance, and the severe rigor of military discipline, by constant drill that he learns the duty and becomes the soldier. Few men by birth are sol diers; but the American untrained and untaught approach it nearer than them all. The profession or calling of the soldier is noble one; for who should be more lauded and honored than he who is ever ready to buckle on his arlnor at his countrys call and, if necessary, to spill his blood in her defence? .g~r orr 4ul

 The study of Military science is calculated to make a man more chiv- alrous, more high toned, and tends to elevate him above the strifes and jeal- ouses of the day, and makes him feel as if upon his shoulders rested the honor and character of the Nation In this country where all men are born free and equal-we are not surprised to see the merchant Prince, the Planter and men of rank and for tune descend to the rank of the soldier his motives are alone those of the patriot, and in armies composed of such metal and material as this. It can be no wonder to the world that the American Arms are always tri- umphant. In all ages the name of the warrior has stood high upon the scroll of fame and who more than to the conquerer has the world been more ready to pay its homage?

 Ladies, must thank you again for this handsome gift, and it is with un- feigned pleasure that we accept it. It is but fit emblem of the purity of your own hearts, and when we look upon these stars and stripes they will ever remind us of you all and call to mind the pleasant recollections of this joyous day. In receiving this Banner, we here as soldiers, pledge you our honors and our swords in it's defence. Perhaps, at no very distant day we may march under it's folds to the battle fields; it will then be most refreshing to the soldier to look upon tit will then be dearer to us than ever-it will then remind us of the dear and loved ones that we have left behind-it is then that knowing by whose fair hands it was presented, the holiest wish of Us all will be to pre- serve and return it to you as pure and unsullied as when it was first received. In that moment then, there would be but one simultaneous cry of"Onward to the charge! }"

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