The Hillsborough Recorder

PRESENTATION OF THE SWORD TO GEN. TAYLOR.

Yesterday, at 11 o'clock, the Sword voted by the Legislature of Virginia to Major General Taylor (now President of the United States) in honor of the distinguished courage and conduct displayed by him in his victorious achievements in Mexico, was presented to him, at the Presidential Mansion, by the Committee of distinguished citizens of Virginia whose names have been already mentioned.

The Committee having been introduced to the President by Mr. Preston, Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Daniel, in behalf of the committee, addressed the President in the following terms:

GENERAL: In the name of Virginia, we are deputed to present to you a sword. On it is inscribed, in enduring characters, her message of affectionate approbation. "Presented by Virginia to her distinguished son, Major General Zachary Taylor, for his gallantry and good conduct at the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, and Buena Vista."

To the modest ear of manly worth we know that the language of personal eulogy, however sincere and well deserved, is always unpleasing. But there are occasions, and this is one, when the full heart may speak out—when, anticipating the impartial judgment of history, it may, without offending propriety, render to exalted services performed by the living that tribute which treasure cannot purchase nor power extort—the spontaneous homage of a free, enlightened, and grateful people.

Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, and Buena Vista! What mingled emotions of joy and melancholy are excited by these names! Of grief for the brave who sank to rest, "By all their country's wishes blest"—of exultation at the proud achievements of the living on those glorious fields.

Sir, you cannot know, as we know, how, at the first threatened shock of arms on the Rio Grande, when, to the general surprise, and without a sign of warning, that gallant little band under your command, poorly appointed, few in numbers—many of whom had never met an enemy—was seen opposed to an overwhelming force, triple its own numbers, the very flower of the Mexican army; when, to all, great loss seemed inevitable, to many its entire destruction not improbable: when, in the pause of anxious expectation, the very heart of the nation stood still, "And the bravest held his breath for a time;"

you cannot know, I say, what an electric thrill of exultation shot through that heart when the news came to us that you had triumphed; that victory had impressed upon your standard that prestige which could never afterwards desert it.

At Monterey! What fresh emotions of pride and satisfaction welled up in that heart when the world beheld with admiring eyes, not alone the valor of the soldier—the wisdom of mature and well-considered counsels—but that brighter exhibition of greatness which spared woman in her weakness and childhood in its helplessness, and could mercifully temper the splendors of victory with a sun more glorious—humanity.

Buena Vista! It is a field that will live in story with the Pass of Thermopylae. Where else was victory ever achieved against such fearful odds! And when we consider the circumstances under which you courted that conflict—the intrepid boldness of a position assumed against the uninstructed counsels of superiors, the wisdom of which was vindicated by complete success; when we regard the consequences, personal to the officer—political and military—which would have flowed from disaster to our arms: or, looking to the Mexican side, think of the momentous issue to the commander, struggling for existence at home, and setting all upon a cast, perhaps there are few events in our annals of deeper interest and importance to the soldier or the statesman who would study well the history of his country.

Sir, it was for the sterling qualities of head and heart displayed on these occasions of uncommon trial that the nation has learned to look to you as one in whose hands its destinies will be safe; who will again illustrate in its history that the successful warrior may yet be the wise and moderate and prudent statesman; and exemplify again that truth, so full of moral beauty, that

"Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than war."

May your Administration, sir, redound to the honor and prosperity of our beloved country: and, that well over, in retirement may the even ing of a well spent life be as serene and happy as its noon is bright and glorious!

It only remains to deliver to you this, the bright gift of Virginia, our common mother; a cherished possession to yourself—an heirloom of fame to be transmitted to those who will come after you. Well won, we know it will be worthily worn—in the spirit of that sentiment with which the Father of his Country bequeathed the sword which achieved its liberties—never to be drawn but in that country's defence, and never sheathed until the object be obtained.

Gen. Taylor replied to this address as follows:

Gentlemen: I receive, with emotions of profound respect and gratitude, the sword voted by the Legislature of the State of Virginia, which you have been deputed to present in her name.

It need hardly be said that this token of approbation and of confidence bears with it unusual interest and value. It is from the State of my extraction and nativity—a State distinguished throughout the American annals for the abilities, the valor, and the patriotism of her children; and which yields to none in devotion to the cause of constitutional liberty. This offering of her representatives will be cherished with jealous care, and handed down as a precious inheritance to my children.

You allude to the services which have had the good fortune to elicit the approbation of my countrymen. The recent campaigns in Mexico, so far as military combinations and the actions of commanders are concerned, have now become matters of history: but no history can fully record the sufferings, the privations, the courage, and the constancy of the common soldiers.

To the steadiness and discipline of the rank and file, ably aided as they were by the platoon and regimental officers, our successes must be mainly ascribed. Without such officers and such men, no inspiration, no good fortune, could have averted disgrace from our arms.

I beg through you to convey to the able and distinguished Governor of Virginia, to the Legislature, and to the people of the State over which he worthily presides, my most sincere and heartfelt acknowledgments for the high honor I have this day received, and allow me to present to you, gentlemen, my thanks for the very handsome manner in which you have discharged the trust confided to you.