Daily Richmond Whig

A spectacle like the one narrated below, is not often witnessed in this country. The scene presented recalls to our minds much that we have read of the like in the "glorious days of chivalry"--and although Burke said that age is gone, we cannot help thinking some of the old spirit could yet be found warming the breasts of the gallant sons of our own land--certainly in courtesy we are bound to say, glowing in the descendants and natives of the country so famous in the annals of knighthood.--Alex. Gaz.
From the Charleston Courier.

BLESSING OF THE STANDARD.

On Saturday last, a most interesting and impressive spectacle, at once novel and sublime, was presented to our citizens at the Roman Catholic Cathedral.

The building, which, though but temporary, yet is of considerable extent, and extremely convenient for public celebrations; was arranged with appropriate decorations, for the solemn service of the day. At day break, the flag of the United States was erected over the cross on the front of the edifice. In the interior, the large arch in front of the altar was decorated with festoons of the national banner, in which the stars and stripes were tastefully entwined. The upper part of the church, immediately in front of the altar, was cleared of benches and left open for the military: the six columns which support the arches of the roof in this section, were decorated with military flags, which rose over the central aisle: the galleries and the western half of the Church were filled with seats for the civil portion of the congregation: the galleries were thronged almost exclusively by ladies.

At about eleven o'clock, the detachment, consisting of the French Fusiliers, preceded by the Charleston Riflemen and the German Fusiliers as an escort, arrived at the Cathedral under the command of Capt. Rogers, of the Riflemen. The escort then formed so as to permit the French company to enter the Church first, with their band playing, and their new flag furled: the escort saluting as they passed. The French formed in line in front of the altar extended across the Church, with platoons of the Germans on their right and left, at right angles, resting their wings respectively on the wing of the French, and on the altar end of the Church: the Riflemen formed an external cordon round the whole, thus exhibiting three sides of a square completed by the altar, the whole facing inwards, with the commissioned officers of the companies in the centre. Next the Bishop's seat, outside the sanctuary, Col. Cogdell, Lieut. Col. Condy, Major Edwards, Adjut. Holmes, and Quarter Master Ravnel, of the 17th Regt. were placed; and on the rear of the platoon the band was stationed--the whole forming, with the highly decorated altar, a grand coup d'oeil. The band continued to perform.

The Deacon in his Alb, Stole and Dalmatic, preceded by two children in surplices, advanced from the Vestry through the sanctuary, to meet the ensign who bore the flag; and accompanied him and the colour guard to within the rail where the standard still furled, was left in charge of a sentinel near the Bishop's chair; this sentry was occasionally relieved during the service. Upon the Ensign withdrawing to his company, and the Deacon to the vestry, the Organ succeeded the band, and the procession of the Clergy commenced from the vestry to the sanctuary. After the children and Acolyths, two priests advanced, then the subdeacon in his Tunic, and the Deacon in his Dalmatic, followed by the Bishop in full Pontifical dress, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier. When they paid their homage to the altar, and turned to salute the military, the organ ceased, and they were received with the full military salute and music. The troops then rested on their arms; the mass commenced, accompanied by the organ; the Bishop read the mass of the Catechumens in the Chair. This being concluded, the clergy went to the altar to make the offerings, and the mass of the faithful commenced. The military were again under arms, and received with due honors the deacon with his incense. The mode in which the French Company paid the religious homage at the consecration and elevation, was peculiarly striking; they knelt with arms presented and heads inclined, whilst the incense rose in the sanctuary, and its spires curled as it rose; the small bell tingled; and the subdued roll of the drum gave height to the solemnity. The escort stood with arms presented, as a token of military respect for their brother soldiers. During the remainder of the Canon, the French stood under arms, and the escort rested.

The manner in which the Bishop's blessing was received by the troops at the close of the Mass, was nearly the same as at the elevation. After the Gospel of St. John, the Bishop advanced to the middle of the altar, and the Captain of the French Fusiliers (LaBorde) was called upon to approach. The Bishop asked if the Flag which was presented for blessing was to be used in the services of the State of South Carolina, and of the United States of America, which being answered in the affirmative, the Bishop stated that he was ready to proceed, and several officers accompanied Captain LaBorde into the Sanctuary; they unfurled and displayed the standard, the devices and emblems of which having been examined by the Bishop, he proceeded to read the prayer of the blessing at his seat, surrounded by the clergy. This prayer being concluded, the Deacon presented holy water in a silver vase, and the Bishop sprinkled the flag. He then was seated with the Mitre on his head, and the Captain taking off his cap and sheathing his sword, knelt to receive the Banner, which the Bishop presented with the usual admonition. After the proper salute, the captain rose, and wearing his cap, he held the staff of the flag whilst the Bishop addressed him:

Capt. LaBorde.--I have often announced, in this sacred enclosure, great and eternal truths, which shew forth to the universe the glory of the Most High God. To-day, in the same place, the children of honor advance to proclaim the glory of the land of their birth, and to pledge their allegiance to the country of their adoption. The union of those two powerful motives should always establish in our hearts that immortal love which we owe to God, and that steady attachment which we owe to our country. From this sublime blending should arise all the virtues which form heroes. It is impossible that heroism should ever exist without them. Receive, then, from the hand of religion, this Standard, consecrated to the preservation of the rights of South Carolina, and of the liberties of the United States of America. Warriors of France! Soldiers of America! Upon you is fixed the observing eye of those two nations. Children of Glory! I have blessed your flag in the name of the Supreme Majesty of the God whom we adore--upon that he has now bestowed his sanction; and hence, under His influence, it may become a token of safety. When this revered emblem is borne near you, pronounce those words, sacred in the cause of religion, as the motto of the true soldier.--God, Honor, and Country. God will hear you; he will mercifully receive your aspirations; he will shed upon your visage a ray of his glory, which will always enable you to triumph over every enemy of his altars and of our country.

Captain LaBorde's Answer to the Bishop.

Minister of the Almighty God, who has called on our standard his holy blessing, be assured that your remembrance will always mingle itself with that of this impressive ceremony, and accept the homage of our thanks and of our profound respect. This ceremony, which originated in the bright days of chivalry, has for its object, in thus mingling the love of his God with the love of his country, to unite in the heart of man the most sacred duties to the dearest of feelings. Interpreter of our thoughts and our vows before the Most High, on this solemn occasion, your person, Reverend Sir, cannot but become more endeared to us.