The Drum Beat/Number 10/Sword Presentation
SWORD PRESENTATION.
On Monday evening a large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled in the office of the Executive Committee of the Fair, for the purpose of presenting a sword, sash, and belt to Lieut. Col. Hooper, of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, who recently escaped, with other officers, from the Libby Prison, at Richmond.
At 9 o'clock, James H. Frothingham, Esq., the Treasurer, and a personal friend of Col. Hooper, introduced him to the company, after which A. A. Low, Esq., President of the General Committee, addressed him in some graceful and earnest words, closing thus:
"Among the articles presented to the Fair is the beautiful sword which now lies upon the table by my side, with its belt and sash. A few of your friends have seized the opportune moment of your arrival, to purchase and present these to you; and I have to ask your acceptance of the gift as a token of their high appreciation of your services. It needs not that I should charge you to bear this sword bravely, for your courage and constancy have been well approved on many a field of battle, where your blood has freely flowed.
"Nor is it needful that I recite, in the presence of this audience, the story of your captivity, of your sufferings in prison, or of your fortunate escape; for if all are not familiar with the honorable record, your valor and fortitude, under the most trying clrcumstances, are well known, and will long be cherished in our remembrance.
"Permit me to tender you, in the name of your fellow-citizens, hearty congratulations on your recent escape from Libby prison, and to express, in their behalf, the pleasure your safe return affords them."
Mr. Low's remarks were greeted with warm applause.
Col. Hooper responded in a very neat and modest speech, warm from a noble heart taken wholly by surprise. He added a touching account of the manner and incidents of his escape, and of the generous and careful manner in which the negroes gave himself and his companions guidance and aid.