Presentation to Lieut. Wood
Lieut. Wood of Co. A., 15th regiment, will be remembered as the gallant young officer who was carried from a sick bed to the battlefield of Ball’s Bluff, and was cured by a good dose of fighting. He has since been promoted to the Captaincy of the Blackstone company. His old companions in arms in Company A. Have presented him with a valuable sash, and the following speeches were made at the presentation:---
Presentation Speech of Private Cook.
Lieut. Wood, Dear Sir, I have been requested by the members of this company to offer for your acceptance a present purchased by their united contributions, and intended as some small acknowledgement of their appreciation of your character as an officer and a man, and as a token of lover from this company, of which you have so long been a member, and served in every capacity from private to captain, and , I need not add, filled every position with ability. Accept, then , this sash, and whenever you wear it remember it as the gift of those who will rejoice in your prosperity, and sympathize with, and , if possible, aid you in the hour of adversity, which we sincerely hope is far distant.
Response of Lieut. Wood.
Private Cook and brother Comrades:--- In this token of your love and respect, you have taken me entirely by surprise. From my first connection with Company A my highest ambition has been to do my duty to the best of my ability. If I have done it to your acceptance and satisfaction, I wish for no better reward than the approval of your brave and noble hearts. God helping me, no act of mine shall ever disgrace the generous gift of yours.. The prospect is that ere long I may be called to leave you, but never shall I forget the brave and generous hearted boys of Company A; and whenever I look upon this gift of your hearts, it will help to quicken me in the path of duty, and remind me of that command, each and every one of which is dear to me as an only brother. Accept my hearty thanks for your generous present.