Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[400] our friends to blush for our deeds. We cannot erect a stone monument to the memory of the brave man whose cherished name we bear, but we will erect a mausoleum to De Kalb's memory that will ever after have a place in the history of our adopted country.

This short and pertinent speech of the warrior chieftain elicited the most enthusiastic approbation. The Singing Society then chaunted a splendid chorus, entitled the “Warrior's prayer.”

Hon. George Bancroft, the eminent historian, led Miss Pauline Antoinette Witthaus to the centre of the stoop, the son and little daughter of Mr. W. standing on each side, and the father above them. On the left Mr. Amos F. Eno held in his hand the costly and chaste regimental banner which the young, accomplished, and patriotic lady presented to the De Kalb regiment. Mr. Bancroft, in a pure German accent, addressed the regiment as follows:--Worthy, brave, and gallant soldiers: I am greatly honored by introducing to you this blushing maiden, who is desirous of expressing her patriotism for her country by presenting you, through her father, with this beautiful banner, bearing the likeness of Baron de Kalb, your patron saint. When, in the heat, of battle, you rally around this standard, let that flag remind you of the virgin beauty who stands before you, and inspire you with a valor characteristic of the brave General whose features adorn the banner about being handed to you. (Great applause.)

Mr. R. A. Witthaus addressed Col. Von Gilsa as follows:

Officers and Soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment:--This war has been forced upon us for the necessary defence of our national security, for the maintenance of our laws and the Constitution. The war has actually begun, and the clash of resounding arms is borne to us upon the wings of the zephyrs from the sunny South. We have no choice which course to pursue. A lawless minority of rebels, enemies to our peace and strangers to our laws, hold the conservative and sober-minded under military despotism. Each hour cries protection for them, and, therefore, we do not engage in any sanguinary exploits to subjugate millions; it is not our object to perpetuate hostilities, or even to cherish a military spirit. No, soldiers, our duties are higher and purer — our work is consecrated to our liberty and Union. They are our safeguard at home, our dignity abroad — the patrimony of our patriots and the inheritance of our children. The adopted citizens of German birth are marked by industry, modesty, and honesty of heart in times of peace; but in times of war and strife a Hermann proved himself the victor of the Romans, and I fear not but you whose sturdy limbs were fostered by the bracing climate of Germany will prove yourselves worthy of your breeding. Attack the foe manfully, and let your sinewy arms charge home upon him. You will gallantly perform deeds of valor and oppose the enemies of our adopted country. We shall hear of many a high example of noble daring and heroic endurance, and you will not let the enemy destroy our liberty and Union--those glorious legacies for which you have left the homes of your birth, that dear fatherland, whence many an anxious eye is now watching the issue of events. Officers and soldiers of the De Kalb Regiment: By a special favor from the military authorities of the Empire State you are permitted to bear the name of that gallant hero who, together with a galaxy of your gifted countrymen, flew hither, in the times that tried men's souls, to array themselves on the side of the oppressed in a struggle which resulted in the blessings of a liberty which we now enjoy, and which we are sacredly bound to preserve for our children. I am requested to present to you on the part of my children--American by their mother, German by their father — this regimental flag and guide colors, bearing the portrait of Baron de Kalb, of whom the father of this country, the illustrious George Washington, so truly said, “The generous stranger who came from a distant land to fight our battles and to water with his blood the tree of our liberty; would he had lived to enjoy its fruit.” Among all the heroes of the Revolution we may well challenge comparison for him. Side by side with the heaven inspired patriots and warriors he bore the burthen and heat of the battle; his acts gave you the title deeds to your share of America as adopted citizens; and how well that right is treasured and most jealously guarded by you is best proved by the many regiments of patriotic Germans who, since the first fire on the Stars and Stripes at Fort Sumter, have enrolled themselves for the maintenance of the laws of this our adopted country. This country is dear and sacred to us by the ties of our wives and children, by the blood of our patriots, and by the ashes of our departed. I have asked myself the question, whence this ardent and spontaneous patriotism on the part of our German citizens? and I have found the answer quickly. They know too well, from experience in their dear fatherland, what it is to have a country torn asunder and divided into many small kingdoms and principalities; they know full well the insurmountable difficulties to move the commerce, practical science, manufactures, and agriculture as with one united effort, and while this their adopted country has done for them all in time of prosperity, the German cardinal virtues, “honesty and gratitude,” prompt them to do all in their power now in its time of need. Officers and soldiers: I see many among you who have left honorable positions of trust and emolument in order to oppose the enemies of our adopted country, and I sincerely hope, when peace is once again restored, and you have placed the wreath of victory upon the brow of the country you have wedded, that many years of honor and prosperity may be the blessings kind Providence will have in store for you. Colonel Leopold