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XXXV.
As early as May 8, 1862,
Mr. Sumner introduced a Resolution which was the beginning of a policy on his part steadily pursued to the end, prohibiting the names of victories over fellow-citizens from being inscribed on the regimental colors.
It ended years after, as all the world knows—and
Massachusetts too well—in covering that State with dishonor, and her
Senator with undying glory;—her vote of censure was a stain which, however, she was able to wipe out before her great
Senator was called to his reward.
After the capture of
Williamsburg, May 6th,
General McClellan having, in a dispatch, asked of the War Department whether he would be authorized in following the example of other
Generals, to direct the names of battles to be placed on the colors of regiments,
Mr. Sumner's Resolution was:— ‘That in the efforts now making for the restoration of the
Union, and the establishment of peace throughout the country, it is inexpedient that the names of victories obtained over our fellow-citizens, should be placed on the regimental colors of the
United States.’
But
Mr. Hale objected to its consideration, and it was postponed.
A few days later, even
Mr. Wilson introduced a joint resolution to authorize the
President to permit regiments of the volunteer forces to inscribe on their flags the names of battles in which such regiments had been engaged.
But fortunately for
Mr. Wilson, as well as
Mr. Hale, the whole matter was dropped.
Mr. Sumner's movement, however, was fully appreciated by people whose hearts were
exactly in the right place, and in sound condition.
But it received one
