HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER. 4 1 



invade insurgent States of the republic, and other 

 States and Territories increased the number to very 

 nearly three million defenders of the Union. 



It is unnecessary to say that our guest gave his 

 own energy and spirit to the Ancient and Honorable 

 Artillery Company while he commanded it. This 

 corps has been honored in other States as a just type 

 of past military organizations. Much of its renown at 

 home and abroad is due to its one hundred and fifty- 

 fifth commander. Recognizing its connection with 

 the Ancient Royal Artillery of London, often com- 

 manded by the sovereigns of England, and at that 

 time by His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Prince 

 Consort, he opened with him a correspondence which 

 led to the enrolment of Prince Albert, and later of 

 the present Prince of Wales, as Special Honorary 

 Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 

 of Boston. Both companies are recognized in Eng- 

 lish and American history as representing the best 

 type of military veterans. 



It is fortunate that during this period the relations 

 of England and America were so administered by 

 the pre-eminent English and American statesmen of 

 that day, that no untoward word or deed disturbed 

 the profound peace that reigned between the two 

 countries. We are for that reason relieved from the 

 painful duty of speculating upon results that might 

 have chano^ed the even balance of nations, if those 



