64 BANQUET TO THE 



crowned with scarlet plumes, to congratulate their 

 successor, Colonel Wilder. Following them, would 

 come those who fought gallantly in the Revolutionary- 

 war, in blue and buff, with their cocked hats and 

 their shirt-ruffles. Next we should see those who 

 distinguished themselves in the supplementary war 

 with Great Britain in 1812, followed by those who 

 served in the swamps of Florida, and those who bore 

 the stars and stripes in triumph through the land of 

 the Montezumas. Then would come those brave 

 men, some of whom served under Colonel Wilder in 

 time of peace, who were engaged in the war for the 

 suppression of the Rebellion, from which the Union 

 armies came marching home triumphantly, without 

 a single star missing from their colors or from the 

 national escutcheon. When General Augureau, of 

 France, was asked what was wanting to add to the 

 splendor of the scene at the coronation of the First 

 Napoleon, he replied, " Nothing but the presence of 

 our dead heroes, who died to perpetuate the Govern- 

 ment ! " Would that we could be honored to-night 

 with the presence of those who preceded or served 

 with Colonel Wilder in the Ancient and Honorable 

 Artillery Company, but who now sleep in the soldier s 

 grave, where they will remain until the last trumpet 

 shall sound their reveille ! Colonel Wilder is, Mr. 

 President, the oldest living Past Commander of our 

 old corps, and a glorious representative of his prede- 



