Mobile Register

June 23, 1861

Page 1

 

            LIEUT. JAMES H. POLK—Having last week saluted our young friend as Captain of the Cavalry Company just formed in this place, we take the liberty of recording how it happens that this week we salute him as First Lieutenant of the same.  It was no error of ours, but a graceful, generous and patriotic act of his.  He is not twenty-one years old, yet was unanimously chosen Captain.  This fact is evidence of his merit, but he is as modest as meritorious, and as patriotic as modest.  Therefore, when Rev. John B. Hamilton entered the company as a private, at once he tendered him to the company as a better man for the place; and in obedience to his wishes the company chose Mr. Hamilton Captain; and, with the same unanimity, for the gratification of their own love and esteem for, and confidence in, the man, they, by acclamation, declared James H. Polk their First Lieutenant.  Hence, we saluted him Captain and congratulated his Company; hence, we salute him Lieutenant and congratulate him.  Ordinarily, more honor attaches to the post of Captain, but in this case the honors are with the Lieutenant.

            [Columbia (Tenn.) Herald, June 15]

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]