Perley Putnam

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Capt. Perley Putnam Miss Archer

On July 4, 1807, in Salem, Massachusetts, "The Mechanic Light Infantry, a new Company commanded by Capt. Perley Putnam, made their first appearance in uniform on this day, and received an elegant Standard in the morning from Col. Archer, which was delivered into the hands of Ensign Roberts by the Colonel's daughter, of eleven years of age, with the following pertinent Address: To the Mechanic Light Infantry" Gentlemen, I am directed by my father, who has the honour of commanding the Salem regiment, to request the Mechanic Light Infantry Company to accept this Standard, with his most sincere wishes, for their prosperity and honour. It will be easily conceive[d], with what pleasure I obey the command, when the respectable and martial appearance of the corps is a satisfactory pledge that it will not dishonour the gift. My parent views with pleasure the ardour and emulation which inspire the citizen soldiers who compose this regiment, and feels the greatest confidence they will never forfeit that proud title by the violation of the laws of honour, of humanity, of their country, and their God. The elegant and valuable corps which is now united to this regiment, affords a lively satisfaction and well grounded hope, that the spirit, harmony, discipline, and love of order, by which it has hitherto distinquished itself, will still continue to assign it a high rank in the militia of this Commonwealth. The Mechanic Light Infantry may rest assured, that the alacrity, with which they have organized and equipped themselves, and the perseverance by which they have attained to the honourable state of proficiency which we now view, has not passed unnoticed by the commander of the regiment, nor by their fellow citizens in general. It is a maxim of our father Washington (heaven be praised that his memory, is still dear to us!) that to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war. Peace is our aim, and preparation is our security. This glorious anniversary can testify, that a nation of freemen, possessing the hearts, can never want the means, of defending their country. The American Eagle shall never wing his way to spoil the peace of other nations; but, hovering over our heads, he will animate us to victory, in defence of our wives, our children, and our firesides. Gentlemen of the Mechanic Light Infantry Company! I need not remind you of the protection which my sex, and tender years like mine, claim from the soldier. Accept this Standard, with our entire confidence in your worthyness, your patriotism, your valour and conduct; and in the name of Washington, and our common country, accept our warmest wishes for your happiness and glory. "To which the Ensign made the following reply:" Amiable Miss, I receive this Standard, in behalf of the Mechanic Light Infantry Company, and request you to inform your Father, that we entertain an animating sense of the honor done us, by the commander of the Salem regiment, in presenting us with this elegant Standard, and assure him that it shall never be disgraced while life-blood warms our hearts--that we are extremely happy that our endeavours to uniform and equip ourselves has met with his approbation--and that we trust that our orderly and soldierlike conduct in future, under his command, will in some measure compensate for the honourable notice he has taken of us on our first appearance. We duly appreciate the maxim of our departed Washington--that in peace he would have us prepared for war. The devastations of war we wish to shun; but when it becomes necessary for us to take up arms, we will stand forth in defence of our liberties. On this auspicious anniversary of our national independence, we sincerely join with the millions of our fellow citizens, and pledge our lives, fortunes, and sacred honour, for the support of the laws, government and independence of our country. And to you, Miss, as the representative of the fair sex, we promise our protection and esteem. Salem Register, 9 July 1807, 3.

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