that pertained especially to the science of war, the emergency of the
hour threw upon them the necessity of grasping the sword.

Claiming only that they have striven to do their duty they come only to
ask their share in the common joy and happiness which our victory has
diffused and meet this imposing reception. When they remember in whose
presence they stand; that of all the great crowd of the sons of Harvard
who are here to-day there is not one who has not contributed his utmost
to the glorious consummation; that those who have been blessed with
opulence have expended with the largest and most lavish hand in
supplying the government with the sinews of war and sustaining
everywhere the distrest upon whom the woes of war fell; that those less
large in means altho not in heart have not failed to pour out most
tenderly of time and care, of affection and love, in the thousand
channels that have been opened; that the statesmen and legislators
whose wise counsels and determined spirit have brought us thus far in
safety and honor are here,--would that their task were as completely
done as ours!--yet sure I am that in their hands "the pen will not lose
by writing what the sword has won by fighting;" that the poets whose
fiery lyrics roused us as when


"Tyrtæus called aloud to arms,"


and who have animated the living and celebrated the dead in the noblest
strains are here; that our orators whose burning words have so cheered
the gloom of the long controversy are here, altho withal we lament that
one voice so often heard through the long night of gloom was not
permitted to greet with us the morning. Surrounded by memories such as