"Fellow Soldiers of the 2d Massachusetts Battery--I cannot express to you the feelings of surprise and astonishment with which the present occasion had filled me. I need not remind you that I am no speech maker, for you are well aware that I am a man of but few words. I fear, however, that you have overrated the little it has laid in my power to do for your comfort, welfare and efficiency. But of one thing, I feel conscious, gentlemen, and that is, that I have endeavored to do my duty by you, by my country, and by myself. Rest assured that I shall ever look upon the present as one of the happiest moments of my life, and that your highly prized gift shall never be drawn but in the cause of freedom and of our common country. Accept, gentlemen, my sincere and heartfelt thanks."
The boys dispersed to their quarters with six rousing cheers for Captain Nims, who, truth to say, was almost overpowered by his feelings, so completely was he taken by surprise.
We also quote the Special Order No. 1 issued April 28, as still further indicating the honor given to the battery by commander and other officers.
"The commandant takes this method of congratulating his command upon the part which they took in the engagement at Sabine Cross Roads, La., on the 8th inst., and of thanking them not only for himself, but also in behalf of the general commanding the division, and the general commanding in the field, for the gallantry, courage, and efficiency with which you conducted yourselves in the trying position in which you were placed. Although it has been your misfortune to lose your guns, it is gratifying to know that it was through no dereliction or shortcoming on your part; having done all that lay in your power as brave men to do. We must submit to the misfortune with the best grace we may. Your commandant would also express his satisfaction at the sorrow exhibited on all hands at your misfortune, by officers of every grade in the service as well as by civilians, which tends to show in a clearer light the golden opinions you have won on all hands. Your commandant is proud not only at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads but in every other battle in which you have been engaged. He gives the credit all to you, and hopes you will continue to deserve the high encomiums so universally bestowed upon you and to maintain in all places, whether in camp or in the field, your good name untarnished."