It gives me the assurance, which indeed, I did not need, that you are as much my friends as I am yours.

The connection between us has afforded me much pleasure and satisfaction.

In training you to duties which patriotism may hereafter devolve upon you, though I pray Heaven that long before that time our terrible civil strife may be at an end, I feel that I have helped you to do something to show your loyal devotion to the country which we all love and revere." Here there was loud applause.

"If you were a few years older, I doubt not that your efforts would be added to those of your fathers and brothers who are now encountering the perils and suffering the privations of war.

And with a little practise I am proud to say that you would not need to be ashamed of the figure you would cut in the field.
"I have little more to say.