His patriotic address to a regiment in 1861. Published in New York
_Tribune_, November 3, 1874:
"NEW YORK, _Nov. 2, 1874_.
"SIR,--On Saturday afternoon, June 22d, 1861, a stand of regimental
colors--the gift of its Democratic friends, merchants and others--was
presented to the 37th Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers. The colors were
presented at the Battery, the regiment then being drawn up in line, and
being at the time ready to depart for the scene of war, which it did on
the following day.
"There was some ceremony at the presentation of the flags, and several
speeches were made. One of the speakers on the occasion was Mr. Samuel
J. Tilden, who made a stirring appeal to the officers and men of the
regiment--a speech not excelled in patriotism by any public speaker
during the War of the Rebellion.
"The writer of this letter knows whereof he affirms, for he was also
present and took part in the presentation ceremony.
(Signed) "JOHN T. AGNEW."