“The Union ladies of St. Louis, in token of their approbation of the vigorous and efficient services Gen. Halleck had rendered as military commander of the Department of the Mississippi, decided to present him with a magnificent sword. .The general gave his consent, and designated Monday evening, March 17th, and the Planters’ Hotel, as the time and place for the ceremony. At the time appointed the sword was presented to Gen. Halleck in the private parlors of the hotel by the following committee of young ladies: Miss Helen W. Budd, Miss Mary Crow, Miss Belle Bridge, Miss Sue Benton, Miss Belle Holmes, Miss Fannie Edgar, and Miss Ellen McKee. Miss Budd made the presentation speech in behalf of the committee.

Gen. Halleck, on receiving the sword handed to him by Miss Budd, addressed the committee as follows:

‘Ladies of the Committee:

“I thank you and those whom you represent for the honor you have conferred on me in tho presentation of this beautiful sword. I cannot believe that I havo done anything to merit this distinguished favor from tho ladies of fit. Louis. I, however, accept it from them, wilh tho promise that it will bo used only in the defense of the rights of American citizens and of tho flag of our common country. This sword is presented by tbo ladies; it shall be used, if occasion should require, in their service, and in defense of their rights and their honor.

I thank you, ladies, for your address, and you, Miss Budd, for tho manner of its delivery.’

The ladies and gentlemen present were then individually introduced to the general by Charles D. Drake, and the company dispersed.

The following is a list of the contributors: …Mrs. Ely Ware, …”

Reference Data:

History of Saint Louis City and County, Vol. 1, by John Thomas Scharf, 1883, page 429