The Lexington Cadets — Presentation of a flag.
The Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute were last evening the recipients of well-deserved honors at the hands of the State authorities. At about half-past 6 o'clock they marched into Capitol Square, headed by Smith's band, and were drawn up in line on the avenue fronting the Governor's mansion. They bore with them their tattered colors, which waved triumphantly through the battle in the Valley, and which were soon to be replaced by a new and handsome flag. Governor Smith, General Bragg, and General E. L. Smith (of the Institute) soon made their appearance in front, and the Governor unfurled a flag of blue silk, bearing the State arms of Virginia, which he presented to the Cadets with appropriate remarks, in which he told them that he placed implicit confidence in their ability and determination to defend it. The flag was gracefully received by the color bearer. The corps was then reviewed by General Bragg, who seemed much pleased with its fine soldierly bearing. After this the Cadets marched to the east front of the Washington Monument, and were addressed by Speaker Bocock. He told them of the resolution, unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives, thanking them for their gallant conduct in the battle of the 15th of May, under General Breckinridge, and added that the country expected them to maintain the reputation they had so heroically won. He continued some fifteen or twenty minutes in a strain of patriotic eloquence, and closed by invoking the blessing of God upon their future movements.--This over, the Cadets marched back to their quarters.The ceremonies throughout were of a highly interesting character, and were witnessed by an immense throng, including a large number of ladies.
