“Officers and soldiers of the Tenth Regiment;

"Whilst you rally around and defend the standard of your country, never forget that you owe allegiance to a Higher Power. We must all render an account of our conduct here to the Supreme Ruler and Judge of heaven and earth. The soldier, of all men, should feel that he is in the presence of God and humbly implore his protection. He is a God of battles, and will be a shield and buckler to those who put their trust in Him. Trust in his mercy and rely on his mighty arm for protection. May he preserve and bless you all. When the army of an ancient republic were going forth to battle a mother of one of the soldiers said to him, 'My son, return home with your shield or on your shield.' Adopting the sentiment of that noble mother, let me say to the commander of this Regiment:

“My son, and to the true and brave officers associated with you, and to the resolute, hardy and intelligent men under your command, bring back those beautiful and rich colors presented you by the ladies of Springfield, the emblems of your country's power and glory, waving over your heads, unstained, or return wrapped in their gory folds.”

A portion of the speech made by Ex-Governor George N. Briggs, father of Col Briggs, as the Regiment prepared to leave for the war.