On Friday morning a saddle and bridle, each of the most elaborate workmanship, and mounted with both silver and gold, were presented to Col. J. M. Chivington by his officers of the 1st Cavalry.
    A large number of citizens and soldiers assembled about noon, but for some unaccountable cause there was a delay of somewhat more than an hour before the ceremonies commenced.
    The horse--a fine bay--caparisoned with the saddle and bridle, was placed in front of the hospital building, and Col. Chivington, accompanied by Captain Wilder, Surgeon J. F. Hamilton, and others appeared upon the balcony. Major Downing then appeared and read from the manuscript the following address:

    COL. CHIVINGTON: On behalf of the officers of the First Cavalry of Colorado, I have been selected to present to you a small testimonial of their esteem and friendship.
    One year and a half ago we met here in Camp Weld comparatively strangers, when first entering on the duties of soldiers, you rendered us most material aid as our instructor in the handling of the gallant men whom we had the honor to command.--When we thought that sufficient knowledge had been obtained to render some service to our country upon the field, and upon the hearing of the invasion of New Mexico by the Texans, we desired to meet them.--You earnestly seconded all our efforts upon the dreadful march we were compelled to make without sufficient transportation and little to subsist upon, we found you genial, self denying and never discouraged by difficulties, till finally we met the enemy in Apache Canon, when we commenced to fully appreciate your gallantry, your discretion and your determination, which added so much to our subsequent successes, and final rout of the enemy.--Again, after the hard fought battle of Pigeon's Ranch, where everything was clouded and in gloom, you returned to us with the welcome news that the entire transportation and equipage of the enemy had been destroyed, and that in effect, they were completely overthrown.--That by the perseverance and endurance of yourself and the brave men under your command, the enemy had received a blow which would result, if we were allowed to pursue them, in their complete destruction.
    Throughout the campaign in New Mexico from which we have so recently returned, we have found you a kind friend, an unassuming gentleman and a gallant soldier.
    If during your absence from us we some times murmured at your apparent silence--it arose rather through fear of losing you than a waning admiration for you and your gallant services.
    We have returned to our Territory, but to learn if silent, you had not been idle, and that your efforts in our behalf had crowned with success, as we now find ourselves, that which we long since wished to be, Gay Cavaliers.
    Therefore, as a testimonial of our high appreciation of your many gallant deeds on the field and the kind favors on the march and in camp--that in future years you may have a material reminiscence of our regars [sic] toward you--allow us to present you with this saddle and bridle, manufactured in the Territory which you have so proudly represented, and in which, in future years, we hope to see you reap a rich harvest of honor and renown.
    Take it, and when the rebellion shall have been crushed think of us, your friends and believe us when we say that your gallantry and courteousnes [sic] have not been passed unappreciated or unadmired. That you may know with what unnanimitiy [sic] the expression of their esteem has been made, we will mention the names of the following gentlemen as contributors:

    Col. Chivington then responded in an extempore speech, accepting the gift presented to him by his officers and briefly reviewing the course he had followed as an officer. The speech, which we regret we are not able to publish, was full of that sound and sterling patriotism for which the Col. has always been distinguished, expressions of unworthiness, which, more than anything else, proved the entire worthiness of the gift.
    The Col. then mounted the horse, and after three cheers were given for the Col., three for the 1st, 2d and 3rd Regiments of Colorado Volunteers, the Col. led the way and the cavalcade moved toward town.--The whole occasion was delightful and satisfactory to all concerned.
    The saddle was made by Landis, and is entirely equal, if not superior, to the one lately presented to Col. Leavenworth.--As a piece of artistic workmanship it would do credit to any workman and to any land.

Source:

Unknown, "Saddle Presentation," Weekly Commonwealth and Republican, Denver, Colorado, Thursday, 5 February, 1863, p. 1.