The
Greensborough Patriot
June
25, 1861
Page 3
For the Patriot.
Lexington,
June 18, 1861
Dear Patriot:--Our little town has
been the scene of considerable excitement and bustle during the past few weeks,
in raising and equipping companies for the war.
Since the departure of our troops the village seems like a deserted
place. The “Wild Cats,” Capt. Hargrave,
left several days ago and are now in the 4th Regiment, stationed at
Suffolk, Va. The “Davidson Guards,”
Capt. Leach, left last Monday for Danville.
On the Saturday evening preceding the ladies entertained the Company
with a handsome supper, spreading the tables and loading them with rich and
varied eatables in a style which fair hands and patriotic hearts alone know how
to perform. After supper a beautiful
flag was presented to the “Guards.” The
presentation took place in the courthouse, which was thronged to its utmost
capacity. The soldiers were ranged on
either side of the bar; while within it were gathered the fair ladies of the
town who were to assist in the ceremonies.
The flag, a beautiful silk, and bearing the motto “On to victory,” was
presented by Miss Lizzie Greenfield, who made the following address:
Captain
Leach, and soldiers of the Davidson Guards:
The tocsin of war has sounded, and
as true sons of North Carolina, you are leaving your homes to obey its
summons—with strong arms and fiery hearts to repel if need be, in deadly
conflict , the despoilers of our peace and liberty.
Your peaceful homes cannot charm you
from your high and ennobling duty to your country’s call; the battlefield has
no struggle, no pain, that can deter brave hearted Southrons; it is enough to
know that the sanctity of our once peaceful firesides, and this fair heritage
of ours is invaded; that the banners of a usurping and despicable foe are now
planted on Southern soil, and float on Southern breezes. They must be torn down, and the Stars and
Bars run up in their places. Then on
with you to the rescue!
But before you leave us for scenes
of glorious deeds and death, we would offer you all that woman can—our words of
cheer, our smiles, our tears, our prayers.
We are proud of our State; We are
proud of our noble sons, and we trust that each one of you carries within his
bosom a gem of which none can rob you—a true patriot’s heart. It is to you, then, we look for our safety
and honor in this our extremity, and surely we shall not look in vain!
The past has shown on many a hard
fought field of battle of what mettle North Carolina’s sons are made, and as
they have covered her and themselves with glory, so we trust will you, in the
hottest of the strife, prove yourselves the worthy sons of a noble ancestry.
Gentlemen, it is not for us to
buckle on the sword and go forth to battle for our country’s rights; that privilege
is yours. But equally jealous of the
safety and honor of our beloved land, our spirits will be with you in every
peril—aye, even when death is nigh; and we are ready to make any sacrifice,
that victory may crown our arms! Rest
assured the same spirit that animated our mothers still lives in their
daughters. Our cause is one, our hearts
one, and all the strong arms of the South
Shall
strike together in defense of common rights, and in righteous vengeance on our
enemies, till our insane foe shall be taught how futile is the attempt to
enslave proud spirited and enlightened Freemen!
Davidson Guards, then “On To
Victory!” with this banner, presented by the ladies of Davidson, as a token of
their deepest interest,--encouraged to do so, by the recollection that often
and in all ages, the arms of brave men have been nerved to deeds of valor by
the influence of woman. Let its
motto inspire you with a dauntless
courage to strike for “God and your native land;” and may it ever remind you of
the smiles of joy that will greet your triumphant return, and the true hearts
that wait to welcome you. “But onward
speed ye now”—TO VICTORY!
Capt. Leach received the flag, and
replied in behalf of his company in one of the happiest efforts of his
life. We are sorry not to be able even
to give brief outline of his speech. The
ladies sang the “Old North State,” while a band discourse sweet music now and
then during the ceremonies of the presentation, and the whole scene was a very
spirited and enlivening one in its character; one which will not soon be
forgotten by those who were present.
On Monday morning the “Guards” took
the cars for your town, on their way to Danville, where their Regiment, the
eleventh, is stationed. The parting
scene was very affecting. Mothers,
sisters and friends were present, and there were but few dry eyes to be
seen. Many a prayer goes with this
Company, and with all the companies that have gone from this county. May the God of Heaven protect them, and cover
their heads in the day of battle. We
feel sure that victory will crown the arms of those who put their trust in God,
and we feel that the cause of North Carolina and the South is the cause of God
and of the right. Davidson.
