The
Greensborough Patriot
June
25, 1861
Page 2
Departure of the Soldiers.
On Monday morning last, the 1st
and 2d Companies of Forsyth Volunteers—the “Riflemen” and “Grays”—took their
departure from this place for Danville, Va.
A sufficient number of wagons were easily procured, at short notice, for
the transportation of the troops and baggage, notwithstanding the very busy
season of the year, which is another evidence of the accommodating spirit and
good will entertained for our brave Volunteers, who left their comfortable
homes for the privations of a soldier’s life.
About 7 o’clock a long train of
wagons, to the number of some 40, passing through Main Street, announced the
advent of the soldiers into town. The
wagons passed on to the “Bridge,” but the Volunteers marched in regular order
headed by the Brass Band, and halted in front of the Female Academy, where, in
the presence of a large concourse of people of all “ages, sexes, and
conditions,” the Rt. Rev. George F. Bahuson delivered a brief but pertinent
address, encouraging the soldiers to the performance of their duty, warning
them against the temptations of a soldier’s life, and commending them to the
God of Battles. He then introduced the
Rev. Michael Doub, who in a very apropriate and feeling address, also spoke
words of comfort and encouragement to our soldier friends, warned them to
beware of the temptations incident to the life they entered upon, and comended
them to the keeping of an all wise Providence.
The ceremony was closed by Bishop
Bannson with a fervent prayer and the benediction.
It was truly a solemn and affecting
scene to witness this religious ceremony on the eve of the departure of our
brave Volunteers to a neighboring State,--(generally conceded to be the battle
ground)—surrounded, as they were, by a large number of distressed and weeping
relatives and friends. And, at the close
of the ceremony, when the order of march was given, a a scene presented itself
which will long be remembered: It was
the parting of husband and wife, brothers and sisters, parents and children,
perhaps forever.
A large number of persons
accompanied the Volunteers to the “Bridge,” where the wagons were in waiting to
convey them to their destination. At the
final parting there, cheer upon cheer rent the air in honor of these brave men
who were going forth to peril their lives in defense of Southern soil.
May the God of Battles be with them;
and may they all be permitted safely to return to the bosoms of their families
and friends.
The 3d Company went in camp here
this week, and will also leave for Danville some time during the week.
Forsyth, it is believed, will
furnish two more Companies, after harvest.—Salem Press.
