Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 06.djvu/140

130

During the delivery of these burning words, which stirred every heart to its inmost core, the tall, proud form of Governor Hampton had remained immovable, but o'er his features could be seen to play the emotions which the vivid picture of the past conjured up to his mind's eye; and as he stepped forward to receive the sacred relic, so intimately interwoven with his own military history, his heart was too full for utterance, and his sight became dimmed with tears. Smothering the sad emotions which welled up from his soul, he came to the front with the guidon in his hand, and was received with prolonged and vociferous applause.

As soon as he could make himself heard, Governor Hampton spoke as follows: