Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 20.djvu/61

 Reunion Co. D. } first For. Cavalry, C. S. A.

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ha-ed ! out a good natured laugh and said, " there comes the orderly." I tell you captain that made me feel good. I see by the " Year Book of our church that we have a congregation at Bradley's school- house, and the Elder's name is Brown.

Give my regards to all the "boys." I may plan a "raid" through your neck o' woods some day. If I do, look out. Kindest regards,

L. C. WILSON.

We have been also furnished the following from the Democrat, a newspaper formerly published in this town, giving an account of a flag presentation to the company in 1861. The splendid address of Miss Hardin will more than repay perusal.

FLAG PRESENTATION.

[From the Abingdou Democrat, Friday April 26, 1861.]

Tuesday last, a beautiful flag was presented to the Washington Mounted Rifles, wrought by the hands of our patriotic ladies. At half-past twelve, the troop commanded by Lieutenant Blackford, formed in front of the residence of Mrs. Mitchell, when Miss Lizzie Hardin, a teacher in the Martha Washington College, advanced and addressed them as follows:

SOLDIERS In the ages when cowardice was a crime and courage the virtue of a God, the men armed and went forth to battle amid the exhortation of the women, to "return with their shields or upon them." To-day, the women of Abingdon would imitate their example, and though when you are far distant, amid the perils of war, many a heart here will be still with anguish though full oft, from blood forsaken lips, shall be sent up for you, a cry to Him who is " mighty to save," yet, with a firm hand we would give you this banner, and in an unfaltering voice, we bid you bear it on to "vic- tory or death." We would bid you in the day of the battle look upon it think of your mountain homes, and remember 'tis for them you strike. Think of the mothers, the sisters, the wives you have left behind, and remember 'tis for them you draw the sword. Tamely, and for years have we submitted to insult and oppression, and shall