Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/259

Rh of a palmetto tree, and displaying to spectators a scroll inscribed "Truth, Justice and the Constitution."

On one side of Calhoun was a figure of Faith, and on the other side one of Hope. Beyond them, on each side, was the figure of an Indian, armed with a knife. In the space between the columns and under the arch was the device of the seal and flag of South Carolina; namely, a palmetto tree, with a rattlesnake coiled around its trunk, and at its base a park of cannon and emblems of the State's commerce. On a scroll fluttering from the trunk of the tree were the words, "Southern Republic."

Over the whole design, on the segment of a circle, were fifteen stars, the number of slave States, and underneath all, "Built from the Ruins." The banner was intended as a menace and a prophecy. After doing duty in the convention, the banner was suspended across the street, in front of the hall, and by the action of the weather became more faded. It was presented by Alexander, the artist, to a cousin of John H. S. Fogg, M. D., of Boston, who gave it to that gentleman in 1861. It remained in his possession until 1874, when he presented it to the New England Historical Genealogical Society, in whose custody it remains.

The Kansas Historical Society has in its possession the flag, which was carried into that State by a company of South Carolinians in the tumultous days of its history, and figured conspicuously in the famine during the burning of the Free State Hotel, and the destruction of the press and types of the Herald of Freedom, May 21, 1856. It was captured by Captain James A. Harvey, of Chicago, who commanded the "Free State Boys," in an engagement near Oskaloosa, on the 11th of September. It is a crimson banner of cotton stuff, in size four by six feet, having in the centre and shown on both sides a large white star; and on one side the inscription, "South Carolina," and on the other, "Southern Rights."

The Ordinance of Secession having passed the South Carolina Convention, December 19, 1860, was welcomed by the firing of cannon, the ringing of bells, and other demonstrations of joy. The State had become a free and independent nation. A procession of gentlemen repaired to St. Philip's church-yard, and, encircling the tomb of Calhoun, vowed to devote their lives, their