The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1847-02-20
REMARKS OF GOV. SMITH.

tuTe of Virginia to our Regiment, of Volunteers.
with the reply of Col. HAMrRAMcK. on receiving
1t from the hands of the Governnr; both of
which were eloquent and appropriate.
On presenting the A,g to Col. Hamtramck.
Gov Smith spoke as follows:
Friends fellow -izens and soldiers: II is
made my duty I" deliver tn you this Flag, which
our State presents To her Regiment of Volunteers
as her proudest aud mos, cherished Gift On the
one side you will see the imperial bird of our
common country. the emblem of our powerful
confederation, with ous,re,ched pnon, soaring
amidst yet never leaving our glorious constella-
ton. and bearing in his talons, the motto f.
FWri6"s Uhum." the embodiment of a mighty
truth, pregnant with warning and admoni,ion.-
But II Is on the other side we must look. and de-
hght To look. with the pride and devotion of suns
oi the mother of us all. There you will see the
UehinS 0f our State--a magnificent woman--her
name Firginia-armed with spear and sword
-tTamp'ing tyranny under her feet and exclaim-
ing, SIC semper fyrdnnis." This device adopt-
ed IN July. l776, by onr General Assembly. typi
hes the struggle of that day George the Sd.
having determined la enslave young America. sent
his embatted hosts to these sbores-our a,ces,o,o
met 'hem-and after n long and arduuns conf1c,
an the plains o York, almost in sight of the smut
upon which we stand, struck the tyrant tn the
EARN, and not one state only. but thirteen CON
federated States, in one mighty deep toned shout.
exclaimed Sic semper fyrannis'
This flag Is To he unfured only upon regimen
'al parades. and npon the field of battle IL is
the banner of the brave and the free and after
yon shal have performed your duty, and won fur
yourselves soldiers name, it is To he returned
l" he planted IN the Capital If our State near the
statue ct the Father of his Country. This asso-
clatIon VIII be prond and glorious distinction
that Will make this Regiment immortal Ac.
cnrsed, then. be the man who shall permit this
flag 10 he captured or dshonored
Volunteers! | am grariied to believe. that in
appointment and equipment. you will 90 To the
held under the most favorable circumstances
Substantial comfort and neatness of appearance
have been carefully consulted Your field off
GERS already know a soldiers dutv. HAVING hereto
fore borne arms in many stricken field in the
service of their country.
Founteers You uf the land or Washing
ton. of Gaines, of Scott. and of Taylor-snd the
eye ut the country is upon you. More will be
expected from you than from the Regiments from
other States and Virginia is confiden, that this
expec'alior will mot he disappointed
But. although the citizen soldier. il must he
borne in mind. never to be forgotten. tina, strict
obedience to those in authority constitutes the eff
fectlve. valuable sodier-preserves him in camp
and makes him invincble in battle Il was an
lnflexible maxim Of Roman discipline. that = sol-
der should dread his officer more than his enemv
And your highest duties 10 obey your officers:
never Ia desert your coors, and die, if reousite
Tor your country. Do this. and my life upon it,
you are destined TO high position in the chroni
Gle of Fame
Volunteers! y"nrs is proud position At the
call OF yonr country you leave the active business
OF lie. the ease and endearments of home and
voluntarily encounter hardships and privalions.
disease. and. 1t may he. death. 1t is a sublime
spectacle, and both points moral and will adorn
Tale. and must give you high place in The
confidence and affections Of your country. The
hnmbeSi man among you, who shall return. will,
he sought by all, even the hghest-and his tales
OF the cowled monk, and of the children. of the
sun, and Il" his dangers by flood and field, will be
listened to with greedy ear. Yes soldiers,
" he that outives this rcar and comes safe home
wan stand on tiptoe, when this is named.'
Soldiers ynu have my hearty and anxious wish
for your safe and glorious return
Governor Smith at the conclusion of his re.
marks, handed the flag to Colonel Hamtramck,
who replied as follows:
Governor: This flag, voted by the General AS.
sembly of The Commonwealth of Virginia TO her
first Regiment of Volunteers. and presented nv
your Excellency in glowg strains of patriotic eIo.
quence, iells-in language too graphc to be mis-
nndefsl"od-w our beloved Virginia expects of
her regiment. Her honor-pure, hallowe ed, bright
with this banner is committed To orr hands.
and do not promise too much when | assure
your E.xceIlPncy that-judging of the materials
constituting my command-we will. at least. re-
turn the sacred gift 10 The Capi,ol-when our ser
vice is ended-as unspoted and unlarnished as
received it,
whenever unfurled in battle. its azure folds
VIII cheer rs on; and whilst floating over our
heads-the magic name or Virginia shining in
letters OF gold upon its silkpn waves-the repi
ment may learn how to die hut not to surrender