Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-11-30
RICHMOND LIGHT DRAGONS.

RICHMOND, Nov. 23d, ls49.
DEAR SIR: AT the request Of number Of ladies OF
this city, have the honor their behalf to present you
and your gallant corps the beautiful banner which
companies this note. could not well have been called
on to perform more pleasing task, if felt that had
exactly the qualities for than that of representing those
whose influence all good men acknowledge to whose
charms none are lnsenslbe, and without whose sweet
sympathy and 'mnlsterlng care man would really
know no enjoyment, or relief from PAIN in this life, in
besowing upon you and your corps testimonial OF
Their admiration and confidence, which the true and
brave alone merit. lis the star-spangled banner-he
flag OF your Countrywide emblem of her honour,
faith and freedom To the brave alone can be entrus-
ed; and her daughters, who love none but the brave,
commit 1t to your Keeping 1t is proud testimonial,
and dearly will it be priced for know well your gallant
corps and much of the pleasure which the occasion
brings to me- springs from the fact that upon this high
mark OF admiration and confidence is bestowed
1t confidence the most faering and inspiring because
is not only the confidence Of those whose purity i'm
plies purity in those in whom they confde but is conf
dence bestowed In advance 1t comes not as the ardy
payment OF ardearned debt but is the generous be-
stowa OF warm and mpusve natures assuming that the
object worthy OF every kind thought and lofty attribute
which is bestowed uponit The generosity OF the donor
doubles the obligation OF the donee Who toreits such
confidence takes his place by the side of the recreant
knight who recols from the lists in which warriors
tend. This you and your gallant corps do
None have been more prompt than the Cavalry of
Richmond to rally around the flag of their county when
it was assaed and to do honor to its defenders upon
every proper occasion None more ready to encounter
public or domestic foe than they. In the first assault
OF Britain upon our flag the Cavalry of Richmond rush
ed to the rescue and upon the sandy shore OF the Ches
apeake they found ready to defend it, scorning
every pvatlon and careless of everything but the honor
OF that flag and the discipline and efficiency OF the corps
In the of 1872 they were found again in the field
and at later PERIOD when domestic foes threatened the
peace OF the country and the torch lit the way for the
ruthless assassin, they again found promptly in the
field of Southampton to confront the foe. 1t has been
not less prompt do honor others who have done
honor to the flag When was announced that the good
the gallant the venerable Lafayette about to visit this
country-when the heart OF the whole nation bounded
with throb OF wild delight at the prospect OF bohodng,
greeting, thanking their counrys beneactor the friend
companion, co-laborer OF our own immortal Washington
the participation in his tolls and dangesthe assistant
his triumphs and sacrifces-the man who though not
bone OF our bone flesh OF our flesh was yet inspired
by the same immortal sprt-that holy love OF liberty,
and Justice, which marked and moved our gallant fore
fathers-who threw himself on our coast all armed for
the conflict, and confronted our foes laid aside his
armour, till the shout ovctory rang over the memora
Bile field which is emblazoned on this banner and pro
claimed us Natlon-a nation OF freemen. AT the
time when all OF US had not been permitted to behold
that great spirit OF the Western hemisphere that great
and good man: all who had been denied the privilege OF
bowling down and rendering the homage OF warm hearts
and free spirits to the deverer of their country him
who, alone, OF all men, used power only for his coun-
trys good and laid it down, lest his example should be-
precedent through which danger and evil to the
State, might creep in; when all who had never seen
Washington felt as if they afflicted with an ire
parable loss yet felt if the acton about to be
removed bounded at lnougnl OF seeing, nearing
greeting, him who stood next to Washington his friend
and comrade-the Richmond Cavalry again appeared
n full equipment and taking the name OF the Lafayette
Guard" they marched to the venerable field of York
town. to greet and honor him, the anniversary of the
memorable day (which made and proclaimed us a ma
tion"-the 18th of October, 1924
With how much ardour and consistency, good order and
discipline, regardless OF all prvations they performed
their duty, bear testimony OF their officers
In all these things it but Just say they found Jealous
co-operators in the other volunteer companies of Rich
mond who have all been distinguished for their soldier
y conduct discipline and gaantry, and the promptness
with which they have met every call upon them. To
that last and memorable scene--to that glorious field
of York, your flag reers--whle it also inculcates
death to all tyrants." ltmeans presume all male ty
rants. None, and especially soldier, would be ex-
pected to raise his arm against that other tyrant, of
whom every true knight is the willing and ODE
dent slave, and every true soldier is a knight. Her
power though resistless and despotc exercised with
such grace and sweetness that would have less
and reversing the maxim which applies to other tyrans,
submission to the tyrant service to Cod and loyalty
to the throne the highest merit Of the proudest repub
can. Hostility to every other tyrant, with equal ardour
yoin proclaim, and death, withoutquarer, am sure,
country, if once he encounter your +" charge" By
command OF such gentle, generous sovereign come
to place in your hands this beautiful banner To better
hands could not be entrusted, the fields of Florida
and the appreciation OF all your commanders and
rades in the army, well attest Skilled in the of de-
fence, and brave as sktul with all the sensbiy to
appreciate such gift, and courage defend it, or fall
|
equal force. And if summoned to surrender it, your
guard will answer, did the old guard of Napoleon
under the gallant Cambronne and as glorious
old chief did on the field of Buena Vista, We know
how to die, but we never surrender"
With the most cordial desire for the prosperity and
continued efficiency of the corps under your command,
and high personal esteem and regard Tor yourself,
! am, your friend,
JAMES LYONS.
To CAPT. G. @. ToMPKINs,
of the Richmond Light Dragons
RICHMOND, Nov 25th, '49.
DEAR SIR 1t is with the most profound sensibility
that acknowledge at your hands the tattering gift Of
| the ladies OF this city.
The beautiful flag, whilst it commentaries the most
glorious event in our national history, will be received
by the gallant company which have the honor to com
mand, as proud testimonial" OF that confidence which
it is the ambition of every true soldier to inspire.
| In the name OF the Richmond Light Dragons ten
der, through you to fair friends OF the city, united
thanks, and to yourself warm admiration for the
manly and flatterng terms in which you pleased to
communicate their wishes.
| | am, sir, with high regard,
| Your obedient servant,
G. @. TOMPKINS,
| CaDtan Richmond .ioht Draooonc