Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-09-20
niure rs snccess. 81 the Rell.beitio 81 anY

After which. the Chaplain says {" To
which pledge Heaven bear witness"
One tap of the drum, and the members
resume their seats. and the Colonel de-
clares the Regiment ready for business.
The closing ceremonies are brief. The
Major asks f" Is there any one here de-
sirous of being absolved from the obliga-
tions he has taken in this brotherhood,
and wishes to withdraw from its associa-
tions ?''
Ifany responds. he or they are asked
(under OATH why they wished to with
draw. Those reasons are recorded, and
he is granted a card of withdrawal. and
escorted to the outer door by the guard.
At a given signal the members rise, when
the Adjutant says
Counlrymen We are about to de-
part from this hallowed resort of patriot
ism. and enter again the mingled throng
of the world. We go. L trust, much BEN
Gifted by the events of tonight, and
with our hearts strengthened in the holy
cause of our couutry's welfare. And ere
you 90. canno. remind you too strongly,
that when You leave this hall. your lips
are sealed as to the business we have
transacted here. Not whisper must be
given to any one, except those connected
with US in relation to this order. A
wise tongue Iieth STILL" saith the good
book, AMI we wish the maxim imprinted
on all our hearts. Brother Chaplain, thy
blessing"
The Chaplain delivers beuediction,
and the Regiment is dismissed.
THE RED DEGREE.
The initiatory is called the White De-
gree, the Second the Red, and the Third
the Blue Degree. all combined making
the American trio of colors-the White,
Red and Blue. We have given the cere-
monies of the White Degree, We will now
give those of the Red. A person must
be thirteen (lypical of the old thirteen
States, weeks member, before he can
take the Red Degree. He then must be
proposed by one OF the Blue, and ballot
ed for alone, by the Red and Blues
Six black balls reject. a candidate for
the Second Degree is taken " outside the
camp, (which we presume means ante
room-wIere he is further examined
He is then asked some questions as to the
history OF our country, in which he is in
strucled if he does not answer correctly.
He is then asked
"Do you revere the name of Washing
ton Have you carefully read the Con-
stitution Of the United States Do you
desire that Constitution TO remain unim-
paired, and its provisions carefully car
ried out Are you willing to pledge your
right arm in defence of that Constitu-
ton ?''
II the questions are answered in the af-
frmative, the candidate is examined in
the g work" of the White Degree. and if
he answer truly, is escorted to the door
Of the Red Regiment headquarters.
tSentineL-WbO comes there %
Orderly ,Sergeant-One desiring the
Red.
S.-The Red ? We have no red coats
here, for they were the enemies of our
fathers. Beg onc, ye man Of foreign pre-
judice.
O. S.-Nay, its not red coat we
seek. but a knowledge of that undying
red, which floats so vauntingly in the flag
of our country.
Slave you the counLersign d? To-.
s. gives the password. Your hearts are
right ENTER, and Heaven help thee to
kept ever faithful the patriotic vows of
this national brotherhood.
The candidate enter, preceded by the
o. S. The room is dark, and he is led
around, now stumbling over this and then
over that, but his guide keeps him from
falling. Suddenly the room is lighted up
and lie finds himself surrounded with
stacks of muskcts, flags, &c. Ate! some
instructions from the Adjutant, (Which
are not down in the booI,l he takes the
following obligation, standing-
81, Johu Smith, do hereby pledge
my most solemn word, that | will as soon
as possible, learn all The exer cIses, ncces-
sary to make me competent for the ranks.
and that l will hold myself in readiness
at all times, to defend the constitution Of
the United States, against all internal
foes, and TO defend civil and religious Ii
berty in the land of my birth at all ha-
yards. Free schools, a free press and the
freedom of speech will ever sustain, and
/ will hold no companlonship-un SO
ordered TO do-with those who hold to
contrary doctrines. but will consider them
as personal enemies, as enemies to the
rights of man. and the will of our Crea-
tor. This obligation shall be binding to
end of my life. and should violate it, l
shall expect to be called traitor, Prejur-
er, and a coward by my countrymen,
ard as such be scofed at by all true
American citizens."
Saying which, he kisses the flag, as a
mark OF his fidelity.
He is again escorted around the room,
" hile the members sing:
" Hail Columbia, haPpy land etc.
The candidate is taken before the Ma
jor, who inslructs him in the secrets OF
the degree which. of course, are not Prin-
ted in the ritual. Next he is conducted
to the chaplain, who says:
-, L. rninicns n, Y hnarf to see thee here