Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-05-28
From the Wilmington Her.ld

From the Wilmington Herald
The following is a copy of Can't. Harrison,s r..
marks on behalf of the Oak City Guards, and in re-
ply to Mr.. Baker:
SlR:-On behalfof the company have the honor
to command thank you for this cordial welcome
to Wilmington.
We proud, Sir, to set foot upon your soil con.
secrated as IS by SO many glorious revolutionary
recollections and peopled as now is by men wor-
tiny Of that State fame, which belongs in common
to US ALL We know that if the patriots of Mecklen.
ourg dared on the Goth May l775, to defy despotic
power and sever forever their connection with the
British Crown the men of the Cape Fear country
were with them in heart, and were foremost among
the nrst IN all the struggles which preceded that
memorable declaration and, that your ancestors in
all these regions responded with flashing swords and
ghtterng bayonets to that call of patriotism from
the Western Mountains. Honored evermore be the
memories OF the men of that day Sir, they are
honored-their fame can never die This vast as
semblage-these exultant banners-this reunion of
their descendants, on this favored spot to celebrate
the Slst year of the independence of North Caro-
ina-the smile of matron and maiden beaming up
on u.s. and the blessings of the venerable of Olden
times, who yet linger here-the pomp and crcum-
stance of this occasion-all these, and more than
could mention, attest the respect and reverence in
which we all hold the and the deed of Nav l775
Sir, we bring you warm and soldierly greetings
from our City of Oaks" We anticipate much
pleasure from this visit to your enterprising and
patriotic city, and trust that this occasion and
Its incidents may serve to bind still more closely to-
gether the Capitol and the first commercial city of
the State again thank you in my own name, and
in behalf of the " Oak City Guards and our citizen
friends, who accompany u.s. for the heart felt and
complimentary terms in which you have made us
welcome to Wilmington.
The soak CITY Guards" left us on Yesterday bv
the afternoon train, for Goldsboro Prior to their
departure they visited the Mayor and called at the
residences of other citizens, They were escorted
to the Depot by the Wilmington Light Infantry,
where quite large crowd collected to bid farewell
to our military visitors Capt. Harrison took occa-
son before the final departure Of his Company to
return their thanks for the hearty reception they
had received. The Captains remarks having been
handed US, we publish them with pleasure. They
were as follows:
Capt CantaoeW and Gentlemen of the
Wilmington Light Intuntyy:
There is touching old song, which says That
the heart feels most when the lips move not"-
However true this may be, and however becoming
silence may be regarded on some occasions, sin
cerely trust that shall not be deemed deficient in
feeling IN making few parting remarks to you, at
this time. No! On the contrary, language fails me
to express the deep and heartfelt gratitude, which
not only l, but my whole Company feel for the un-
mltlgated KINDNESS we have received at your hands,
from the moment of our arrival in your city down
to the present time. Be assured that we will ever
ton, and not until memory ceases to perform it's
wonted functions, can we ever forget the marked
kindness you have shown us, and the hospitality so
generously extended to us by the citizens of your
town.
poetess, of no inconsiderable celebrity, has said
"Let what will lure onward way,
Furewell's bitter word to say"
This is indeed most true-But the bitterness of
our parting is diminished by the sangunie hope of
joyful reunion, at no very distant day. Yes
We must-we will meet again: The "Oak City
Guards" unanimously desire it, and have firmly re-
solved to bring it about. They wish to reciprocate
as far possible the kind treatment they have re-
ceived: and they will never rest satisfied until this
purpose OF their hearts is accomplished. And
though we may not equal Wilmington in the recep-
ton and entertainment of soldiers, We promise for
ourselves and our fellow citizens, to do everything
that can be done to make your visit agreeable and
pleasant Bright eyes shall beam upon, and angelic
smiles shall welcome you true and honest hearts
shall open to receive you, and manly shall
brace you.
And now, gentlemen of the "Light Infantry"
wishing you, for myself and the Coax City Guards"
continued prosperity and happiness and with a
hearty "God bless you," to each and every one of
your noble and gallant corps, conclude by borrow
ing an idea from the best of all books:
Peace be within thy walls" o! Wilmington,
-" and Righteousness within thy paaces-for my
brethren and my companions sake, will now say,
Peace be within thee"
He was replied to- on behalf of the Wilmington
Light Ilfantry, by Lieut. w. L. DeRosset in few
short but handsome remarks.