Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-05-13
FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
FOR CONGRESS:
l.. OBJ. B RANCH
OF WAKE

Reception of the Wilmington Light Infantry.
Through the politeness of a friend we enabled
to lay before readers to day, the response, on
behalf of the Wilmington Light Infantry, of A. NJ.
Waddel, Esq, to the remarks Of Gov Bragg on re-
ceving that corps in this city. The report of Mr..
Waddels remarks is very accurate one, and add
ed to what We have already published. will form
complete record of the speeches of that occasion.
This speech was we'll delivered and elected frequent
bursts of applause. Mr.. Waddell said
Captain Harrison and gentlemen
THE Oak City Guards
tender you, on behalf of the Wilmington Light
Infantry their sincere Acknowledgements for the
hearty welcome which has greeted their arrival in
your beautiful city. The opportunity which your
visit to Wilmington on the Goth of May last afforded
them of forming estimate of your characters,
justified them in anticipating warm reception and
generous hospitality, but they scarcely PIE.
pared for such greeting this, conveyed too,
through so distinguished representative, and in
such kindly and hattering terms. The character Of
the man whose name your city bears, alone
sufficient guarantee to for the belief that in he,
citizen soldiers might be found happy combna.
ton of the attributes of the soldier and the gentle.
man,-your visit to Wilmington confirmed that be.
lef-our welcome here to-day is delightful rcaliza-
ton of it.
In conierrng upon her capital the name Raleigh,
North Carolina has not only performed an act of
justice and gratitude to the iiustrious man who
planted the first colony of Englishmen in America
on her coast but she is perpetuating the memory of
one of the most gallant soldiers, most accomplished
gentlemen and most gifted scholars of the brightest
period Of English history. It's name with which
associated the highest and nobcst qualities of
our nature; name indis>olubIy connected with
the history of our State and which, until illumined
by the pen of that distinguished son of North Caro-
lima, who is now weaving the web of her history
had never occupied its proper page in the records of
race. You, fellow soldiers, since your organiza-
ton, have proved yourselves not unworthy guards
to the City of Oaks and emulation of She virtues
and gallantry of the great whose name it bears
Will be the best assurance you give of your de-
termination 10 maintain your present position.
The spirit which prompted those reciprocal visits
of Military Companies was generous. manly, and
wise. While they expand our hearts beyond
immediate circles, and teach to embrace broth
ers those who strangers before, they have the
greater aid more salutary effect of stimulating mill
tary pride in respective companies, and cutivat-
ing the science of tactics by devotion to the
discipline of the camp. And trust may be par
doned here for doing act of simple justice in
ascrlbing to gentleman of this city this need of
praise. On his return from gallant and honorable
in Mexico, he organized the Wilmington
Light Infantry-the only other corps then existing
in North Carolina being that proud relic of Revou-
tionary times, the Independent Light Infantry of
Fayetteville. To him indebted for a revival
of the military spirit in North Carolina and for the
pleasures of this occasion. Long may his services
and patriotism continue a Of pride to his
fellow citizens!
Devoted we profess ourselves citizens to be
to the cause of whole country-to whatever
concerns our national interest-our most entire
loyalty is still due to native State; and owing to
the peculiar institutions among which we live,
greater necessity is felt for the diffusion Of military
knowledge here at the South than elsewhere in
America All that is dear to US socially and politi-
cay, may depend upon readiness and efficiency,
al moments warming to take the field. Now,
fellow soldiers, these friendly visits these inter-
changes of hospitality between the sister towns of
Of our old State. not only productive OF this de-
sirabe result but they tend more to bind together
the hearts of communities to foster raternal feel
ing between them, than all the politics and legisa
ton of country. Feliow.soldiers will not detan
you longer but should but poorly represent my
comrades of the Wilmington Light Infantry, and dc
but scant justice to my own feelings of galantry,
were to omit an allusion to the farer portion Of
your community, of whom the Governor has spoken
in such playful and handsome terms. Do not be
shocked, gentlemen when ] say that the inclement
weather which has driven them 10 the capitol yondeI
ought to be of gratitude to your Captain
1t is nevertheless true. The exhaustion which his
men have suffered from the broadsides of the bat
teres in Fayetteville rerder it utterly impossible
that they could stand another attack soon. With
days rest, however, they willing to face the
fire again, and if any should fall all they ask is that
they may be carried from the field in the arms OF
their foes!