The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-11-13

Dehalf OF the Ladies OF Norfolk presented
the banner, in the following fitting anC
eloquent speech:
Friends and FELLOW CItiae'1s-
When unexpectedly called on by oul
fair countrywomen to take a somewhat
conspicuous part in this interesting holiday
ceremony, / contemplated the risk anc
difficulty, embarrassment and danger III
addressing so gorgeous an array OF trater-
nifty of soldiers, and shrank almost intui-
lively from a feast when the sword OF
Damocles was suspended over me. 9th
CT pursuits had cstrangod Inc from the
habit of public speaking, and to summons
me to the arena again, was only to show
now far had wandered, and to impress
me too sensibly with the inadequacy of
my powers to perform, becomingly, the
task assigned me- But ] knew that |
could rely on soldiers generous indul-
gence, and rescuing something from in
dolence and something from ambition, [
came in obedience to the mandate, and as
the imperfect medium Of those whose
slightest intimation carries with it all the
supremacy of authority. those fair ones,
whose patriotic susceptibilities on this
occasion has invested our diogram with
all the ':pomp and circumstances Of glo-
rious war"
Welcome to our hearts and homes rep
resentatives of warrior men Welcome
noble sons of our sister city-a city WhieH
yields to none in proud heroic daring, or
in the manly attributes Of chivaric hon
or. Bright eyes gaze on thee with enthu-
siasm age scans thee with affectionate
love-for thy martial spirit makes the
dull blood course light, and the feeble
heart throb anew with the wonted fires Of
youth.
Colonel The ladies of the City Of
Norfolk, inspired with admiration at the
inauguration of your gallant corps, have
deemed it proper to indicate their appre-
citation Of your disinterested patriotism, by
presenting your Regiment with a Flag, as
slight token of their feeling, and as an
encouragement to similar spirit through
out the Commonwealth. And to you es,
pecially Observation-Disclosures demon
strative pledge, that
Communities intersected by d narrow river,
DO not-abhor each other"
To them this is not a mere common
place etiquette, nor un1neaning pageant.
You are no hireling sol(iery. In more
modern times the contracted and selfish
doctrine is sedulously inculcated that the
State exists for the citizen. But you have
signally revived the good old spartan
principle, that the citizen existed only
for the State and is bound to devote to its
honor and glory, not only his time, aliec
lions and energies, but if necessary to
sacrifice to it's interests even his life. Free
institutions cherish the military spirit just
in proportion as they devclope the midi
viduality and the patriotism of the citizen.
We all feel proud Of you-the Governor
of the State feels proud of you-the whole
State has just cause to feel proud. In
point of discipline and efficiency you are
not unworthy to rank with Infranty Of the
linc,-and we have an abiding prescience
that you will ever stand foremost in de-
fence of our honor and household gods,
and in fighting the battles of your country.
Accept, then, this Banner which now
for the first time is unfurled to the breeze.
Its folds are neither rent nor soiled.-Let
it wave untarnished, save by the smoke of
battle-undimmed but by the dust of war.
May it never know defeat.
Flag of the free hearts only home,
By angels hands to valor given!
Thy stars have lit the welllin dome,
And all thy hues were born in Heaven!
Forever float that standard sheet,
Where breathes the foe but falls before us :?
With freedoms soil beneath our feet,
And freedoms banner streaming DER us. ="
May the winds Of Heaven play lightly
with it's folds-may its history be one OF
renown and glory-may it catch the guest
of freedom, and join its rustling melody
with the strains Of the spirit breathing
| from above.
Soldiers-Lot this day be a day rich
in it's associations-ada day on which we will
love to linger. Would that the martyr
heroes of our country might be permitted
to see the blessing which they created.
But, alas; it cannot be. But we will pray
that the spirit which animated their noble
souls may dwell with their sons, to make
them what they were--defenders Of the
right.
Strive then to win the race Of useful
ness-to live in the beams of well earned
praise. Be freemen in the noblest sense
be men Of thought-be men Of acts-be
citizen-solders, and make love of coun-
try life's guiding star Fame, with its
perils and delights, is before you. We'll
come its rocky precipice ! Welcome its
amaranthine garlands. You must wear
them on your brow-you must leave them
on your grave. You must, you aoiN, I'LL
your lives with acts Of usefulness, and
crown them with deeds Of honor; and
when you die, there will be tears on the
cheek of innocence, and signs from the
bosom of virtue, and the young will wish
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