Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-10-27
The Oak citYGnard..

s.. 49, -. =
We publish below, from the National Democrats
the very handsome and appropriate speech delivered
by Seaton Gales, Esq, on presenting the banner to
the Oak City Guards on a recent OCCASION together
with the substance of the reply of Capt. High
Captain High responded in true soldierly style
Mr.. G. possesses gifts as speaker which, if fire.
quently exercised, would win for him high posi-
ton among the orators Of the day. On the occasion
referred to Mr.. Gales said:
CAPT. HIdH "A portion of the ladies of Raleigh
have united in the handsome compliment of present.
ing to you, and, through you to the gallant Corps
untler your command this splendid stand Of colours
and have been charged with the pleasing duty of
rendering it to your acceptance. The sentiments,
Sir, which have prompted the fair donors are such
as have universally inspired and characterized their
SEX and form another and grateful instance of that
patriotic appreciation and vrtuous public spirit
which woman has always manifested on every wor-
thy occasion. 1t has been said, that the ladies of
Poland in its glorious struggle to free itself from
the yoke of Russian domination stripped the glitter
ing from their delicate fingers and snowy
necks and cast them into the famshed treasury of
their bleeding country. Our grand mothers Of the
Revolution, having no jewels moulded their pewter
spoons into bullets and sent their sons, with Wash
ington, to fight the battles of liberty Their daugh-
tcrs of the present day have just consummated that
sublime scheme which has parallel in the annals
Of patriotism, either in the beautiful fitness of its
conception or in the pure-mnded and true-hearted
devotion that marked the progress Of its accomplish
ment And thus ever whether in war or in peace,
IN success or in disaSter--in the calm, unclouded
hour of national repose in the stormy and darken
ing hour of national peri, woman, faithful to her
mission, by some illustrous and vrtuous deed, has
sgnalized herself and illustrated the era.
Recipients, Sir, as the {" Oak City Guards" are, of
distinguished honor at the hands of the ladies
Of RALEIGH II iS IN ha hopnd thot tha oift
and, still more, the compliment implied in its be-
stowa will have the effect of stimulating their pride
and exciting their energies in keeping alive the mil
itary spirit in midst. The reproach of our COM
munity in this respect has been that their efforts
have been too spasmodic, and consequently, short
ved,-and, hence. however enthusiastic at times
may have been our displays of military excitement,
they have too generally been succeeded by dull
and lamentabe apathy. 1t is on her citizen-sodery
at last that our country has relied and must rely
the bulwark of her safety. And although volunteer
associations the schools in which her sons will be
taught the science of war, yet the volunteer does not
look upon it as occupation. He never takes up
arms to asSail the homes invade the ri Shts of 9TH
ers he looks upon it only an occasionly duty,
which his country has a right to exact from him,
and he feels that every man should become a soldier
in defence of his fire-sidc and Of his privi
leges. Should such an emergency arise you will
prove yourselves, gentlemen, well know worthy
defenders Of your country, remembering, always,
that in every such struggle for the vindication of
honor, Of right, and of freedom,
Fame is there to tell who bleeds
Aud Beauys eye on daring deeds!"
In days of other times the toll of the warrior
knight found its cherished reward in the approving
smiles of his lady-love, and the wreath with which
beautys hand encirc,ed the soldiers brow repaid
him for all the dangers and pers of the battle hour
But you, gentlemen, have far higher motive OF &C
ton than possessed by Grant knight of
old. He ha6 the prospect of possible smile from
the mistress of his heart but you have the lives and
honor Of wives children, sweethearts and friends to
watch over and protect.
This flag Sir, symbozes our National Union
Originally displaying but thirteen stars, whose then
feeble radiance afforded but uncertain light to the
pilgrims and votareS of freedom throughout the
world, it now presents 10 the enraptured gaze of
man n glorious galaxy Of thirty-three stars that
gladden. with their benignant beams the remote and
waste places of the earth. God prolong the day
single star shall be obScured May it long be your
privilege, and my privilege, and our common glory,
to rest in peace beneath the folds of this, Ma
tonal ensgnl
Take it, Sir, and cherish it as most sacred trust
1t will speak to you whenever and wherever it may
toy with the breeze, of the womany, generous sym
pathies that have prompted its bestowal. Hallowed
and charming memories will cluster within its every
fold And the associations of this hour will inspire
your hearts and nerve your arms, in every crisis
that involves the honor the safety Of those, who
in entrusting to you this beautiful gift have cons
tuted you the guardians and defenders of both
We are unable to give verbatim the feeling and
appropriate response of Capt High, upon accepting
the colors and content ourselves with the SUBJ
stance of his remarks. He said:
That there were oftentimes occasions in the
march of every one, in which the emotions arising
firnla ctann ropl1 ha c,Gi
GENTLY expressed in ordinary language. That this
occasion was peculiarly one of that description.
That he rendered through Mr.. Gales, to the fair do
nors of the handsome present he then held in his
hand the sincere and heartfelt thanks Of himself
and of every member Of the corps he had the honor
to command. That this manifestation of interest on
the part of the mothers, the wives, the daughters
and the sweethearts in community, in the pros
| perity Of the Oak City Guards, was sincerely and
rightfuy appreciated, and would nerve them in the
proper discharge of their duties citizen soldiers
and that here as It were in the inanimate presence
Of the great Father of his country, pointing to the
Statue of Washington he could promise for himself
and comrades to guard the gift bestowed upon them,
as they were ready and determined to protect the
women of their own homes and households, should
ever necessity arise. Capt High said that his
forte was not IN public speaking, but that if ever
| time for action came, he willing to be judged
even by the fair friends who had laid him under
such deep obligations. Again he thanked them for
the interest exhibited in his corps and thanked Mr.
| Gales for the complimentary terms in which he was
pleased to aude to the company under his command.
Handing the Flag to Ensign Terrell, he charged
him to guard it. to protect II, and as long as the
reveile summoned one man under its folds, to re-
member that it was their first and highest duty to
fight for those who gave it to them.
MEssRs. Fox AND MYERS AT SALBBURY.-J. A.
Fox, ESQ., elector for this district the Breckin-
ridge ticket met w. R. Myers, Esq, the Douglas
elector, at this place on Saturday. We have no