The Shasta courier., 1861-09-28
NOTICE.
The Volmteers--Presentati of the Flag
departure of the Company.

As citizens of California, we are justly
proud at the ovation given the volunteer com
pany under the command of Capt. West, on
Monday evening last, by the people Of Shasta
county. 1t was a grand affair, and no mis-
take. The people turned out in their majes
ty, and in such numbers as has never been
before witnessed in our history. All por-
tions of the county was fully, and we may
say with the greatest propriety. numerously
represented. The array of beauty and in
telligence on the platform, at the presenta-
ton of the flag, was, we venture to say, un-
equaled. The fine appearance of the citizen
soldiery, their noble bearing, the cause for
which they were going forth to do battle,
conspired to render the scene one of unusual
and thrilling interest.
The presentation of the flag, the sponta-
neous Offering of the ladies of Shasta to the
company, took place in the open air, on a
platform erected for the occasion, and in the
presence of not less than two thousand per-
sons, very considerable portion being la
dies. The Roaring River Brass Band was on
hand, and eniivened the occasion by discours-
ing those spirit stirring national airs that
cheer the hearts of all true Americans
Thirty four young ladies, dressed elegantly
and appropriately for the occasion, repre-
sented the thirty four States of our glorious
Union, and were most worthily represented
by Miss Anna Sprague, daughter of our dis
tinguished fellow citizen, Hon. r. T. Sprague.
The ceremonies were inaugurated by the
galaxy of ladies on the platform singing with
fine effect the g Star Spangled Banner" !"
Miss Carrie Harris playing the accompanie-
ment. Miss Harris next sung ''.The Flag Of
our Union,'' Miss West performing the ac-
companiement. This was followed by S' Co.
lumbia the Gem of the Ocean, all partici-
pating. At this time Hon. Z. Garter came
forward and delivered one of those eloquent
addresses for which he is so famous. He
entered into the causes and history of our
national complications, and portrayed in ell
oquent terms, the criminal, unnatural, and
unnecessary character of the present war;
He demonstrated how arts, science, peace,
all combine to makea nation great. He lu-
edly pointed out how the military despotism
at present existing in the Southern States
and threatening to overturn our Government
is incompatible with free Republican insti-
tutions, and the simplicity of the Father of
the Constitution. The rebel cry is to tram
pie in the dust the very temple of our liber-
ty, and
The flag of the free hearts only home,
forgettiag the virtuous liberty, the heritage
of Washington and the immortal men of Rev.
olutionary heroism. No review of ours can
do justice to the truly eloquent and patriotic
effort of Mr.. Garter, who appeared to have
caught the contagion of inspiration SO gen.
eral on the occasion.
=. Miss Sprague now presented herself, and
delivered the following address on the pre-
sentation of the flag. We may be permitted
70 say that the diction and elocution were
unexceptinnable, and elected general ap-
plaases
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE SHASTA
GuARDS =
The terrible day of peril to our beloved
institutions has arrived. You have promptly
and nobly responded to the call of our chosen
sentinels upon the watch-tower of liberty,
and now appear enrolled among the patriot
sons of the land. willing and ready to sacri
fee all of personal ease, social comfort. and
even life itself, for the protection and preser
vation of the glorious legacy of freedom be-
queathed by our fathers
Permit me, in behalf ofthe ladies of Shasta.
TO present you with this beautiful national
banner, as a feeble token of our deep svmpa-
thy with the cause of our country, and heart
felt gratitude to each member of YOUR gallant
company.
My countrymen The position YOU now
occupy, as volunteers in defense of our COM
mon country, our homes and firesdes, and all
that is dear and valuable to the patriot-as
the defenders and champions of the fondest
hopes of civil liberty throughout the world
challenges the envy of the proudest monarch
on earth, and the admiration and gratitude of
every true son and daughter of our beloved
country The patriot citizens of Shasta need
lo more certain guarantee of Your devotion
to the cause in which you are now engaged
than the knowledge of your past fidelity, and
the pledge of honor which your present posi-
You have rendered your personal services
and lives in the most sacred and glorious
cause that ever stimulated the breast or nerv-
cd the arm of man. You seek to vindicate,
defend and perpetuate a priceless heritage of
freedom, and the power and ability of the
people 10 form. conduct and perpetuate a
Government based upon the will of a mujor-
ity of the governed.
The Ladies of Shasta, who now tender to
YOU this glorious National emblem, look upon
each individual officer and member of your
company, as the especial guardian of their
own and our country honor.
Take it, then, my countrymen. Bear and
protect it where duty and your country calls.
Let not star in its bright folds ever be blot
ted out or dimmed, or a stripe tarnished by
the want of valor, fortitude or devotion of
any to whose care it is now assigned and in
trusted. And when amidst the trials, hard
ships, and fierce strifes upon which YOU are
about to enter, let it be as a beacon of prom
ise.,and hope. stimulating to noble acts and he
roic deeds, remembering that the truly brave
are ever generous-neverc cruel or mercenary.
Bear it in your country's cause, and with
it and you the choicest blessings and warm
es: svmpathies of the mothers and daughters
of your mountain home. Remember that the
ewes of the civilized world are upon You;
that the especial watchfulness and sensitive