Worcester daily spy., 1861-08-08
COL. DEvENs' RESPONSE.

Mr.. Hoar,--I accept this beautiful banner,
which you have presented to the regiment
under my command, in behalf Of the ladies
of Worcester; l lay hold of this emblem, as
the symbol OF all that is glorious, which has
been respected wherever it has tioated on land
and sea, and which believe, from the bottom
of my heart, shall yet be respected wher-
ever it may float, whether it be in the field
or the fortress or from the wave-rocked
topmast. May God give me strength 10 per.
form fully the task this day undertaken, to aid
in upbearing that standard, in the contest be
fore us, that the fame of those who have gone
before us, in defending our country from foes
without and traitors within, be not dimmed.
There is, indeed, remarkable coincidence, as
you have so well said, in the name OF the regi.
ment which | have the honor to command,
being numbered the same as that commanded
during the revolutionary war by Col. Timothy
Bigelow, over whose remains yonder proud
monument was three months ago erected,
with such inspiring ceremonies. 1t is indeed
most fortunate omen. l trust that some of
the spirit which animated our ances-
tors, has descended upon the present
sons of Worcester county, and that they will
be able to render an equally good account of
their abors. | know they stand ready TO de-
fend that flag, as much dearer than life, as
honor is dearer; that they will "not suffer
single star to be obscured or a single stripe
erased, from that glorious symbol Of our ma
uohal union. L am unable TO predict as 10 our
return yet this symbol shall be returned to
the ladies OF Worcester untarnished; defeat,
disaster and death may come to us, but dis
honor never know well, from three months
experience, how much the aid OF ladies' has
contributed to the welfare of troops in the
held, and we shall he doubly encouraged by
them IN n al
the performance OF our duty, cheered by their
approving smiles upon our endeavors.
Mayor Davis, in conclusion, addressed the
officers of the fifteenth regiment in patriotic
words, thanking them, in behalf OF the city,
for their zeal in proceeding with such prompt
ness and fidelity to the defence of the country,
whose liberties, purchased by the blood of our
fathers, were now endangered. The sympa.
thies and prayers OF all patriotic and loyal
men were with them with tie example of the
glorious old fifteenth regiment, commanded by
Col. Bigelow, before them, he trusted they
would continue in the fight till that flag waved
over every portion of our once united coun-
try. The mayor closed by invoking Gods
blessing upon the departing soldiers
The band struck up "Hal Columbia" the
sergeant having the flag lin charge, waved il
from the platform, the ladies sprang to their
feet, waving their handkerchiets, while cheers
went up for the colors of the fifteenth regi
ment.
The flag is made regulation size, and is fin
ished in the most elegant and beautiful manner
On the silk these words are neatly bazoned in
gold lettering Worcester County Volunteers
Fifteenth Regiment Infantry" A silver shield
on the richly finished staff, bears the inscrip-
ton, Presented to the Fifteenth Regiment,
Worcester County VOLUNTEERS, Mass, by the
ladies Of Worcester, 1861"