Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-06-12
For the Standard,

fuIsuanI 10 previous nOtlce, tnat there would be
a flag presentation, also sermon preached to the
N. q. Grays at MorrisVille, on Saturday the first
day Of June, large concourse of people met early
in the morning, for the purpose of witnessing and
participating in the ceremonies of the day. At
quite an early hour although an indication of rain)
throngs of individuals, both male and female were
seen pouring in, from every direction, eager show
their warmth, and to pay their respects to the SOL
diers and, if possible, to strengthen their attach
ment to the glorious cause of the South. By eleven
o'clock, there band of resolute determined
men, that would have made rapid havoc upon con-
tending foe; and when Capt York had his men
drawn into line for drill, and when in actual drill
many heart beat high -many hope sprang afresh
that with such men as these we cannot be con-
quered.
After the captain had drilled his men, to the en-
tire satisfaction of expectant crowd he marched
them up to stand prepared for the occasion, and
after having thrown them into regular line for the
ceremonies of the day, or for the flag presenting
sudden voices of melody broke forth in strains so
sweet and captivating, as to draw forth applause
from all lovers of vocal music. 1t was indeed, "a
feast of reason and flow of SOUL" to see and hear
those gallant young men, anG still more those mod
est yet equally brave young ladies, with cheerful
faces and graceful forms, pour forth in strains so
rich and clear, that ever-memorable air, the old
North State. At the close of this song though the
sound of the sweet voices was lingering still, Miss
tnct voice, presented to the North Carolina Grays
rich and beautiful flag in the following striking
and touching address:
Gentlemen: have been commissioned by the
young ladies of Cedar Fork to present to the brave
sons of this vicinity this beautiful ensign. Indeed
it charms me that have the pleasure of presenting
to this, must say beautiful and brave men of n. g.
this ensign-showing to the world the eagerness of
the young ladies in assisting their brothers. and at
tached friends, in the defence of their country We
can help only by our prayers--we regret very much
that we cannot help them more.
For the good of your country, you have shown
laudable desire to leave your institution of learning
various occupations and the many pleasant associa-
tons which you have formed here, and go to the
distant part of the country to aid in the defence of
our rights, and while many tear of friendship of
sympathy, shall flow for the brave and noble sons
of this company, we promise you our kindest wish
es, our sympathies and our prayers Be of good
cheer do not fall, or be crushed in the hands of
dispair.
have one dear brother-with all the timidity
due my sex, l am ready to offer him up in defence
of our country's rights and honor; not with grief
but thanking God that have one brother to Offer
May he, and this noble company, prove to be faith
flu, intelligent and chvalrous sons of the South.
When the direful contest is over, and the patri-
otto husband brothers and friends return the ladies
of Cedar Fork will meet you with a tear of Joy the
smile of welcome, the bosom of delight, and the
embraces of pure and unsued affection.
In behalf of our society, now present to the n
c. Grays this beautiful flag. We bid you all, God
speed.
At the close of this address, Lieut.. NJ. W. Page
accepted the flag, in the following beautiful Ian
guage:
Hiss Lyon, Ladies, Gentlemen,
and Soldiers in arms:
The touching and eloquent language in which you
have just presented through me- to the n. G. Grays
flag bearing the name of North Carolina thereon,
calls forth response in full and patriotic strain
that fear cannot convey to you the hearty ex-
preston of the recipients. You breathed
so earnest prayer and presented such forcbe Ian
guage for the ultimate success of that flag to no
doubt inspire greater and holder intent into the
breast of every soldier in this company, to ever
keep that flag high above the reach of its enemies
lnoeed, feel as a son of Carolina a sensation of
audable pride in behalf of the rights and liberties
of her citizens excited within my breast by the
fervid patriotism this day breathed by you as fair
daughter of Carolina and when this company shall
have gone from this place, to engage in the great
conflict of liberty or oppression life or death,
glance at that flag as it may float in the breeze will
cheer and refresh the weared step, the droop
ing arm, and give an impetus to glorious triumph
that knows no end, save only in death. Not that
we desire to revel in the banquet of death-to un-
sheath our sword, and return it to its scabbard,
crimsoned with the blood of our fellow-men-to un-
1url our banner and under its broad folds seek and
wage war for mere name or glory. No. no; we
desire only, we intend only, and that to the last ex
tent to repulse, to scatter, to confound and if needs
be, to destroy the assassns of our peace and hap
piness.
We desire, even to a greater degree, that peace
and security which have hitherto enjoyed
Hence the sound of war, rolling distant thunder
and again echoing and reverberating throughout
our country's length and breadth, has aroused and
excited manly and patriotic defence for our homes
our fresides and our liberties. Now, the peaceful
pursuits of life are laid asde-the land in part for
gets her tage the scholar has laid aside his let
tiers, the mechanic his Inventions and in lieu
thereof the burning sword, the flashing bayonet
the pomp and splendor of military grandeur, loom
up to the astonished eye-for so sudden, indeed, is
the transition from peace to war; that the bewildered
multitude seem for moment shocked, if not par
alyzed But as gallant sons of Carolina as We rush
10 and engage in the mighty struggle, our motto
shall ever be ito aim well, to aim high, to aim at