The Oxford intelligencer. (Oxford, Miss.) 1860-18??, 1861-03-20
FLAG Lac a ra 9s,'s Ell -

by the ladies Of Oxford, to the Lamar Rifles A
little before the hour of three. p. NJ, special
train arrived at the Depot bringing from Holly
Springs the Home Guards, commanded by Capt
I. W. Harris, the jeff Davis Rifles, commanded
by Lieut. II. W. Walter, and several distinguish
ed officers, among whomewe observed Brigadier
Gen. Mott, Major McGuhk, Capt j. r. ehal-
mers, of fernando, Capt johnson, of Holly
Springs, and Capt Beck. of Tippah. The mill
tary guests were received at the Depot by the
Lamar Rifles, Capt Green, and the Lafayette
Guards, Capt Delay. The University Grays,
whose arms had just arrived that morning, and
whose drifoinsi were potcompleted, did pottiFn
out on the occasion The four companies were
formed by Gen. Mott, who marched them to the
public square, and, after performing a series of
evolutions they were temporarily dismissed,
when we had the pleasure of shaking by the
hand large number Of our Holly Springs ac-
quaintances, who visited the sanctum of the In
telligencer, because they really desired to see
us-Tthq junior. Shortly .after f,ur; o'elocls an
the companies again paraded for an hour or more,
to the great admiration of multitude of look
crs-on. The Home Guards, being the oldest CON-
pany, was regarded as the best drilled, but the
jeff Davis Rifles, ID their new and tasteful gray
uniform, were conceded to present the best APP
pearance. Two finer looking companies, we are
certain, we never saw bsfore. We have al
ways been proud Of 'oid Marshall" but never
before did VIC feel so proud of her as when we
beheld her gallant sons in martial array upon
the streets of Oxford We do not say this,
however, with any intention of disparaging our
own brave boys, who, when they shallhaye been
provided with an equal Amount Of s'matcrial aid"
and shall have enjoyed other equal advantages,
win fail. moi whit behind the crack" compa1
MES of Marshall Indeed, one or the Home
Guards remarked to us that the Lafayette COM
panes were composed of men of larger average
size and greater height, than those of Marshall,
and that, in his opinion, those who should con-
test the palm of superiority with the former
upon the battlefield, would bave to do all that
men are capable Of
At night thcCumbcrland Church waslcrow,l-
ed'to replction more than an hour before the
time appointed for the presentation ceremony.
Indeed, there was such a Jam" that many per
Church, were compclled to retire without gain
ing admission. At eight o'clock Miss Sallc A.
Wiley, accompanied by six other lovely young
ladies, personating the Confederate States, was
escorted to the platform provided for the occa-
sion, where addressing herself to Capt Green
and his Company, who were drawn up before her,
she delivered into his hands the beautiful flag pre-
pared by the fair hands. of the Oxford ladies, and
adorned with paintings and lettering executed
by DIR. Cullen in a superior style of art For a
few moments, Miss Wiley betrayed a slight de-
gree of embarrassment, but, gathering confidence
as she proceeded, she pronounced her address in
clear, distinct voice, and with ladylikc eIo-
quence that charmed her every listener. The
following is our report of her remarks:
MISS wILRY's ADDRESS.
Captain Green, and Gentlemen IF tie Laar Rifles:
Allow me, as the organ of the ladies of o.
ford and its vicinity to present to You this flag;
but before deliver il into your hands, it is ex-
pected that should say few. words in explana-
ton Of the feelings and motives Of those on
whose behalf appear before you.
In the history Of every people, there are times
of security, aud times of danger. When peace
prevails, the minds of men become so absorbed
in. the pursuit Of gain that all other ideas are ex
cludcd, and ctfcminacy takes the place of that
] lively scnsibility which should characterize the
independent freeman. The glory of nation de-
ponds upon the watchfulness and readiness of
its citizens to defend their rights. Every en-
croachment must be resisted Each denial Of
right must be resented If they sleep upon
their post, they will surely be betrayed.
Oar country has now reached crisis in its
history. Our safety is endangered and our
honor is at stake If we now submit to those
who seek to rule US, we shall not only be dis
| honored in the esteem of all true men, but it
will prove that the lofty spirit which inspired
our Revolutionary heroes has passed away from
their descendants. Our State has nobly resolv-
ed that she will submit to no denial Of her rights;
and you, by volunteering TO bear her,aag, have
shown your determination to uphold her in that
resolution. She believes she may vindicate her
rights without an appeal to arms; but in this she
NAV be mistaken IL may be that an attempt
will be made, under the guidance of a wild ia
naticism. to constrain us, 10y force, TO submit to
degradation In that event it's TO yo1 that our
mothers and maidcns look forthe protection they
will need, and for the defcace Of our country :
rights. Therefore it is that we have prepared,
and now desire. to present to- you, this memo
rial ofour confidence. Receive It. andbear.itwith
youth your marches and upon the field Of danger,
remembering, whenyou gaze upon It, that our
eyes are also upon you. We shall sympathize
with,you iuall your harxiships and yom tri-
umphs. Wehavc no misgiyings. edo not fear
that it may be disgraccd Wherever it shall be
unfurled above your heads, we feel assured that
you viii rally to its defence. = - - ~
There is one thought that gives us pain. Those
whom you may soon meet as foes should be onr
friends. They should defend, instead Of tres
passing upon our rights. They have forgotten
the glorious past; the fires Of patriotism have
become extinguished in their bosoms, and they
listen only TO thepromptings of a mad ambition
If war must come, our brothers viii defend US
and our country. Woman, bereft of honor, is
not less apwerthy of the love of man, than is
man; devoid Of courage, incapable Of inspiring
her with reverence.
Into your hands VIC now commit this flag Il
is an emblem Of observation-disclosures of our State
At any cost at any sacrifice, that independence
! must be maintained, and upon you do We rels
for its maintenance r eu
J r CAPT. GREENS REPLY. - {.
Capt. Green, receiving the flag from the hand.
of the fair speaker feelnely returned the thank,
, of his company to the ladies of Oxford for thei
;fa and pror,,;sed in the nsu,eS of Al.