Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-06-12
For the Standard,

For the Standard.
Pursuant to previous notice. that there would be
a flag presentation, also a sermon preached to the
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 early hour although indication Of rain)
throngs of individuals, both male and female, were
seen pouring in from every direction, eager to 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 was 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 heath igh-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 an 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
49, "NSot Ao' n'Ss pun Aoi I'll al 81
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
Fanny Lyon stepped forward, and, in o clear, dis
tinct 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,
hot hovo fho, nf
to this, must say beautiful and brave men of N G.
this ensign-showlng 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
audable 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 sympathes 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 am ready to offer him up in defence
of our country's rights and honor; not with grief
hut thanking God that have one brother to Offer
NAY TIC, 0Lu IuiS hOoIe COupduy, pIONc W ue ldltn-
fu intelligent and chivalrous 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 tear of Joy, the
smile of welcome, the bosom of delight and the
embraces of pure and unsullied affection.
In behalf of our society, l now present to the N.
G. Grays, this beautiful flag. We bid you all, God
speed.
At the close of this address, Lieut. NJ W. Page
al <ho Aor IN ell Il -
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. c. Grays
a flag bearing the name of North Carolina thereon,
calls forth response in so full and patroca strain,
that fear cannot convey to you the hearty ex-
preston of the recipients Youhave, indeed, breathed
earnest prayer and presented such forcible Ian.
guage for the ultimate success of that flag as 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.
inoeed, feel as son of Carolina, a sensation of
laudable 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, q
glance at that flag as it may float in the breeze will
cheer and refresh the wearied step, nerve the roop-
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 I'M
sheath our sword, and return it to its scabbard,
crimsoned with the blood of our fellow-men-to IN
url 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 needs
be, to destroy the assassns Of our peace and hap
piness
We desire, eren to greater degree, that peace
and security which we have hitherto enjoyed
Hence the sound of war; rolling as 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 firesides and our liberties. Now the peaceful
pursuits of life are laid aside-the land in part for.
gets her tlage the scholar has laid aside his let
ters the mechanic ceases 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 bewdered
multitude seem for moment shocked, if not par
alyzed. But as gallant sons of Carolina, as we rush
to and engage in the mighty struggle, our motto
shall ever be ito aim we'll to aim high to aim at