Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-07-10
LOCAL AFFAIRS.

stars ana stripes were displayed III all dl-
rections, bells rung, national airs sung,
and a perpetual firing of crackers, torpe-
does, and shooting irons generally, kept up
from early on the Sd to late on the 4th.-
Early in the morning prayer meeting
was held at the Methodist Church and sub
sequcntIy divine service in the Episcopal,
which was attended by the Slemmer G. yards,
who for the first time appeared in public
in uniform, At nine o'clock they again
assembled and marched to the residence of
Judge Ritz, where beautiful flag was
presented them by the Rev j. Leithead,
on behalf of the young ladies of Lewis
town. Mr.. L. addressed them as follows ::
SIR: On this morning of the anniversary
Of our country's independence we have as
sambled here to participate in an interesting
and impressive ceremony. | have been de-
puted by the young ladies of Lewistown to
present to you, and through you to the Slem-
mer Guards, a company of which you are
chief officer, this beautiful banner, which.
wherever Ii floats throughout the world, is
the emblem of freedom and the ensign of
liberty. 1t is the same old flag beneath
whose folds our fathers fought the battles of
the Revolution and achieved their nations
Observation-Disclosures deeds which we this
day celebrate, and which every true patriot
loves to commemorate. 1t is the same ban.
ner which has waved in triumph over many
battle fields, and upon which victory has ev-
er delighted to perch. It's fame in the past
has been untarnished, its honor has been un-
sued by a single stain, and its glory has
been ever bright and unobscured. No for
eign foe has ever assailed it successfully, and
now when domestic traitors are seeking b
pull it down, they shall be equally unsuccess.
ful in their mad efforts to trample it in the
dust. There is sadness in the thought that
it should have been fired upon by those to
whom it has ever been protection and
blessing but the very guns which lombard
ed the walls Of Sumter woke q nation of free
men, and millions have risen up in its de-
fence. We wait the issue patiently, but
hopefully and with all certainty. The popu.
Jar will demands that this rebellion be crush
ed out, thar all insubordination be put down.
and that the honor aud authority If the Gov
ernment be fully vindicated and sustained.
1t mast be 50, and it lrW be SO, anu
The Star-spangled Banner still in triumph shall
uyrtAo land Of the free and the home of the brave"
The origin of your company is cOeval with
the war which these Southern rebels have in.
auguratcd, and which they are now carving
on. You organized for the purpose of defend
ing the affairs and fresides of our homes
from the incursions and depredations of
those who might perhaps invade and seek tn
lay them waste. 1t was patriotism which
prompted you to the act, and know that it
waS a pure and lofty patriotism which has in
luced these young ladies to bestow npon you
this banner, under whose folds you shall
hereafter rally. 1t gives me great pleasure,
mg dear sir, to be the medium Of presenting
it to you and to your company, and | now
deliver it into your hands Accept of it, and
may it ever find in you noble and gallant de
fcuIcrs-mcn whose love and devotion to
their country shall ever be undoubted, and
who shall never. never prove themselves un-
worthy Of the name and character of Ameri
can citizens. And now,
Forever float tlItt standard sheet,
Where brc.,tAr- the foe but falls before Us,
With freedoms soil hcnc;ttu our feet.
And freedoms banner streaming DER us
The tag was received by David b. vii
son, who had been elected Captain of the
Gaarls, in place Of Captain D. Vanyalzah,
appointed lst Lieutenant in the / s. Ar
my, with the annexed reply:
SIR: 1t is my privilege to receive through
YOU tins ensigu-a donation by the ladies of
LewStown to the Slcmmnr Guards On be.
half Of the company | beg leave to say to
YOU, ladies, that they will ever cherish the
Tit and associate with it the most generous
setoIectlons of you who first moved in this
testimony Of confidence in and respect for
our company. The gift itself, no ordinary
me- TO the SiemmerS, is rendered trnfuid
more dear Icy the circumstances which attend
MlS presentation. The character Of the do.
nation, the relation which the donors bear to
tie company the time chosen for the prescn
@ton, and lastly the sacrilcgious assaults
which lmpious traitors are now making upon
our country, which this flag represents, make
4is OCCASION peculiarly sacred to US ALL
coming as it does from you who are bound
10 members OF the company by the tenders
~ sisters and companions, 1t must necessari-
y prove 10 them a keepsake around which
VIII cling many recollections of the happy
Jays OF the past But when they reflect up
yn the many mlSgivlngs and forebodings
which the present national difficulties natu-
F'Hy excited in your mind while preparing
IT, the SIcmmers can only receive it as me
@orlaI from You of their first duty-that to
'AeIr country and as the embodiment of
Your heartfelt benedictions. They must cv-
?e' regard it as the index to that sentiment so
AFsely manifested by your sex in the pres
cot crisis, that in your hearts love of coun
Try, of which this flag is the standard, is only
second to their Lore of God.
But, ladies, your choice Of time for tender
.llS this gift lends to it peculiar consecra-
Ton. This beautiful Star.spangled Banner
% this day transports the mind of every
Gqe American to the drama of which the
IN Of July eightyfVe years ago was the
oPening scene
hm6oldened by the majesty of their cause,
asFVed by a succession of cruel wrongs, and
"usqng to Heaven for protection, such men
as Jefferson, the Morris's and Adams's then