The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-05-24
conasauga Volunteer Company.
lPor the Posl.l
CAyfRsLt's x ROAps, McMISS co., TEN, }


CASfRsLs's a RoAps, McMHS co., TESS.,
May 23d, 1861. J
Editor ALeas Poet Sir; One Of the most i'm
posing aud interesting scenes transpired here to-
day that was ever witnessed on the South side Of
the county, upon the presentation Of beautiful
Flag, by the ladies' (God bless thom.) to Captain
d. A. Cobb's Conasauga Volunteer Company, just
before their departure from their homes, wives,
children and sWsethfarts, TO the tented field. II
caused many big tear to involuntary run down
the faces If the spectators particularly when
the warworn Captair, who had in his boyhOod
days lin the war of 1872 shoudered his KNAPP
sack and gun in defence of iiis county, declared
tina: he was again ready and willing to dofend the
ton Of the ladies, Miss L. A. KmBRorch present
ed the Banner, with the following address;
[SrEcrAron
Brore Iolaateels: Our country having be-
come involved in difficulty which we believe
cannot be Otherwise settled than by the sword,
and Tennessee being called on to aid in this great
struggle for our liberty we are proud TO see so
many brave men who are willing to fOrsake homes
ana families, with many dear friends, and enlist
under the banner Of the South to fight for liberty.
And as token of our high regard for this valiant
Company, who have for their motto, "Lf6efy or
Dcafh.' the ladies Of Conasauga Valley have pur-
chased for You this beautiful Banner, and have
imposed upon me the duty of presenting it to you,
from which duty / would not dare 10 shrink
Though you may be Outnumbered by the North,
yet, If lie who holds the destiny of nations in
His own hands be for us, which we believe to be
true VIC will regain our liberties. Then, 80 forth,
trusting not in your own strength, but in the God
of battles, and lie will lead you on TO victory
And when you are battling under this Banner
and your courage would fail, look at it and think
Of the ladies who gave it to you-thcn never
shrink forom its colors, but 60 bravcly on and
protect them as long as yot can raise your mus
kct, and if any of you should fall under this Ban
ner (but we trust you will mott we hope you may
be permitted to enter the Gate Of Heaven, where
we hope to meet many of our forefathers who shed
their blood for liberty.
Captain Cobb: In behalf of your lady friends,
whose hearts beat with the proudest emotions and
deepest sympathies for you, now present to you
and your Company of most chivalrous soldiers,
this Siken Banner, with its triune colors and
folds of red, white and blue--iho only flag that
,o,c insures freedom of thought and action to any
people.
Soldiers: BE brave, and ever defend your coun-
try's rights ana that flag which your silver haired
Captain now holds in his hand, and should his
tremorous arm fall in the hour of conflict some
one of you rush to his post and triumph in victo-
ty, or, like him, bravcy die; then others may
bear him from his bed of glory and lay him down
in the tomb to rest forever from 4ho clash of
swords and the boom of cannon.
In conclusion, will just say that hope you
will soon conquer every invading foe and return
TO your quiet homes in the sunny South and with
us sing: The South, the South o long may it he
the home of tho brave and the land Of the free.
Captain COBB responded:
Hiss y. A. Marlborough: On behalf of the Con-
asauga Volunteer Company | receive at your
hands this Banner with considerable emotion.-
This patriouic testimonial of the generous i'm
pulse that prompted the hearts and hands that
gave grace and beauty to its folds truly excites
me- Please accept the thanks of the Company
for this unnistakable token Of respect to the vol
unteer soldiers entering upon the conflict Of arms.
Allow me to assure you, fair lady, that until the
last man of this Company shall have fallen in the
strife of battle shall this Flag be lowered to our
enemies. Once before in my life have fought
for my country, and still feel the fire of patriot
ism burning III my bosom, and hope through
the aid of kind Heaven, to return THE Flag
without stain, or die beneath its beautiful folds.