The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-03-07
The Washington Light Infantry,
OF CHARLESTON.


rnd admired bv visitors to our commercial metrop-
olis-celebrated the odd of February, as is their
custom, with imposing and appropriate ceremonies.
Not the least interesting feature of the day, hal
lowed by its memories and dear to every patriotic
heart. was the presentation of an elegant fag
wrought by the hands of one of Charlcstons fair
est daughters, Hiss MARY a. 3. The donor had
selected her distinguished friend, Gen. JAMES
SrMoys. Speaker of the House of Representatives
in our State Legislature, to present in her behalf
this elegant gift to the Washington Light Infantry,
which agreeable task was performed in a most
becoming and touching manner. as the young
lady has many relatives and friends in this section
of the State, we append the speeches delivered on
the occasion.
1t is proper to premise that Capt. SMoSroS and
his command returned only few days before from
actual service on Morris Island, having responded
promptly to the call of the State two months ago.
Their ar,luous duties were handsomely rewarded by
this souvenir on their return from the camp of the
soldier.
Gen. Simons spoke as follows:
PRESENTATION ADDRESS.
Offers dad .Sollicrs Of the Washington
Light Infantry:
have been requested by 4 daughter of
Carolina to present this standard to your
corps. As work of art, it is beautiful
the coors are exquisite, the nccdlcworll
ingenious, and the design chastc and per-
feet. On one side you will find the name
of your patriotic corps, inscribed in letters
of pure silver; with the date Of your or
ganization and on the upper corner near
the flagstaff: the hcresccnt joycusyturns
her horns to heaven, gratefully to receive
her promised bountics On the reverse
stands the palmetto, at once the emblem
and glory of our Statc-its stem Of solid
gold, its leaves of brightest green, cncir-
clcd by wreath, wherein the oak leaves
and acorns bctollcn the strength of its de-
tenders, and the laurel promises the crown
of honor to the gallant victor. Below are
these precious words-houschold words
so to spcal1-of the Washington Light In
G.ntly-VlErUE AND VALoR.
feel much gratticd to have been selcc-
ted by the fair and lovely donor to pre-
sent this token of her consideration, dc
signed by her taste, wrought by her own
delicate hand. and prompted by the love
Of country which animates her pure young
heart. Ny only regret is that have no
cloquencc for her praise commensurate to
She consideration | have received from
three generations of her patriotic family.
Surely I may be parloacd in adding
that feel it is not inappropriate that |
should have been selected for this agrcca-
bic task When your Entaw lFlagcin the
Revolution of l77G, was the standard Of
the Regiment of the Great Captain, whose
name you bear, my father as Adintant Of
the Regiment, had its care and keeping,
and, by his side, fought and bIed beneath
its folds Under these circumstances. |
would be inscnsiblc to a natural impulse
If | did not acknowledge the inspiring
sensations CT my present grateful duty.
You are rot surprised, then, gentlemen
of the Washington Light Inlantrv, al the
we'll known sentiments which have al
ways cherished for your corps. There is
no body of citizen sodicry who are more
entitled to what has been characterized as
your household words, cmblazoncd on
that standard, VIRTUE AND vAEoR.
Therefore, Capt Simonton, in the name
of the fair donor, confdc it to your
hands, fully persuaded that, when your
motto is tested in confict.on the field Of
battle, the colors may be riven by the mis-
silcs of the enemy, but they will never be
ravishcd from the hands of the defenders.
Capt smonton replied:
RESPONSE OF CAPT. sIMoNToN.
GENERAL: This beautiful gift, presented
so soon on our return, cxcitcs within us
grateful emotions. When the soldier re-
turned from the tolls and privatons Of ac-
tive service receives such an assurance
that tender heart was filed with inter
est in his wclfarc-thatfa fair hands wrought
in his honor-and that bright eyes bcamcd
on his coming he feels that he has reapcd
his reward. BE assured, sir, that this
standard will be cherished by our corps
with the warmcst atfcction-that we will
preserve, protect and defend it to the best
Of our ability, and that the name Of its
fair donor, repeated by our grateful lips,
will be handed down from generation to
generation of our ancient CORDS rs one Of