Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-08-01
Speech of Miss Elizabeth Higginbotham

Officers and Privates of the Jackson Minute Men.
 am selected by the ladies of this vicinity t
 express to you their sympathy with the cause t
 which you have so gallantly offered your services Now is the day, now is the hour, spoken by tn
 clock of Time, for the South to speed onward A
 swiftly as an eagle, in the path which her energies
 interest and safety demands. Now is the hour o her greatest peril. The mistaken idea of the prout enemies of our land and institutions cannot be corrected, except by meeting their invading host: | on the battle field. A band of noble hearted men are marshalled to conquer them or to fall. Co., assist these defenders of cause Let the retreat never be beaten. Though our numbers be inferior 1 let every freeman be host-let him feel as if on his sole arm depended victory.
 We believe you have grded on the sword in de- fence of our homes. Heaven is smiling on the men who are prompted by such motives as yours to take the sword. Providence will overrule all circumstances that those who shield us from the violation of our most sacred interests, may attain their object. March on then, and may the star of Freedom lead you to the place where our fond hope shall be realized. Onward! to the place where our
 
 power before the nations of the earth! Hasten to the place where patriots inaugurate peace on a frmer foundation than it has existed between the North and South heretofore.
 Gallant Ensign, if you are worthy of the honor of bearing this flag which present, as you stand beneath its folds you will remember the people of eleven States are anxious for the honor of it. Re- member that our hands have made it, and we would not have it dishonored. I know that each heart and hand will feel pledged to bring it unsullied from the field. With anxiety my vision follows it to the scenes of death and danger to which you are Shall mercinary enemy claim it as trophy? Shall it trail in the dust? We trust it will not Webelieve that every form will first be bleed ng beneath its folds. We imagneit floating aioft | IS you cry victory, the strain rolled back, and re. echoed with rapture, and our bosoms stirred with gratitude that you are successful. What glorious uture is opening to the South. How many elo. lous deeds and great sacrifices are to be recorded f southern patriots of the revolution of l96lq low many sons of Washington who were worthy f their great sire, will have their names annexed the scroll of history for the instruction and love f the men of the distant future. Though your erishng ranks be heaped together like weeds, 'ok proudly to heaven from that death bed, if un- tinted by cowardce, your face is to the foe. Our oirits shall bend over you as mourners, and exult lat you were true In your fall we are lost, but ou will conquer. In your breast dwels fire that lall consume your enemies, fed by remembrance injuries, love of country and desire of inde. endence. On this day, the glorious fourth of lly, the tree of freedom sent out new roots. Let at glorious tree be expanded by a new growth yard. In your victory we live. Then shall the i'vens be bright above us, and the arches of the '0Nes of God resound with anthems of praise God of instiH~ ~--;a.1 ',vs,ip the con. :; -sr WI u