Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-05-24
RrrLY pY MR. j. w. MALLoRY.

Mss In behalf of the Montgomery Greys,
gladly and proudly receive the offered gift. Though
this is a time, in my eventful history, when the
dead hush of silence would better chime with the
awakened sensibilities and thrilling emotions of my
soul, yet the occasion bids me speak. cannot suf-
GENTLY thank the fair donor for the presentation of
this beautiful flag Nor can I express the Joy and
gratitude that fills every heart of the company
For in each l know there is swell spring of
pleasure whose fountains win never dry and whose
streams will never cease to flow. When we look
upon this bright, beautiful and glorious flag,
Qess beautiful though it be than her whose fair
hand has formed it thus we behold it as fit en-
blem of that esteem sympathy, tenderness benev-
olence and patriotism, never wanting in womans
bosom. Feelings that ever burning brightly upon
the altar of womsn's heart when not oppressed by
tyrsnnical laws, she stands forth upon the theatre
of life, touching the eliminating point in nteec-
tual brilliancy with her co-rival, man, and filling
the proud position the God of heaven designed that
she should occupy. The exercise of such feelings,
am happy to say, has ever BEEN and, trust, will
ever be the true characteristic of American women.
It was patriotism that animated the bosoms of
our revolutionary mothers, making their names so
glorious upon the historic page. And as their pa
triotic heroic and chivalric deeds nerved the arm
aid frightened the hopes of our iIlustrious fore
fathers in the long doubtful and desperate struggle
for American freedom, so will lofty devotion to
the cause Of rights honor and independence, by
the fair daughters of the South lead US on to vic
he ed fol v;ct
viii ultimately secure to US wonted peace prosper
ity and happiness. God grant that each of us may
realize such grand and glorious consummation of
the civil that is threatening to deluge our
''sweet sunny South with fratrcidal blood.
And now to* your charge, as color-bearer Of our
gallant band, commit this invaluable token of
friendship. May you cherish it as you would the
last fond words of dying mother, May it ever
be as dear to you as the lfebood that visits your
throbbing heart. Fellow Soldiers let us behold
our flag and swear, this day, we will never see its
stars and stripes dishonored Let US strike under
its folds until we have touched the highest point in
all soldiers greatness. Ever bear in mind that the
issue Of the dreadful conflict, whether near at hand
or far in the dim future, in great measure rests
in our hands. We are now preparing, and soon
will be clad in the psnoply of war--and as we go
forth to battle for our country homes and fresdes
let us ever prove ourselves worthy the honor con-
ferred upon US to-day. With grateful remem-
brance of her who has honored us highly, let us
"Strike the northn invader low,
tyrant will fall in every foe;
Libertys in every blow,
Soldiers cOnquer-live or dieV'
The tocsin of war has already been sounded, and
the enemy is now almost upon the threshold of our
gallant Volunteer State" Shall our soil be in
vaded2 we subjugated, or exterminated2 A ready
response comes from every heart--nO, neveri But
"let them come, and to the fery-eyed maid of
smoky war all hot and bleeding will we offer them
till mailed Mars himself shall on his altar sit up to
his ears in blood We, as Tennesseeans, win meet
them with determined resistance. We as a Com
pany will rally around the Standard and
"Strike till the last armed foe expires
Strike for our affairs and our fires
Strikel for the green graves Of our sires,
God and our native land"
Let every patriot soldier of the South do this and
peace will once more reign from where Columbia
kisses the golden sands of the Pacific, to where
the Potomac signs beside the hero's grave"
In conclusion, ! again express the sincere thanks
Of the Company to the lady who has so eloquently
presented TO us this sacred gift We will ever look
upon it with soldiers admiration, and appreciate
ii with all the grateful and lively emotions Of SOL
dier's heart May, as in this act Of kindness, I" all
the ends thou aimest at be for thy Countrys, Gods
and Truths" and thy life DO one pure bright stream
of uninterrupted pleasure.
" And when Deaths dread angel shall his dark
/ wings wave,
And you shall go down to the cold, silent grave,
May a convoy Of angels attend thee on high,
To bright realms celestial, to home in the sky.
/ sLieut. BRows.