New Orleans daily crescent., 1861-05-23
Massachusetts Legislature,
letter from NrfssissippI.

SUMMIT, PIKE COUNTY, MISS, May 10th, 1861.
Ed. Crescent-To day we were witness to one OF
the happiest incidents of the times it being the day
selected by our patriotic ladies to present the
Summit Rifles with handsome flag.
The company was marched in true soldierly
style to the residence of Miss Hattie Wicker. The
long gallery in front of the house was one huge
hoquet made of the fairest of Gods creatures.
Smiling faces greeted us on all Sides and when Miss
Wicker appeared before the anxious multitude,
escorted by Col J. R. Quin, the welkn was made
to ring by repeated cheers. Col. Quin, in a few
appropriate and patriotic remarks, introduced Miss
Wicker to the company. Were it possible to
report the presentation speech of Miss Wicker in
behalf of the ladies of Summit Iwould be happay to
do so ; not having the means at my command,
only say that it was soulstirrng patriotic, and
such speech as one can deliver only when possess
ed of the highest order of talent, pure and un-
suled mind, and guided by the teachings of o
virtuous heart.
In behalf of the Summit Rifles, Lieut.. P. H.
Thorpe received the flag, and in his usual happy
style delivered speech which can only be appre-
cated by hearing its delivery.
Ensign l. G. Dick was then loudly called for, who
reluctantly appeared before us, limping from the
effects of an accident. Having lived in our town
for several years, and no one having ever heard
him make speech, we expected to hear him
thank the ladies and retire; but to our astonish-
ment he delivered one of the most brilliant patri-
otic and feeling addresses that it was our good
fortune TO near. Many llmes us voice was nushed
by the tremendous cheers that rose on high, and
before the address was finished, not only were the
ladies in tears, but they could be seen tricklng
from the eyes of those who have smelt burnt pow
der, and felt the bullets of the enemy and stood in
the thickest of the battles strife.
Private Baldwin O'Callahan, young man not
yet of age, was loudly called both by the ladies
aud his companons-in-arms. He promptly re.
sponded to the CALL and made speech such as
few orators can excel either in language or de-
livery. Well may that mother be proud of him, for
so sure as he returns from the tle.feld, just
that certain will he do SO with honor to himself and
credit to his family.
The Rev. Fl. J. Harris, as representative of the
Bible Society at this place, presented each mem
ber of the company with pocket Bible, which
was handed them by the young ladies of the town
thus endearing the sacred offering by the fond as
sociation of home. The company fired salute
marched through the principal streets with their
new flag floating over them, cheers greeting them
at every corner. Not single incident occurred to
mar the sceue The men caught high and noble
resolve from the glowing patriotism of the ladies
and as the beautiful banner tloated in the breeze
many heart pledged itself to baptise its folds in
blood ere its motto, We fight for our rights, !,
should be forgotten. With such soldiers, and the
ladies to prompt and cheer them, the South fears
| no foe. Yours DEPOT