Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-22
II,UF. EEAKMs' REsPoNsE.

L 4 4
Ladies: As an evidence Of our patriotic devo,
ton to the South and her sacred interest and IS
testimonial of the abiding interest you feel for
those patriotic friends who are doing battle in her
defence, you could offer none more expressive that
| this 1.-THE fzgl which hold in my hand. Onbehalf
of the Fifth Tennessee Regiment of the Provisional
army receive it, and am delegated with full su-
thority to tender the kindest thanks aud deepes~
tgrastude of the regiment to the ladies who 30 kind
ly bestowed it The regiment cannot fail 70 sppre-
ciate it, the inscription upon it shows it to be
desicGtea to its use. IL cannot fail to appreciate
it for its beauty both in design and execution 1t
cannot fail to appreciate it. because is presented
by the patriotic ladies of AcMinnyille il cannot
fail to appreciate it, it is the type of the banner
of the South, and symbohzes the only fsg of
constitutional freedom in America. In ali
Revolutionary dspensatons wsman's patriotism
has proved itself an iIhsXibie virtue. When an
eient Greece was invaded, the patriotic mothers and
daughters with their own hands made the shields
with which their sons and brothers were to defend
their homes. When nspiracy had found its way
into the Roman Empire, Fulvia was the first to dis
close the dangerous plot to the Senators of her
country. When Poland was 9oWn-trodden by Rue
sian invasion, while her noble SONS struggled for
freedom, her patriotic daughters streng hened her
cause by pouring into her famished treasury, as a
war fund their most sacred jewels relics, de
sccnded from their ancestors. When the Colonies
declared themselves free aud independent, the
mothers wives and daughters performed noble
and patriotic part in the Revolution. And they
less patriotic now than then? MOI Though they
do not appear in battle, and minge in the deadly
conflict vet their duties are performed nobly in
another sphere. The sicky face of the soldier boy
10 the army hospital wears smile as the form of
woman approaches to perform the patriotic and
tender Offices of mother or sister. 81
This banner is presented by the ladies Of AcMinn-
vile, asking no other reward but Its protection
May not pledge that this regment-from Tennes>
see-the home of White, Polk and Jsckson-will
defend it? May not pledge for its protection the
patriotism of the volunteers from the county Of
Marion, named in honor of that Revolutionary he
70, whose sacred dusttoday rests in the soil Of the
South? May not pledge the Ealor of those V0lun-
teers from the county of Dekalb, named II honor Of
the generous stranger who came from q foreign
land to fight the battles of constitutional freedom
May not pledge for its honorable protection the
chivalry of the soldiers from Warren county named
in honor of that patriotic hero-the frat Offering
upon his country's altar q! May l not pledge the
lives of the entire regiment for the protection of
this banner SO nobly bestowed? If the reverses OF
war should oVertake Us, and We be forced TO sink
under the weight of superior power, like the faith
full sentlel at the gates of Psmpii shields and
lsnees shall be found at the post of daty.
Again, ladies', l tender you the kindest THANKS Of
the regiment for this beautiful banner and pie dse
all for its protection and its return without dis
honor.
General Breckenridge, who had been Invited and
was expected WAS precluded by official duty, but
sent letter, which was read by Col George 3.
Hodge.
Col. Hodge and Hon. Wan. Preston then msde
hort but classic and stirring speeches, and the
ceremony closed with dozen bards joining in the
grand finale.
Everything was conducted in the most admirable
manner, ana thousands of brave hearts were made |
trong by the dear bensdictiOn of womany sympa- |
by, and are to day unconquerable in their might.