The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-02-25
FILL. UP THE RANKS

I We would that it were in our power 20 say
something that might stimulate our young men,
and all others who are able to render service in
the field to fall into the ranks of their colntrys
defenders, A great crisis is upon Us, and we can
not disguise the fact, nor hide it from eyes,
that we are IN imminent peril. Numerous and
,well-appointed armies and navies, flushed with
recent trumphs, are bearing down upon US and
attempting to hem US in on every side, We have
no adequate means of defence against the pratical
hordes that assail u.s. by water, but can only meet
them on land, to dispute every inch of their
progress This we must do, and that speedily, or
be oyerrun, and smouldering ruins be left to mark
the places that were once happy homes. Submis-
sion, terms of any kind, looking to the restera-
tion of the government of the North over us,
with the hated race that have despoiled US Of our
rights and our homes, to dominate here must not
even be dreamed of. To US they are aliens and
enemies, iu peace OF war, forever, So let it be.
And in proportion the danger increases, let our
courage rise. We should be unworthy the race
from which we sprang, the sacred soil We tread,
and the glorious memories amidst which we dwell,
if these did not serve to inspire US with the
loftiest emotions of patriotism. What depths Of
intamy, such plummet never sounded, in the
history of nations who yielded their liberties
because they had not courage to defend them
shall we seek to furnish parallel to our own
pusillanin.ity and ignominy if we yield to the
oppressor! Rather let the flames envelope our
dwellings, and our fields be CLEANED with fire and
sword, than that the shall furnish shelter for
the armed incendiaries who invade US, the other
yield him food If we must, after being over
borne, retire to caves and mountains, we shall at
least perpetuate the forms of freedom under
which we were born, keep alive the sacred fires of
liberty, and retain the proud satisfaction of know
ing that not unworthy of our lineage.
Yet, before, this dire alternative is forced upon
US, if it must bet behooves us to struggle for
our homes and hearthstones; filing the earth
thickly all about them with the bodies of the
enemy. The struggle may be fierce and terrible,
but it cannot long endure. The heroism and
selfdenial of people will convince the foe that
he cannot compass bis designs. He will yet learG
though the fearful lesson be traced in the blood
Of the noblest in our land, that cannot be
conquered. There is not an example in the
history of the world Of such people as ours
losing their liberties, except through intestine
feuds If we united, defy the power
IF our enemy who will in vain attempt to enslave
u.s. But, we must rally at once to the standard
If our country.
VoLUNTEERING.-We are rejoiced to be able to
state (says the Fayetteville Observer that volun-
eering is going with great spirit in this town
md county. That is the way to meet and over
come temporary reverses, such rs all armies are
liable to- Lieut. Col. Starr, of the late Bethel
Regiment, is raising an Artillery Corps. Col.
starts efficiency disciplinarian not less than
.is kindness to his men, was abundantly manifes-
ed during his service on the Peninsula.
j. Marshall Williams of this county, still
mother who served in the Bethel Regiment, in-
orms us that he has obtained several recruits in
lis neighborhood, and expects to have difficulty
n getting Is there. They wish to join Capt.
durchison's company, which will no doubt soon
,e exchanged, as we had captured, at Manassas,
springfield, &c, far larger number of the enemy
han they have captured Of ours.
We have.heard that cavalry company is being
rganized in Harnett County, having already
arge number enrolled
We have heard that Dir jesse Fuller OF this
own-still another Bethel man--in conjunction
With other gentlemen, has met with handsome
uccess in raising another company in Robeson.
In Greensboro Charles Il. Shober, Esq is
aising an infantry company. In his call for volun-
ecrs, Dir Shober says truly
"If we do not intend to bc crdcens and slares,
We must be up and doing, and that quickly! The
var must be fought to successful issue, or we
re a ruined people. To expect peace, except at
he point of the bayonet and by the prowcss of our
wn arms, is absurd. We must Fight and Whip,
II be ruiued"