Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1862-10-22
The Baptism Of the Ladies' Gun-bont
Palmetto State.,,


- Agreea5ly to the invitation extended in
the newspapers, a very large concourse Of
spectators-amons whom there was an over.
whelming preponderance Of the fair sex-as
selnbled at Marsh's Wharf, on Saturday morn.
ing, -bc present at the baptism of .he IRON
clad steamer Palmetto STATE. y few mill
utes before noon-the hour appointed for the
ceremony-the orator, Col. Richard ieadon:
in the full uniform Of the Wilmington Rangers,
arrived on board the steamer, where he was
received by Capt. D. n. Ingraham. The
upper deck Of the gun-boat was already oc-
cupied by quite number Of privileged per-
sons, among whom were several ladies, who
were to have a share in the performance Of
the ceremony, Rev. DR.. Gadsdcn, Rev. DIR.
Smyth, Capt. Rutledge, c. S. n, and several
officers of the Amy and Navy. At an early
stage of the proceedings Gen. Beauregard
and staff, and Brigadler-G General Gist and
staff arrived and took position on the upper
deck, which, being elevated some distance
above the surrounding wharves, formed the
rostrum for the OCCASION. As the hero OF
Sumter, Manassas and Shiloh stepped upon
the gangway and came within view of the
assembled throng, he was welcomed with
hearty and long continued cheers.
At twelve o'clock, Col. ieadon announced
that as the Rev. W. 3. Yates was unaVoida-
bly, absent from the city, the Rev. DR.. Snlyth
would take his place and the latter gentle
man, accordingly, opened the proceedings in
feeling and impressive prayer.
TnE ORATiox.-Col. Yeadon then deliver
ed the Grafton of the dar. He congratulated
them on the complexion of the filst iron clad
ram built for the defence Of Charleston har-
bor-Thc Palmetto State. The name was
one redolent of victory; and this noble craft,
constructed as she had been under the direc-
ton OF the distinguished hero Of the Koszta
exploit, and commanded by the lineal descen-
dant Of the ilfustrious Governor and Dictator
Of South Carolina, John Rutledge, would, he
trusted, prove herself not unworthy Of that
glorious name. He then recounted the STIR
ring story of the twenty-eighth June, 'IG,
and showed how hapd-won was the unequal
fight which first gave to South Carolina her
proud soulbriquet, "Tbe Palmetto State
AS the victory over the British fleet at Fort
Moultrie had given an impulse to the cause
of independence, in an early stage Of the rev
olutionary struggle, SO the reduction of fcrl
Sumter gave Us the prestige of victory, in the
very inception of the present contest, and was
attended with an eclat which inspired con-
fidence and gave an accelerated impulse to
our holy cause. 1t conferred name aud fame,
100, on Besuregard and Ripley, inspiring con
idence in them as our leaders, and it proved
the grave Of the reputation OF the renegade
Kentuckian, Anderson, who soilcd the hon9rs
of gallant defence, by persistent treason to
his native State and section.
Addressing himself then to the lnatrons
md rnaidens Of the Palmetto State, the ora
tor refelr rcd in graceful terms to the debt
which our city owed them for this auspicious
event. He alluded to the inaction of the Gov.
ernment in the construction of naval defences,
and showed how the suggestion and example
of one patriotic lady had stirred in the bosoms
of the daughters Of South Carolina the pro-
iect of building these very boats, over the
completion of which they were rejoicing to-
day. The ladies, in every part Of the State