The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-08-19
COLONEL VANDETER'S REPLY.

OFFICERS AND MEN Il unfold before you to-
day Stand of Colors, presented by your
Countrywomen of Massachusetts,. 1t is our
Country Standard, with the arms of Massa-
chusetts and Iowa combined. The East and
the West embIace that proud old flag, resolv-
ed at every hazard and every cost to maintain
it MS an emblem Of an undivided nationality
against foes without and traitors within.
Why this Regiment, among the many who
have rendered distinguished services upon the
battle fields of the West, should be chosen as
the recipient of so noble and generous a testi-
monial ! know not but this ! know, that no
other could more highly appreciate the honor
OF such choice. From that noble Common
wealth has sprung many martyrs heroes and
statesmen, whose deeds shed imperishable lus-
ter upon the American name. Their example we
will ever emulate.
While We cherish in grateful remembrance
the thoughts that the daughters of such sircs
have thought Us not unworthy of their tokens
OF approval. many of you remember with ten
dcrest emotions the kindred Of the old Bay
State. Here is n kind Offering from home to
remind YOU of the stock from which we sprung
Out here men Of every state and cline, have
mothers and sisters speaking words of noble
cheer to animate and strengthen you in the
path Of duty and of peril. Thus encouraged let
your resolve be that by the help of God no
flag shall prosper. This resolution from sire
to son, onr country will live and prosper so
long as the Granite foundations of the Old
PIymoth State shall endure, or the floods ofthe
West flow % the ocean. Upon the folds of this
flag Is inscribed an allusion to your heroic
deeds on the 7th and 9Th of March, s62. OF
the small band of sos of this regiment that
marched so boldly to battle, 239 lay dead aud
wounded on the field at the close of the con
test, and it shall not be forgotten that on the
day preceding the battle you performed
march Of forty miles between dav light and
dark to reach the field of anticipated strife. 10
you and Col, Phelps Missouri Regiment, com.
rades on the march, and to Capt Hayden's
Battery, was the post of honor assigned on the
morning of the It'll at the Elkhorn Tavern.
There amid terrible fire from greatly superior
numbers, the brave General commanding our
Division, expressed fears that the position could
not be held till noon. | answered him that
you would perish rather than yield the ground.
The General-in- Chef, being informed how hot
y we were pressed, sent word to perseyere ;
you did perseyere, until night closed the con
test. You YEARLY sank upon your arms but to
renew the contest in the morning light. The
result is known. These flags will heneeforth
whenever they are unfurled commemorate the
sweet records upon their folds, and testify that
Massachusetts, so highly honorcd, is proud to
call you countrymen Our hearts are sadden.
ed at the thought Of those who fell by our sides.
but we trust in God that the storm has drifted
them to haven of peaceful rest, and that the
sacrifice they have made may cement the
Union of loyal hearts and hands, and result in
extending the blessings of liberty TO the on
pressed of every name and cline
Camp near Helena, Ark, Sd 1862